There will be an interest meeting for parents or grandparents who have children or grandchildren who are struggling with addiction.

The meeting will take place on Monday, Nov. 20, at 6 pm at the Bladen County Public Library meeting room.

This meeting will be a place where you can find support, understanding and resources for you and your family. This meeting is facilitated by the Bladen County Opioid Task Force.

1492 – Christopher Columbus notes 1st recorded reference to tobacco.

1620 – Myles Standish leads 16 men in a foot exploration of the northern portion of Cape Cod.

1763 – Charles Mason & Jeremiah Dixon begin surveying Mason-Dixon line between Pennsylvania & Maryland.

1806 – Explorer Zebulon Pike sights Pikes Peak in Colorado.

1869 – Free postal delivery formally inaugurated.

1901 – James J. Jeffries TKOs Gus Ruhlin in 6 for heavyweight boxing title in San Francisco.

1926 – 1st formal radio network, RCA takes over AT&T 25 station network (NBC).

1935 – “A Night at the Opera”, directed by Sam Wood, starring the Marx Brothers, is released.

1937 – First US congressional session in air-conditioned chambers.

1939 – US Social Security Administration approve 1st unemployment check.

1946 – Ted Williams is picked as AL MVP.

1956 – “Love Me Tender” (The Reno Brothers) with Elvis Presley premieres in the US.

1964 – Mickey Wright shoots a 62, lowest golf score for a woman pro.

1969 – 1st Jackson Five record to enter top 100 (I Want You Back).

1969 – Wendy’s Hamburgers opens.

1979 – ABC-TV announces it would broadcast nightly specials on Iran hostage.

1989 – “Batman” is released on video tape.

2005 – Boeing formally launches the stretched Boeing 747-8 variant with orders from Cargolux and Nippon Cargo Airlines.

2012 – Deep Horizon Oil Spill: BP settles for $4.5 billion.

2013 – Sony launches the Playstation Four, selling one million units on the first day.

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The Tigers completed an undefeated 6-0 season and are Bladen Recreation’s 7-9 Tackle Football Champions. The Tigers are coached by Jerry Campbell and Cory Corbett.

A newly proposed NC House of Representative Special Masters Draft Plan has all of Bladen County in a district with a large area of Sampson County.  Currently, two precincts in the Bladenboro area are in a district with portions of Columbus and Robeson.  The new Senate proposal leaves Bladen as is, in a district with Brunswick and Pender.

Not sure of the status of the US House alignment, currently Bladen is split, with the dividing line mostly along US 701.  Hope if there is redistricting, it will leave Bladen whole.

Received a notice that our Happy Valley area will lose our long time mail carrier, some changes going on with the postal service.  Brought back memories of Mr. Johnny Mercer, long-time carrier for Route 2 Bladenboro in the 40s & 50s.  He was a gentleman, if ever there was one.  Always helpful, and always drove a new Ford, must have traded every year.  I thought I wanted to be a mail carrier.  I thought the new auto was part of the compensation.

How ’bout those Carolina Panthers?  And, how ’bout the EB Eagles football team?

Duke and NC State basketball teams were winners last night.

Yesterday was special, but no more special than anyone else birthday.  I attempted to respond to all types/forms of communication.  If I failed, forgive me.  I am challenged by technology.  I appreciate all acts of kindness, and look forward to #80.  I remain the son of a share-cropper from Route 2 Bladenboro, and very blessed with a good family and some wonderful friends.

My best friend is one who brings out the best in me.  Henry Ford

There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.  Thomas Aquinas

A true friend is one who overlooks your failures and tolerates your success!  Doug Larson

Raleigh – The U.S. Marshals are alerting the public of several nationwide imposter scams involving individuals claiming to be U.S. marshals, court officers, or other law enforcement officials. They are urging people to report the calls not only to their local U.S. Marshals Service office, but also to the Federal Trade Commission.

The FTC has the ability to detect patterns of fraud from the information collected and share that data with law enforcement.

“These are not victimless crimes,” said Robert D. Pettit, Acting United States Marshal for the Eastern District of North Carolina. “People have lost thousands of dollars to these scammers. This can be devastating, especially during the holidays.”

