Bladen County, NC – Bladen County and representatives from the North Carolina Emergency Management (NCEM) office are working together to determine if homeowners and business owners are eligible to receive hazard mitigation grants under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. Designed to protect lives and property from future disaster, this program eligibility will be discussed at community intake meetings March 7, March 8, and March 9 from 10 a.m.- 7 p.m., located at the Emergency Service Office, 5853 US 701 North, Elizabethtown, NC 28337.

Bladen County and NCEM officials will speak with property owners whose homes or businesses incurred damage as a result of Hurricane Matthew. In addition to flooding from Hurricane Matthew, any home that is prone to flooding could be eligible to receive one of the three types of program assistance. The three options include the acquisition, or “buyout,” of these homes. The home is then demolished and the land is deeded to the local government.  An additional option is structural elevation or “house raising” to prevent future flooding. Finally, the grants could cover mitigation reconstruction, or “demolish and rebuild.” This includes the construction of an improved, code-compliant, and elevated home on the same site where the existing home has been partially or completely destroyed due to flooding.

All Bladen County homeowners and business owners who are interested in applying for assistance should plan to attend one of the intake meetings at any time between the hours of

• 10 am-7 pm March 7, 2017
• 10 am-7 pm March 8, 2017
• 10 am-7 pm March 9, 2017

Interested applicants must bring homeowner’s insurance information, particularly flood insurance documents.  Officials at the intake meeting will work with homeowners to provide all other necessary documentation.

Business owners could also be eligible to receive assistance but will be included in a separate tier of funding.

”Attending an intake meeting is the first and most important step in the application process. Interested applicants that are not able to attend an intake meeting must contact Kimberly Talbert at Emergency Services by April 15, 2017 to be included in the grant application.”

For more information on the intake meetings or application process, residents of Bladen County should call 910-862-6761 Monday-Wednesday.

Since the SECU Foundation was established in August 2004, it has awarded annual $10,000 “People Helping People” four-year scholarships – increasing from two to three in 2014 – to graduating seniors attending North Carolina Charter Schools.  These scholarships will be awarded to students attending one of the 17 constituent campuses of the University of North Carolina. These funds are made possible through the contributions to the Foundation by members of State Employees’ Credit Union.

In order to ensure that each charter high school’s graduating seniors are able to be considered for this opportunity, each charter school must establish a Scholarship Selection Committee.  The Committee from each charter high school will be responsible for nominating a graduating senior for the scholarship.  Each school must submit its nominees to the NCDPI Office of Charter Schools.  The nominee information for each school will be reviewed/evaluated and the SECU will award scholarships to three candidates statewide.

The attached information will provide each school’s Scholarship Selection Committee with eligibility criteria, procedures, and information. 

Key points:

• Each school has flexibility in establishing its formal application process, but should ensure that every graduating senior with a minimum GPA of 2.5 is considered for the SECU Foundation “People Helping People” Scholarship

• Scholarship recipient information from each school must be received by 5:00 pm EST on April 13, 2017 to the NCDPI Office of Charter Schools.

• Each school should submit an alternate or first runner up student in the event the first nominee is unable to accept the scholarship (if selected).

• Each school must submit  copies of nominations and any accompanying information to Dr. Deanna Townsend-Smith via email at deanna.townsend-smith@dpi.nc.gov

Dozens of expectant families gathered at four separate lotteries over the last two weeks, anxious to hear their name called. Those families did not win money or prizes, but they did win a coveted seat in a classroom at one of the public charter schools operated by the Roger Bacon Academy.

High demand for seats in upper grades at the four schools in the Roger Bacon Academy family of Public Charter Schools resulted in approximately 140 students being placed on waiting lists. There are however a number of openings in Kindergarten and first grade, still available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

These four schools, located in Wilmington, Leland, Whiteville, and Southport, currently serve approximately 2,200 students in total. While they accept any student who enrolls regardless of ability or income, the schools do have grade-level capacity limits for each campus.

All students are accepted unless there are more applications than seats available in their selected grade level. When this occurs, a lottery is required to fairly determine which students are placed in the available seats and which will join a waitlist.

