Russell Priest

Charles Ray Peterson

Tony Denning

Sheriff McVicker

Roger Carroll

Niki Dennis

Kenneth Clark

Hakeem Brown

Gary Edwards

Dawson Singletary

Board of Elections

Billy Ward

Beverly Parks

By Erin Smith

The Bladen County Board of Elections office was overflowing with well wishers and supporters as candidates lined up Monday afternoon to file for elected office. As of 2 p.m., 12 candidates had filed seeking elected offices in Bladen County. The primary election will be held in May.

A host of seats are available in Bladen County.  Bladen County Sheriff Jim McVicker, who is Republican, filed seeking re-election to his office. He will be challenged by Democrat Hakeem Brown, Billy Ward, who is Republican, and Democrat Gary Edwards.

Incumbent Bladen County Commissioner Charles Ray Peterson, who recently changed his party affiliation to Republican, filed for re-election to his seat. Democrat Dawson Singletary also filed seeking election to the County Commissioner District 2 seat.

Incumbent Bladen County Commissioner Russell Priest, who is a Democrat, filed seeking re-election to the County Commissioner District 3 seat.

Incumbent Bladen County Board of Education member Roger Carroll, who is a Democrat, filed seeking re-election to the Board of Education District 2 seat.

Incumbent Bladen County Clerk of Court Niki Dennis, who is a Democrat, filed seeking re-election to her seat as did incumbent Bladen County Register of Deeds Beverly Parks, who is a Democrat.

Kenneth Clark, who is a Democrat, has filed seeking election to the office of Bladen County Coroner. Martin “Tony” Denning, who is a Democrat, also filed seeking election to the NC House District 22 seat which is currently held by Republican William Brisson.

The Four County Electric Membership Corporation Care TRUST also known as Operation Round Up has been in existence since 1994. As of January 18, 2018, the program has awarded over three million dollars to families and non-profit organizations in need.

The motto of Operation Round Up is “small change changes lives.” This is a fantastic motto for a program that truly transforms lives by using small change collected from the members/owners of Four County EMC. The program works by members voluntarily rounding up their power bill to the next dollar. For example, if a member’s power bill is $150.60 then the bill would be rounded up to $151.00 and the additional $0.40 goes in to a fund called Operation Round Up. The money that is “rounded up” is used to provide assistance to cooperative members in crisis situations and non-profit organizations serving the Four County EMC area.

To thank our members/owners for their contributions over the years, we will have a small celebration in each of the three Four County office locations. The celebration will be in Rose Hill on February 20th, Burgaw on February 21st and Elizabethtown on February 22nd. There will be a booth setup in the lobby from 8 a.m. until noon with program information, light refreshments and a small give away while supplies last.

Currie, NC- The Visitor Center at Moores Creek National Battlefield is still under construction and continues to be closed. The anticipated reopening date for the facility is scheduled for Wednesday, April 4. If construction is completed sooner, an adjusted date will be posted. This temporary closure will allow for the completion of a roof and floor renovation project.

The National Battlefield, located at 40 Patriots Hall Drive in Currie, NC will remain open to the public seven days a week from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The site is closed on Federal Holidays. Please visit our Facebook page to stay tuned to updates on this and other events.

Moores Creek National Battlefield is a unit of the National Park Service. Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of America’s national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places across the nation and share their stories with more than 275 million visitors every year.

Currie, NC- On Saturday and Sunday, February 24-25, 2018, from 10 am – 4 pm, Moores Creek National Battlefield, in collaboration with the Moores Creek Battleground Association, will be commemorating the 242nd Anniversary of the Battle of Moores Creek Bridge, one of the first Patriot victories of the American Revolution.

Over 150 Living Historians dressed in 18th Century clothing will fill the battlefield and demonstration area, spending the weekend demonstrating and educating the public on military and civilian life in 18th Century North Carolina. Patriot and Loyalist soldiers will be encamped in the battlefield as well as the opposite side of Moores Creek, giving a glimpse into what life was like for soldiers who fought during this battle. Demonstrations will include an interpretive demonstration of the battle with cannon and musket fire; musket and sword program; artisan demonstrations, including blacksmithing, woodworking, candlemaking, glass making; colonial foodways demonstrations; children’s toys and games; live music; educational programs, including 18th Century astronomy, surveying, militia drills, musket cartridge making, colonial medicine, and much more.

The weekend’s events will commence with a Wreath Laying Ceremony to honor those that fought, and for some, died, so that we may be free. This ceremony begins at the Visitor Center at 10 am and ends at the Grady Monument, where over 50 wreaths will be placed in honor of those brave soldiers.