The U.S. Marshals hope the information collected by the FTC will lead to possible arrests.  “The information people report to the FTC can help law enforcement investigate and track down the perpetrators,” Pettit said.

During these calls, scammers attempt to collect a fine in lieu of arrest for failing to report for jury duty or other offenses. They then tell victims they can avoid arrest by purchasing a prepaid debit card such as a Green Dot card or gift card and read the card number over the phone to satisfy the fine.

“The U.S. Marshals would never ask for a credit/debit or gift card number or banking routing numbers or ask for funds to be wired for any purpose,” said Pettit. “If the caller is urging you to provide this type of information or any other personal or financial information, hang up and report the call to the Marshals and the FTC. You can even report to both agencies anonymously.”

Scammers use many tactics to sound credible. They sometimes provide information like badge numbers, names of actual law enforcement officials and federal judges, and courthouse addresses. They may also spoof their phone numbers to appear on caller ID as if they are calling from the court or a government agency.

“While these callers may sound legitimate, we urge people to question their validity,” said Pettit. “The easiest way to do this is to call the clerk of the court’s office of the U.S. District Court in your area and verify the court order. If an order does not exist, someone just tried to swindle you out of your hard-earned cash.”

If you believe you were a victim of such a scam, you are encouraged to report the incident to your local U.S. Marshals Service office and to the FTC. This information can be reported by going to the following web site: https://www.?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss ftccomplaintassistant.gov

Things to remember:

*U.S. Marshals will never ask for credit/debit card/gift card numbers, wire transfers, or bank routing numbers for any purpose.
*Do not divulge personal or financial information to unknown callers.
*Report scam phone calls to your local U.S. Marshals Service office and to the FTC.
*You can remain anonymous when you report.
*Authenticate the call by calling the clerk of the court’s office of the U.S. District Court in your area and verify the court order given by the caller.

The U.S. Marshals Service for the Eastern District of North Carolina is headquartered in Raleigh, NC and encompasses the eastern 44 counties of the state.

Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss.

The season final tournament of the SFSGA was held Tuesday at Land O’ Lakes Golf Course near Whiteville.

Seventy-nine players participated in this 18 hole event. Two teams tied for first place with scores of 48. They were Mike Waddell, Billy Settlemyer, Bradley Butler and Danny Davis and the team of Young Pyon, L.R. Odham, Ray Crabtree and Rick Scharton.

The SFSGA will begin their new season in March of 2018.

By Erin Smith

The Tar Heel Town Board met on Tuesday night and heard from Howard Sessoms regarding the need for the board to adopt a a golf cart ordinance.

Sessoms said he is considering purchasing a golf cart for his wife to allow her to be more mobile. He said he began to make inquiries what he had to do for the golf to be legal to operate on the town streets.

Sessoms said, as the state law is written, it is currently illegal to operate a golf cart on the public streets in Tar Heel. He explained that under the state law, you must have liability insurance, the operator of the golf cart must be a minimum of 16 years old, and in order to operate the goal cart after dark, it must have lights.

“I’m asking the town council to adopt a golf cart ordinance,” said Sessoms.

He noted that the town of Elizabethtown recently adopted a golf cart ordinance. The town of Bladenboro also has a golf cart ordinance in place.

Mayor Roy Dew said, “We have talked about an ordinance but have not adopted one.”

He assured Sessoms that the board will explore creating an ordinance.

In other business:

*The board voted to purchase two “bump” signs and posts.

*The board also voted to approve payment of an invoice for the installation of a new drain pipe and paving the street in the area where the work was performed. Mayor Dew told the board they initially approved $25,000 for the work in an earlier meeting. However, the completed work actually ran over budget by $1,500. The board voted to approve the additional $1,500.

*The board also set Monday, Dec. 18, at 6 p.m. as the town’s Christmas party. The board’s next regular meeting will take place in January.

By Erin Smith

The Bladen County Opioid Task Force met on Tuesday afternoon and began making plans how to combat the abuse of opioids in our communities.

The group has scheduled an interest meeting for a parents support group. The parents support group is for parents or grandparents who have children or grandchildren struggling with addiction. The support will be a place where they can find support, understanding and resources for themselves and their families. The interest meeting is planned for Monday, Nov. 20, 2017, at 6 p.m. at the Bladen County Public Library.

