New Year’s resolutions

are on folk’s mind

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Bladen JournalVol. 113 No. 56 n Est. 1899

December 30, 2011www.bladenjournal.com

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2011 TOP STORIES

Erin Smith | Bladen JournalMelton Powell sits among the debris of his mobile home on Old Fayetteville Road in Ammon after the April 16 tornadoes swept through the area. Three people were killed by the storms in Ammon.

W. Curt Vincent Erin SmithStaff writers

The Bladen Journal staff took a careful look at the stories that came out of Bladen County during the past 12 months and discussed the importance and relevance of each one.

What follows is our subjec-tive choices for the biggest and best stories that made up this county’s fabric in 2011. Those choices are strictly the opinion of the Bladen Journal news-room staff. We understand, and hope you will as well, that certain stories carry greater importance to different people.

But the list we are present-ing, we think, is one that includes stories of far-reaching interest and importance.

Tornadoes kill four in the county

A historic tornado outbreak occurred on April 16 as a strong storm system pushed its way

across North Carolina, spawning as many as 62 tornadoes in North Carolina. About 24 lives were lost in the state, including four in

Bladen County.Bladen County took a

direct hit from two and possibly three tornadoes dur-ing the outbreak. The torna-does were later determined by the National Weather Service to be F2 tornadoes, which can have winds of up to 125 mph.

Three lives were lost in Bladen County in the Ammon area and one life was lost in Bladenboro as a result of the tornadoes. The Elizabethtown Baptist Church was severely damaged and several homes and businesses were also dam-aged by the storms.

Gov. Beverly Perdue toured the devastation in Bladen County along with local offi-cials.

Many local groups and state and federal agencies came in to help with the recovery efforts. The Bladen Baptist Men’s Association assisted with debris removal and repairs. FEMA, the Salvation Army, American Red Cross and other groups also arrived to offer their assistance to the storms victims.

West Bladen High School offered their assistance to the relief efforts by donating items and preparing emergen-cy kits. Once the kits were prepared then-Principal Todd Finn and his students set out to the Bladenboro community to assist as best they could and deliver the emergency kits which consisted of toiletries, cleaning supplies, school sup-plies, canned goods and other items.

1

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DeaDline to submit information is 11 a.m. on monDay for tuesDay’s eDition; 11 a.m. on thursDay for friDay’s eDition

bituaries ...O

Staff report

The following businesses and government offices have announced they will be closed for the New Year’s holiday:

— All Bladen County gov-ernment offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 2, in obser-vance of the New Year holi-day. They will resume their normal hours of operation Tuesday, Jan. 3.

— Bladen County Schools were released Friday, Dec. 16, for the Christmas holi-day and New Year’s holi-day. The school system will resume normal operations on Tuesday, Jan. 3.

— Bladen County Solid Waste Transfer Station will be closed Monday, Jan. 2, in observance of the New Year’s holiday. All other collection sites will operate on their nor-mal schedule.

— All municipal offices

will be closed Monday, Jan. 2, for the holiday. They will resume normal operations on Tuesday, Jan. 3.

— All North Carolina Courts will be closed on Monday, Jan. 2, for the holi-day. They will resume their normal hours of operation on Tuesday, Jan. 3.

— All North Carolina government offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 2, in observance of the New Year’s holiday. They will resume normal hours of operation on Tuesday, Jan. 3.

— All federal offices will be closed on Monday, Jan. 2, in observance of the holi-day. They will resume nor-mal hours of operation on Tuesday, Jan. 3.

— All banks will be closed Monday, Jan. 2, in obser-vance of the holiday. They will reopen for business on Tuesday, Jan. 3.

— The Bladen Journal office will be closed on Monday, Jan. 2, in observance of the New Year’s holiday. The office will reopen for busi-ness at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3. In addition, The Tuesday,

Jan. 3, newspaper will arrive in the mail for subscribers on Wednesday, Jan. 4. The Bladen Journal will be avail-able in the newsstands and at the office on Tuesday, Jan. 3, after 4 p.m.

New Year’s holiday closings listed

Monday, Jan. 2

No School

Tuesday, Jan. 3

BreakfastSuper Donut with CheeseAssorted Cereal with ToastFresh FruitAssorted Milk

LunchCheese Pizza

Corn Dog NuggetsBaked Tater TotsSeasoned CornApplesauceAssorted Milk

Wednesday, Jan. 4

BreakfastScrambled EggsBug BitesAssorted Cereal with ToastFresh FruitAssorted Milk

LunchChili with BeansSaltinesTurkey TortillaTossed SaladBaby Lima BeansPeach CupAssorted Milk

Thursday, Jan. 5

BreakfastSausage BiscuitAssorted Cereal with ToastFresh Fruit

Assorted MilkLunchSpaghetti with Meat SauceChicken NuggetsWhole Wheat RollGreen BeansVeggie CupMixed FruitAssorted Milk

Friday, Jan. 6

BreakfastSausageGrits and Cheese

ToastAssorted Cereal with ToastFresh Fruit Assorted Milk

LunchCheeseburgerHam and Cheese SandwichBaked BeansCarrot SticksChilled PearsAssorted Milk

School Lunch menu for Jan. 2 through Jan. 6

W. Curt VincentErin SmithStaff writers

New Year’s Eve has always been a time for looking back to the past, and more importantly, forward to the coming year.

It’s a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make and resolve to fol-low through on those changes.

The cel-ebration of the New Year is the oldest of all holidays. It

was first observed in ancient Babylon about 4,000 years ago.

The tradition of the New Year’s Resolutions goes all the

way back to 153 B.C. Janus, a mythical king of early Rome was placed at the head of the calendar.

With two faces, Janus could look back on past events and forward to the future.

Janus became the ancient sym-bol for resolutions and many Romans looked for forgiveness from their enemies and also exchanged gifts before the beginning of each year.

Following are the resolutions made by local folks, past and present, for New Year’s Eve …

— Rosita Age, Bladenboro: “I don’t make them; that’s so 20 years ago. I don’t need a New Year’s resolution to be disci-plined.”

— Ruth Rice, Dublin: “I still make them, usually for a good exercise program. This year my resolution is to concentrate on living life to the fullest.”

— Jean Gooden, Elizabethtown: “I don’t make them anymore. I take it as it comes and just enjoy myself.”

— Horace Bal l , Elizabethtown: “I’m 77 years old, so I make a resolution every day to wake up tomorrow. And when I do, I thank God.”

— Susan Porter, St. Pauls: “I don’t really make any. But I do strive to be the best wife, mother and friend I can be.”

—Jane King, Elizabethtown: “Organization is my priority for 2012. My goal is to follow Mary’s (McKeithan) guidance

and increase my exercising.”— L i n d a C l a rk ,

Elizabethtown: “I gave up a long time ago. In 2004, I made a resolution and I kept it. The last one I made was to quit smoking and I kept it. I figured I would end on a good note and I have not made one since then.”

From years past …

— In 1985, Steve Lesane of Elizabethtown said he’s “going to keep my same girlfriend.”

— In 1985, Ruth Gooden of Elizabethtown said she was “going to live a better life and try to be healthier.”

— In 1985, Teresa Parker of Clarendon said she wanted “to

work harder and be able to do a better job (and) try harder to get along with fellow employ-ees.”

— In 1985, Geneva Hester of Clarkton said “at my age, I’ve made up my mind to slow down this year (and) I’m going to take it easier and do more of the things I want to do.”

— In 1985, Mable Fisher of Elizabethtown said she was “going to try to catch up on the resolutions I made last year (and) to try to find something good in everybody.”

New Year’s traditions and superstitions

— Kissing at midnight is a tradition for many couples. According to toptenz.net, the

kiss at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve is a symbol that your love and affection for each other will continue all year long.

— The making of resolu-tions for some folks is a well-entrenched tradition.

— According to toptenz.net another tradition for New Year’s is the singing of Auld Lang Syne. The song is based on a Scottish poem and refers to “the good old days” accord-ing to the web site.

— According to the website toptenz.net the first person to visit your home in the New Year also has significance. According to the web site it is good luck if a man crosses your threshold, but as a guest, not as someone who resides there. Also, it is even better luck, according to the website, if he is tall and has dark hair.

— The web site adds that nothing should leave your house, including the trash, on New Year’s Day as it will alleg-edly bring bad luck. Oh, and for those who loath household chores, the web site recom-mends not doing laundry or dishes on New Years Day as that washes away good luck.

— It is also a tradition held by many that the New Year’s meal should consists of pork, black-eyed peas, greens such as collards, cabbage or kale. Also, the web site recommends eating 12 grapes, one for each month of the new year and adding lentils as they resemble coins for wealth and prosperity throughout the new year.

— Another superstition is: What you do on New Year’s Day you will do all year long. So, plan your New Year’s Day accordingly.

It’s that time: Resolutions are on folks’ minds

Erin Smith/Bladen JournalBernard Robinson looks over the collards in his truck at the Cape Fear Farmer’s Market recently. Collards are supposed to be consumed as part of a New Year’s meal to bring good luck and prosperity throughout the new year.

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Jean Gooden

Ruth Rice

Regina PridgenELIZABETHTOWN —

Regina Priden, 56, of 2566 U.S. Hwy. 701 N., died Friday, Dec. 23, at Bladen County Hospital.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Dec. 28, at Mount Olive AME Zion Church in Elizabethtown. The Rev. Haywood Oliver presided. Burial followed in the Mount Olive

AME Zion Church Cemetery.Survivors include: two

daughters, Pamela Pridgen and Lamonica Pridgen, both of Elizabethtown; five broth-ers, Gary Gillespie, Mark Gillespie, Desmond Gillespie and Christopher Shirer, all of Elizabethtown, and Cornelius Shirer of Clarkton; two sisters, Daisy Gillespie of

Lumberton and Luella Carter of Elizabethtown; and two grand-children.

A service of F.W. Newton & Sons Mortuary, Elizabethtown.

Robert Smith Jr.ELIZABETHTOWN —

Robert “Sunny” Smith Jr., 64, of 706 Powell Street, died Friday, Dec. 23, 2011.

A memorial service was held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, at Browns Creek AME Zion Church.

Surviving are his wife, Evon; daughters, Marion Blanks and Sharon Montgomery; siblings, Albert, Donald, Shirley Grimes and Judy.

A service of F.W. Newton & Sons Mortuary, Elizabethtown.

Richard FurmidgeWILLARD — Richard E.

Furmidge, 54, of 9282 NC Hwy. 11, formerly of Clinton, died Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011, at his residence.

Arrangements are incom-plete and will be announced by Carter Funeral Home in Garland.

Baby is killed by family dogsA Clarkton infant was mauled to

death by five family dogs and the grand-father and mother of the child were later arrested in the case. Addyson

Camerino was just 9 days old when the attack occurred.

The family reportedly owned five dogs — a pit bill, a bulldog, a German shepherd, a German Shepherd/bulldog mix, and an Alaskan mala-

mute.Chelsea Lynn Briggs, 18, was arrested and

charged with involuntary manslaughter shortly after the attack.

According to sources close to the investiga-tion, Brigman left her child in a car seat on a kitchen counter and went to take a shower.

The baby’s grandfather, Nelson E. Camerino, was later arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter.

Top StoriesFrom page 1A

December 30, 2011 n www.bladenjournal.com n Bladen Journal n Page 3A

Gov. Bev Perdue talks with Bladen County Sheriff Prentis Benston and Bladen County Emergency Management Director Bradley Kinlaw in Bladenboro the day after a tor-nado touched down in the area.

Jenny Hayes-Carroll | Bladen Journal

Courtney Melvin of East Bladen High

was named the state’s female high

school athlete of the year in 2011.

Kenny Armstrong | Bladen Journal

1

First Republican DA in two decades takes office

Jon David had the dis-tinction of being the first

Republican D i s t r i c t Attorney elect-ed to serve in the 13th Prosecutorial District in more than two decades. The district serves three coun-

ties — Columbus, Bladen and Brunswick.

David handily defeated chal-lenger Harold Butch Pope with 36,063 votes to Pope’s 31,990 votes in the November general election. Pope had earlier oust-ed longtime District Attorney Rex Gore in the May primary election.

Jon David

Write-in candidates fill Tar Heel boardWrite-in ballots were cast in

the recent municipal elections for the town of Tar Heel after no one filed seeking election to mayor and three council seats. There was a total of 46 ballots cast in the election.

Roy Dew won the mayor’s seat and will be joined by newly elected council members Sam

Allen, Angie Hall and Amy Knight.

Knight was an incumbent on the board who had initially decided not to run for re-elec-tion.

All received their oaths of office in December.

The election of write-in can-didates circumvented any pos-sible difficult decisions about the future of the town’s charter.

2 3

4

Saquan Johnson drafted by the Texas Rangers

On June 7, three-sport star Saquan Johnson from East Bladen High was drafted in the 28th round of the Major League Baseball Draft by the Texas Rangers. He was the 864th player chosen in the draft, and 12th high-school player selected by the Rangers.

Johnson hit .415 for the Eagles in the spring, scoring 32 runs and steal-

ing 25 bases. He also had a .522 on-base percentage for Coach Russell Priest’s team.

Johnson, who also excelled for the Eagles in foot-ball and basketball, was sent to the Arizona Rookie League by the Rangers, where he played for the team in Surprise, Ariz. While there, Johnson was given a chance to become a switch-hitter.

Late in the season, Johnson hit his first professional home run in Arizona. After the season, he was sent to the Dominican to continue training.