Food will be for sale courtesy of the Atkinson Volunteer Fire Department. Local DAR and SAR groups, as well as other local organizations will be set up in Patriots Hall, providing information on how you can get involved in events such as this or to help you work on your ancestry. The event is FREE and OPEN to the public. For a full listing of event details, please stay connected to us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss moorescreeknps or visit our website at www.nps.gov/mocr.?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss Event information will be posted as it becomes available.

Rep. Robert Pittenger

CHARLOTTE – Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) issued this statement after learning mainstream media outlets are questioning President Trump’s nomination of Samaritan’s Purse Vice President Ken Isaacs to lead the United Nations International Organization for Migration:

“Ken Isaacs has dedicated his life to serving the least, the forgotten, and the unwanted.  He has served survivors of the Rwandan genocide, assisted Syrian refugees, and led relief efforts in dozens of countries including Liberia, Somalia, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

“Ken Isaacs is the perfect choice to lead the U.N.’s refugee and migration programs.  Political correctness and Washington parlor games shouldn’t be a factor in selecting a leader who truly cares about the people whom he will serve.  In the 20 years I’ve known Kenny, he has always prioritized the needs of refugees and disaster victims.  This is his mission in life.  President Trump made a great choice.”

Congressman Pittenger has worked with Ken Isaacs, Franklin Graham, and Samaritan’s Purse on various humanitarian and missions projects since the 1980s.

The Bladen County Opioid Task Force will meet Tuesday at 2 p.m. in the Bladen Community College auditorium. All interested persons are invited to attend and take part.

The task force was recently awarded a $50,000 grant from Eastpointe MCO for a jail diversion program. Bladen County plans to partner with Southeastern Carolina Crossroads for services for men and Teen Challenge for services for women. Individuals who want treatment and in jail for non-violent drug-related offenses will be given an opportunity for treatment.

Some of the topics of discussion will include human trafficking, Project Echo, Southeastern Conference Information, Congressional District 7 opioid meeting, Eastpointe update, Teen Challenge update, and discussion of an opportunity for a grant from UNC Chapel Hill.

By Erin Smith

A Wilmington man was indicted on Monday morning by the Bladen  County Grand Jury in connection with a deadly shooting which took place on Saturday, December 23, in Kelly.

David Wayne Gore, 57, owner of Gore Marine in Wilmington, was indicted on a charge of second degree murder for the shooting death of Allen Blanchard, 34, also of Wilmington.

The incident ocurred at the former Squires Saw Mill on NC 210 in Kelly after Gore received a tip that a boat which was stolen from his shop was seen on NC 210 near Bladen County. The boat was valued at $200,000 and Gore was traveling on NC 210 to follow up on the tip when he stopped at the deserted saw mill and found Blanchard and Ryan Thau inside. An altercation ocurred and Gore shot Blanchard killing him.

Officials with the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office have said Blanchard and Thau have no connection to the missing boat. Thau was charged with felony larceny after the mills owners said no one had permission to be on the property.

Gore’s next court appearance is March 16.

ELIZABETHTOWN – Junior Ja’Tyra Moore-Peterson and sophmore Patience Ward combined for 41 points Monday night to lead East Bladen to a 74-50 girls basketball victory over South Robeson in the quarterfinals of the Three Rivers Conference Tournament.

Moore-Peterson fired in 22 points and was credited with 5 steals for the Lady Eagles. Ward flirted with a triple-double racking up 19 points, grabbing 9 rebounds and totaling 8 steals.

Junior Erica McKoy finished with 14 points and 5 steals for East Bladen. Senior Shardajah Brown tossed in 8 points and pulled down 8 rebounds, and sophmore Lorna Mendell totaled 6 rebounds.

East Bladen raced to a 22-12 first period lead then padded the margin to 38-24 at halftime. The Lady Eagles led 53-39 after 3 periods and pulled away with a 21-11 closing surge.

Coach Patty Evers’ Lady Eagles ran their winning streak to 19 consecutive games and improved to 23-1 overall. East Bladen will host East Columbus in Wednesday’s TRC semi-finals at 6 p.m. East Columbus defeated St. Pauls 48-41 Monday night.

Freshman Jakirra White led the South Robeson scoring with 21 points. Junior Tellia Page finished with 9 points.

EAST BLADEN (74) – Katie Evans 2, Erica McKoy 14, Kaley Smith, Izzy Smith 2, Shardajah Brown 8, Anna Kate White, Abbey Cross 2, Kabarah Moore, Patience Ward 19, Ashley Hardin 2, Ja’Tyra Moore-Peterson 22, Lorna Mendell 3.

BLADENBORO – Malcolm Bolden fired in a 14-foot jumper with 2 seconds left that lifted Elizabethtown to a 37-35 victory Monday night in Bladen Five Middle School Conference boys basketball action.