Also, the group learned there is funding from a CURES grant that can be utilized to purchase two permanent drop boxes for Bladen County. The grant will also pay for such things as provider training.

There will also be a Crisis Intervention Training Session to take place Nov. 27 through Dec.1 at the Bladen County Training Center at White Lake.

“This is Mental Health First Aid and is open to anyone and everyone,” said Cheryl Harris with Eastpointe MCO.

Harris also updated the group about the Red Ribbon Week activities. She said Eastpointe MCO spoke to classes and provided pencils, red ribbons and silicone bracelets to students during the campaign.

It was also discussed to incorporate the GREAT program training in the 8th grade classes.

“We are moving forward with going into the schools,” said Richard Allen with the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office. He discussed having various speakers to come in and share their stories with the students.

The next meeting of the Bladen County Opioid Task Force is scheduled for Tuesday, January 9th, 2018, at 2 p.m. at the Bladen County Health Department.

Duke Energy is warning customers of a utility billing scam making the rounds. The way the scam works is the caller will pose as a representative of Duke Energy and they will claim the victim owes a past due bill and threaten to disconnect the power.

They imposter will assure the victim if they pay with a credit or debit card during the telephone call, their power will not be turned off.

Duke Energy officials say if you receive a call regarding your utility bill, hang up and call the police.

If you have questions regarding your Duke Energy account, call the customer service number printed on your bill.

For more information, click here.

Sen. Thom Tillis

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, and Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced the Fostering Innovation Act, bipartisan legislation that would provide commonsense regulatory relief for many innovative companies that are in scientific and medical research fields.

“North Carolina has a rich and diverse biotech landscape, and is the home of many companies that are on the cutting edge of scientific and medical research. Unfortunately, some of the expiring JOBS Act exemptions are going to harm the ability of some companies to access capital and continue to grow by diverting critical investments away from science towards compliance,” said Senator Tillis. “I am proud to join Senator Peters to introduce the bipartisan Fostering Innovation Act, and I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues to advance this critical fix.”

“Michigan is a growing hub for bio-technology startups that are creating jobs and developing cutting-edge cures. Many cures take years of trials and testing to reach patients in need, tying up precious resources for these small businesses,” said Senator Peters. “This bipartisan, commonsense legislation would cut red tape for emerging bio-technology companies so they can focus their resources on the critical research and development that will provide innovative treatments and save lives.”

According to the North Carolina Biotechnology Center, North Carolina is home to more than 650 Life Science companies, including 350 research and development companies, 125 contract research and testing companies, and 110 production and manufacturing companies. These companies employee 63,000 North Carolinians and posted a 6.6 percent employment growth from 2012-2014, three times the national average.

The Fostering Innovation Act is receiving praise of industry organizations such as:
·         North Carolina Biosciences Organization (NCBIO) President Sam Taylor: “North Carolina is home to more than 650 biotech companies, directly employing 63,000 North Carolinians in jobs with an average wage of $95,000.  The biotech industry in our state has already benefitted tremendously from the JOBS Act, which incentivizes the capital formation necessary to fund life-saving research and clinical trials.  The Fostering Innovation Act would build on the JOBS Act’s success and further support small businesses in North Carolina by allowing them to focus valuable innovation capital on their groundbreaking R&D rather than government red tape.  NCBIO applauds Sen. Tillis for introducing this bipartisan legislation, which we believe will support the growth of emerging innovators across our state.”
·         MichBio President and CEO Stephen Rapundalo: “MichBio applauds the efforts of Sens. Peters and Tillis in introducing the Fostering Innovation Act. If enacted, the legislation would reduce the significant costs that small pre-revenue companies, like those in Michigan’s biosciences industry, incur to comply with Sarbanes-Oxley regulations as they go into public markets. Relieving them of that burden would encourage more of them to commercialize, grow their companies, create new jobs and be impactful to both the Michigan and national economies.”
·         BIO President & CEO Jim Greenwood: “BIO commends Sens. Tillis and Peters for introducing the Fostering Innovation Act.  More than 230 emerging biotechs have gone public under the JOBS Act, and this bill would further support their growth.  By allowing innovative small businesses to focus their investment capital on science rather than compliance, the Fostering Innovation Act would allow these emerging innovators to remain focused on delivering groundbreaking cures and treatments to patients. The targeted nature of the Fostering Innovation Act, which would only benefit pre-revenue companies, represents an important move away from one-size-fits-all regulations.  BIO strongly supports this vital legislation, and we applaud Sens. Tillis and Peters for their efforts to reduce compliance costs for emerging biotechs and support small business capital formation.”