Johnson

5Courtney Melvin tabbed state’s

Female Athlete of the YearA stellar high-school career at East

Bladen High had a cherry placed on top when Courtney Melvin was

selected the Female Athlete of the Year by the North Carolina High School Athletic Association in May.

Chosen by a panel of statewide media representatives, the award went to Melvin after she averaged 24.2 points per game for the Lady Eagles, along with 10.9 rebounds per game. She was also the Eastern Region MVP, and led East Bladen to its third straight state champi-onship game.

Melvin, who signed a scholarship to play basketball at East Carolina, estab-lished a new school career scoring record with 2,527 points.

Melvin also excelled in volleyball and track for East Bladen.

6

Public officials indictedFour former public officials were indicted by

a Bladen County Grand Jury. Indicted were:• Gregory Alan Killingsworth, 59, former

superintendent of Public Schools in Bladen County. He was indicted on one count of obtaining property by false pretense. Date of offense: July 15, 2010.

• Sandra A. Baldwin, 52, a former counselor for Bladen County Vocational Rehabilitation Services, was indicted on 17 counts of obtaining property by false pre-tense. Date of offenses: Aug. 3, 2009 to June 24, 2010.

• Kelly Ard Smith, 41, former vice-president of finance for Bladen Community College, was indicted on two counts of obtaining property by false pretense. Date of offenses: July 1, 2010 to Dec. 31, 2010

• Mitchell Gerald Byrd, 51, former Bladen County fire marshal, was indicted on 25 counts of obtaining property by false pretense. Date of offenses: Nov. 14, 2005 to March 3, 2009.

These officials were each employed by various public agencies in Bladen County and were indicted for finan-cial crimes and misuse and misappropriation of public funds.

7Earthquake felt in Bladen CountyResidents in Bladen County received

a jolt as an earthquake, which measured 5.9 on the Richter scale, rocked Virginia.

No damages were reported but the 911 county’s Call Center was kept busy for a few minutes as about 10 calls were received reporting the incident.

The earthquake caused officials to evacuate the Capitol building in Washington, D.C., the Pentagon and downtown Washington, D.C., as a precaution.

8

Ken Cross goes to East BladenCoach Ken Cross, who served as

varsity basketball coach for West Bladen High through its first 10 years and won a Class 2-A state championship with the Knights in 2008, resigned his position at West Bladen after philosophical disagreements with the principal at the time.

Cross then was hired as varsity bas-ketball coach at East Bladen, where he took over an Eagles team that had turned in a 6-18 mark the previous season.

“This wasn’t something I planned,” Cross said. There were some mitigating factors — I prayed on it, because I just want to coach and be happy.”

So far, he has led East Bladen to a 10-1 record.

Coaches get milestone winsBladen County is fortunate enough to have a solid lineup

of high-school coaches for all of its athletics, but two took the spotlight in 2011 when they each achieved a coaching milestone.

First was East Bladen varsity girls basketball coach Patty Evers, who notched career coaching win No. 300 on Feb. 4 when her Lady Eagles defeated South Columbus High, 56-23.

“This means a lot because it means I’ve built up a program in the county I grew up in,” Evers said. “But I couldn’t do any of it without the hard-working players I’ve had …”

Evers, who was in her 15th season as a head coach, got her first 73 wins at Tar Heel High before coming to East Bladen.

Second was West Bladen varsity boys coach Ken Cross, who got career coaching win No. 600 with a victory over Beddingfield High on Feb. 23 in the Class 2-A sectional semifinals.

“My teams won 600 games,” Cross said, “I didn’t win any. I never played in any of those games.”

Cross, then in his 39th season as a head coach, has led success-ful programs in New Jersey, Georgia and Pennsylvania. He spent 11 seasons at Tar Heel High before coming to West Bladen.

9Honorable Mentions

n January: A blizzard dumps 7 inches of snow and

ice through-out Bladen County.n February: Former District Attorney Rex Gore and an assistant, Elaine Marshall,

are put under investiga-tion by the State Bureau of Investigation for improper activities.

n April: Robert Taylor is announced as the new super-intendent for Bladen County Schools.

n June: Larry Hammond, the longtime director of Bladen County Elections, retires.

n June: State Rep. William Brisson of Dublin sides with the state’s GOP to override Gov. Bev Perdue’s veto of the state budget plan.

n July: Todd Finn, principal at West Bladen High for one year, leaves the school for the same position at New Hanover High in Wilmington.

n July: The Bladen County Board of Education announces that no teaching jobs will be lost within the school system for the coming school year.

n July: U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre tours the business district of Elizabethtown to look over the recently completed downtown revitaliza-tion effort.

August: Bladen County hosts its first-ever Day of Caring, organized by the United Way of Bladen County.

n November: The town of Elizabethtown holds an open house for its recently completed Cape Fear Farmer’s Market.

10

Rex Gore

W. Curt Vincent| Bladen JournalJanuary brought the area its second 7-inch snowstorm of the winter.

The Bladen Journal welcomes letters to the editor. Letters should be about issues of general interest, brief and to the point. We reserve the right to refuse letters longer than 250 words; poetry; letters that are in bad taste or libelous; and letters from outside our readership. Letters may be edited, but content will not be al-tered. Letters should be original. They must be signed. Please include your address and daytime phone number. Street addresses and phone numbers will not be published. A photograph of the writer will be used if provided. Send letters to: Bladen Journal, P.O. Box 70, Elizabethtown, N.C. 28337 or fax them to (910) 862-6602. Letters can also be sent by e-mail to editor@bladenjournal.com or through the Bladen Journal’s Web site at www.bladenjournal.com.

Write to us!LETTERS ...

don’t do New Year’s resolu-tions. They just don’t seem to work out, which is true for most of us … so why waste the time?

The argument to that, of course, is that there are those who will tell you (and me) that it is up to you (and me) to lay the groundwork for our own destiny; that it’s up to you (and me) to put the pieces in place to ensure future successes; that it’s imperative for you (and me) to create the goals, set a course and follow it through.

Blah, blah and blah.I can’t say exactly what

I want to do tomorrow, much less for the next year or 10.

Sure, I’d like to lose some weight, but it’s not yet something my doctor says is necessary. And I wouldn’t mind exercising more often, but you sure won’t see me out run-ning the streets anytime soon … or in this lifetime. Then there’s the bit about being a better person — and if anyone needs a resolution for that one, it’s already too late.

So resolutions of any kind aren’t my thing. I’ve just never felt the need to set myself up for disap-pointment, which is exactly what resolutions do nearly every time.

If YOU don’t mind disappoint-ment and regret … by all means, have at it.

Instead, my annual first-of-the-year “thing” is to think about the things I’d like to see happen around me in the new year — kind of “My Hopes for 2012.” These don’t always work out, either, but at least I know that I had very little control over their success or failure. And, in some cases, abso-lutely NO control over them.

So here are my Top 10 hopes for 2012 …

— No. 10: I would hope there

would be no tragedies caused by God, man or beast in all of Bladen County. We had more than our share in 2011, which really ought to buy us a reprieve for the next 365 days.

— No. 9: I would like to see the economic doldrums of this nation — and, by extension, this state and county — truly begin to recede. It’s gone on long enough. Far too many folks have been hurt by it already.

— No. 8: I would like to see the NCAA stop its ridiculous reason-ing for not having a Div. I college

football playoff. We know who the best college bas-ketball team was in 2011 (Connecticut); we know who the best college baseball team was in 2011 (South Carolina); and we know who the best col-lege hockey team was in 2011 (Minnesota-Duluth). We know this because there are playoffs in each. We have NEVER known for sure who the best col-lege football team is. It’s

time.— No. 7: I would like to see

Harmony Hall Plantation in White Oak somehow become the histori-cal icon and tourist attraction it should be — perhaps through a mix of local creativity and state support.

— No. 6: I hope the furious pace of social networking slows to a snail’s pace. While things like Facebook and MySpace and Twitter and even email and texting have provided the world with a much quicker way to communicate, it has also created many destruc-tive and dangerous opportunities. We’ve moved too far away from handwritten letters, talking and handshakes.

— No. 5: It is my hope that America becomes, once again, a Christian nation. We need to put

God back in the schools. We need to remove agendas from those churches that teach anything but the true word of God. We need to elect leaders who put God above all else. And we need to get back to prayer. There was a time when all of these things were in place, and this nation was far more accepting, compassionate and wor-thy of God’s blessings.

— No. 4: I hope this country has had enough of “Yes, we can!” when clearly “No, he couldn’t!” After four years of “The Great Half-Black Hope,” this country needs yet another new direction before we are forced to bail out everyone except ourselves. There is nothing better today than it was three years ago. In fact, it is worse. If the donkeys want to keep the White House, then they need to find someone to run against Mr. O-No-I-Can’t.

— No. 3: I hope, somehow, we can start to eliminate our reliance on China for manufactured goods. Too many things we purchase say “Made in China” on them, when they need to be made right here in the United States. NAFTA should be eliminated and jobs brought back home. And YOU, the consum-er, should refuse to buy anything made in a foreign country. Now THERE’S a New Year’s resolution for you!

— No. 2: It’s about time peace on earth meant something. Over the past handful of years, we’ve seen the downfall and even death of many of the world’s most hei-nous dictators — now I hope we start to see a rebuilding toward a peacefulness that has been far too quiescent for far too long.

— No. 1: And finally, I hope for the simple things in life … health, happiness, prosperity, joy and love. If we each strive for these things in our own little world, it just may begin to spread.

Happy New Year, everyone.

FridayDecember 30, 2011

Page 4AOpinion

Here’s WHat We tHinkEDITORIAL ...

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es, that time of year is upon us again: during the December holidays we were especially good to each other, and on Jan. 1, we resolve to

be especially good to ourselves.We’ll eat healthier, we’ll make our

lifestyles more sustainable, we’ll be more frugal (the current economic climate leaves us little choice), we’ll turn over that new leaf that pops up every year around this time …

Blah, blah, blah.Enough already with the resolu-

tions!You’ve been there, done that, got

the bumper sticker, bought the tee-shirt, misplaced the button, and chipped the coffee mug. In two plac-es. Fear not — you can relax, because we’re not going to exact a single pledge from you. After all, you’re slogging through the vicissitudes of winter and you’ve got enough to deal with.

Those who still make New Year’s resolutions do so with every good intention they can muster to follow through with them. And every once in a while, one of those resolutions might actually find a way to achieving success — though it’s probably more through luck than willpower.

For those who understand how reso-lutions can be a source of self-torture and disappointment, we offer you this small piece of comfort: You are not alone. In fact, you are in the majority.

While it’s nice to use the dawning of a new year to re-evaluate your per-sonal and professional standing in life, there is little reason for setting yourself up with lofty “wants” that you know good and well will only fall flat. The sad truth is, more than 90 percent of the resolutions made on Jan. 1 never survive the month.

And if you stop making resolutions, we are sure you will quickly see just how far less stressful your life will be.

So as 2012 approaches, we will wish for you the simple things that are so important in life — family, friends, health, a comfortable lifestyle and a realization that God loves you. Everything else is secondary.

Happy New Year, y’all.

Littlevalue

My hopes for 2012

W. Curt VincentGM/Editor

LADEN JOURNAL TIME CAPSULE ...Bladen Journal headlines from ...

Bn Dec. 31, 1953: Bladen County

Sheriff John B. Allen reports that “10 illicit liquor stills (and) 1,925 gallons of mash” have been destroyed during the year. A total of eight arrests have been made.

n Dec. 30, 1976: Elizabethtown Police Chief Charles Taylor is fea-tured in the winter edition of the “North Carolina Police Officer” magazine.

n Dec. 29, 1986: The personal income average in Bladen County jumps at a higher rate than either the state of North Carolina or the United States between 1984 and 1985. The increase in Bladen County was 7.9 percent; the increase in North Carolina was 7.2 percent; and the increase in the United States was 6.7 percent.

n Dec. 28, 2001: A primary elec-tion in Bladen County remains on hold while the U.S. Department of Justice works to approve a new state redistricting plan.

n Dec. 29, 2006: Cory Hester pops the big question to his girl-friend Leann Edwards as part of the Bladenboro Christmas Parade. To his delight and relief, Edwards said “yes.”

THE STAFF

W. Curt Vincentgeneral manager/editorcvincent@heartlandpublications.com

Erin Smith ........................ reporteresmith@heartlandpublications.com

Jenny Hayes-Carroll .... front deskjcarroll@heartlandpublications.com

(USPS 057720)

Second class postage at Elizabethtown, N.C., and additional mailing offices*Published Tuesday and Friday*

Web address: www.bladenjournal.comContact us

For news: cvincent@heartlandpublications.com For school news:esmith@heartlandpublications.com

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I

Y

December 30, 2011 n www.bladenjournal.com n Bladen Journal n Page 5A

lzheimer’s.Just the word scares you to

death, doesn’t it?A few years ago, I saw an

article that described and gave examples of a new mental test

that can make a very reliable preliminary diagnosis of early onset Alzheimer’s.

I read every word. I answered every question. I will tell you why in a minute.

My family has a long interest in this disease. It slowly robs its victims of the ability to remember and to reason. Then it takes their personalities and slowly steals their lives away.

My father was a victim. After his death, my mother spent the last part of her life comforting the families of victims, orga-nizing support groups, and raising money to find the causes of Alzheimer’s.

But there is more to it, more that explains why any article about Alzheimer’s always stops me in my tracks.