“The lotteries are always tense moments for all incoming parents,” said Steve Smith, Headmaster at two of the four Roger Bacon Academy affiliate schools, “They sit and hope their child’s name will be the next one called. This year, Charter Day School had openings in all but two grades, and many children were accepted. Others were placed on the a waiting list for 2017-2018, but told to please be patient as we were able to get through all of our waiting lists last year. Every child last year that wanted to join our great school at Charter Day was able to.”

In addition to returning students, there were more than 560 new applications from students vying for only 420 open seats at the four public charter schools. As a result, the schools are expanding to accommodate over 2,400 students for the 2017-2018 academic year, and they hope to be able to accept all applicants.

RBA Founder, Baker Mitchell believes that the lack of availability of openings in the upper grades is due to parents recognizing the quality of education at a Roger Bacon School that is lacking in their child’s experiences in Public District Schools, however he feels it more prudent to enroll their children earlier than later, “Our students are having fun reading and doing math facts before the end of Kindergarten,” he says, pointing out that remaining openings in Kindergarten and 1st grade are still available on a first-come, first-serve basis, “If we receive a student who was not taught properly in Kindergarten, catching up in later grades is possible, but can be stressful.”

The Roger Bacon Academy is a North Carolina management organization providing public charter schools with educational, administrative, and operational support. Since 2000, it has provided a signature educational program that combines the proven Direct Instruction teaching method with a robust classical curriculum – a combination which consistently produces best-in-county academic performance by client schools. RBA’s client schools include Charter Day School in Leland, Columbus Charter School in Whiteville, Douglass Academy in Wilmington, and South Brunswick Charter School in Southport. All schools are public, tuition-free, and welcome any student regardless of income, ability, or address.

Parents interested can find further information and online enrollment information by visiting www.EnrollRBA.com?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

White Lake — Police Officer Jay Davis was promoted to the position of sergeant during a ceremony at White Lake’s town hall Friday morning.

Davis, of Elizabethtown, has been with the White Lake Police Department since February 2014 and is a graduate of E.A. Laney High School in Wilmington, NC and the 2009 BLET Academy at Cape Fear Community College.

Since joining the White Lake Police Department in 2014 Davis has remained a loyal member of the department, and an asset to our community.

HICKORY – West Bladen grad Trevor Lesane walloped a home run and a double to lead his Wake Tech Community College Eagles to a 13-12 victory over Catawba Valley Saturday.

Lesane hammered Catawba pitching for 4 hits in 5 at-bats, knocked in 3 runs, and scored 3 runs. The freshman rightfielder also stole 2 bases as the Eagles rallied from early deficits of 6-0 and 9-4.

In the second game of Saturday’s double-header, Lesane belted a single and finished 1-3 at the plate, but the Eagles dropped a 4-1 decision.

Wake Tech is now 14-10 on the season.

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The Bladen County Board of Commissioners meeting got off to a festive start on Monday evening when Breeden Blackwell, with Cape Fear Valley Hospital, joined Dr Roxie Wells, who serves as President of Cape Fear Valley-Bladen Health Care, to present the On Point Award to Bladen County Commissioners Chairman Charles Ray Peterson.

The On Point Award is the highest honor someone can receive from the hospital, said Blackwell. This is the third time the award has been presented.

Blackwell said the award is presented to those who have demonstrated efforts to improve health care. He explained that On Point is a term often used by the military to describe someone who often gets the desired result of their assigned mission.

Blackwell explained the award is an engraved Roman short sword called a Gladious. It was used by frontline Roman shoulders when they encountered hand-to-hand combat.

Blackwell told those in attendance at the meeting when Cape Fear Valley entered into negotiations to acquire Bladen County Hospital, there were many long hours spent in discussions regarding the contract.  Blackwell said negotiations took about three years to complete and one individual was a strong fighter for health care in Bladen County.

When Blackwell requested Peterson come forward, he was obviously surprised.

“I’m totally shocked,” said Peterson during the presentation.

He added that when the county entered into negotiations with Cape Fear Valley, there were many needs facing Bladen County Hospital.

“I’m overwhelmed,” said Peterson of the honor as he accepted the engraved Gladious.

RALEIGH, N.C. – March 24th, 1663 the Carolina Charter granted the right to “… levy, muster and train men …” in order to defend the property and peoples of the Carolinas.  The North Carolina National Guard has been on duty ever since. North Carolina National Guard Citizen Soldiers and Airmen for 354 years have been trusted by their neighbors to bear arms in defense of liberty, state and nation.