Background:
·         Currently, emerging growth companies (EGCs) are exempt from certain regulatory requirements for five years after their initial public offering (IPO). One of the requirements EGCs are exempt from is Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 (b) – which requires public companies to obtain an external audit on the effectiveness of their internal controls for financial reporting.
·         The Fostering Innovation Act is a very narrow fix that temporarily extends the Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404(b) exemption for an additional five years for a small subset of EGCs with annual average revenue of less than $50 million and less than $700 million in public float.
·         Similar legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09) and Congressman Trey Hollingsworth (IN-09).

WASHINGTON – Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) issued this statement after passage of the 21st Century Flood Reform Act (H.R. 2874) to reform the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP):

“With over $25 billion in debt and a deficit of $1.5 billion this year alone, the National Flood Insurance Program is unsustainable and in dire need of reform. For far too long, taxpayers have been stuck in an endless cycle of bailing out a program that is poorly managed and illogically rebuilds the same properties time and time again,” said Congressman Pittenger. “Yesterday, I was proud to support the 21st Century Flood Reform Act which reforms and modernizes the National Flood Insurance Program, including allowing competition from the private sector to help drive down costs.”

The 21st Century Flood Reform Act will:
Provide affordable NFIP coverage for current policyholder.
Expedite the implementation of policyholder monthly installment payment of premiums.
Establish a flood damage savings account for individual policyholders to facilitate either the reduction or elimination of NFIP premiums.
Improve safety by modernizing FEMA’s approach to designating and addressing multiple-loss properties.
Include the Ross-Castor Flood Insurance Market Parity and Modernization Act (H.R. 1422) to provide greater private market access, competition and consumer choice.
Allow localities, who elect to use their own resources, to develop their own map alternatives to NFIP flood maps using better and cost-effective technology at an accelerated pace, subject to FEMA standards and approval.
Require consideration of unique characteristics of coastal and local inland properties that are oftentimes over-charged.
Require, for the first time, FEMA to conduct an annual independent actuarial study of the NFIP fund to determine whether the government program is collecting revenue sufficient to cover its long-term expected losses.
Require the Administrator to use risk transfer tools, such as reinsurance or catastrophe bonds, to reduce direct taxpayer exposure to insurance losses.
Formalize an appeals process that was established for consumers when they dispute their claims.
Improve disclosure requirements for standard flood insurance policies.
The 21st Century Flood Reform Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday evening by a bipartisan vote of 237-189.

WASHINGTON – This morning, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Director Richard Cordray announced his resignation.  Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) had this reaction:

“The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is led by a single director who answers to no one, not even the President.  There is no process for oversight.  Director Cordray’s unconstitutional power led to excessive regulations which restricted job growth and increased the cost of credit for ordinary Americans.  His resignation allows President Trump to appoint a new director committed to reform.  Does the CFPB have an important role?  Yes, but only with proper oversight and accountability, which Director Cordray consistently resisted.”

As a Member of House Financial Services Committee, Congressman Pittenger has been involved in several legislative efforts to reform the CFPB.  This includes co-sponsoring the Financial CHOICE Act (H.R. 10, passed the House on June 8th) and securing passage of legislation requiring CFPB to give consideration to small businesses when creating new regulations (H.R. 1195, passed the House in April 2015).

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman David Rouzer voted in support of Fiscal Year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a bill considered by Congress every year to authorize funding levels for the military to continue its operations, strengthen our readiness, care for our troops and remain a global leader.  Specifically, the FY18 NDAA Conference Report authorizes base budget requirements of $634.2 billion, a $26.4 billion increase above the President’s budget request.

“Our military today is essentially operating with the equipment purchased during the Reagan Administration.  That was three decades ago.  In recent years, our military has just been getting by – facing automatic yearly cuts due to the Budget Control Act of 2011 – absent annual intervention by Congress to restore some of the funding.  Unfortunately, these cuts have occurred at time when the world has grown that much more dangerous.