More than 40 years ago my father, only 58 years old, learned he was afflicted with early onset Alzheimer’s. A successful col-

lege president, widely admired and loved, he seemed happy with his work and ready for many years of additional service to his college and community.

It never seemed fair.But, of course, the killer dis-

eases that bring about prema-ture death never seem fair.

Now, why did I try all the questions on that test that made the preliminary check for Alzheimer’s? Well, we all worry sometimes, don’t we? We worry about losing little bits of memory and wonder if perhaps, God forbid, it might be Alzheimer’s?

I worry, too, but then I think about my dad, and it is more than worry.

I am older than my dad was when he found out about his Alzheimer’s.

So I think about it more. It is not so much worrying about losing my memory. In fact, I did well on the test. Instead, I mourn the loss of what my father would

have taught me had he been spared.My father’s life was full of monuments

for me. He showed me how to live and serve with grace and honor. His example

was a good one, all the way until Alzheimer’s brought him down.

Now I ask myself, “Who teaches me how to live the rest of my life? Whose example do I follow now?”

I miss not knowing how he would have dealt with all the things life brings in late middle age and retirement years. And now, when normal old age would almost certainly have brought about his death even if Alzheimer’s had not taken him so early, I miss most of all not

having had the chance to watch and learn how he would have faced his normal aging and death.

You see, Alzheimer’s stole not just his life. It stole his ability to face death and deal with it.

I wish I had his example. I think it would have been a good one. But I will never know.

Meanwhile, I can watch and learn from others.

Terry Sanford, for instance. When the former governor and senator received a diagnosis of “inoperable cancer,” he turned it into a challenge to live to the fullest until his death in 1998. He figured out new ways to persuade people to sup-port good causes. He seemed to be telling us, “I am going to live a lot longer than you might think, but however long it is, it is going to be good.”

I like that example.When the time comes, I hope I can fol-

low it.And, if I do, I know that my dad would

be proud.n D.G. Martin hosts UNC-TV’s “North Carolina Bookwatch,” which airs Fridays at 9:30 p.m. and Sundays at 5 p.m. For more information or to view prior pro-grams visit the webpage at www.unctv.org/ncbookwatch/

Who can teach us how to live and die?A

D.G. MartinContributing Columnist

ost people judge the economy by the job market, and certainly the job news in North Carolina during the last few years has been challenging. For 34 straight

months beginning in January 2009, our state has had an unemployment rate (sea-sonally adjusted) above 9 percent, and in 23 of those months the rate was over 10 percent. Today there are more than 300,000 fewer jobs than there were in early 2008, and although there’s been job growth since 2010, the growth rate has been quite low, at 0.6 percent.

And what’s more worrisome to many is that the state’s job situation has under-performed the national numbers. In the last three years, North Carolina’s unem-ployment rate has been higher than the national rate in all but one month. Also, since the beginning of 2010, the nation has added jobs at a rate three times faster than North Carolina (1.8 percent versus 0.6 percent), and even the national growth is sluggish.

So this isn’t a very positive picture for North Carolina. But what if I told you another broad measure of the economy actually shows North Carolina per-forming much better and even better than the nation for two straight years? This would give us some hope.

The good news is that such a measure does exist, and it gives a much more upbeat view of our state’s economy. The measure is “gross domestic product,” usually shortened to GDP. It calibrates the value of what is produced in an economy, and the mea-sure is available for the nation as well as all states. Unfortunately, we don’t yet have 2011 GDP information available, so my compari-sons are based on 2009 and 2010 data.

The worst of the reces-sion occurred in 2009, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that GDP fell in both the nation and in North Carolina dur-ing that year. But GDP fell less (2 percent) in our state compared to the national drop (2.5 percent). Fortunately, 2010 was a growth year for GDP, and once again North Carolina did better, with our state GDP rising one-third faster than national GDP.

These results create an economic paradox. While North Carolina has per-formed better than the nation in the past two years by a broad measure of pro-duction (GDP), the state’s job market has lagged national trends. Why?

There are several possible answers. Usually it takes time — especially when the economy is coming out of a recession — for increases in output to translate into increases in jobs. One rea-son is that businesses must be convinced the economic improvement is permanent, so they will hold off on hir-ing until they are certain the recovery is for real.

Yet there’s no require-ment that the time between output improvements and hiring is the same in North Carolina as in the nation. In fact, traditionally the time span between output improvements and jobs has been longer in North Carolina. For example, in the economic expansion of the 2000s (2002-07), employment growth was faster in North Carolina than in the nation over the entire period, but it was slower in the first three

years.Job growth in North Carolina could

also be lagging due to the continued downsizing in some of the state’s tradi-tional industries. Tobacco, textiles and furniture, which dominated the North Carolina economy for almost a century, have been cutting output and jobs during the last 30 years. These changes have occurred in both expansionary and recessionary periods.

However, trends since early 2010 don’t suggest this down-sizing has been a big factor in the state’s job market. Since then, cuts in tobacco and tex-tile (including apparel) jobs have been relatively small, accounting for only 0.1 percent of all state jobs. The furniture industry has actually added some jobs in the last two years.

This brings us to an explanation for the North Carolina economic paradox that can be a short-run negative but a long-run plus: worker productivity.

During and immediately after recessions, businesses strive to use their workers smarter and more efficiently; that is, to improve output per worker. This can be done by improving production techniques, using better technology and upgrad-ing equipment and machinery. Indeed, spending on technol-ogy, machinery and equipment has been a strong factor in the recent economy.

North Carolina is one of the leading states in worker pro-ductivity. In 2010 (latest year

available), the state ranked 11th among all states in a broad measure of worker productivity. Also, from 2009 to 2010, North Carolina’s worker productivity

improved twice as fast as the national rate.

Obviously, if two people can do the work that three used to accomplish, job gains will be slower in the short run. This could be what has been happening in North Carolina and may be one reason for the state’s economic paradox.

Yet there can be a silver lining. Businesses like to locate where worker productivity is high. So the payoff for the state may be a burst of jobs down the road. I know many people are waiting, and I’m hopeful it will happen, but you decide!n Mike Walden is a William Neal Reynolds Professor and North Carolina Cooperative Extension economist in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics of N.C. State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He teaches and writes on personal finance, economic outlook and public policy

What explains N.C. economic paradox?

L U M B E RT O N, N C | 9 1 0 - 6 7 1 - 6 6 1 9 | W W W. S O U T H E A S T E R N H E A RT. O R G

WALKING UP THE STAIRS, JUNE QUANDT

FELT HER CHEST SQUEEZE TOGETHER.

OH BOY, HERE WE GO AGAIN,

SHE THOUGHT BEFORE SHE COLLAPSED.

“I had a mild heart attack in 2008. My first thought

was I was having another, but this was different,”

said June. “I couldn’t breathe, and it felt like my

body was shutting down. For the first time in my

life, I was scared I was going to

die.” Turns out, June wasn’t

having a heart attack, but did

need a pacemaker. “During my

surgery, everyone at Southeastern

went beyond the call of duty. I had

such confidence in the doctors, especially

knowing they were with Duke,” June said. “I know

I’m not going to live forever, but I’m going to be

healthy and enjoy life.”

Mike WaldenContributing Columnist

M

ReligionFRIDAYDec. 30, 2011

Page 6A

Bladen Journal The Religion calendar is for Bladen County churches to announce their upcoming events, which are published on a space-available basis. The deadline to submit events for Friday’s edi-tion is Wednesday at noon.

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Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

These are the words of Simon Peter, one of Jesus’ first dis-

ciples, written to some of the first and earliest Christians. And like most words put down on paper, these instructions have not always honored the intent of the author.

Peter wrote this during a time when Christianity was new, unheard of in most places, and very often viewed with suspicion. Thus, a graceful and thoughtful explanation “for the hope that you have” was absolutely required. Thousands of years later, Christianity is still handled with suspicion by many. Not because it is a novel invention, but because a large core of its adherents have misapplied Simon Peter’s good words.

Having a “prepared answer” – that is a ready opportunity to interact, dia-logue, and discuss beliefs with others – has been replaced with defensiveness, anger, and out-and-out hostility toward those who see things differently. Many have forgotten to read the second half of old St. Pete’s instructions: “But do

this in a gentle and respectful way,” he said.

Yes, I am a follower of Jesus. Yes, I consider myself a Christian (on most days). Yes, there are a number of essen-tial beliefs important to me and to which I hold. Yes, some of these beliefs are in conflict with the beliefs of others, and these conflicts are not easily dismissed. But my beliefs, as important as they may be, do not give me the right to be belligerent toward others who do not share my beliefs.

I will allow that Christians aren’t the only ones who behave this way. Devotees to other faiths, politicians of all parties and persuasions, soc-cer fans, college alumni, and those with all manner of competing opinions will attack, degrade, and smear those they consider their opponents. The intent, it seems, is clear: Win the argument at all costs.

This cutthroat way of life is consum-ing every facet of our society, resulting in a complete collapse of common civil-ity – that’s a column unto itself – and

there is no relief on the near horizon. Anywhere there is an “us” versus “them” attitude there will be nothing but antagonism and disappointment until “them/they” are somehow rehabili-

tated or totally vanquished in favor of “us/we.”

In other words, peace will only come when all our adver-saries are destroyed. This may be the way the world works, but it is not the way of Christ. For Christians, if Jesus is who this thing is about, then things should be different. Just because we have some assurance of our faith and beliefs, we forfeit the ability to share that assurance when we behave badly.

Our beliefs need not – should not – cannot – must not – be used to hurt or harm others. Consistently, and this should rend our hearts to pieces, Christians are charac-terized as mean-spirited, judgmental, critical, and inflexible (You don’t need research statistics to confirm this con-clusion. Simply do an informal inter-view on any street corner.).

This is a reputation we have largely

earned, because we have been more concerned with proving we are right, than we have been proving God’s pro-found love and grace. We have been more concerned with providing answers than we have with providing gentleness and respect.

Personally, I don’t think Jesus came to create an “in” group, an assembly of elitists who have truth held down under lock and key. I believe he came to create a “come on in” group, a crowd of fellow-journeyers who come to know God, experience grace, live life, and serve others together. But why would anyone want to come in to such a group if its representatives are constantly rude, arrogant, and unyielding.

Even if such a group had all the answers to all the questions in the world (and humility should caution anyone from making such a claim), it would be impossible to hear what they had to say, because it is simply impos-sible to hear the truth when it is com-municated from a hard heart.n Ronnie McBrayer is a syndicated col-umnist, speaker, and author. His books include “Leaving Religion, Following Jesus” and “The Jesus Tribe.” Visit his website at www.ronniemcbrayer.net.

We must rely on belief, not on belligerency

Ronnie McBrayeContributing Columnist

“

Dec 31n The Sandhill MBC

Deacons will conduct a Watch Night Service starting at 10:30 p.m. with a candlelight march. Come and help usher 2011 out and 2012 in.

n Baker’s Creek A.M.E. Zion Church located at 656 Center Road, Dublin, will have a Watch Night service Saturday, Dec. 31, at 10:30 p.m. and a New Year Day Worship ser-vice at 10 a.m. with Holy Communion. Sherwin O. Greene Sr., pastor, will be preaching at both services.

n The Baldwin Branch Missionary Church will have New Year’s Eve “Watch Night” service at 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31. Musical ministry will feature the Praise Ensemble and musicians.

n First New Light Baptist Church of White Oak will have a Community Fellowship New Year’s Eve Service Saturday, Dec. 31, at 10 p.m. The speaker will be the Rev. Troy Russell, pastor of St. Thomas AME Zion Church, and the choirs of St. Thomas AME Zion Church and St. John AME Zion Church will also perform. The church is located at 5146 River Road, White Oak.

Jan. 1

n Baker’s Creek A.M.E. Zion Church located at 656 Center Road, Dublin, will have a New Year Day Worship service at 10 a.m. with Holy Communion. Sherwin O. Greene Sr., pastor, will be preaching at the service.

Jan. 4

n Baldwin Branch has also scheduled their Bible Class series, “The Power and Purpose of the Daniel Fast” for 6:30 p.m. each Wednesday beginning Jan. 4 and will meet Jan. 11 and Jan. 18. Baldwin Branch is locat-ed at 4047 NC 242 Hwy. South, Elizabethtown.

Jan. 28

n A wild game cook off and barbecue sup-per will take place at Elizabethtown Baptist Church in Elizabethtown from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Supper will start at 5:30 p.m. Events will include a 3D archery shoot, long range and iron buck shoot, bounce houses for the children, and the U.S.D.A. Wildlife ser-vices trapping trailer will

also be onhand. There will be door prizes and more. The grand prize will be a pheasant tower hunt at Allen Brothers Hunting Preserve. The church is located at 1800 W. Broad Street, Elizabethtown.

