Local groups ask commissioners to support community unity event; new builder introduces business

A speaker identifying themself as president of the African‑American Caucus of Bladen County invited the commissioners to participate in a Community Youth Unity and Awareness Day on Sept. 20 at Jones Lake, described plans for vendors, free food, entertainment and outreach about the sales‑tax referendum, and asked the board to meet residents and answer questions.

"Our overall goal is to promote unity, awareness, communication, and positive engagement throughout Bladen County," the Caucus president said, urging the county to be visible and to distribute information to residents who cannot attend regular meetings. The speaker also said the caucus will hold meetings every third Thursday and welcomed county officials to the public event.

Separately, James Trey Bledo introduced himself and his father‑in‑law, Bobby Jolly, as owners of At Home Companies and described their background with the North Carolina Rebuild Program and local housing work. "My name is James Trey Bledo, one of the owners of At Home Companies," he said, and offered to help county residents with housing and repair needs and to collaborate on grant efforts.