For these reasons, I voted for The FY18 NDAA Conference Report, which provides the authorization for our troops to receive the largest pay raise in 8 years, reforms the way the Pentagon does business, increases the size of our military, and authorizes key investments in critical military capabilities to confront aggression and address the ever-evolving threats from around the globe.  Passage of this bill is important to not only our national defense, but also for our military installations in North Carolina.  It is my hope that the appropriators will act swiftly to fully fund these authorized levels of spending.”

The FY18 NDAA Conference Report:
Authorizes increases to the size of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force Army Guard and Reserve, Naval and Air Reserve, and Air Guard;
Fully funds a 2.4% pay raise for our troops;
Permanently preserves Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance (SSIA) payments to surviving military spouses so that individuals whose spouses died either on active duty or during retirement will continue to receive $310 per month plus COLA indefinitely;
Includes additional physical examinations, mental health assessments and a study on safe opioid prescribing practices;
Protects victims of sexual assault and enhances tools available to prosecute perpetrators;
Increases funding by $1.4 billion to restore and modernize military facilities and installations;
Adds $4.4 billion above the President’s initial budget request to meet critical missile defense needs;
Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to enhance military training and exercises with allies and partner nations to help prioritize United States defense interests in critical regions;
Requires the Administration to clarify U.S. strategy and objectives on North Korea, Afghanistan, Syria, Iraq, Russia;
Fully funds $8 billion for cyber operations, an increase of $1.7 billion, and fully supports the Department of Defense’s defensive and offensive cyberspace capabilities and strategies;
Ensures no detainees from Guantanamo Bay are transferred to U.S. soil; and,
Makes major reforms in Pentagon buying practices including e-commerce, defense contract auditing, and increased oversight to service contracts.

The FY2018 Conference Report passed the House of Representatives with a vote of 356-70.  The report now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.  Following the anticipated passage by the U.S. Senate, the FY2018 Conference Report will then go to the President’s desk to be signed into law.

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA, H.R. 2810), which provides for our troops, funds our military, and includes a vital amendment introduced by Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09).

SUPPORTING OUR TROOPS:

·       Full 2.4% pay raise for our troops, their largest pay raise in eight years.
·       Permanent extension of Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance, which provides monthly payments to support more than 60,000 Americans whose spouses died on active duty or during retirement.

MILITARY READINESS:

·       $26.4 billion to restore America’s military readiness, which fell to pre-World War II levels under the previous Administration.
·       Adds 20,300 active duty, guard, and reserve personnel to the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines.
·       Major reforms to Pentagon buying practices to save taxpayer money.

PITTENGER AMENDMENT ON NORTH KOREA:

·       Prohibits telecom companies that provide material support for North Korean cyberattacks from contracting with the U.S. Defense Department.
·       Originally approved by a unanimous vote on July 14th, this vital amendment was included in the final House-Senate conference version of the NDAA.

“For far too long, China has enabled North Korea to pursue nuclear development, global provocation, and egregious human rights violations.  My amendment punishes Chinese firms that support North Korea by prohibiting them from obtaining lucrative Defense contracts,” said Congressman Pittenger.  “At the same time, I am grateful for the strong bipartisan effort that led to the largest troop pay raise in eight years.  The brave men and women of our Armed Forces volunteer to risk their lives in our defense.  We can never fully repay their sacrifice, but we will provide adequate pay and full support for families left behind.”

The FY 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 2810), including Congressman Pittenger’s crackdown on North Korea, today passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a bipartisan vote of 356-70.  The legislation now heads to President Trump to be signed into law.

By Erin Smith

There will be no meeting of the Bladen County Board of Elections today due to the fact there were no provisional ballots cast in the municipal election. The next scheduled meeting of the Board of Elections will be Friday at 11 a.m. for the vote canvass.

The winner of one municipal race has yet to be revealed—the winner of one Tar Heel Town Commissioner seat. There were four write-in ballots cast during the election for the seat. Bladen County Board of Elections Director Cynthia Shaw said the name of the write-in winner in Tar Heel will not be revealed until after the vote canvass is complete.