Roy Cooper, Governor of North Carolina, signed a proclamation declaring March 24, 2017 “North Carolina National Guard Heritage Day” across the state.

During the ceremony, for the first time in NC Guard history, three Guardsmen from Monroe, Morganton and Pinehurst will receive the newly approved “North Carolina National Guard Soldier and Airman Medal” for heroism.  The North Carolina National Guard Soldier and Airman Medal (NCSAM) is awarded in recognition of acts of personal heroism or extraordinary achievement.

The NC National Guard has served with distinction in World War 1 and World War 2. Since 9-11, more than 22,000 NC National Guardsmen deployed for wartime service. The NCNG was the first to deploy a Reserve component attack aviation battalion into Afghanistan in 2002. The NCNG is the only state to have an Armored Brigade Combat Team deploy twice as an independent maneuver brigade commanding its own terrain in Iraq.

Since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, well over 3,000 Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen have supported N.C. and many other states in response to natural disasters.

The North Carolina National Guard is a ready, reliable, responsive and relevant force that is committed to serving the citizens of our state and nation. The North Carolina National Guard works in support of our partners in N.C. Emergency Management and other State agencies in order to coordinate support for natural disaster incidents. The North Carolina National Guard is one of the oldest institutions in our state.  Countless business, civic and religious leaders served in the Guard throughout our history.

DUBLIN – State Employees Credit Union Members, through the member-funded SECU Foundation, have awarded scholarships to Bladen Community College students Felicia Graham, Carie McLean, Clarissa Patterson, and Crystal Lewis. All four students are enrolled in the Nursing Assistant II program.

Based on the credit union philosophy of people helping people, these scholarships recognize the students’ leadership, excellence of character, integrity, and community involvement. Scholarship funds will be applied to tuition and other expenses associated with their community college education.

State Employee’s Credit Union local advisory board member Cynthia McKoy comments, “My fellow SECU members and I are dedicated to helping students succeed in their pursuit of higher education. The SECU People Helping People Scholarship Program allows us the opportunity to provide resources for many deserving individuals to attain their educational goals through our state’s excellent community college system. As a representative of the SECU, I am very pleased to award these scholarships to these students.”

Annually, SECU members provide two “People Helping People” scholarships to each of the 58 community colleges in North Carolina through the SECU Foundation Scholarship Program. To date, over $6 million has been awarded to help the state’s community college students further their education.
To learn more about scholarships and financial aid for Bladen Community College, call 910 879-5500.

Congressman Robert Pittenger and U.S. Chamber Senior Executive Vice President Suzanne Clark at the March 21st award ceremony.
Photo courtesy Ian Wagreich / © U.S. Chamber of Commerce

WASHINGTON – Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) has been honored with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce “Spirit of Enterprise” Award in recognition of his support for policies which promote a healthy economy and job growth.

Congressman Pittenger received this year’s award for his support of legislation to help small businesses access the capital needed to grow and create jobs, reforms to make federal jobs training programs relevant to 21st century needs, and policies to help American manufacturers compete in the global economy.

“Hardworking Americans deserve good paying jobs.  Small business owners who risk everything to create jobs and economic growth deserve our support,” said Congressman Pittenger.  “For too long, out-of-touch Washington bureaucrats have hurt our economy.  As your Congressman, I’m fighting for policies which create more opportunities for all Americans.”

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Elizabethtown, NC – Teams from across North Carolina annually take part in a rigorous academic competition, which hosts 23 events in the fields of genetics, earth science, chemistry, anatomy, physics, geology, mechanical engineering and technology known as Science Olympiad.

Clarkton School of Discovery’s JV and Varsity Science Olympiad teams competed in the regional Science Olympiad competition held at UNC-W on March 4th. This was CSD’s second year competing with Coach Jordan Raynor. In all, the Clarkton teams brought home 11 event medals. The varsity team placed in the top ten in 9 events, and the JV team placed in the top ten in 19 out of 23 events among teams from 25 other area schools.