Ongoing

n Centennial AME Zion Church will be hav-ing bible study every Tuesday night from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. and Sunday worship ser-vices at 10 a.m. These services will be held temporarily at the Paul R. Brown building, 1360 Martin Luther King Dr., Elizabethtown. Call Rev. Andrea McDowell for any questions or con-cerns at 910-991-1386.

n Grace Church of God will be sponsoring a “give-away” of clothes and other items on the first Saturday of each month from 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. for all who desire to come. The event will take place at the church on 113 Elm Street, next to the Bladenboro Community Center.

n The White Oak Family Worship Center is holding evening ser-vices the first, second and third Sundays of each month at 6 p.m. The fourth Sunday is

Family Day and there are no evening services on Family Day. The church is located at 1932 Burney Road, White Oak.

n Are you look-ing for a good Bible study? Then join us each Wednesday night at 7 p.m. at Living Springs Church located at 909 Poplar Street, Elizabethtown.

n Elizabethtown Baptist Church will have a fish fry every third Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. For more information, contact Elizabethtown Baptist Church Office at 862-4538.

n The Refuge of Deliverance Ministries will be having a noon day prayer every Wednesday. The prayer is open to everyone.

n The “Hour of Prayer” is held each Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m. at Living Springs Church. The church is located at 909 Poplar Street, Elizabethtown.

n Purdie United Methodist Church, locat-ed on Hwy. 87 W. near Tar Heel, has opened a food pantry, but the hours have changed. Items may be picked up from the church fellow-ship hall between 5 and 6 p.m. every Wednesday evening. A church representative may be contacted at 876-3761

for more information. Donations for the pantry are welcome and may be dropped off at Allen’s Tire Service in Tar Heel.

n Trinity United Methodist Church in Elizabethtown is holding two morning worship services with a service at 8:30 a.m. and a sec-ond service at 11 a.m.

n Full Gospel Christian Church of Deliverance is now offering a daily prayer ministry hotline Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Call 645-6046.

n I Am Inc. will have a breakfast each Sunday morning. Breakfast will be served at 9 a.m. in Leinwand Park in Elizabethtown on Sundays and on Saturday mornings in Riegelwood on 87 South make a right on Lake Road in front of the school. For more infor-mation contact Dave at 876-0421 in Riegelwood and Hubert at 910-580-3099 in Elizabethtown.

n Sword of the Lord is offering free meals every Monday and Wednesday from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. Meals will be served at 404 Martin Luther King Drive in Elizabethtown. Everyone is invited to attend.

n Dublin First Baptist Church will hold an

after-school care pro-gram for children Pre-K through 5th grade. The cost is $45 per week and hours are from 2:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. There is a $45 registration fee. For more information, contact 862-2277.

n Awana Kids Clubs have begun at Dublin First Baptist Church. All children ages 3 years to 8th grade are invited to attend every Sunday night from 6 - 8 p.m. Register by calling the church at 862-2277 between 9 a.m. - noon.

n The Baldwin Branch Missionary Baptist Church Book Store is open. Current hours of operation are Sundays from 9:15 - 9:45 a.m., and for 30 minutes following the 11 a.m. worship services.

It is also open each Wednesday evening from 6:45 - 7:15 p.m. The church is located at 4047 N.C. 242 Hwy. S. in Elizabethtown.

n Galeed Baptist Church is holding Kids Worship at 11 a.m. for ages 5-10 in the church fellowship hall. Contact, Nicole White at 863-3407 for more informa-tion.

n Sword of the Lord Ministries, located at 404 Martin Luther King Drive in Elizabethtown, holds a daily prayer ses-sion at 6 a.m.

The Bladen Journal

wants to publishphotos

from your church event ...

Photos, along with information about the event, may be

dropped off at our of-fice at 138 W. Broad

St. in Elizabethtown; mailed

to the Bladen Journal at P.0.

Box 70, Elizabethtown 28337; or e-mailed to

esmith@heartlanpublications.

com(do not send informa-

tion in a doc file).

Bladen County Church DirectoryDecember 30, 2011 n www.bladenjournal.com n Bladen Journal n Page 7A

AME ZionBaker’s Creek AME Zion

Church, Dublin, Sunday School 10am, Worship Service 11a.m.

Brown’s Creek AME Zion Church, Brown’s Creek Church Road, Sunday School 10a.m., Worship Service 11a.m.

Carver’s Creek AME Zion Church, 210 Carver’s Creek Church Road, Sunday School 9:45 a.m., 1st & 3rd Sundays Morning Worship Service 11a.m.

Cromartie Hill AME Zion Church, Council, Sunday School 9:45a.m., 1st & 3rd Sundays Worship Service 11:45a.m., Wednesday night Prayer Meeting

Cromartie Hill AME Zion Church, Clarkton, Sunday School 10a.m., 1st & 3rd Sundays Worship Service 11a.m., Wednesday night Prayer Meeting and Bible Study 7p.m.

Harrison Creek AME Zion Church, White Oak, Sunday School 10am, 2nd & 4th Sundays Worship Service 11a.m.

Martin Chapel AME Zion Church, Hwy. 53, Elizabethtown, Sunday School 10 a.m., 1st & 3rd Sundays Worship Service 11 a.m.

Millers Chapel AME Zion Church, Old Fayetteville Road, Garland, 1st, 2nd and 4th Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m., Wednesday night Prayer and Bible Study, 6:30 p.m.

Mt. Olive AME Zion Church, Mt. Olive Community, Sunday School 9:45a.m., Worship Service 11a.m., Wednesday night Bible Study, 7:15 p.m.

Mt. Zion AME Zion Church, Ben Street, Elizabethtown, Sunday School 9:45am, Worship Service 11am, Tuesday night Bible Study 7:15pm

Pierce’s Chapel AME Zion Church, Clarkton, Sunday School 10am, Worship Service 11am, Wednesday night Prayer Meeting and Bible Study 7:30pm

Piney Grove AME Zion Church, Clarkton, Sunday School 9:45am, Worship Service 11am-1pm

Rehobeth AME Zion Church, Clarkton, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11am, Tuesday night Prayer Meeting and Bible Study 7:30 p.m.

Savannah Temple AME Zion Church, Lisbon Road, Clarkton, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m., Wednesday night Prayer Meeting 7 p.m.-8 p.m.

St. James A.M.E. Chuch, 1630 Overlyon Road, Kelly, Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m.

St. John AME Zion Church, White Lake Road, Sunday School 10a.m., Worship Service 11a.m., Wednesday night Bible Study 7p.m., Community Fellowship and Empowerment Sunday, every 2nd Sunday 11a.m.

St. Luke AME Zion Church, Bladenboro, Sunday School 10a.m., Worship Service 11a.m., Wednesday night Bible Study 7p.m.

St. Peter’s AME Zion Church, White Lake, Sunday School 10 a.m., 2nd & 4th Sundays Worship Service 11a.m.

St. Rest AME Zion Church, White Oak, Sunday School 10 a.m., 2nd & 4th Sundays Worship Service 11 a.m.

St. Thomas AME Zion Church, Hwy 53, White Oak, Sunday School 10 a.m., 1st & 3rd Sundays Worship Service 11 a.m., Wednesday night Prayer Service 6 p.m.

Zion Chapel AME Zion Church, Across from TV Tower, Kelly, Sunday School 10 a.m., 1st & 3rd Sundays Worship Service 11 a.m., Wednesday night Prayer Service 7:30 p.m.

Assembly Of GodFirst Assembly of God, Hwy

410, Bladenboro, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m., Wednesday nights 7 p.m.

BaptistAbbottsburg Baptist Church,

Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. and Sunday nights 7:30 p.m., Wednesday night Prayer Meeting 7:30 p.m.

Baldwin Branch Baptist Church, 4047 Hwy 242 S, Elizabethtown, Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Worship Service 8:45 a.m. every 2nd and 4th Sunday; 11 a.m., Bible Study Wednesday 7 p.m.

Beards Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Hwy 701 N of White Lake, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m.

Bethel Baptist Church, Dublin, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m., Evening Services 7 p.m., Wednesday night Prayer Meeting 7:30 p.m.

Bladenboro First Baptist Church, 500 Main Street, Bladenboro, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m., Wednesday night Prayer Service 6:30 p.m.

Bladen Union Baptist Church, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m., Bible Study Sunday nights 6 p.m. & Wednesday nights 7:30 p.m.

Briar Branch Baptist Church, NC 242 near Ammon, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m.

Bryant Swamp Baptist Church, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m., Wednesday night Bible Study and Prayer Meeting 7:30 p.m.

Butters Baptist Church, 1877 Berry Lewis Road, Bladenboro, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., Wednesday Prayer and Praise Service 7:30 p.m. R/A & G/A’s Acteens, Mission Friends firstst and third Wednesday’s at 7 p.m. WMU first Monday of the month 7 p.m. Brotherhood second Monday of the month 7 p.m. Prayer meet-ing each Monday 10 a.m.

Center Road Baptist Church, 2484 Center Road, Bladenboro, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., Church Training 6 p.m., Wednesday night Prayer Service 7:30 p.m.

Centerville Baptist Church, Kelly, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m., Wednesday night Worship Service 7:30 p.m.

Christ Community Baptist

Church, Elizabethtown, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Clarkton Baptist Church, College Street, Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m.

Community Baptist Church, Bladenboro, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m.

Council Baptist Church, Council, Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m., Wednesday night Prayer Meeting 7:30 p.m.

Cypress Creek Missionary Baptist Church, Garland, Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Worship Service 11a.m. and 6:30 p.m., Wednesday nights 7:30 p.m.

Dublin First Baptist Church, Dublin, Early Worship Service 8:45 a.m., Sunday School 10 a.m., Traditional Worship Service 11 a.m., AWANA 6 p.m., Evening Worship Service 7 p.m., Youth Bible Study 7 p.m., Wednesday nights 7 p.m.

Elizabethtown Baptist Church, Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m., Wednesday night Fellowship Supper 6 p.m., Bible Study 6:45 p.m.

Faith Baptist Church, White Oak, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m.

First Baptist Church, 501 Martin Street, Elizabethtown, Intercessory Prayer 9 a.m., Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m., Life Changing Word Study Wednesdays 6:30 p.m.

First Baptist Church, Bladenboro, Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m.

First Baptist Church, Clarkton, Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Worship Service 11a.m. and 6 p.m. Sept - May, 7 p.m. during summer months.

First Missionary Baptist Abbottsburg, Bladenboro, Sunday School 10 a.m., 1st & 3rd Sundays Worship Service 11:30 a.m.

First New Light Baptist Church, White Oak, Sunday School 10am, Worship Service 11 a.m., CTU 1st Wednesday 7 p.m., Bible Study, Wednesdays 7 p.m.

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Garland, Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Galeed Baptist Church, Bladenboro, Sunday School 9:45 am, Worship Service 10:45 a.m., Sunday night Discipleship Training 6:30 p.m., Wednesday nights 7:30 p.m.

Good News Baptist Church, intersection of Center Rd. and N.C. 211 Bypass, Bladenboro, Sunday School 10 a.m., Morning Worship 11 a.m., Evening Worship 6:30 p.m., Wednesday Service 7 p.m.

Grace Baptist Church, Bladenboro, Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m., Training Union 6 p.m., Wednesday nights 7 p.m.

Grace Independent Baptist Church, Garland, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m., Prayer Time 5:45 p.m., Evening Services 6 p.m., Wednesday nights Prayer Service and Bible Study 7 p.m.

Haw Bluff Baptist Church, 1433 Haw Bluff Road, Kelly, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., Wednesday Nights Prayer Meeting and Children’s Services 7 p.m.

Hickory Grove Baptist Church, Bladenboro, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m., Sunday night Discipleship Training 6:30 p.m., Wednesday night Prayer Service 7:30 p.m.

Jerusalem Baptist Church, Hwy 211, Council, Sunday School 10 a.m., 1st & 3rd Sundays Worship Service 11 a.m.

Kitchen Branch Missionary Baptist Church, Council, Sunday School 10 a.m., Sunday Pastoral Services 11:30 a.m.

Lisbon Baptist Church, Clarkton, Sunday School 9:30 a.m., Worship Service 10:30 a.m.

Love Grove Baptist Church, Tar Heel, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., Wednesday Bible Study 7 p.m.

Mt. Elam Missionary Baptist Church, Hwy 210 N, Garland, Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m., Prayer Meeting/Bible Class Mondays 7:30 p.m.

New Center Baptist Church, Bladenboro, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m., Wednesday night Prayer Service 7:30 p.m.

New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 1604 White Plains Church Road, Clarkton, 645-6464, Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m., Missionary Meeting 1st Wednesday night 6:30 p.m., BTU (Baptist Training Union) 2nd Wednesday 6:30 p.m., Bible Study 3rd, 4th and 5th Wednesday nights 7:30 p.m.

Northside Baptist Church, 898 Sunset Park Road, Bladenboro, Sunday School 10 a.m., Sunday morning Worship 11 a.m., Discipleship Training 6:30 p.m., Sunday Evening Worship 7:30 p.m., Wednesday evening Prayer Service and Bible Study 7:30 p.m.

Peace Baptist Church, Bladenboro, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m., Wednesday night service 7 p.m.

Pilgrim Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 869 Elkton Road, Clarkton, Pastoral Services 1st & 3rd Sundays, Prayer Meeting Wednesday 8 p.m.

Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 851 S Braddy Plantation Road, Council, Sunday School 10 a.m., Morning Worship 1st and 3rd Sunday 11a.m., Bible Study Thursday 6:30 p.m., Missionary Meeting 1st Monday each month 6:30 p.m., BTU every 2nd Sunday 11 a.m.

Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Clarkton, Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m.

Pleasant Union Missionary Baptist Church, East Arcadia, Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. on the 2th and 4th Sundays, Bible Study Monday 7 p.m.

Richardson Baptist Church, Bladenboro, Sunday School 10

a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m.Riverside Baptist Church,

Harrells, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service Sunday 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., Wednesday 7 p.m.

Round Branch Baptist Church, 10295 Center Road, Bladenboro, 648-6026, Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Worship Service 1st, 2nd, and 4th Sunday 11 a.m., Youth Worship Service 3rd Sunday 11 a.m., Youth Bible Study Wednesday 6 p.m., Adult Bible Study Wednesday 7 p.m.