“He or she has to accept the position,” said Shaw.

All election results are unofficial until the vote canvass is completed.

RALEIGH – The Department of Public Safety today honored some of the department’s most committed and exceptional employees during its annual Badge of Excellence Awards Ceremony.

The ceremony, held in Raleigh, recognized DPS employees who have made outstanding contributions to the department’s mission of improving quality of life through enhanced public safety. The Badge of Excellence program promotes department-wide recognition of these employees and celebrates their impactful contributions to the overall goals and mission of the department, North Carolina state government and to North Carolinians.

“Today, we honor 21 exceptional public servants — public servants who have been selfless in their attitudes and actions, exemplary team players, leaders outside the agency, valuable ambassadors, proactive, honorable and brave,” said Secretary of Public Safety Erik A. Hooks. “Through their services to others the recipients have set themselves apart. They have demonstrated courage, competence, defied difficulties and distractions, all for the greater good. They have shed a positive light on DPS.”

Employees are nominated for the award by other DPS employees including their supervisors, co-workers and subordinates. Listed below are the award winners in each of the following six categories:
Customer Service
Joyce Holley – Hazard Mitigation Specialist, NCEM-Recovery/Hazard Mitigation Grants
Holley helped the Town of Nags Head Fire Station 16 secure and install a generator that helped the town maintain power redundancy throughout the Hurricane Matthew impact – an effort that earned a national FEMA best practice.
Donna Miller – Accounting Technician, NCEM
Between September and December 2016, NCEM and the State Emergency Response team responded to seven declared state and federal disasters. Understanding the urgency, Miller processed more than 2,000 disaster invoices during this period, doing so within 48 hours of receipt, ensuring vendors were paid within 20-25 days.
Julie Tracy Lynch – Probation Parole Officer II, ACJJ-Community Corrections
Last February, Officer Lynch picked up and transported a post-release offender from Eastern Correctional Institution, only to find that the offender did not have a home to go to and would be residing on the streets. Overcoming numerous obstacles, Lynch ensured that the offender was placed that same day in Fordham House.
Human Relations
Jerry Higgins – DPS Communications Office
Higgins has volunteered at the annual Buddy Walk and served eight years on the Triangle Down Syndrome Board of Directors. He has participated in the NC Partners in Policy Making program through the NC Council on Developmental Disabilities; is a representative on the State Rehabilitation Council; and coaches in the Miracle League of the Triangle.
Shaketria Lindsey – Court Counselor, Buncombe County
Lindsey took the initiative to produce a video about the intake process and additional resources available to the public. With the “Thumbs Up” initiative, Lindsey also created a morale-boosting award program that recognizes colleagues and management for going above the call of duty.
Innovation and Efficiency
Christie Adams –  Marketing Coordinator, ACJJ-Correction Enterprises
Adams drafted a proposal that included IT resources which would operate a video monitored and call recorded telemarketing system. Adams also implemented a telemarketing training program and prepared printed sale, marketing and information sheets that would be used.
John Phillip Hegger Jr. – Training Administrator, ACJJ- Community Corrections
Hegger significantly improved the work process and system, as well as significantly increasing the efficiency of probation officers. Working with a community college, he set out to identify and secure software to develop ongoing policy training that was then uploaded into the learning management system (LMS).
Gwen Norville- Deputy Secretary, ACJJ (posthumous award)
In a career lasting more than 30 years, Norville was instrumental in developing and implementing a statewide first-line supervisory and mid-level managers’ training program. She helped write a guide for wardens and superintendents to follow when dealing with a major event that was published by the National Institute of Corrections.
Outstanding Achievement and Performance
Curt D. Johnson – Technical Writer and Remote Pilot, NCEM
Johnson launched the NCEM program to use Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), or drones, to conduct damage assessments following disasters. He also developed and taught a UAS training class for emergency management staff that later was extended to other state agencies and local governments. Johnson flew UAVs to collect flooding imagery after Hurricane Matthew and base camp imagery in the western North Carolina wildfires in 2016.