The Tar Heel Middle School JV and Varsity Science Olympiad teams competed in the Fayetteville regional tournament on February 25 and once again the JV team brought home a second place trophy overall. In all, the Tar Heel teams brought home a total of 10 event medals. The varsity team placed in the top ten in 13 events, and finished eighth in the varsity division of teams from 14 other area schools. The JV team placed in the top ten in all 23 events among teams from six other area schools.

“This is my second year coaching the CSD Science Olympiad team and I’m so proud of how well our students competed” said Jordan Raynor, 6th grade math and science teacher and head coach of CSD’s Science Olympiad team. “I definitely couldn’t do all of this alone, we (CSD) have our Principal, Stephanie Norris, a Science Olympiad veteran, who’s been a great leader and mentor for myself and the students. We also have lots of parental and community support of which we are extremely grateful.”

“The entire staff of Tar Heel is so very proud of these students” said David Wimert, coach of the Tar Heel Science Olympiad team. “We proudly display the students trophies in the office for all to see.”

Varsity individual award winners from Clarkton School of Discovery are as follows: 3rd place Bottle Rocket- Garrett Melvin and Nick Norris; 3rd place Towers- Andrew Cahn and Nick Norris; 3rd place Wright Stuff- Garrett Melvin and Nick Norris; 6th place Road Scholar- Andrew Cahn and Jackson Bostic; 7th place Scrambler Car- Jackson Bostic and Jacob Priest.

Varsity team winners from Tar Heel Middle School are as follows: 3rd place Reach for the Stars – Atzel Salvador and Daniel Sanchez; 4th place Scrambler Car – Olivia Allen and Haleigh Fields; 5th place Towers – Alejandro Cruz Rodriquez and Edwin Flores; 5th place Write It Do It – Kaylee Page and Serenity Flakes.

Junior Varsity team winners from Clarkton School of Discovery are as follows: 1st place Mission Possible- Sophia Masaid and Skylar Suggs; 2nd place Disease Detectives- Hannah Davis and Natalie Spears; 2nd place Dynamic Planet- Connor Britt and Luke Barber; 2nd place Towers- Luke Barber and Sam Inscoe; 4th place Microbe Mission- Denitsa Dimova and Weslyn Hall; 4th place Wright Stuff- Emma Turbeville and Skylar Suggs.

Junior Varsity team winners from Tar Heel Middle School are as follows: 2nd place Disease Detectives – Cameron Page and Oswaldo Lopez; 1st place Ecology with the highest score of all junior varsity and varsity teams combined – Levi German and Serena Nwikina; 2nd place Food Science – Violet Allen and Kieria Lewis; 1st place Hovercraft – Alan Miranda and Alex Basilio; 2nd place Reach for the Stars – Alan Miranda and Alex Basilio; 2nd place Towers – Jose Cuc Reyes and Charlie Cruz Rodriquez.

“We have something special here in Bladen County,” Raynor added. “With so much emphasis now being placed on providing STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) opportunities for today’s students to help them become competitive in this global world, we at Clarkton School of Discovery are way ahead of the curve. Not only are students understanding the content taught, they are taking that knowledge and applying it to practical situations. This is an outstanding group of students who demonstrated what they are capable of. We hope the best is yet to come.”

Time is running out! Applications for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Youth Preparedness Council (YPC) close on March 31 at 11:59 p.m. PST.

Teens from across the nation have the opportunity to make a difference in their communities by joining the YPC. Young people on the council work to better their emergency preparedness skills to help ensure readiness and recovery in their own neighborhoods and beyond. All students in grades 8-11, who have engaged in community service or are interested in being an ambassador for emergency preparedness, are encouraged to apply.

Are you an adult working with youth or emergency management? Share the application with those you believe might be interested in applying today. Applicants must submit a completed application form, two letters of recommendation, and academic records.

Applications are accepted until 11:59 p.m. PST on March 31, 2017.

WASHINGTON – Congressman Robert Pittenger (NC-09) is excited to announce Jake Dean of Waxhaw has received a rare double-appointment to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Mr. Dean is Battalion Commander at Camden Military Academy, president of the school’s STEM Club, and leads a program to tutor fellow cadets who are struggling academically.