Sandy Grove Baptist Church, Bladenboro, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m.

Sandhill Missionary Baptist Church, 16920 Twisted Hickory Road, Bladenboro

Second New Light Missionary Baptist Church, 3201 Purdie-Hall Rd., St. Pauls, Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Morning Worship 11:15 a.m., Prayer Service Wednesday 11 a.m. &7:30 p.m.

Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 10981 Twisted Hickory Road, Bladenboro, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Wednesday night Bible study 7:30 p.m.

Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, Dublin, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m.

Suggs Missionary Baptist Church, Hwy. 53, Fayetteville, Sunday School10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m., Sunday Night Service 1st & 3rd Sunday 7:30 p.m., Wednesday Night Prayer Service 7:30 p.m.

Tar Heel Baptist Church, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m., Discipleship Training 7 p.m., Wednesday Prayer Service 7 p.m.

West Bladenboro Baptist Church, Village Street, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m., Wednesday Prayer Service 7 p.m.

White’s Creek Baptist Church, Clarkton, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. & 6:30 p.m., Sunday & Wednesday Night 7:30 p.m.

White’s Creek Missionary Baptist Church, Libson Community, DR 1704 off NC 87, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m., Wednesday Prayer Meeting 7:30 p.m.

White Lake Baptist Church, 7585 N.C. Hwy. 41 East, Elizabethtown, Praise and Worship 10:30 a.m. Sunday; Sunday morn-ing Worship Service 11 a.m.; Sunday school 7 p.m.; Wednesday Bible Study 7 p.m.

White Oak Baptist Church, Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m., Wednesday Prayer Service 7 p.m.

Zion Hill Baptist Church, 12418 NC Hwy 131/410 N., Bladenboro, Sunday School 10am, Worship Service 11 a.m., Church Training 6:30 p.m., 1st Wednesday Mission Night 7:30 p.m., Prayer Meeting every other Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

CatholicOur Lady of the Snows Catholic

Church, Broad St. Elizabethtown, Spanish Mass Saturday 7 p.m., English Mass Saturday 5 p.m.

Church of GodAmmon Church of God, 4816

Old Fayetteville Rd., Sunday School 9:30 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. & 7 p.m., Wednesday Night Bible Class 7 p.m.

Bladenboro Church of God, 211 Business, Bladenboro, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. & 6:30 p.m., Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

White Oak Family Worship Center, 1932 Burney Road, White Oak, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. & 6 p.m., Wednesday 7 p.m.

Elizabethtown Church of God, 2326 U.S. Hwy. 242 N., Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. & 6 p.m., Wednesday Bible Study 7 p.m.

Grace Church of God, 113 Elm Street, Bladenboro, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. and Wednesday Bible Study 7 p.m.

Church of ChristBladen Church of Christ, 803

East Swanzy St., Elizabethtown, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.

New Shiloh Church of Christ, 801 Peanut Plant Rd, Elizabethtown, Service Sunday 11 a.m.

EpiscopalSt. Christopher’s Episcopal

Church, 2602 W. Broad St., Elizabethtown, Worship Service 10:30 a.m., Holy Eucharist first and third Sundays, Morning Prayer every other Sunday in the month.

Free Will Baptist ChurchAmmon Pentecostal F.W.

Baptist Church, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. & 7 p.m., Wednesday 7 p.m.

Bethlehem Pentecostal F.W. Baptist Church, Hwy 410 N., B ladenboro

Clarkton Pentecostal F.W. Baptist Church, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., Wednesday 7 p.m.

Dublin Pentecostal F.W. Baptist Church, Hwy 87, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. & 6 p.m., Bible Study & Crusaders for Christ Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

Elizabethtown Pentecostal F.W. Baptist Church, Broad St., Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.

New Light Pentecostal F.W. Baptist Church, Spinner Park Road, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. & 6 p.m., Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

Riverside Pentecostal Church, Airport Rd., Elizabethtown, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. & 6 p.m.

Rowan Pentecostal F.W. Baptist Church, Hwy 210 near Kelly, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m., Wednesday 7 p.m.

Salem Pentecostal F.W. Baptist Church, Brown Marsh Rd., Clarkton, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. & 6 p.m., Wednesday 7 p.m.

Tar Heel Free Will Baptist Church, Old 87 Loop Rd, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service

11 a.m. & 6 p.m., Wednesday 7 p.m.

White Oak Free WIll Baptist Church, Hwy. 211 Business, Bladenboro Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. & 7 p.m., Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

Original Free Will BaptistOak Grove Original F.W. Baptist

Church, Bladenboro, Sunday School 10 a.m.; Worship Service 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday; Wednesday night 7:30 p.m.

White Oak Original F.W. Baptist Church, Hwy 211, Bladenboro, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. & 7 p.m., Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

HolinessPleasant Grove United Holiness

Church, 188/150 Church Drive, Elizabethtown, NC 28337. Sunday school 10:30 a.m.; worship 11:30 a.m.; Bible study Tuesday nights 7 p.m.

Abbottsburg Pentecostal Holiness Church, 14258 Twisted Hickory Rd., Bladenboro, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. & 7 p.m., Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

Abe Branch Holiness Church, 965 Marsh Road, Bladenboro, Sunday School 10 a.m., Morning Worship 11 a.m., Sunday Evening Worship 6 p.m., Wednesday Evening Worship 7:30 p.m.

Bethal Emmanuel Holiness Church, Hwy 211 Business West, Bladenboro, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. & 6:30 p.m., Wednesday 7:30 p.m., CYS Sunday 6 p.m.

Colly Chapel Church, NC 41, White Lake, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. & 7:30 p.m., Prayer Meeting Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

Davids Chapel Holiness Church of Praise and Worship, 627 Barney Coe Road, Kelly, Sunday School 10 a.m., Morning Worship first and third Sunday at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday night Bible study, altar prayer and tarry service 7 a.m.

Faith Fellowship Holiness Church, Railroad St., Bladenboro, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. & 6 p.m., Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

Floyd’s Temple #2 Holiness Church, Bladenboro, Sunday School 10am, Worship Service 2nd & 4th Sunday 11:30am, Prayer Meeting & Bible Study 7:30pm, Wednesday 7:30pm

Friendship Holiness Church, Mote Road, Colly Area, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. & 5:30 p.m., Prayer Meeting Wednesday 6 p.m.

Galilee Pentecostal Holiness Church, 459 Airport Road, Garland, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 2nd and 4th Sunday 11 a.m., Prayer Wednesday 5 p.m., Bible Study Friday 7 p.m., Missionary Service 2nd Sunday 5 p.m.

Greater Robinson Temple Holiness Church, 173 Robinson Temple Church Road, Elizabethtown, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11:30 a.m., Prayer and Bible Study, Tuesdays 7:30 p.m.

Highway of Holiness Church, 528 Twisted Hickory Road, Dublin, Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Morning Worship 11 a.m., Bible study 6:45 p.m., Noon Day Prayer noon.

Living Springs Church, 909 S. Poplar Street, Elizabethtown Sunday Worship Service 10:30 a.m., Children’s Church (Ages 4-10) 10:30a.m., Wednesday Night Bible Study, Royal Rangers, Girls Ministries 7 p.m.

Lula’s Temple First Born Holiness Church, Della St., Elizabethtown, Sunday School 10 a.m., Bible Study 7:30 p.m., Tuesday & Friday Prayer Meeting 7:30 p.m., Worship Service 2nd & 4th Sunday 11:30 a.m.

McKoy’s Chapel First Born Holiness Church, Dublin, Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Worship Service 2nd & 4th Sunday 11 a.m.

Pleasant Hill Holiness Church, Rt. 2, Elizabethtown, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 1st Sunday 11:30 a.m., Pray Service Friday 7:30 p.m.

Richardson Chapel Holiness Church, Hwy. 53, Sunday School 11 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays), Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

St. James United Holy Church, Council, Sunday School 10 a.m.,

Worship Service 11 a.m. on the 4th Sunday and 6 p.m. on the 2nd Sunday, Bible Class every 3rd Monday 7 p.m.

St. Matthews Holiness Church by Faith, 4681 Old Fayetteville Rd., Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11:30 a.m., Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

IndependentThe Apostolic Way Church,

Hwy. 53, Lagoon, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. & 6:30 p.m., Thursday 7:30 p.m.

Bible Crusaders, Crusaders Mission, 700 Poplar St., Elizabethtown, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m.(1st, 2nd & 3rd Sunday), Bible Study Tuesday 7:30 p.m.

Bible Faith Assembly of God, Elizabethtown, Leadership Training 10am, Worship Service 11 a.m.

Calvary Independent Church, 405 Main St., Bladenboro, Sunday School 10am, Worship Service 11 a.m. & 7 p.m., Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

Christian Faith Independent Church, 400 Main St., Bladenboro, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. & 6 p.m., Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

Elizabethtown Deliverance Evangelistic Center, 412-A Peanut Road, Elizabethtown, Sunday School 10am, Worship Service 11a.m., Bible study: Prayer 7 p.m. Bible study 7:30 p.m.

Fellowship Bible Church, 2803 Waddell St., NC 87 East, Elizabethtown, Worship Service 10:30 a.m.

God’s Freedom & Faith Independent Church, Bladenboro, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. & 6 p.m., Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

Graham Tabernacle FBH Church, 281 Grand Road, Clarkton, 647-0294, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11:30 a.m., Mission Night Tuesday 7:30 p.m., Bible Study Wednesdays 7:30 p.m.

Holy Temple of Living Water Ministries, 109 Hill St., Elizabethtown, Sunday Worship Service 10 a.m., Thursday Prayer and Bible Study 7 p.m.

Liberty Worship Center, 89 North Grove St., Clarkton, Sunday School 10 a.m., Sunday Worship 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Wednesday 7 p.m.

Love Mission Christian Center,408 Hwy. 242, Bladenboro, Worship Service Sunday 10 a.m., Thursday 7:30 p.m.

New Beginnings Fellowship of Elizabethtown, Sunday school 10 a.m., Morning Worship 11 a.m., Sunday night service 7 p.m., Bible study Wednesday 7 p.m.

New Faith Ministries Fellowship, 56 3rd Street, Dublin, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. & 6 p.m., Wednesday 7 p.m.

New Testament Missionary Church, McKoy Rd, Lisbon, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 2nd, 4th, & 5th Sundays 11:30a.m., Prayer Service Wednesday 7:30 p.m., Bible Study Friday 8 p.m.

Outreach For Christ Church, Hwy. 211 Business W., Bladenboro, Sunday School 10am, Worship Service 11am & 6pm, Wednesday 7:30pm

St. James United Holy Church, Brady Plantation Road, Carvers Creek Community, Sunday School 10am, Worship Service 2nd & 4th Sundays 11am, Bible Class Tuesday 7pm, Prayer Meeting Wednesday 7pm

Sweet Home Holiness Church, Sweet Home Church Road, Elizabethtown, Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. & 6 p.m., Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

Second Chance Community Church, 1615 River Rd., at Harmony Hall in White Oak, Sunday school 10:15 a.m., Worship service 11 a.m., Sunday evening worship 7 p.m., Wednesday night prayer service 7 p.m.

Greater Mount Calvary Church of Deliverance, Airport Road, Elizabethtown, Sunday school 10:30 a.m.; Worship service 1st, 2nd and 3rd Sunday 11:30 a.m.; Prayer service Tuesday 7 p.m.; and Bible study Thursday 7:30 p.m.

MethodistBethelehem United Methodist

Church, NC 53, White Oak, Sunday School 11 a.m., Worship

Service 10 a.m.Bluefield United Methodist

Church, 8697 Lisbon Road, Clarkton, Worship Service 9:30 a.m., Sunday School 10:30 a.m.

Carvers Creek, Council, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m.

Clarkton United Methodist Church, 9050 U. S. Hwy. 701 S., Clarkton, Worship Service 11 a.m.

Live Oak United Methodist Church, Hwy 53 & Live Oak Methodist Church Road, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m.

Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, Pleasant Grove Church Road, Bladenboro, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m.

Purdie Untied Methodist Church, Tar Heel, Sunday School 11 a.m., Worship Service 10 a.m.

Singletary United Methodist Church, Hwy 410, Dublin, Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Worship Services 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Trinity United Methodist Church, 901 W. Broad St., Elizabethtown, Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Worship Services at 8:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Trinity United Methodist Church, Hwy 53, Kelly, Sunday School 10:45 a.m., Worship Service 9:30 a.m.

Wesley’s Chapel United Methodist Church, Peanut Road, Rt. 3, Elizabethtown, Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m.

Windsor United Methodist Church, Hwy 242, Ammon, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 8:45 a.m., Wednesday Night Fellowship 6 p.m.

PresbyterianAcme Presbyterian Church,

Hwy 87, Riegelwood, Worship Service 10 a.m., Fellowship 11 a.m.

Beth Car Presbyterian Church, Sunday School 10am, Worship Service 11am

Clarkton Presbyterian Church, College Street, Sunday School 10am, Worship Service 11am

Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church, Broad & Morehead Streets, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m.

Mount Horeb Presbyterian Church, Hwy 87 & SR 1712, Sunday School 10:30am, Worship Service 9:30am

Second Presbyterian Church, Dunham & Williams Streets, Elizabethtown, Sunday School 10am, Worship Service 11am 2nd & 4th Sundays

White Plains Presbyterian Church, Sunday School 10am, Worship Service 11am

Seventh Day AdventistElizabethtown Seventh-day

Adventist Church, 403 Broad Street, Saturday Sabbath School 9:45 a.m., Church Service 11:30a.m., Prayer Service Tuesday 7 p.m.