The Bulldogs took a 24-20 lead into the final period. Jude Stanley tossed in a basket and hit 2 free throws. Teammates Gary Parker and Brycen Blackmon dropped in lay-ups, and Landon Stanley nailed a free throw as the Bladenboro lead grew to 33-27.

Bolden rallied the Cougars in the final quarter with a trio of baskets and a free throw, Chase Starkloff scored on a transition lay-up and teammate Timothy McLean threw in a basket and 2 free throws as Elizabethtown tied the game 33-33.

Landon Stanley popped in a baseline jumper for a 35-33 lead, but McLean powered in a follow shot to knot the score at 35-35.

McLean topped all scorers with 19 points for the Cougars, and Bolden followed with 15 points. The Cougars connected on 7 of 9 free throw attempts, while Bladenboro was 5 of 16 at the foulline.

Parker led the balanced Bulldog attack with 8 points. Landon Stanley totaled 7 points, and Blackmon and center Deonte Lacy finished with 6 points each.

Lacy worked the paint for 2 baskets and a free throw, and Parker netted a pair of baskets as the Bulldogs built a 9-6 first quarter lead. Bolden kept Elizabethtown close with 2 baskets, and McLean scored inside.

McLean took charge in the second quarter scoring 3 baskets and a free throw to vault the Cougars in front 13-11 at halftime. Ricky Brisson netted the only Bulldog basket in the period.

Blackmon and Landon Stanley beat the Cougar press down the floor for 2 baskets each in the third quarter. Jaylen Newkirk and Bryley Williams added a basket each, and Lacy hit a free throw as the Bulldogs jumped ahead 24-20.

McLean battled inside for a basket and 2 free throws for Elizabethtown in the third quarter. Bolden drained another basket, and Raymond Autry cashed in a free throw.

Elizabethtown improved to 5-0 with the win, while the Bulldogs are now 3-2.

ELIZABETHTOWN (37) – Chase Starkloff 2, Malcolm Bolden 15, Ahmad Powell, Raymond Autry 1, Timothy McLean 19, Ty Mathis, Jacob Nixon.

BLADENBORO (35) – Gary Parker 8, Brycen Blackmon 6, Jaylen Newkirk, Deonte Lacy 6, Ricky Brisson 2, Bryley Williams 2, Jude Stanley 4, Landon Stanley 7.

BLADENBORO – Alexus Mitchell scored 23 of Elizabethtown’s 24 points Monday as the Lady Cougars rallied for a 24-20 Bladen Five Middle School Conference girls basketball victory.

The Lady Bulldogs took a 16-13 lead into the final period. Center Hannah Pait scored from the lane, and after Mitchell answered with a basket, Rylee Chadwick pumped in a 14-foot jumper that gave Bladenboro a 20-15 lead.

Mitchell bombed in a 3-point shot then drove for a tying lay-up. Another Mitchell basket put Elizabethtown ahead with 31 seconds left, and she muscled in a rebound basket in the closing seconds.

Chadwick topped the Bladenboro scoring with 12 points, and Hannah Pait finished with 4 points.

Mitchell drove for a lay-up and sank 5 of 7 free throws to give the Lady Cougars an early 7-1 lead. Chadwick connected on 3 of 4 free throws, and Lauren Pait fired in a 10-footer to trim the margin to 7-5 at the quarter break.

Chadwick nailed a 3-point shot, Hannah Pait powered in a bank shot, and Lainey Autry made a free throw as the Lady Bulldogs took an 11-9 halftime lead. Mitchell and Zoe Smith hit a free throw each for Elizabethtown in the quarter.

Chadwick tossed in a pair of third-quarter baskets, and Autry connected on a free throw, while Mitchell dropped in a pair of baskets to keep Elizabethtown close.

The Lady Cougars improved to 4-0 with the victory.

ELIZABETHTOWN (24) – Zoe Smith 1, Lainey Hughes, Alexus Mitchell 23, Ronkira Lennon, Azariah Rhodie, Brianna Phillips, Calise Jackson.

BLADENBORO (20) – Lainey Autry 2, Rylee Chadwick 12, Hannah Hester, Hannah Pait 4, Lauren Pait 2, Grace West, Ariel Mayers, Whitney McLean, Kelsey Williams.

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By Bethany Stephens

The Board of Education met Monday for its monthly session where several teachers and students were recognized for their various achievements. Regina Davis, a teacher assistant that works with exceptional children at Elizabethtown Middle, was recognized as Bladen County’s Teacher Assistant of the Year.

West Bladen had seventeen students recognized for completing and passing a national exam from the National Registry of Food Safety Professionals – a program similar to ServSafe that is acknowledged in restaurants, grocery stores, and convenience stores in North Carolina. The students were led by their teachers, Debra Kinlaw and Gail Marsh.