“My parents have always said that ‘I am the company I keep,’ and ‘iron sharpens iron.’  When I attended West Point’s Summer Leaders Experience this summer, I finally understood what they meant.  It was incredible being immersed with other students who love to learn and desire to serve their country the way I do.  I want to be in the trenches with the most motivated and gifted students all striving for excellence, so I can have the best preparation to serve my country through a military career.”

Mr. Dean is the son of Christopher and Karen Dean.

“Jake has always dreamed of serving his country, and now he’ll face a tough choice between two outstanding service academies,” said Congressman Pittenger.  “We are grateful for Jake, and for every young man and woman like him who volunteers to risk their lives in defense of our freedom and way of life.

Mr. Dean is one of fourteen local students to receive prestigious U.S. Service Academy appointments for the 2016-2017 school year, and will only be allowed to accept one of his two appointments.

Congressman Pittenger will host two “Service Academy Days” later this spring in Charlotte and Fayetteville to give local students the opportunity to learn about the rigorous nomination process.  Call704-362-1060 for details.

The opening reception for “The Life of the Theater” exhibit at the Carolina Civic Center Historic Theater in Lumberton is slated for Thursday, April 20, at 5:30 p.m.

Join us for opening night of our newest lobby exhibit featuring historic and current photographs of our beautiful, and beautifully-restored, theater which first opened in 1928. Photographs of the theater’s stunning architectural details by Jody Johnson (PhotoRad Photography) will be on display and select prints will be available for purchase. Also on display will be archival photographs and articles from the theater’s history.  Complementary food, wine and other beverages will be served. This reception is free and open to the public.

The Carolina Civic Center Historic Theater is a beautifully-restored treasure listed on the National Register of Historic Places that offers visitors a unique and visually stunning experience. The theater is located at 315 North Chestnut Street in the heart of downtown Lumberton.  First opened in 1928 as a vaudeville and silent film house, the theater offers a wide array of programming including live touring performances, original productions, art exhibits, films, special events and rentals. For more information visit www.carolinaciviccenter.com?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss

Clarkton School of Discovery is having a spaghetti dinner and silent auction On Friday, March 31, to benefit the Jr Beta Club. There will be many items of interest for everyone. Some of the items up for bid are a night at the beach, a wreath and jewelry and much more. You can learn more by visiting the Clarkton School of Discovery Facebook page. The proceeds from this event will be used to help send the Jr Beta Club to Disney for the national Junior Beta Club competition. Let’s get these champs to Disney!

For the second consecutive year, North Carolina is the nation’s No. 2 best state for business according to Forbes magazine. Forbes’ annual “Best States for Business” list measures which states have the best business climates and are poised to succeed going forward. North Carolina is the only state in the southeast to be ranked in the top five.

“This ranking is further affirmation that our pro-growth economic policies and excellent business climate have once again made North Carolina a top destination for jobs,” said Governor McCrory. “Our economy continues to outperform the nation as we are home to the most improved tax climate in the country and have added more than 300,000 new jobs since 2013.”

Forbes’ “Best States for Business” rankings are based on an assessment of criteria that include job growth, costs, educational attainment and start-up activity. Among the highlights of North Carolina’s ranking is the cost to do business in the state, which is 10 percent below the national average.

Earlier this month, Site Selection magazine gave North Carolina the No. 2 position in its annual rankings of America’s best states for business, also for the second year in a row. In May, Chief Executive magazine named North Carolina the nation’s No. 3 best business climate for 2016.

“Historic reforms to our tax, regulatory and service-delivery climate have not only yielded some of the strongest economic growth in the country, but have earned accolades from the nation’s business media,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary John E. Skvarla, III.

Since Governor McCrory entered office in January 2013, North Carolina’s economy is one of the fastest growing in the nation adding more than 300,000 net new jobs. The state’s unemployment rate during that time fell from 8.8 percent to 4.7 percent and has decreased in all 100 counties. The governor also signed historic, pro-growth tax reform saving families and businesses $4.7 billion and positioning North Carolina as the most improved business tax climate in the nation.

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On October 28, thirteen students in Dr. Renee Steele’s Public Speaking 101 choice elective class at Elizabethtown Middle School delivered their final speech in front of very special guests. Each student prepared a speech on a person who has impacted their life in a positive way.

Mrs. Elizabeth Cole, Principal, said “I saw students deliver speeches who once would not look me in the eyes when spoken to in the hallway.”