Philadelphia Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1855 Microwave Tower Road, Council, Saturday Sabbath School 9:45 a.m., Church Service 11 a.m., Wednesday Prayer Service 7 p.m.

DeliveranceAbundant Life Deliverance

Center, 412-A Peanut Rd., Elizabethtown, Sunday School 9:45 a.m., Morning Worship 11am, Empower-ment/Fellowship Service 5 p.m., Thursday eve-ning Empowerment Bible Study 7 p.m.Church of Deliverance, Clarkton, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Greater Omni Deliverance Church, 112 Swanzy Street, Elizabethtown, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m., Bible Study Wednesday 7:30 p.m.

Full Gospel Christian Church, Richardson Street, Elizabethtown, Morning Prayer 9 a.m., Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11:30 a.m. & 6:30 p.m.

United PentecostalUnited Pentecostal Church,

Hwy. 701 N., Lakewood Plaza, Elizabethtown, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11am & 6:30pm, Wednesday 7:30pm

Clarkton Pentecostal F.W. Baptist Church, Sunday School 10 a.m., Worship Service 11 a.m. & 6 p.m., Wednesday 7 p.m.

Page 8A n www.bladenjournal.com n Bladen Journal n December 30, 2011

Crime News

Jose Buenaseda, M.D.

Dr. Jose Buenaseda, or “Dr. B.” to anyone who’s met him, is a pediatrician

with Bladen Kids’ Care. He is a prime example of a caring and compassionate

physician who goes above and beyond each and every day.

Dr. Buenaseda goes out of his way to ensure that he is providing excellent

care not only to his patients, but to anyone who walks through the door. He

spends as much time as needed with each patient, even if it means working

through lunch or staying late. He always takes the time to answer questions

and treats everyone with respect.

Dr. Buenaseda not only strives to help his patients, but he comes to work

every day with a positive attitude. He finds a way to make everyone’s day

brighter and his co-workers consider it a “joy to work with him.”

Congratulations to “Dr. B.” on winning this year’s Golden Stethoscope Award!

W. Curt Vincent | Bladen Journal

Rainy dayA couple braces themselves under an umbrella against the wind and rain in downtown elizabethtown on Tuesday.

By erin smithStaff writer

ELIZABETHTOWN — Bladen County business owners said their Christmas sales numbers were strong and the returns have been basically nonexistent.

“We about broke even from last year. Returns have not been tremendous,” said Denise Smith, manager of Goody’s. “It seems everyone did their exchanges before Christmas.”

While Smith said her store broke even on sales numbers, she credits the pre-Christmas exchanges that were made by savvy shoppers with keeping the store’s after-Christmas return rate down.

JoAnna Schryber, manager of Bargain Town, said her store did well overall even though they came in fifth in sales in their district this year.

“It went good. Our district was tops in all the com-pany,” said Schrbyer. “We were up against some really tough (sales) numbers. That was because there were some stores going out of business.”

Schryber said the return rate for her store was also very low.

“It’s the lowest it has ever been. We’ve hardly had any returns what so ever throughout the company,” said Schryber.

Schryber added her store has an ad going now which offers 50 percent off all Christmas items; 40 percent off all sweaters, and another clearance markdown will be taken next week.

Ricky Leinwand, owner and operator of Leinwands, said sales were “outstanding.” He said his sales num-bers were up compared to last year. Last year’s sales were strong after a slow fall season due to construction in the downtown area.

“We honestly had the best month of December in the entire 77 years our store has been in business,” said Leinwand. “With the economic times like they are, we are very pleased.”

He added returns have gone smoothly as well. Leinwand said the only thing he and his staff ask is that if they don’t have an item in stock, to give them a few days to get the item.

National outlook hopeful

On the national sales front, things are looking up for the final few days of 2011 for retailers. Joya Doss, a correspondent with The Nightly Business Report said Tuesday that retailers expected about 3.8 percent gain this year. That was not as large as last year when retailers saw a 5 percent gain according to Doss, but it is still positive. According to Nightly Business Report, consumers spent about 5 percent more this year on their holiday shopping this year than last year.

The research firm Comscore released a report indi-cating that free shipping accounted for about 60 per-cent of the transactions which were made online this holiday season.

Not all retailers are feeling so jolly though as Sears announced it will close 120 Sears and KMart stores. The company has yet to identify which stores will be closed.

Christmas shopping season is strong one

w. Curt VincentEditor

ELIZABETHTOWN — An Elizabethtown man has been arrested and charged with two counts of felony statutory rape of a minor and two counts of abduction of a child.

Rogelio Labra, 30, of 114 Robin Dr., reportedly picked up the minor from school on two occasions and transported her to his residence, where investigators with the Bladen County Sheriff ’s Office say the sexual assaults took place in May.

According to Capt. Rodney Hester, Labra would drop the young girl off near her residence after committing the sexual assaults.

Hester said Labra was arrested on Christmas Eve and is now in the Bladen County Jail under a $100,000 secured bond.

Bladen County Sheriff’s Office

The Bladen County Sheriff ’s Office recently released its arrest and victim report for Dec. 21 to Dec. 28.

There were a total of 33 victims and nine arrests.

Among those reports were eight for breaking and/or entering, five for lar-ceny and two for assaults.

Following are the more interesting and/or important arrests:

— Burnis Floyd, 44, charged with felony common law robbery at 77 Shane lane, Bladenboro, on Dec. 24.

— Otis Darnell Montgomery, 44, charged with assault on a female at 1468 Baldwin Elkton Road, Clarkton, on Dec. 26.

— Douglas Dee Lacy, 52, charged with assault on a female at 105 Singletary St., Bladenboro, on Dec. 26.

Elizabethtown man charged with felonystatutory rape

rogelio Labra

Lettersto Santa

e’ve all grown accus-tomed to seeing busy UPS and FedEx personnel around NASCAR garage areas, but the bright red mailbox in the cor-

ner of a particular motorhome lot at Homestead-Miami Speedway seemed especially overstuffed. A few racing folks, it seems, had very particular requests to make of Santa Claus this year.

Tampering with U.S. Mail is a federal offense, but North Pole security isn’t quite so strict, and consequently, the contents of those letters have been anonymously leaked to the media. A few of them are printed below.

Dear Santa,I guess it’s probably bad form to

complain, since you gave me exactly what I asked for in 2011 – the high-est number of points in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The problem as I see it is that one of my competitors asked for the same thing, and being the generous kind of guy you are, you came through for both of us. So with your indulgence, this year I’m going to recycle my request and make it a little more specific.

In 2012, I would like to have the highest number of points in the Cup Series … plus one.

Also, I don’t mean to be greedy, but if you’re feeling generous, you might want to slip a nice neck brace under the tree, just in case one of those back-flips goes horribly wrong. I’m not get-ting any younger, you know.

Thanks, Santa. You’re the best … Carl Edwards Well Santa, I thought we had a mutually beneficial arrangement working, but apparently I was wrong.

I have only asked for one thing every year since 2006, and you have always come through until now. Obviously, it’s a one-of-a-kind gift, so I couldn’t help but notice that you already gave it to another guy. It can’t be that difficult to deal with a list as short as mine, so what’s the deal? I admit I may not have been great this year, but I was still pretty good.

Anyway, there wasn’t much else I wanted, and I realize we’re dealing with short notice at this point, so I guess I’ll just go ahead and get my 2012 request in early. Two words: Number Six.

Respectfully yours … Jimmie Johnson Santa, we need to talk.

How can you realistically expect me to be nice when you just can’t seem to give me anything decent to work with?

Really, considering all your shortcom-ings, I can’t imagine how that sleigh could even get through a single lap at Bristol, much less a full circuit around the world. You are pathetic.

Despite my penchant for verbal naughtiness, I have won a bunch of races and a championship, and have buried a few bucks in the backyard for a rainy day. But in case you haven’t noticed, it’s raining RIGHT NOW – at my house, anyway – and the yard is turning to mud in a hurry.

So if you think you can manage to get it together long enough to handle my list, I’ll make it easy for you and cut it down to just three letters. I would like a J-O-B.

I’m interested to see what you’ll come up with, and strongly suggest you get started right away … Kurt Busch Hi, Santa!

I need your help. I’m getting a little tired of hearing that I got my sweet 2012 fulltime ride in the NASCAR Nationwide Series even though I’m nothing but a pretty face with a pocket-ful of sponsorship money (thanks for the pretty face, by the way). So I’m going to ask you to give me a little extra help behind the wheel next sea-son so I can prove I deserve to be here.

I don’t even have to win a race, Santa; just finishing out the season in the Top 10 would be awesome.

FRIDAYDec. 30, 2011

Page 1BBwww.bladenjournal.com v All rights reserved

SportsBOYS BASKETBALL

W. Curt VincentEditor

SOUTHERN PINES — It hasn’t been much of a holiday for West Bladen High at the Holiday in the Pines bas-ketball tournament at Pinecrest High.

After dropping its opener against Richmond Senior on Tuesday, the Knights lost a heartbreaker to Fairmont High in the consolation bracket on Wednesday, 56-53. It was the third time West Bladen and Fairmont had squared off this season, with the Golden Tornadoes taking the last two.

West Bladen opened the game with a 6-2 spurt, but Fairmont turned the tables and ran off a 10-2 run to build a 12-8 advantage. The Knights, however, finished the first quarter on a 5-1 run that gave them a 13-12 edge at the buzzer.

D.J. Mason and Justin Gillespie each hit 3-pointers early in the second stan-za and helped the Knights to a 19-12 cushion, but the Golden Tornadoes fought back with a 6-0 spurt that cut the deficit to 19-18.

West Bladen went on a 6-2 run late in the half, but Fairmont had a run of its own and took a 28-27 lead into intermission.

The Knights scored the first two baskets of the second half for a 31-28 lead, but Fairmont manufactured a 9-0 spurt that propelled it to a 37-31 lead. West Bladen fought back with a 9-3 spurt that knotted the game at 40-40 early in the fourth quarter, but the Knights never could muster a lead the rest of the way.

The Golden Tornadoes exploded for a 13-5 run and 53-45 lead in the fourth frame that all but sealed the victory. West Bladen managed to get a pair of late 3-pointers — from Gillespie and Rahu Purdie — but it was too little, too late.

Mason led West Bladen with 19 points and 15 rebounds, while Gillespie tallied 13 points and grabbed seven boards.

Knights drop opener

Undefeated Class 4-A Richmond Senior proved too much for the Knights of West Bladen on Tuesday in the opening round of the Holiday in the Pines basketball tournament at

Pinecrest High, as the Raiders took a 79-55 win.

“We didn’t play well,” Knights coach Travis Pait said. “In fact, it may have been the worst game we’ve played this season.”

West Bladen showed early that it was there to compete. The Knights took a 5-2 edge fueled by a 3-pointer from D.J. Mason, but Richmond showed why it’s one of the better big school teams by going on an 11-0 run that put the Raiders up by a 13-5 margin.

Still, the Knights didn’t fold.Baskets by Justin Gillespie and

Shaquan Whitfield preceded a bucket by Mason and two 3-pointers from the lanky senior to cap a 13-2 West Bladen spurt that gave the Knights an 18-15 lead after the first quarter.

West Bladen held a 20-17 edge early in the second stanza, but that’s when things began to go sour. Richmond scored seven unanswered points for a

Knights nipped by FairmontCathy ElliottTalkin’

NASCAR

Baseball exhibit visits local libraryStaff report

ELIZABETHTOWN — Bladen County Public Library has received a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Library Association for a six-week exhibit of “Pride and Passion: The African-American Baseball Experience.”

The exhibit will be in the meeting room at the main library in Elizabethtown.

There will be program-ming to enhance the exhibit. Larry Lester, author, histo-rian and one of the founders of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, will present programs for the high schools in early January.

Kenny Armstrong | Bladen JournalD.J. Mason has led West Bladen High in scoring and rebounding through the first two games of the Holiday in the Pines tournament at Pinecrest High.

BLADEN JOURNAL

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NEW E-MAIL ADDRESSES FOR THE BLADEN JOURNAL

GM/Editor: W. Curt Vincent n cvincent@heartlandpublications.comStaff Writer: Erin Smith n esmith@heartlandpublications.comBladen Journal classifieds: n bladenjournalclass@gmail.com

Carl Long

See Baseball | 2BSee Elliott | 2B

West Bladen also falls againstRichmond

See Knights | 2B

Page 2B n Bladen Journal n www.bladenjournal.com n December 30, 2011

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Church to host wild game cookoff, BBQ supper

W. Curt VincentEditor

ELIZABETHTOWN — The possibili-ties may not be from “A” to “Z,” but Elizabethtown Baptist Church is expecting to be able to offer folks the chance to taste a wide variety of wild game on Saturday, Jan. 28, when it hosts a wild game cookoff and free barbecue supper.

“The church did a wild game dinner two years ago,” said Greg Taylor, one of the event’s organizers. “But we wanted to do something similar to give people the chance to taste food they hadn’t had before.”

Taylor said that should include alligator, bear and a whole lot more.

The event will begin at 10 a.m., and the barbecue supper will start at 5:30 p.m. Younger visitors will have activities like bounce houses to look forward to, while the adults can participate in the wild game cookoff, a 3-D archery contest and/or a

long-range and iron buck shooting contest.The wild game cookoff fee is $10 for

three dishes. Additional dishes will be charged an extra fee. Winners will receive cash prizes, and the grand-prize win-ner will receive a pheasant tower hunt from Allen Brothers Hunting Reserve in Bladenboro.