Jennifer Hair of East Bladen and Meredith Dowless of Bladenboro Primary were both recognized for completing their certification renewals as National Board Certified Teachers. Joy Matthis, Mitchell Newkirk, and Mary Todd (all Career and Technical Education teachers at East Bladen) were recognized for having classes that attained 100% proficiency during the Fall 2017 semester.

Seventeen East Bladen students were recognized for earning Microsoft Office Certification in Word and/or PowerPoint under the leadership of their teacher Jennifer Ballard.

Both East Bladen’s Men’s JV Soccer Team and East Bladen’s Men’s JV Football Team were recognized for completing undefeated seasons in which they both won the conference championships in their respective sport. The soccer team was coached by Jay Raynor and Dr. Ray Cross. The football team was coached by Richie Priest.

East Bladen’s Varsity Football team was also recognized. The team achieved an overall record of 12-2 and completed the Three Rivers 1A/2A Conference with an 8-1 record that put them in a three-way tie for first place. They advanced to the third round in the state playoffs and had several top players in the conference. The team was coached by Robbie Priest, who was selected as Three Rivers Conference Co-Coach of the Year and was named an assistant coach for the Shrine Bowl.

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Annie Rhodes, a retired Bladen County Schools teacher and alumna of Booker T. Washington School, spoke on behalf of the Booker T. Alumni Association as the board was voting on closing Booker T. Washington Primary at the meeting. Though Rhodes acknowledged that her comments might be too late to affect the vote, she hoped that the board would postpone voting on the issue as the association wanted the school to remain open. Gary Rhoda, Board Member, voiced complaints about the plan and wished that Booker T. would remain open with Academically or Intellectually Gifted students being moved to Elizabethtown instead of remaining at Clarkton School of Discovery. The board addressed this more later in the meeting.

Before that discussion, a January Financial summary presented for information purposes only was presented by Sharon Penny, Finance Director. Willa Dean Williams, CTE Director, had an overview of CTE Local Plan Performance Indicators Data which was positive. Lou Nelon, Maintenance Director, gave an update on mostly completed roofing projects and continued plans to build a grant-funded barn at East Bladen.

Voting on both a bed bug policy and a student reassignment policy was tabled until March. Gary Rhoda, Board Member, complained of having only received the meeting’s agenda Monday morning after having checked his email all weekend. The other board members had received the email sooner, so Dr. Robert Taylor, Superintendent, promised to look into why it didn’t send like it had to the others. A school calendar draft for the 2018-2019 school year was also passed.

Budget amendments to accommodate received state and federal funding and other expenses were approved. Fall Custom Policy Updates were also approved, and voting on a high school handbook was postponed.

Voting on the consolidation of Booker T. Washington Primary was discussed and voted on next. During the discussion Gary Rhoda specifically voiced concerns about closing the school and questioned if the consolidation information was not presented in its entirety at the community forums (as Rhoda didn’t remember it from where he had attended them). Dr. Taylor replied that he could double check but was pretty positive that it had been. Additionally, Taylor said that the board had pursued the current plan due to continued pressure to cut expenses, it being the only consolidation plan with community support, and because it allowed each community to still keep at least one of its schools. The plan has been in talks for about a year and a half and will end in 5th graders at Booker T. being sent to Clarkton School of Discovery while the school’s K-4 students will be split between East Arcadia School, Elizabethtown Primary, and Bladenboro Primary. The board approved the plan with Roger Carroll, Chris Clark, Berry Lewis, and Dennis Edwards voting for the plan, and Gary Rhoda, Tim Benton, and Glenn McKoy voting against. As Board Chair, Vinston Rozier did not vote and Alan West, Board Member, was absent from the meeting.

Upon reconvening from the closed session that followed the consolidation vote, the board heard various updates and notes of interest from Dr. Robert Taylor, Superintendent. Taylor explained that the county is receiving funding for 10 enhancement teaching positions (such as art, music, and PE) in the elementary schools due to changes in state funding and legislation.

Tim Benton, Board Member, spoke of wanting to improve the county’s sporting facilities with funding that is only allocated for those specific type of projects so that Bladen County can host conference games and related events to hopefully bring in business to Bladen County. Following the above, the board proceeded to adjourn for the evening.

By Erin Smith

The Bladenboro Town Board met on Monday evening and voted to approve an application for a Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant for McClean Park.

The PARTF grant would be used for improvements to the park in a Phase II plan for the park. The plans call for paving the parking lot, adding a gravel overflow parking area, a walking trail with a playground, a horseshoe court, tether ball, playground area, picnic shelter, and another ball field. The plans also call for funding for lighting for both ball fields, according to Town Administrator John O’Daniel.

In other matters, Pat Hasbrouck appeared before the board to discuss the condition of the shrubbery at the Bridger Memorial Library.