Cole further explained that students at Elizabethtown Middle School have an opportunity to select a choice elective every seven weeks to take advantage of opportunities to enhance their knowledge in classes such as public speaking, chess, sewing, ceramics, and many more. Cole said that she is grateful that teachers at Elizabethtown Middle are not only teaching in their licensed area but they are exposing our students to different skill sets needed to be competitive in this global economy.

The choice elective time is also set aside to assess our students in math and language arts as well as provide intervention for those needing remediation. Dr. Steele states, over the last seven weeks, students were taught how to write as well as deliver various speeches such as extemporaneous, instructional, persuasive, and motivational. Steele said that she was extremely proud of the students for the growth they have shown over the last couple of months considering most of them   had to overcome their fear of speaking in front of others.

Elizabethtown Primary School has released the honor roll for the first nine weeks grading period.

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“A” Honor Roll

Cabria Baldwin, Dajour Davis, Destiny Gore, Emily Martinez, Caleb McGough, Chance Miller, Aubrei Nixon, Zach Sholar, Teagan Smith, Grady Starling, A’Marra Washington, Ayden Williams, Niyah Wooten

“A/B” Honor Roll

Jamari Adams-Peterson, Danyelle Cotton, Colton Daly, DeAdra Dimery, Gavin Elks, Madison Franzeo, Jacob Gooden, Madilyn Hall, Levi Harrelson, Adriana Howell, Melody Kulp, Isaiah Lee, Chelsea Lesane, Mileigh Martin, Joseph Martinez, Olivia Meggs, Carly Nguyen, Jayden Osborne, Jena Packer, Alina Rabanales, Yureysy Ramos, Gaby Rebollar- Ventura, Hunter Simmons, Gavin Smith, Jackson Smith, Sa’Rheanna Smith, Max Tart

4^th  Grade

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Savanna Howell

“A” Honor Roll

Gissele Campos-Almazo, Taylor Mackey, Cara Priest, Aidan Schultz, Jaamir Stephens,

“A/B” Honor Roll

Juanito Alvardo, Jaedyn Beatty, Chace Butler, Corey Clark, Ashley Estrada-Gonzalez, Joshua Harrington, Alex  Izquierdo-Hidalgo, Xavier Hicks,  Colin King, Lukas Johnson, Sierra Lawson, Kewone Maynor, Nicole McDowell, Maria Medina Leal, Davion Miller, Anna Marie Miranda, Lamaiya Morgon, Jeremiah Morton, Aletha Rich, Kenneth Rhodie Jr., Willie Rojas Sandoval, Aubrey Schwable, Laila Smith, Seth Smith,  Jaiden Steffen, Jonathan Stocks, Mario Urago, Iveonna Ward, Brianna Wuergler

Principal’s List

Braylan McKinley, Zipporah Morgan, Destiny Shipman, Jaylen Suggs, Marco Ventura

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RALEIGH – Colonel Bill Grey, commander of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, and Frank L. Perry, Secretary of the Department of Public Safety, presented several members and citizens with awards in a ceremony today.  The awards given included the State Highway Patrol Award of Valor, Purple Heart Award, Meritorious Service Award, Samaritan Award, Humanitarian Service Award and the Appreciation Award.

“This ceremony provides an opportunity to highlight the unwavering commitment demonstrated by our members both sworn and civilian,” said Colonel Bill Grey, commander of the State Highway Patrol. “I am proud that our members display such unselfish service to the citizens of our great state.”

Awards and Recipients:

Award of Valor

Trooper Nick R. White – Troop E, District 5 – King, N.C.

Purple Heart Award

Retired Lieutenant Maurice C. Chilton – Greensboro, N.C.

Meritorious Service Award

Trooper Steven D. Reed – Troop B, District 1 – Fayetteville, N.C.

Trooper Joseph P. Howard – Troop A, District 4 – Washington, N.C.

Sergeant Daniel T. Hilburn – Troop B, District 5 – Whiteville, N.C.

Trooper James A. McVicker, Jr. – Troop B, District 5 – Elizabethtown, N.C.

Trooper Kathryn L. McVicker – Troop B, District 5 – Elizabethtown, N.C.