The USDA Wildlife Services Trapping Trailer will also be available during the day.

“There should be plenty for everyone of all ages to see and do,” Taylor said.

The barbecue supper, which will include the wild game and all the trimmings, will be free and open to the public. After the dinner, The Outdoor Channel’s Hank Parker Jr. will be the featured guest speak-er.

Elizabethtown baptist Church is located at 1800 W. Broad Street.

For information about the event or any of the contest rules, call Taylor at 874-2589.

Children’s activities, other contests to be part of a full day of events

Contributed photoHank parker Jr. will be the featured guest speaker at Elizabethtown Baptist Church on Saturday, Jan. 28.

coreboard ...

LocaL resuLtsS

Holiday in the PinesTournament

Pincrest High SchoolFirst round

Richmond Senior 79West Bladen 55

Richmond 15-24-18-22 — 79West Bladen 18-12-12-13 — 55

Highlights: For West Bladen, D.J. Mason scored 21 points with three 3-pointers and grabbed eight rebounds; Justin Gillespie scored 20 points with two 3-pointers and had six rebounds.Records: West Bladen 7-4.

Holiday in the PinesTournament

Pincrest High SchoolSecond round

Fairmont 56West Bladen 53

Fairmont 12-16-11-17 — 56West Bladen 13-14-6-20 — 53

Highlights: For West Bladen, D.J. Mason scored 19 points and had 15 rebounds; Justin Gillespie scored 13 points and grabbed seven rebounds.Records: West Bladen 7-5.

BOYS BASKETBALL

ElliottFrom page 2B

I love hearing fans yell “Go Daddy” – and please let us know if you need any help setting up www.ExpressLettersToSanta.com – but “You go, girl,” would sound really good, too.

Thanks as always … Danica Patrick Dear Santa,I’m good. Thanks, Bud.Your pal … Tony Stewart Mr. Claus:Thank you for your thorough and completely satisfac-

tory response to our letter of request dated Dec. 24, 2010.The 2011 season was, simply put, the best year in

recent memory. From 20-year-old Trevor Bayne’s win in the Daytona 500 to the triumphant return of veteran Tony Stewart to the head seat at the champion’s table, it was just spectacular.

Next year, we would like to respectfully request that you continue to give our fans success and happiness not only

in their enjoyment of racing, but in every aspect of their lives. We truly appreciate them; they are the greatest gift you could ever give us.

Best wishes for the happiest of holidays and a prosper-ous New Year for everyone … NASCAR —n Cathy Elliott is a former Public Relations person at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina, and currently writes for the NASCAR Insider.

On Saturday, Jan. 21, Carl Long, outfielder for the Birmingham Black Barons, will meet and greet from 10 a.m. to noon at the Elizabethtown Library. Long lives in Kinston. He often attends games at Grainger Stadium to watch Kinston’s current team, the Kinston Indians. He has been honored by the Indians with “Carl Long Day” games, and in 2003 he was inducted into the Kinston Professional Baseball Hall of Fame.

BaseballFrom page 2B

24-20 lead it would never give up. The Raiders went on to outscore the Knights by a 24-12 margin in the period and take a 39-30 lead into halftime.

Richmond kept the pres-sure on in the second half, forcing West Bladen turn-overs and scoring in spurts. Holding a 44-35 edge, the Raiders went on a 13-6 run that all but sealed the game at the end of the third quar-ter.

West Bladen never could mount any sort of rally down the stretch and Richmond used a 10-2 spurt to end the game.

“We just didn’t attack the glass like we should,” Pait said. “I’m not going to say Richmond isn’t good — they may be the best team we’ve played all season — but if we do what we do best for 48 minutes, we can beat that team.”

Mason led West Bladen with 21 points and three 3-pointers. He also had eight rebounds. Gillespie was right behind with 20 points, a pair of 3-pointers and six rebounds.

“I think D.J. could have scored 40,” Pait said. “He’s one of the best in our league shooting the ball, but he’s by far the best going to the rim and he settled for jump shots too much in this game.”

KnightsFrom page 2B

If you have sports news, we want to hear from you

Send photos and news to the editor

cvincent@heartlandpublications.comW. Curt Vincent at 862-4163

December 30, 2011 n www.bladenjournal.com n Bladen Journal n Page 3B

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The Mundy Companies, a leader in the industrial maintenance, construction and services fi eld is currently accepting applications and resumes for the following crafts in the Fayetteville, NC area:

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Legals

CLOSE-OUT PUBLIC HEARINGFOR TOWN OF ELIZABETHTOWN2009 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENTBLOCK GRANT ADDITIONAL FUNDINGNotice is hereby given that the Eliza-bethtown Board of Councilmen willconduct a public hearing on January9, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. in the TownHall. The purpose of the public hear-ing is to receive views and opinionsfrom the citizens of Elizabethtownregarding the close-out of the 2009Community Development Program.A l l c i t i z ens , pa r t i cu l a r l ylow-and-moderate income persons,minority persons, handicap persons,and persons living in blighted areasare requested and encouraged to at-tend and present comments andsuggestions. Formal written viewsconcerning the Community Develop-ment Block Grant which are submit-ted to the mayor will be responded towithin ten (10) calendar days.This program was funded with$24,308.41 in CDBG funds whichrepresents 100% of the total projectfunds. Esta información está disponi-ble en español o cualquier otro len-guaje a petición. Póngase en con-tacto con Eddie Madden en910-862-2066 o en 805 W Broad St.,Elizabethtown, NC 28337 de aloja-miento para esta solicitud.Sylvia Campbell, Mayor Town ofElizabethtown, EEO EmployerTOE123011 12/30

NORTH CAROLINABLADEN COUNTYAdministratrix/Administrator NoticeHaving qualified as Administratrix ofthe estate of Barbara Gillespie, de-ceased, late of Bladen County, NorthCarolina. This is to notify all persons,firms and corporations having claimsagainst the estate of said deceasedto present the bills to me, the under-signed at 988 Dewitt Godden Road,Elizabethtown, NC 28337, on or be-fore the 16th day of March, 2012.This Notice will be pleaded in bar oftheir recovery. All persons indebtedto said estate please make immediatepayment.This the 12th day of December 2011.Erica Campbell, Administratrix of theEstate of Barbara Gillespie2173 Mercer Mill RoadElizabethtown, NC 28337BG121611 12/16 12/23 12/30 1/6

NORTH CAROLINABLADEN COUNTYExecutor-Executrix NoticeHaving qualified as Executrix of theestate of Helmut K. Krein, deceased,late of Bladen County, North Caro-lina. This is to notify all persons,firms and corporations having claimsagainst the estate of said deceasedto present the bills to me, the under-signed at 306 W. 21st Street, Lum-berton, NC 28358, on or before the9th day of March, 2012. This Noticewill be pleaded in bar of their recov-ery. All persons indebted to said es-tate please make immediate pay-ment.This the 5th day of December 2011.Iris K. Adams, Executrix of the Estateof Helmut K. KreinPO Box 179Dublin, NC 28332HKK 12/9 12/16 12/23 12/30

NORTH CAROLINABLADEN COUNTYAdministratrix NoticeThe undersigned, having qualified asAdministratrix of the estate of LucyW. Bernard, deceased, late of BladenCounty, North Carolina, this is to no-tify all persons, firms and corpora-tions having claims against the saidestate to present them to the under-signed Executrix c/o Gary A. Grady,Hester, Grady & Hester, P.L.L.C., PostOffice Box 130, Elizabethtown, NorthCarolina 28337, on or before the23rd day of March, 2012, or this no-tice will be pleaded in bar of their re-covery. All persons indebted to saidestate will please make immediatepayment to the undersigned.This the 19thth day of December2011.Administratrix of the Estate ofLucy W. Bernardc/o Gary A. Grady,Attorney for the EstateHester, Grady & Hester, PLLC.Post Office Box 130Elizabethtown, NC 28337HGH122311 12/23 12/30 1/6 1/13

Legals

STATE OF NORTH CAROLINACOUNTY OF BLADENIN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICEDISTRICT COURT DIVISION,FILE NO.: 11 CVD 472NOTICE OF SALECOUNTY OF BLADEN, PlaintiffvsPRIMERA FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.,COMMUNITY FIRST BANK (Lienholder)and MARC LIVELY Trustee (Lien-holder) or if deceased, all assignees,heirs at law devisees of Primera Fi-nancial Services, Inc., CommunityFirst Bank (Lienholder), and MarcLively, Trustee (Lienholder) togetherwith all their creditors and lienhold-ers regardless of how or throughwhom they claim and any and allpersons claiming any interest in theestates of Primera Finiancial Services,Inc., Community First Bank, (Lien-holder), Marc Lively Trustee (Lien-holder). Defendants.Under and by virtue of an Order ofthe Clerk of Superior Court of BladenCounty, North Carolina, made andentered in the action entitledCOUNTY OF BLADEN vs , PRIMERA FI-NANCIAL SERVICES, INC., COMMU-NITY FIRST BANK (Lienholder) andMARC LIVELY Trustee (Lienholder), orif deceased, all assignees, heirs atlaw devisees of PRIMERA FINANCIALSERVICES, INC., COMMUNITY FIRSTBANK (Lienholder) and MARC LIVELYTrustee (Lienholder), together with allher creditors and lien holders re-gardless of how or through whomthey claim and any and all personsclaiming any interest in the estate ofPRIMERA FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.,COMMUNITY FIRST BANK (Lienholder)and MARC LIVELY Trustee (Lien-holder) the undersigned Commis-sioner will, on the 16th day of Janu-ary, 2012, offer for sell and sell forcash, to the highest bidder at publicsale, at the Courthouse door inBladen County, North Carolina inElizabethtown, at 12:00 oclock noon,the following described real estate,lying and being in Hollow Township,State and County aforesaid, andmore particularly described in ExhibitA attached hereto and incorporatedherein by reference as if set out infull herein.Exhibit A: LYING in Hollow Township,Bladen County, North Carolina, Beingbounded on the east, south and westby property described as Lot 2A ofthe J.G. Hughes estate as reported inthe Book of Maps 13, Page 33,Bladen County Registry, bounded onthe north by the southern right ofway margin of NC 20: COMMENCINGfrom the centerline intersection ofsaid NC 20 and NCSR 1306 South 47degrees 30 minutes 59 seconds Eastfor a distance of 43.79 feet to an ironpipe in the northern margin of NC20, the point and place of true be-ginning; thence South 03 degrees 58minutes 51 seconds East for a dis-tance of 534.06 feet to an iron pipe;thence South 89 degrees 37 minutes53 seconds West for a distance of165.33 feet to an iron pipe; thenceNorth 03 degrees 58 minutes 51seconds West for a distance of520.00 feet to an iron pipe in thesouthern right of way margin of NC20; thence North 82 degrees 25 min-utes 13 seconds East for a distanceof 44.04 feet along said right of waymargin to an iron pipe; thence North85 degrees 36 minutes 18 secondsEast for a distance of 121.05 feetalong said right of way margin to aniron pipe, the point and place of truebeginning containing 1.9997 acres,more or less. Being all of Lot 301 ofthe Cowan Development. Being aportion of lot 2A in map Book 13, atpage 33, Bladen County Registry. Fortitle reference see Book 83, at page251, Bladen County Registry. To-gether with and subject to covenants,easements, and restrictions of re-cords. Subject to those certain re-strictive covenants recorded in Book400, at page 465, Bladen CountyRegistry. This sale will be made sub-ject to all outstanding taxes, assess-ments, and other liens not includedin the Judgment in the above entitledaction. A deposit of 10% of the suc-cessful bid will be required.This is the 5th day of December2011.ALLEN M. JOHNSONATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFFP.O. BOX 2212, ELIZABETHTOWN, NC28337, (910) 862-2252JL 12/16 12/23 12/30 1/6

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Notices (ANNOUNCE)

TOWN OF ELIZABETHOWNPUBLIC NOTICE

The January 2012 Town ofElizabethtown Planning Boardmeeting has been rescheduledfor Monday, January 9, 2012.The normal meeting time hasbeen changed to 5:30 p.m. forthat date. The meeting will be

held in the ElizabethtownMunicipal Building.Sylvia Campbell

MayorTOWN OF ELIZABETHTOWN

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Amending Text Amendment,Town of Elizabethtown, North

Carolina Pursuant toN.C. G.S. 160A-364, 385 and386 the Town of Elizabethtown

will conduct a public hearingon Monday, January 9, 2012

at 7:00 pm in theElizabethtown Municipal

Building. Council will considerthe following:

Text Amendment Petitioner:Town of Elizabethtown Case

Number: TA 1012108780Include additional language in

the Elizabethtown ZoningOrdinance to Article 8, Section

8.4.1. to amend the StormWater Protection Ordinance

pertaining to TSS removal andfee schedule for the Town of

Elizabethtown's zoningjurisdiction. The ElizabethtownPlanning Board will consider

amending this same TextAmendment at their 6:00 pmmeeting and forward to TownCouncil for their consideration

at 7pm.All interested citizens are

invited to attend this hearingand present comments on the

above petition. Citizensdesiring to speak are required

to place their name on thesign-up sheet before agendaadoption. Changes may bemade in the advertised pro-

posals that reflect informationpresented at

the hearing. Those whochoose to view a copy of theproposed text amendmentmay do so during regular

business hours at the TownManager's Office located at

805 W. Broad Street.Sarah L. Baysden

Deputy Clerk

Notices (ANNOUNCE)

TOWN OF ELIZABETHTOWNNOTICE OF PUBLIC

HEARINGAmending Text Amendment,Town of Elizabethtown, North

Carolina Pursuant toN.C. G.S. 160A-364, 385 and386 the Town of Elizabethtown

will conduct a public hearingon Monday, January 9, 2012

at 7:00 pm in theElizabethtown Municipal

Building. Council will considerthe following:

Text Amendment Petitioner:Town of Elizabethtown Case

Number: TA 1012108780Include additional language in

the Elizabethtown ZoningOrdinance to Article 8, Section

8.4.1. to amend the StormWater Protection Ordinance

pertaining to TSS removal andfee schedule for the Town of

Elizabethtown's zoningjurisdiction. The ElizabethtownPlanning Board will consider

amending this same TextAmendment at their 6:00 pmmeeting and forward to TownCouncil for their consideration

at 7pm.All interested citizens are

invited to attend this hearingand present comments on the

above petition. Citizensdesiring to speak are required

to place their name on thesign-up sheet before agendaadoption. Changes may bemade in the advertised pro-

posals that reflect informationpresented at

the hearing. Those whochoose to view a copy of theproposed text amendmentmay do so during regular

business hours at the TownManager's Office located at

805 W. Broad Street.Sarah L. Baysden

Deputy Clerk

ANIMALS

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400 FINANCIAL

FOR SALE 40 gal. propane gas waterheater and a 19 gal. electricwater heater for 110 current.