“This is a perfect time before spring to confront the library landscaping opportunity,” said Hasbrouck.

She noted the shrubbery around the library is in need of pruning, planting of new shrubs, and new mulch. Hasbrouck said the shrubbery is overgrown so that patrons cannot see the outside box for book return.

She said presented a list with the suggestions to the board for their future consideration.

In other business:

* The board voted to approve a $250 per month pretreatment program administration charge.

* The board voted to wait on reviewing funding options for lighting at the McClean Park ball field until they learn if the PARTF grant is approved as it also has a funding for lighting.

* The board was updated on the addition of the PARTF park plans to the town’s 20-year Capital Improvement Plan.

* The board voted to appoint Town Commissioner Jeff Atkinson to the Lumber River Council of Government board.

* The board voted to approve using money from the town’s General Fund to cover the costs of the Elm Street Project. The project will consist of water and sewer upgrades, tree cutting and paving. Town Administrator John O’Daniel told the board the cost for the water and sewer project is expected to be $70,000. The town has not gotten any quotes for the tree cutting and paving.

The board was also given the option of requesting approval from the Council of Government for a loan but the board opted to fund the project using town money.

* O’Daniel also included in the board packet an article regarding Open Meetings laws.

* The board met for one hour and fifteen minutes in closed session to address personnel matters. When the board returned to open session, they voted to hire Frankie Taylor as a general maintenance worker at a rate of $21,484 and the board voted 3 to 2 to move Police Officer Tim Hester to a Grade 11 Step 4.

Here are students who made honor rolls at West Bladen High School for the second nine weeks:

SUPERINTENDENT’S LIST – Grades of 96 and above in all WBHS classes and 7 absences or less in all WBHS classes.

Nicholas Alioto, Elizabeth Allbright, Arely Alonzo Ortiz, Sarah Allen, Alyssa Bell, Joshua Benson, Autumn Brisson, Jacob Bryan, Kayla Burney, Cierra Byrd, Janet Chavez, Tyneshia David, Bethany Davis, Caroline Davis, Abby Dawson, Dylan Dove, Marley Fletcher, Mark Anthony Flores-Reyes, Jennifer Gaytan Morales, Kyla Gore, Kacy Gunter, Makaylie Hammonds, Amelia Harris, Zaria Humphrey, Ashley Hunsinger, Alana King, Edgardo Lara, Callie Lewis, Cara Beth Lewis, Cheyenne Lewis, Richard Lewis, Jacob Long, Helen Lopez, Allie Marsh, Anna Moser, Alise Pait, Diony Ramos George, Alexis Ray, Amy Reaves, Albert Reyes-Gonzalez, Channing Robeson, Tara Rogers, Mohagany Rozier, Atzel Salvador-Gonzalez, Natalie Severine, Olivia Sholar, Bethany Strickland, Brandon Walden, Harmony Weathers, Logan West, Abigail Grace Young (11th), Itzel Zuniga, Ana Surita Posas

“A” HONOR ROLL – Grades of 90 and above in all WBHS classes and 7 absences or less in all WBHS classes.

Miguel Aguilar, Victor Arellano Mata, Hannah Arnett, Walter Baxley, Jordan Benson, Ciara Blanks, Kelly Bravo Verdugo, Erika Brigman, Dawson Bryan, Kristina Bryan, Bailey Bullard, Madison Bullard, Anna Burden, Daniella Burga-Cupen, Molly Burney, Breanna Carlton, Fernando Carranza Toledo, Hajaira Crawford, Victory Crawford, Glorimar Cruz Pagen, Carley Dawson, Patrick Deavers, Joseph DeMers, Sydney Dove, Kolby Edwards, Oswaldo Estrada-Sagastume, Zachary Everitte, Donavan Flinn, Edgar Fuentes Garcia, Aileen Garcia-Sanchez, Chad Garner, Emily Garza Castillo, Kaylie Gause, Kyle Gause, Haley Gillespie, Samaria Grant, Ashlynn Guyton, Katie Guyton, Ethan Hales, Matthew Harris, Jason Helms, Melennie Hernandez-Gamas, Irvin Hernandez-Ortiz, Kenia Hernandez Velasquez, Richard Herrmann, Holly Hester, Bailey Howell, Jaya Howell, Edrea Jenkins, Christinia Jimenez, Del’Vondra Johnson, Seniah Johnson, Jacob Kinlaw, Stephanee Lewis, Angelica Locklear, Victor Lopez Gomez, Ivany Louis, Angel Martinez-Munoz, Bridgette Munoz Elizalde, Sage McDonald, Danae McMillan, Shaunessy McMillian, Brianna McNeill, Cedrick Moore, Timothy Moore, Kiance Morrisey, Vanessa Nance, Sean Nunnery, Katie Nye, Bryan Padilla, Dalton Pait, Emily Pait, Madison Pait, Jesus Perez Perez, Shelby Pharr, Kimani Pridgen, Emily Reaves, Kyla Reed, Gerardo Reyes Maldonado, Tinyauh Rhoda, Janet Rivera, Marcos Rojas-Jacinto, Ivany Rosales Marchand, Joel Russ, Grace Sadler, Tristen Sadler, Danna Salvador, Mireya Sandoval Barrios, Raekwon Shaw, Andrea Shipman, Claire Smith, Demia Smith, Ellie Smith, Alyssa Suggs, Alana Tatum, Allyson Thompson, Marcos Vasquez Aguilar, Colby White, Szkharia Whitfield, Indiyah Williams, Jimmy Williams, Jazmyne Wilson, Jacob Young, Brigit Zuniga Labra