Samaritan Service Award

Mr. Richard C. Needham – Storeroom Manager – Raleigh, N.C.

Mr. Richard M. Wyrick – Automotive Mechanic II – Greensboro, N.C.

First Sergeant Steven C. Kirby – Troop X, District 3 – Raleigh, N.C.

Trooper Chuck Lee – Troop F, District 5 – Lincolnton, N.C.

Trooper Shane L. Herrin – Troop E, District 3 – Salisbury, N.C.

Sergeant John B. Gardner – Troop C, District 4 – Louisburg, N.C.

Trooper Aaron M. Russ – Troop B, District 5 – Elizabethtown, N.C.

Trooper Julian M. Lee – Troop C, District 7 – Oxford, N.C.

Trooper Shane R. Furr – Troop E, District 6 – Concord, N.C.

Trooper Michael F. Loukos – Troop E, District 6 – Concord, N.C.

Ms. Angela M. James – Office Assistant – Concord, N.C.

Sergeant Steven M. Comer – Troop E, District 1 – Lexington, N.C.

Trooper Timothy J. Miles – Troop E, District 1 – Lexington, N.C.

Trooper Nathan S. Varney – Troop E, District 1 – Lexington, N.C.

Trooper Mark A. Bowers – Troop E, District 1 – Lexington, N.C.

Trooper Steven C. McHenry – Troop E, District 1 – Lexington, N.C.

Humanitarian Service Award

Sergeant Craig G. Harris – Troop G, District 4 – Asheville, N.C.

Trooper Herbert B. Lane – Troop C, District 3 – Raleigh, N.C.

Appreciation Award

Ms. Beverly Reece – Durham, N.C.

The Highway Patrol Award of Valor is given to a member who has demonstrated outstanding judgment, courage, personal bravery, and a selfless act of heroism involving risk of life to prevent injury, loss of life, or prevent damage to or loss of property.

The Highway Patrol Purple Heart Award is presented to a member who has been injured or wounded by an act of aggression or assault upon him/her while performing assigned duties

The Highway Patrol Meritorious Service Award is given by the Patrol to a member or members who serve the state of North Carolina in an outstanding manner.

The Highway Patrol Samaritan Award is an award bestowed to a member of the Patrol who went beyond the call of duty to aid or assist a fellow citizen.

The Highway Patrol Humanitarian Service Award is presented in recognition for an employee’s outstanding volunteer public service that significantly contributes to individuals, groups, organizations, or communities in North Carolina.

The Highway Patrol Appreciation Award is given in recognition of a citizen or group who has significantly contributed to the success and mission of the Highway Patrol.

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The Bladen County Board of Elections met on Tuesday afternoon to address a preliminary hearing on the protest filed by Bladen County Commissioner District 3 candidate Ken Register Jr.

Bladen County Attorney Leslie Johnson was in attendance for the preliminary hearing and addressed the audience. He noted that the North Carolina General Statues state the Board of Elections “shall” as soon as possible after the protest is filed, conduct a preliminary hearing.

Johnson said if the board determines one or more of the conditions stated in the General Statues are not met, they will disallow the protest. If the board determines that both requirements are met, the board will schedule a hearing and witnesses will be called, etc.

Board of Elections Chairman Bobby Ludlum said that the board has been instructed by the NC State Board of Elections that they can’t address the absentee by mail issue at this point.

Johnson told the board that the petition by Register was filed on November 22 and he has met the burden of proof. The petition has been accepted by the local board and the preliminary hearing could move forward.

Johnson pointed out to the board that one of the allegations in the petition is in reference to irregularities namely the memory stick issue and the other allegation is in regards to irregularities or misconduct that may have ocurred.

Johnson said it is called a probable cause hearing because it must be determined that probable cause exists to move forward and have a full hearing.

“This board at the end (of the meeting) will make a motion to either go forward or not,” said Johnson.

Johnson noted that Register can file an amended petition if he so desires.

Register said, “I’m not alleging anything. I was there. I was present when the memory stick was switched. My argument is that it did get changed out and there is room for error there.”

He also asked if Ludlum was stating that the state has told they cannot speak about the absentee ballots. Register also questioned why the State Board of Elections was not notified of the local board conducting a hearing.