Call 910-862-6634.

Want To Buy (MERCH)

I buy junk carsPay from $170-600. 100%

Guarantee call-910-385-8585.Open 7 days a week.

Yard Sale (MERCH)

MOVING SALEAt 10710 NC Hwy 131, located

between Dublin and Bladen-boro. Desks, Day bed, crib,

baby items, mens name brandclothes, size medium and

large, household items andmuch more. Sat. Dec. 31, 7

a.m. - until.

RECREATIONAL VEHICLES

AUTOMOTIVE

REAL ESTATE SALES

REAL ESTATE RENTALS

House For Rent (RENT)

Home for Rent3B/1.5B brick home in CouncilCommunity. $550/mo + $350sec. dep. Call 804-873-4793

HOME FOR RENT IN CENTER ROAD AREA

3-BR, 1 BA, LIVING ROOMAND SEPARATE DEN.

1800 SQ. FT. $700. MONTH,PLUS DEPOSIT.

CALL 910-549-9396.

MANUFACTURED HOUSING

Rentals (MANUFACTURED)

FOR RENT: 2 and 3 Bedroommanufactured homes in

Elizabethtown. Range $350to $500. Deposit required.

Call (910) 872-5302

FOR RENT: 2 BR/1 BA mobilehome. NO PETS.

References. $285 month,deposit $285. South of

Bladenboro. 910-874-0470.

Sales (MANUFACTURED)

MODULARSFOR SALE

Ask for Sam 910-596-0200

RESORT PROPERTY

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted - General (HW)

TelemarketersNEEDED

Local Peopleto call on

Local CompaniesTwo positions are available atThe Robesonian. You will be

contacting local and area busi-nesses by telephone. Qualified

applicants must be effectivesales consultants, routinelyproduce a high volume of

calls, be a relationship builderand be an accurate typist.

An hourly wage is offered anda generous escalating com-mission plan that grows withsales. You will work at The

Robesonian in Lumberton andbe eligible to participate in thecompany benefits program.

Send resume to:Joe Craig at The Robesonian,PO Box 1028 Lumberton, NC

28359 or email: jcraig@heartlandpublications.com

Sales (HW)

Attention Salespeople !!

Do you want to have fun?

Have you been looking for aposition in sales that really re-

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competitive, decisive,persistent, eager, bold, force-ful, inquisitive. How about as-sertive? Do you have a pleas-

ant voice? Are you good atmulti-tasking? Do you work

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customer serviceperson? If you've answered

yes to many of thesequestions, you may be the per-

son we are seeking. Ournewspapers are looking for en-try level salespeople to train in

our advertisingdepartments.

This is a full time positionworking Monday through Fri-day. Hourly wage plus a gen-

erous commissionprogram.

If interested send inquiry or re-sume to: jcraig@heartlandpub-

lications.com

Heartland Publications hasnewspapers in several NorthCarolina communities includ-ing the Raleigh area, Clinton,

Elizabethtown, Lumberton,Saint Pauls, Red Springs,

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We are a growing company of-fering excellent

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EARN COLLEGE DEGREEONLINE. Medical, Business,Criminal Justice. Job place-ment assistance. Computeravailable. Financial aid if quali-fied. SCHEV certified. Call888-899-6918. www.Centura-Online.com

WANTED: LIFE AGENTS. Po-tential to Earn $500 a Day.Great Agent Benefits. Com-missions Paid Daily. LiberalUnderwriting. Leads, Leads,Leads. Life Insurance, LicenseRequired. Call1-888-713-6020.

Drivers- HIRING EXPERI-ENCED/INEXPERIENCEDTANKER DRIVERS! GreatBenefits and Pay! New FleetVolvo Tractors! 1 Year OTRExperience Required -- TankerTraining Available. Call To-day: 877-882-6537. www.Oak-leyTransport.com

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TANKER & FLATBED INDE-PENDENT CONTRACTORS!Top Earnings Potential. 100%Fuel Surcharge - Own Yourown business. Call Today.800-277-0212 or www.pri-meinc.com

Fayetteville Technical Commu-nity College is now acceptingapplications for the followingpositions: Paramedic InstructorJob #11-75 Barber Training In-structor and Lead Instructor (2full-time positions), Job#11-71Deadline: Jan 17 AnFTCC application, cover letter,resume, and copies of collegetranscripts, must be receivedin the Human Resources Of-fice by 4 pm on the closingdate to be considered. For fur-ther information and applica-tion, please visit our website.Human Resources Office Fay-etteville Technical CommunityCollege PO Box 35236 Fayet-teville, NC 28303 Phone: (910)678-8378 Fax: (910)678-0029 Internet:http://www.faytechcc.edu AnEqual Opportunity Employer

Driver- Dry and Refrigerated.Single source dispatch. Notractor older than 3 years.Daily Pay! Various hometimeoptions. CDL-A, 3 months cur-rent OTR experience.800-414-9569. www.drivek-night.com

CDL-A Drivers- Flatbed: Regu-lar Hometime. Steady Miles.New Equipment! $500Sign-On. Benefits aftger 30days. CDL GRADUATESNEEDED. Call Scott615-720-6113 or866-863-4111 orcwelch@westernexp.com

Driver- NEW CAREER FORTHE NEW YEAR! No experi-ence Needed! No CreditCheck! Top Industry pay/qual-ity training. 100% Paid CDLTraining. 800-326-2778.www.JoinCRST.com

AIRLINES ARE HIRING- Trainfor hands on Aviation Career.FAA approved program. Fi-nancial aid if qualified. Jobplacement assistance. CallAviation Institute of Mainte-nance. 877-300-9494.

Your classified ad could bereaching over 1.6 millionhomes across North Carolina!Place your classified on theNC Statewide Classified AdNetwork and run in 104 NCnewspapers for $330 for a25-word ad. Additional words$10 each. Call this newspa-per's classified department formore information or visitwww.ncpsads.com

AT&T U-Verse for just$29.99/mo! SAVE when youbundle Internet+Phone+TVand get up to $300 BACK!(Select Plans). Limited Time.Call NOW! 877-731-0067 -www.digitalmojo.com

Bundle & Save on your CA-BLE, INTERNET, PHONE,AND MORE. High SpeedInternet starting at less than$20/mo. CALL NOW!800-283-9049. Acceller,Inc.

DIRECTV Holiday Special!Packages Start: $29.99/mo +Qualifying packages: FREEHBO/Showtime/Starz/Cinemaxfor 3mos, FREE HD & FREEHD DVR/3 HD Receiver up-grades! Ends 2/8/12, Termsapply 1-866-419-5666.

December 30, 2011 n www.bladenjournal.com n Bladen Journal n Page 4B

ocalL Calendar ...For more event listings, or to submit a calendar item online, go to www.bladenjournal.com

Dec. 31

n Join a park ranger and learn about the geological mysteries of the Carolina Bays at Jones Lake State Park. Formation theories and the natural communities associated with Carolina Bays will be discussed. Participants should meet at the Jones Lake State Park Visitor Center at 9 a.m. This event is free and open to the public.

Jan. 7

n Join a park ranger for a discussion on the basics of waterfowl iden-tification. This program will provide a basic understanding of the different types of water-fowl and their habitats. Participants should meet at the Jones Lake State Park Visitor Center at 2 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

Jan 12

n The Bladen County Retired School Personnel will meet at the Front Porch Restaurant in Elizabethtown at 10 a.m. An auction will be held to help raise funds for the two scholarships to be awarded in the spring.

Jan 14

n Join a park ranger for a discussion about Carolina Bays at Jones Lake State Park. After the discussion a short

hike through a Carolina Bay, will give you a chance to explore these natural mysteries. Participants should meet at the Jones Lake State Park Visitor Center at 2 p.m. and be sure to dress appropriately. This event is free and open to the public.

Jan. 21

n Join a park ranger for a discussion about butterflies and how to attract them to your back yard. Participants should meet at the Jones Lake State Park Visitor Center at 2 p.m.. The event is free and open to the public.

Jan. 28

n A wild game cook off and barbecue sup-per will take place at Elizabethtown Baptist Church in Elizabethtown from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Supper will start at 5:30 p.m. Events will include a 3D archery shoot, long range and iron buck

shoot, bounce houses for the children, and U.S.D.A. Wildlife servic-es trapping trailer. There will be door prizes and more. The grand prize will be pheasant tower hunt at Allen Brothers Hunting Preserve. The church is located at 1800 W. Broad Street, Elizabethtown.

n Join a park ranger for a discussion about the red-cockaded wood-pecker which calls Jones Lake State Park home. Learn about the many adaptations that make this bird unique. Participants should meet at the Jones Lake State Park Visitors Center at 10 a.m. The program will be followed by a short hike. The event is free and open to the public.

Ongoing

n Grandparents and kinship caregiver’s raising grandchildren support group meets every third Wednesday of the month at the Bladen County Division on Aging located at 608 McLeod Street,

Elizabethtown. For more information, call 910-872-6334.

n Dublin First Baptist Church Child Development Center is enrolling children ages 2-4 in the half-day pro-gram. The program uses the A Beka curriculum. For more information or to enroll call 862-2277 or 876-0419.

n The Bladen County Youth Focus Project will meet every sec-ond Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. at the Paul R. Brown Building on Martin Luther King Boulevard, Elizabethtown. All inter-ested persons are wel-come to attend.

n The Bladenboro Visual Arts Council Art Gallery will feature the artwork of Esther Colliers through the holi-day. The gallery is locat-ed in the Bladenboro Historical Building and is open daily from 10 a.m. to noon, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m.

The Bladenboro Historical Building is located at 818 South Main Street, Bladenboro.

n The Bladen County Amateur Radio Society meets the first Tuesday of every month at the Bladen County Courthouse in Elizabethtown Room G7 at 7 p.m. The public with or without an amateur radio license are wel-come to attend.

n The Cape Fear Farmer’s Market is now offering its tailgate mar-ket from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Vendor information and copies of the rules for the market can be obtained by contacting Sarah Baysden at the Elizabethtown Town Office at 862-2066.

n The Elizabethtown-White Lake Chamber of Commerce meets every second Tuesday at the Front Porch Restaurant at noon.

n The Garland Lodge 1511 of the Woodmen of the World Insurance Society meets the first Friday of every month at 7 p.m. at the Ammon community building. Members and guests are welcome.

n Families First, Inc. is offering a parenting program for men and women. The women will meet on Mondays at 4 p.m. and men will meet on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. These classes are open to anyone. Families First is located at 208 S. Morehead Street, Elizabethtown. For fur-ther information contact, 862-2534.

n Families First, Inc. is offering an Empowerment Group for Women meeting Fridays from 4 p.m. until 5 p.m. You don’t have to be in an abusive situation to attend. We encourage

all women to come and express themselves. The program is open to anyone. Families First is located at 208 S. Morehead Street, Elizabethtown. For more information contact, 862-2534.

n A new military monument has been con-structed by the Bladen County Military Museum on a brick patio at 818 S. Main St., Bladenboro. Brick’s may still be purchased and are $100 each. The bricks honor all branches of service beginning with the Revolutionary War. For more information, call 863-4707.

n Bladen County Habitat for Humanity meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Monday of each month at the Elizabethtown Presbyterian Church.

n The Woodmen of The World Lodge 865 meets the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Woodmen of the World Lodge on Hwy. 242 N.

n The Woodmen of The World Lodge 208 meets the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Woodmen of the World Lodge on Whiteville Hwy. Meal will be served.

n The Kelly Historical Society meets on the third Saturday each month at 10 a.m. at the Kelly Museum. For more information, call 910-763-6966.

n The Bladen County Chapter of the NAACP will meet the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. in the Focus Building on Martin Luther King Drive in Elizabethtown.

THINGS TO DO

IN BLADEN CO.

DECEMBER 30, 2011 www.bladenjournal.com BLADEN JOURNAL PAGE 4B

www.bladenjournal.com • www.bladenjournal.com • www.bladenjournal.com

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