“A/B” HONOR ROLL – Grades of 80 and above in all WBHS classes and 7 absences or less in all WBHS classes.

Summer Addington, Saul Ayala-Martinez, Joshua Babson, Crishana Bailey, Jeque’sia Baldwin, Krist’aun Baldwin, Kerron Baldwin-Washington, Bonnie Baxley, Da’quan Baxley, Jalen Baxley, Justus Belle, Kai Belle, Justin Best, Hannah Bobby, Wyatt Bordeaux, Rebecca Bowman, Tyre Boykin, Maegan Brady, Mixi Bravo-Perez, Conner Brisson, Anapaula Burga Cupen, Destinee’ Brown, Jake Butler, Madison Cain, Eduardo Carranza Toledo, Alara Cashwell, Mikayla Chatman, Wesley Chavez-Sanchez, Veda Cheshire, Thaddeus Copeland, Taylor Corey, Elexia Corrothers, Armani Cowan, Gerardo Cristobal, Gabriel Cruz, Ana Cruz Torres, Claudia Cuc Reyes, Jacilyn Culbreth, Jonathan Culbreth, Raegan Davis, Stedman Davis, Noah Deaver, Marie Deleon-Tomas, Kari DeVane, Delmar Diaz Deleon, Kayla Dowless, Shailon Drake, Haleigh Dunn, Katelynn Edwards, Nicholas Edwards, Ever Estrada Valadez, Haley Evers, Jordan Ezzell, Thomas Galin, Edwin Garcia, Iveth Garcia, Josajandy Garcia Lopez, Uriel Garcia Ortiz, Mace Garza Velarde, Nicholas Gibson, Ja’land Gillespie, Andrew Gonzales, Andres Gonzalez-Monroy, A’Yanna Gore, Winter Graham, Victoria Guerra, Christian Guijosa Santiago, Nyzella Guions, Ashley Hall, Drew Harris, Tanaisia Haynes, Landon Hedgepeth, Dylan Hernandez Osornio, Jose Hernandez-Barrera, Caroline Hester, Jacob Hester, Mikayla Hester, Sa’maya Hill, Ki’erra Hines, Dana Hunsinger, Diamond Isler, Gary Jackson, Senora Jessup, Sabrina Gabrielle Johnson, Mysterious Jones-Davis, Frankie Kellam, Stephon Kemp, Nathan Kinlaw, Amber Knepper, Jennifer Labra Labra, Brittney Landreth, Cynthea Landreth, Nathan Landreth, Shaytasia Lennon, Kelsey Lewis, Keshawn Lewis, Candice Locklear, Derrick Long, Jean Louis, Trenton Lyons, Richelle Maldonado Barrios, Sandra Maldonado Ortiz, Issac Meshaw, Azia McKiver, Alexandria McKoy, Nijeah McKoy, Eric Mendoza Sandoval, Deautise Mitchell, Robert Morris, Andy Munoz, Nicole Newton, James Nickle, Brady Norris, Jackson Norris, Malaci Oxendine, Shawn Oxendine, Bailey Packer, Kaylee Page, Sean Pait, Diana Panameno, George Paris, Patience Parker, Eddie Perez-Ortiz, Joana Perez Reyes, Samuel Phipps, Nakiya Pittman, James Priest, Allen Roberts, Channing Roberts, Kayla Roberts, Indra Rodriquez, Clinton Ryckeley, Raquel Sanchez, Daniel Sanchez Lopez, Karen Santos Osornio, Brady Sasser, Beatriz Servin Gamas, Thomas Shacklford, Ariel Shaw, Celicia Sims, Kasee Singletary, Alydda Smith, April Smith, Chaley Smith, Tristian Stitz, Erica Storms, Trey Storms, Josefina Taboada Torres, Abdiel Tapia, Katlynn Tatum, Ronald Thompson, Melissa Valadez-Suarez, Ramon Valadez Suarez, Jose Vazquez Garcia, Ricardo Vazquez Ramirez, Dylan Vermillion, Madison Walters, Christian Ward, Christopher Ward, Samuel West, Taylor West, Grayson White, Kassidy White, Tatyana White, Amyia Williams, Marisa Williams, Davian Willis-Howard, Colton Wilson, Mikayla Winebarger, Mason Woodell, Daniel Zavala Lopez

PRINCIPAL’S LIST – No failing WBHS grades for the 2nd nine weeks, improvement shown in grades from the 1st nine weeks to the 2nd nine weeks in all WBHS core classes (English, Math, Science, Social Studies), and 7 absences or less in all WBHS classes.