Tiffany Pate – Intelligence Analyst with SBI Computer Crimes Unit
Pate has worked diligently to coordinate the delivery of cyber tips to SBI agents and/or local law enforcement officers and then worked to resolve the situations. She has located and forwarded critical intelligence information to local law enforcement on numerous occasions.
Katie Webster – Natural Hazards Branch Manager and Meteorologist with NCEM
For the past year, Webster has served as the executive director for the State Disaster Recovery Task Force. Webster coordinated efforts and facilitated meetings among local, state and federal agencies that developed plans and implemented programs to rebuild communities after Hurricane Matthew. She also helped to develop and implement internship opportunities within Emergency Management.
Eric Wiseman – Area Coordinator with NCEM
When extreme flooding caused complete failure of Lumberton’s water plant, Wiseman developed an interim solution that provided the 25,000-person community with safe drinking water. During the western North Carolina wildfires, Wiseman helped to design and build the base of operations and coordinate incoming fire fighters and equipment.
Public Service and Volunteerism
Angelena Copple –  Correctional Unit Manager II, Albemarle Correctional Institution (ACJJ-Prisons)
Sgt. James Deaton became so ill he was moved to an ICU unit for approximately a month. His wife spoke very little English and was unable to drive during this time. Coople took it upon herself to assist Sgt. Deaton’s wife by taking her to and from the hospital and assisted her throughout his stay and with final arrangements after his passing.
Elizabeth Harrington – Correctional Sergeant at the Orange Correctional Center (ACJJ-Prisons)
Beginning in 2011, Sgt. Harrington has worked to help organize the hat, coat and glove drive for the children in the elementary schools and surrounding neighborhoods. She also spearheads the Combined Campaign effort that gets local business involved in a hot dog sale, and supports the NC food bank in Durham.
Kelley Ann Siboun – Processing Assistant, Pender Correctional Institution (ACJJ-Prisons)
Siboun serves an ambassador for a charity called Ainsley’s Angels. Every weekend she dedicates time to the special needs community in southeastern North Carolina. She lends her legs as an “Angel Runner” to ensure everyone can experience endurance events.
Safety and Heroism
Major Nathan “Nate” Barron – Pilot, North Carolina National Guard
Maj. Barron distinguished himself as captain of an inbound commercial airline flight to Charlotte when an unruly passenger presented an imminent safety threat to the passengers and crew. After the passenger communicated threats and proceeded to physically assault a fellow crew member by knocking her to the floor, Barron tackled and subdued the passenger until law enforcement arrived.
Phillip Burleson – Probation Parole Officer, ACJJ – Community Corrections
On June 28, 2016, in the superior court, an elderly man in the audience started gasping for breath and collapsed. PPO Phillip (Nate) Burleson took the initiative, grabbed a deputy and rushed to where the man was slumped over. They performed chest compressions until EMS arrived.
Trooper Andrew DePoyster, State Highway Patrol, Troop G, District 4 in Asheville
Trooper Andrew DePoyster responded to a report of a reckless driver on I-40. Trp. DePoyster investigated, found the suspect vehicle and its driver, who was unresponsive. DePoyster began CPR. Shortly afterwards, EMS arrived on the scene and transported the driver to the hospital for treatment and evaluation.
Brandon Gallagher; Jarrid Lake – Probation Officers, ACJJ-Community Corrections
On March 9, 2017, Probation Officers Lake and Gallagher got a call notifying them that an offender had tampered with the ankle bracelet of her electronic monitoring device. PO Lake and PO Gallagher investigated and with local law enforcement’s assistance, located the offender. She was brought back from a deadly heroin overdose thanks to their investigation.
Lorn “Glen” Webb – Special Agent, ALE
Last Oct., Webb was told there was an elderly man on Linkhaw Road trapped in a vehicle about to be flooded. Webb found the flooded vehicle and three men near it, including the 79-year-old driver, all standing in three feet of water and struggling to stand upright. Webb carried the elderly man to safety, enabling the other men to reach safe ground. The next day, Webb partnered with a citizen to rescue another citizen by boat.

Clarkton School of Discovery has released their honor rolls for the first nine weeks grading period.

Superintendent’s List (Having a 96 or above​ in all ​classes)

6th Grade:  Addie Bowen, Lena Damasco-Trinidad, Caroline Kirby, Riley McIntyre, and Reagan Moore.

7th Grade:  Luke Barber, Cathleen DeVane, Andrew Dowd, and Karli Priest.

