BLADEN COUNTY, NC (WECT) – Deputies in Bladen County arrested a man on drug related charges during a traffic check on NC 211 E. and Elkton Road Wednesday.

According to Captain Rodney Hester with the Bladen County Sheriff's Office, officials could smell marijuana coming from inside a silver Buick Century during the traffic check.

Hester said a glass jar containing what appeared to be marijuana was in plain view in the rear passenger seat on the driver's side of the vehicle.

Johnny Frank Harley, 29 of Riegelwood, was driving the Buick Century. He got out of his vehicle and revealed to officers he had three clear plastic bags of marijuana, eight oxycodone pills and a digital scale.

Harley was arrested and charged with:

ELIZABETHTOWN, NC (WECT) - District Attorney Jon David, the Bladen County Board of Elections, and the North Carolina State Board of Elections have scheduled an elections symposium.

David said they will be addressing things like campaign behavior, ethics and policies. He said back in 2008 there were a number of issues, including election abuse. They want people to know they are moving forward and will be keeping a close eye on elections process.

The symposium is scheduled for Thursday, March 8 in the Bladen County Courthouse. It will begin at 4 p.m.

The public is invited to attend.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.

BLADEN COUNTY, NC (WECT) – East Bladen High School students are giving up their textbooks for a much better upgrade.

Bladen County Schools rolled out brand new Lenovo tablets to about 90 students on Thursday. Students and their parents were briefed on how to use the tablets that are being funded by the Golden Leaf Foundation.

Many were excited to use the tablets for class and homework as a part of the pilot program.

“I guess we’re supposed to use it first because we’re kind of like the guinea pigs,” said tenth grader Leighanne Kelly. “I like it though. It might be a lot to keep up with, but it’s going to be easier than carrying around a lot of books at the same time.”

Right now, 180 students are a part of the pilot program. School officials say, next year every student will take home a tablet.

Copyright 2012 WECT. All rights reserved.