Sarah Allen, Arely Alonzo, Paola Alonzo-Ortiz, Jaque’sia Baldwin, Isiah Bass, Christina Bautista, Ciara Blanks, Amelia Brisson, Owen Britt, Kayla Burney, Alyssa Cain, Ever Estrada Varadez, Zachary Everitte, Mark Anthony Flores-Reyes, Emily Garza Castillo, Julia Diaz, Sydney Dove, Marley Fletcher, Mace Garza Velarde, Jason Haro, Dylan Hernandez Osorio, Stephanie Hernandez-Vasquez, Holly Hester, Nathan Hester, Zaria Humphrey, Dana Hunsinger, Senora Jessup, Seniah Johnson, Jacob Kinlaw, Cara Beth Lewis, Candice Locklear, Elena Lopez, Alexandra McKoy, Corey McLaughlin, Shaunessy McMillian, Brianna McNeil, Alicia Newton, Emily Pait, Samuel Phipps, James Priest, Albert Reyes-Gonzalez, Nathan Rodriquez, Josefina Taboada Torres, Katlynn Tatum, Ramon Valadez Suarez, Samuel West, Szkharia Whitfield, Colton Wilson, Ocean Woody, Abigail Grace Young (9th)

1795 – 1st state university in US opens, University of North Carolina.

1861 – Abraham Lincoln declared US President in Washington, D.C.

1866 – Jesse James holds up his first bank, stealing $15,000 from the Clay County Savings Association in Liberty, Missouri.

1895 – Moving picture projector patented.

1925 – US Congress makes Supreme Court appeal more difficult.

1935 – 1st US surgical operation for relief of angina pectoris, Cleveland.

1937 – NFL Boston Redskins move to Washington, D.C.

1943 – Woman’s Marine Corps created.

1954 – Frank Selvey scores 100 points for Furman beating Newberry 149-95.

1961 – Frank Sinatra launches Reprise label under Warner Bros Records.

1965 – US female Figure Skating championship won by Peggy Fleming.

1971 – US Vice President Spiro Agnew hits 2 tee shots into crowd while golfing, injuring 2.

1972 – “1776” closes at 46th St. Theater NYC after 1,217 performances.

1973 – US dollar devalued 10%.

1980 – Apollo Computer Inc. incorporated.

1981 – Longest sentence published by “The New York Times” – 1286 words.

1991 – US air raid on the Amiriyah shelter in Baghdad kills more than 408 civilians.

2000 – The last original “Peanuts” comic strip appears in newspapers one day after Charles M. Schulz dies.

2017 – US President Donald Trump accepts the resignation of national security advisor Michael Flynn over his dealings with Russia.

2017 – Harrison Ford involved in a near miss while flying a plane at John Wayne Airport, Orange County.

Filing for political offices is underway across the state and in Bladen County, incumbents were among the first to make their wishes known yesterday, most hopeful of another term.  But, there were newcomers as well.  See article on this page.  Filing deadline is noontime, February 28, 2018.  If you have a desire to serve, now is the time to step-up, pay your filing fees, add your name to the list of nominees, tell your story and if you win, work as a public servant and help to make Bladen County a better place to live, work and play.

Ricky Benton Racing Team of Cerro Gordo will race in the Daytona 500.  The team qualified last weekend for the race and will compete in one of the two races Thursday to determine their starting position.  David Gilliland is the driver and Michael Hester of Bladenboro will be in the pit.  Hester has been associated with the team for many years.

A reminder of the Bladen County Hospital Foundation event ‘A Night at the Oscars’ is scheduled for Saturday, February 24th, 6 PM at Lu Mil.  Tickets are $50 and seating is limited.

Also a reminder of the BBQ Fundraiser for the Jackie Singletary family of Tar Heel.  The event is planned for Saturday, February 17 from 11 AM to 4 PM at the Tar Heel Volunteer Fire Department, 269 Tar Heel Ferry Road.  Plates are $8 each.  A silent auction will also be held.  For more details, call 910-862-5947.  Proceeds will go to offset some of the medical expenses of Jackie Singletary who died recently following a brief illness.