Ludlum explained that the State Board of Elections has taken over jurisdiction with regards to the absentee ballots due to an investigation and the local board cannot discuss them.

Register said, “I am asking for a recount and asking these ballots (in question) not be used.”

Ludlum again emphasized the board cannot discuss the absentee ballot issue at all.

“I guess I will handle my stuff on the state level,” said Register.

Ludlum said the results of Register’s Preliminary Hearing will be reported the State Board of Elections.

With regards to the absentee ballots, Bladen County Board of Elections member Brian Hehl said that all of the absentee ballot information was sent to the state. On Sunday, Nov. 20,  the State took jurisdiction over anything dealing with absentee ballots in Bladen County. Hehl said that anything dealing with absentee ballots is outside of the local board’s control.

Register asked, “Does that mean that state is taking over my protest?”

Bladen County Board of Elections Secretary Al Daniels said there were actually two hearings from Bladen County involving absentee ballots.

It was learned that two complaints have gone forward to state

Daniels made a motion to allow Register’s protest to move forward but it died for lack of a second.

Hehl made a motion to dismiss Register’s protest because there is no probable cause on memory stick issue and the board cannot speak on the absentee ballot matter.

The board voted 2-1 to dismiss Register’s complaint.

The board also voted to disallow one provisional ballot. It was learned after researching the address that the voter had moved.

The board also received an email from Katelyn Love.

Bladen County Board of Elections Director Cynthia Shaw said, “It is just an email I received yesterday. I included it in your packet.”

When asked to clarify what the email meant, Shaw said her staff have received a follow up email.  Copies were given to the board to read.

Bladen County Democrat Party Chairman Ben Snyder said,  “I understand that all of the absentee ballots were thrown out or for whatever reason are with the state.”

Ludlum replied. “No comment. I’m sorry we’ve been advised not to comment.”

Attorney Matthew Dixon asked about a time table for the vote canvass to be completed.

Ludlum said, “We can’t do a canvass until the absentee ballots are resolved.”

Hehl added, “We can’t because we have the issue of the absentee ballots.”

Ludlum said the State has been issuing to some counties the authority to complete the canvass.  He added that in many counties, they are having to deal with protests and resolve those matters before they can move forward.

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Several firefighters received honors on Saturday night as the Elizabethtown Fire Department held their annual awards banquet. During the banquet three firefighters who have distinguished themselves were recognized by their peers. Receiving honors as Rookie of the Year was T. J. Johnson, Fireman of the Year was Matt Bryant, and Officer of the Year was Jamie Smith.

Firefighters Allston Freeman and Samuel Hodge were honored for Exceptional Service for assisting with the Party Rock Fire in western North Carolina. They traveled to the western part of the state with members of a strike team to the western part of North Carolina near Chimney Rock where they spent seven days working the wildfire.

Also, firefighters who responded during Hurricane Matthew and spent more than one week, answering calls and assisting the residents in Elizabethtown, all received the Distinguished Service Award. According to Fire Chief Nick West, these firefighters distinguished themselves with their service during and after the storm. They were Tyler Gallagher, Anthony Norris, Job Connor, Hollis Freeman, Adam Jordan, John Dean Alsup, TJ Johnson, Randy Jones, Matt Bryant, Chase Lancaster, Seth Hair, Marcus Singletary, Zack Bridgers, Jimmy Mize and Jason Page.

In addition, John Dean Alsup, who joined the fire department when he was 16, has been serving as junior firefighter. Alsup recently celebrated his 18th birthday which allows him to become a firefighter. In recognition of the milestone, he received his black helmet.

Firefighter Matt Bryant received the red helmet for a promotion in rank.

Chief West also gave the audience in attendance an overview of the department’s year. He said the department has implemented a new process for promotions that includes a written test, and interview and a fire scenario. The department is also implanting an officers development program to start at the firefighters level.

The department has also gotten new uniforms for the firefighters. The new uniform shirts are grey with dark trousers.  Another accomplishment Chief West itemized with establishing of a fire marshal’s division performing fire inspections and fire investigations.

Chief West told those gathered that the department had a tremendous turn out of volunteer members during Hurricane Matthew that were busy aiding citizens with various tasks from rescues to fires.

“I’m so very proud of you all,” said Chief West.