While some communities are winding down with the end of the holiday season, there’s p[lenty to do in Columbus County.
If you’re looking for something to do, we can help. Next week we debut the “Do Some Good” section on the CCN website. It will be a free list of volunteer opportunities, and volunteers who are looking for somewhere to help. Keep an eye on our social platforms for a link.
Fair Bluff’s First Saturday Farmers Market will not be held today due to the threat of inclement weather. The market will return in February.
Another market is coming back in February as well – the columbus county community farmers market will be open February 3from 8 until 1. Produce won’t be available yet, crafters, bakers, eggsellers, corn-millers and woodworkers of any kind are welcome. The market motto is, As long as you make it, bring it out. The market is located on Government complex Drive in North Whiteville
School is back in session, so is time for another backpack buddies packing party. The next party is Jan. 16 from 6:30 – 8 p.m. at the Columbus Baptist Association. The CBA hopes to pack 1,000 bags with food for needy children this time, and plenty of help is needed. Even if you can’t get there right at 6:30 come when you can. Contact Reverend Dave Heller or the CBA on Facebook for more information. The CBA office is located on Franklin Street in Whiteville.
Julie Strickland, the queen of parks and rec for Columbus County, was honored this week by the county commissioners. Julie retired as of Jan. 1, and the fitness park and children’s play area at the county complex were named in her honor. The park and the sensory-aware playground were among her many accomplishments during her tenure.
Speaking of parks and rec – registration is today and Jan. 13 for County youth basketball for boys and girls ages 6-15. Gym locations are at Tabor City, Nakina Middle and Chadbourn Elementary. You can also register at East Columbus today. Cost is $10. Call 910.640.6624 for more information.
The annual MLK Day march will be Jan. 13 starting at 10 a.m. Marchers will gather at Vineland Station in Whiteville and walk to the courthouse. More than 200 turned out to honor the slain civil rights leader last year despite intermittent snow and freezing rain. The event is sponsored by the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Whiteville Alumni chapter.
Cooperative Extension is hosting a youth livestock interest meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 16, at the Columbus County Extension Office in Whiteville. The meeting is from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at 45 Government Complex Drive, Whiteville. Contact Rebekah Benton or Aaron Blackmon at 910-640-6606.
You can learn more about how to manage your farm pond at a seminar Jan. 16 at the Bladen County Cooperative Extension office. Kyle Rachels of the Wildlife Resources Commission will detail how to stock and harvest fish, improve habitat and manage weeds. The cost is $5. Call 910.862.4591.
There was some big news at Animal Protective Services last week. Biggie was the shelter’s longest resident dog, having been there through no fault of his own since Nov. 1. Biggie was adopted and in his new home for the holidays. Remember that the shelter has dropped adoption fees to $20 for all animals through February. That does not include the spay and neuter voucher. The shelter is open for adoptions from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
More than 200 people turned out for last week’s inaugural first day hike at Lake Waccamaw State Park. A park ranger led the walkers on a tour of the lakefront. The First Hike program is part of a state and national effort to get families to start a new tradition of getting outside on New Year’s Day.
Please send us your church announcements, club news, awards, pageant winners, birthdays and anniversaries, special events, little kids with big fish, good Samaritans – there’s always room for your happy stories on the Good News. Just email jeffersonweaver@columbuscountynews.comn or hit us on Facebook messenger.