Springtime is just around the corner and activities (fundraisers) by numerous groups will be in full swing.

If you are a Four County EMC customer/owner you are aware of Operation Round Up.  They round off your bill, take the proceeds and distribute it to under-privileged, those who for whatever the reason are strugglin’, and they provide assistance for non-profit organizations doing good in the area.  Over the years, since the program began, they have awarded over 3 million dollars, to worthy causes. Good neighbors, doing good deeds for their members/owners.

More Church Signs:

If you’ve had Mondays all week, you need our Sundays.

Wake up before you fall asleep.

The donkey and elephant are fighting.  Look to the Lamb for answers.

robert g hester
rgh4612@gmail.com
910-876-2322

CHARLOTTE – Today, the Trump Administration continued strong support for two of Congressman Robert Pittenger’s signature national security efforts:  strengthening review of foreign investments that threaten national security, and targeting sources of terrorism financing.

According to The White House, President Trump’s FY2019 budget “prioritizes resources to combat terrorism financing, proliferation financing, and other forms of illicit finance and supports Treasury’s role as chair of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to address current and future national security risks.”

In today’s announcement of the Treasury Department’s Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2018-2022, Secretary Mnuchin noted, “they also demonstrate Treasury’s commitment to combatting terrorism and illicit financing.  Treasury further supports modernizing the CFIUS review process.”

Congressman Pittenger’s Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act (FIRRMA, H.R. 4311) strengthens how CFIUS reviews the national security risks of potential foreign investments.  President Trump, Defense Secretary Mattis, Treasury Secretary Mnuchin, and Attorney General Sessions have all endorsed Congressman Pittenger’s legislation, which he introduced with Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn (R-TX) on November 8^th.

As Chairman of the Congressional Task Force on Terrorism, and Vice Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Terrorism and Illicit Finance, Congressman Pittenger has hosted over 600 Members of Parliament and other officials from dozens of countries for a series of 10 Parliamentary Forums focused on strengthening joint efforts to combat sources of terrorism financing.

“China and other adversarial nations are using malicious business investment to acquire sensitive American technology and threaten our national security.  Terrorists are manipulating loopholes in the global financial system to finance their acts of evil.  Thank you to President Trump and Secretary Mnuchin for recognizing these threats and prioritizing solutions to keep hardworking American families safe,” said Congressman Pittenger (NC-09).

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) spoke on the Senate floor about the Secure and Succeed Act, a bill introduced by Senator Tillis that will strengthen border security, provide a permanent solution for DACA, reform family sponsorship policy, and reallocate the Diversity Visa lottery.

Senator Tillis on the Secure and Succeed Act:

“The Secure and Succeed Act is a well-structured, four pillar solution that has been very much instructed by conversations with my colleagues on the other side of the aisle and that the President will support. And I know the President can convince our colleagues in the House to get it to his desk.”

Senator Tillis on the need to pass immigration reform:

“Now is the time to act. Let’s do something different and actually produce a result. Let’s not talk about it and say we all tried, let’s produce a result and provide certainty for the DACA population waiting for us to act, secure our border, and modernize our broken immigration system.”

The Bladen Community College Board of Trustees will convene for a special called meeting on Tuesday, February 27, at 5:15 P.M. in the boardroom of the Essic Williams Administration Building (building 10) on the Dublin campus. For more information, contact Melissa Hester at 910 879-5502.

Bladen Community College students have received Occupational Extension Golden LEAF scholarships. Pictured from left to right are Vice President for Workforce and Continuing Education Sondra Guyton, recipients Stefon Derrell Geathers, Luis Alberto Abreu Hernandez, Jasmine Mikayla Chavis, Tia R. Carter, Samantha Brooke Jackson, and Derwin Strickkand, Jr., and Vice President for Student Services Barry Priest.

For more information about scholarship opportunities at BCC, call 910 879-5500.              

Not so long ago I was alone and lost, and then you came along and I was home. Thank you for finding me,

Tiffany Strickland

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My Huckleberry,

I want to say thank you for the last 8 years. I love you a bushel and a peck and a hug around the neck.

Happy 7 year Wedding Anniversary,

Love your Dragonfly

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Bo,

I love you so much

and I’m very proud of you

and the husband/father you are.

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Kaitlyn,

 

You’re SWEETER than chocolate. You’re PRETTIER than flowers. You’re MORE PRECIOUS then pearls.

Happy Valentine’s Day to my SPECIAL GIRL.

 I love you, Mama (Tonya Shaw)

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To Wesley,

This Valentine’s Day I wanted to share with the world how thankful I am for you! Thank you so much for the sacrifies you make to make sure our family is well taken care of. We love you so much!

Happy Valentine’s Day.

XOXO,

Katie & the kids

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SHOP LOCAL

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