It’s going to be a hot one for Independence Day weekend, but skies will be clear for everyone to enjoy those patriotic firework celebrations. Columbus County News and WTXY Kool 103.9 FM would like to wish you all a happy July 4. Be sure log onto www.columbuscountynews.com for absolutely free to catch up on any news you’ve missed this week. Get your news delivered every morning to your inbox before your coffee ever hits your cup by signing up for our daily newsletter.
There are plenty of red, white, and blue Independence Day activities planned starting this weekend. You don’t have to go far to find some good clean fun no matter where you are in the area. Western Prong Baptist and other churches are celebrating in style. The Columbus County fireworks display is happening tonight, Friday, June 30, at South Columbus High School. For other dates, times, and updated church activities, visit HERE. 
On Saturday, July 1, the Veterans Memorial Park of America will be hosting a community yard sale and celebration in honor of Independence Day. The day will include food, craft, and item vendors, and a Kids Corner with bouncy houses, games, coloring, and other activities. Concessions like hotdogs, chips, drinks, popcorn, and Kona Ice will be available for purchase. Fire, rescue, and law enforcement members will be onsite for meet and greets, and local organizations will be handing out community information.
Booth spots are still up for grabs for anyone who would like to sell items at the yard sale. Spaces are $10 each, and step up and registration will begin at 7 a.m. The sale starts at 8 a.m. with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and the day ends at 7 p.m. The Veterans Memorial Park of America is located at 6354 James B. White Highway South in Whiteville. If you would like to donate, pledge your $250 for the 250 Club Challenge, participate in the yard sale, volunteer, or become a sponsor for the VMPA, contact Angela Norris at 910.840.3848.
Sandy Plain Baptist Church will have a concealed carry class on Saturday, July 1, from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Spots are $65 and will include lunch, snacks, and refreshments. Call 910.625.5884. The church is located at 6824 Swamp Fox Highway East in Tabor City.
It is not too late for boaters to sign up for the Lake Waccamaw Summer Flotilla. The event will be held on Monday, July 3, beginning at 8:30 p.m. Prizes will be handed out in different categories by Burning Lake Trading Co. Best in Show and Community Choice will receive a prize pack, and Most Spirited will receive a $100 gift card to spend in the shop. The entry fee to join the flotilla is $20. Visit https://www.lakewaccamawnc.gov/flotilla-registration-form to sign up. The fee can be paid in person at Lake Waccamaw Town Hall located at 205 Flemington Drive, or mailed to P.O. Box 145, Lake Waccamaw, N.C. 28450. Checks should be made out to Lake Waccamaw Town Hall with ‘Flotilla’ written in the memo.
There is one more little lady out of a litter of nine pups at the Columbus County Sheriff’s Animal Protective Services. Donut is looking for her furever home along with other cats and dogs at the shelter. You can stop APS Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. to find your new best friend. They are also in need of food, cleaning supplies, towel and blanket donations to help take care of the animals there. The Columbus County Sheriff’s Animal Protective Services can be found at 288 Legion Drive in Whiteville.
Many Columbus County churches will be having Vacation Bible School during the months of July and August. Some of them begin this weekend. If you would like your church added to the list, please send an email to crystalfaircloth@columbuscounty.news. Visit HERE to see local churches and their VBS dates.
Aaron Mitchell had the honor of representing the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe at the Atlanta Braves ball field in Georgia. Mitchell was chosen at the Native American Allstar, and he proudly displayed the tribe’s banner.
The Lakeside Ministry will run every Sunday through Labor Day at 9 a.m. at the Lake Waccamaw campground pavilion. This Sunday, July 2, the speaker will be Anthony Rowell with singing by the New Mt. Zion Singers.
Some Columbus County School locations will be serving free food for children ages 1-18 years old this summer. Acme Delco Elementary, Hallsboro/Artesia Elementary, Old Dock Elementary, West Columbus School, and South Columbus High will participate through June 30. Chadbourn Elementary will serve food until July 31.
The Lake Waccamaw Fire and Rescue Department will be holding their annual boot drop and hotdog sale on Tuesday, July 4, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Members will be set up in front of the station located at 203 Flemington Drive for the Independence Day fundraiser.
Sheriff Rogers made a generous donation to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office this week. Rogers donated two concrete benches in honor of fallen officers Kevin Conner and Bob Hinson. Both benches have been placed in the office’s courtyard.
Community CPR will have their warehouse open every Wednesday from 1-4 p.m. to families in need. The facility also has resources about outreach programs in the area. CCPR can be found at 210 East Walter Street in Whiteville. Use the back entrance of the Daniel Building.
Southeastern Community College’s Brandy Nance and her team of first responder instructors held a countywide Aquatic Training Management day last Saturday. The training helps teams understand the proper handling of water rescues and reduces the time it takes to reach individuals in a drowning situation.
The H.E.A.R.T.S Foundation will be having their annual school supply giveaway on July 29 from 3-5 p.m. at the community park located at 116 Miller Street in Chadbourn. The non-profit also has slots still available for their Trunk or Treat held at Southeastern Community College in October for anyone who would like to participate. For more information about either events or to donate to the organization, call president Larry Everette Jr. at 910.733.3375.
The date and time for the second annual First Responder Burger Brawl is Nov. 3 from 5-8 p.m. at Vineland Station Depot to take home the title of grill master for the best burger in town. For more information, visit the N.C. Pecan Harvest Festival Facebook page. The depot is located at 701 South Madison Street in Whiteville.
The GOOD NEWS is featured every Saturday morning on WTXY Kool 103.9 FM, and throughout the week under the GOOD NEWS tab at columbuscountynews.com. Email crystalfaircloth@columbuscounty.news with your church announcements, fundraisers, yard sales, club news, community celebrations, or just plain happy stories. There is no charge for publicizing your news and events.