8th Grade:  Devin Avant,  Kayla Bell, Hannah Davis, Hailey Guyton, Aubree Jacobs, Kathryn Kirby, Merritt Martin, and Kayla Norris.

“A” Honor Roll​ ­(Having all A’s in every class)

6th Grade:  Lee Barnes, Samuel Cain, Molly Evans, Divine Gardner, Rylee Garrison, Parker Greene, Jalil Hayes, Reese Hester, Cameron Jefferson, Rodney Lacewell, Emma McDuffie, Elise McKiever, Arayah McKoy, Autumn Nye, Savanna Orellana, Nicholas Phillips, Kevin Rivera, Dyiamon Robinson, Kelcey Robinson, Jr., Keiara Stacker, and Geniyah Wells.

7th Grade:  Ahonesty Blake, Gianna Enloe, Sydney Gryczynski, AnnaGrey Heustess, Alicia Lawson, Jinely Mandujano, Ciara McKoy, Bonnie McLamb, Eriana Ripley, Martin Rojas-Jacinto, Morgan Tatum, Madison Taylor, Emma Turbeville, and Ashlyn Williams.

8th Grade:  Stephen Allen, Kassie Bagwell, Kaylee Bagwell, Ishmael Bush-Morgan, Denitsa Dimova, Donnie Ezzell, Sydney Gardner, Lauren Gooden, Weslyn Hall, Heather Hardin, Samuel Inscoe, Jessica Johnson, Mary Lennon, Shaquanna McLean, Marilyn Musselwhite, Hayden Sasser, Kara Shepherd, Trinity Smith, Natalie Spears, Skylar Suggs, Lauryn Williams, and Ashtin Wright.

“A/B” Honor Roll​ ­ (Having all A’s and B’s in every class)

6th Grade:  Trinity Baldwin, Rylee Brice, Elijah Cain, Mikayla Cowan, Kaitlyn Edwards, Jake Futrell, Levi German, Willie Graham, Ashlie Kearns, Matthew Kemp, Zy’Quan McCullen, Jair McElveen, Keyon McKoy, Octavio Morales, Gabby Nealey, Will O’Briant, Destiny Pearson, Destiny Rhodie, Hayden Rogers, Karly Ross, McKenzi Storms, Michaella Troy, Gabriel Torres-Trujillo, and Lacy Young.

7th Grade:  Ziair Antone, Jamae Atkinson, Ranay Bell, Maegan Burney, Cydney Campbell, Lillian Davis, Gavin Evers, Mauri Flores-Ulloa, Elijah Goree, Michelle Hernandez Ortiz, Amaya Johnson, Molly Keiper, Mikalah Leach, Jacie Kinlaw, Sophia Masaid, Kytera McCall, Darian Montgomery, Kayla Perez-Arvizu, Shakira Pone, Alex Post, Luz Ramos, Alyssa Reaves, Candace Rohrbacher, Derik Spears, and Johanna Tapia.

8th Grade:  Leeann Brigman, Connor Britt, Javius Brooks, Savannah Clodfelter, Laney Fletcher, Emily Huber, Hunter Lockamy, Garett Masaid, Anthony McGill, Cheyenne Pendry, Deshane Purdie, Mariah Smith, Jenna Stephenson, and Lilu Wilson.

By Erin Smith

There will be plenty to see and do in Elizabethtown this weekend. On Saturday, there will be a competition from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Skate Park called the E’town Ramp Massacre 2.

Entry fees are $40 sponsored and doubles division is $20 to enter. There will be an opportunity to win more than $2,500 worth of prizes. There are age division for 15 and under; 16 to 34; and 35 and older.

There will be a $1,000 cash purse and the event is sponsored by the Friends of Skateparks Foundation.

The event is free to spectators and there will be raffles during the event.

Also, there will be a disc golf competition at the Tory Hole Park from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with awards being given at 4 p.m. There is no cost to enter. There will be a custom Innova disc for the first 75 people and $250 ACE pool.

There will also be a contest to name the holes.

Sandy Grove Baptist Church, located at 8299 NC 242 Highway South, Bladenboro will conduct their Hanging of the Greens Service on Sunday, November 26th. The event will take place beginning at 6:30 p.m.