ELIZABETHTOWN — The Bladen County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution Monday of support for the 97th Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne) Mission Rehearsal Exercise.

“They did this about three years ago,” said Bladen County Manager Greg Martin of the exercise.

He added, “They are basically training for upcoming assignments to go to other countries and interact with their governments and citizens.”

Martin said the several southeastern North Carolina county governments are participating in the exercise. He added that the training is related to emergency services.

Martin said the specifics of the exercise have not yet been established. The exercise is scheduled for Sept. 18-26.

In other business:

— The board recognized Ben Greene for his many contributions to the county. The county also recognized several employees for the years of service. Those recognized were Susan Daniel, Jose Gotay, Esther Babson, Elizabeth Blanks, Janice Hayes, Persandra McKinley, Palma Burns, Glorietta Barnes, Thomas Atkinson, Michael Burney, Leon Graham, Tracy Jones, Joe Lacewell and Jerimy Sikes.

— Commissioners approved new hours for the Bladen County Animal Shelter. The new hours are animal drop off Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.; adoptions Monday through Friday noon to 5 p.m.; and animal pick up Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.

— The board adopted an agreement with Bladen County Schools to “provide consultation, advice, written materials and guidance on health-related issues in the school setting.”

— The board approved an agreement with Dickerson’s Pharmacy to provide “necessary for the dispensing of medications” for various programs and services provided by the Bladen County Health Department.

— The board agreed for the Bladen County Safe Kids Coalition to accept 20 Evenflo Convertibles Car Seats and 12 Evenflo Combination Strollers that will be distributed countywide to low-income and at risk families.

— The board approved the purchase of four new vehicles for the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office from Performance Dodge of Clinton. The bid was in the amount of $100,415 and is for three Dodge Charger cars and one Dodge Durango SUV.

Erin Smith can be reached at 910-862-4163.

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By Erin Smith

erinsmith@civitasmedia.com