- The Waccamaw Siouan Tribe has long been identified with the Old Lake Road between Lake Waccamaw, Saint James and Buckhead. Historical references indicate it was used by the Waccamaw people long before Europeans came here. When the new bridge over the Intrastate is completed, it will be named in honor of the Waccamaw Siouan folks. Representative Brenden Jones worked with the Department of Transportation to have the bridge named in honor of the People of the Falling Star.
- Sunday will be the open house at the Columbus county Courthouse. Guided tours of the 110 year old building start at 3 p.m. The courthouse was dedicated Friday in a special session of superior court presided over by Superior Court Judge C. Ashley Gore. The original courtroom has been restored to how it was before the 1968 renovations. Clerk of Superior Court Jess Hill as well as the county staff and Rep. Brenden Jones deserve a round of applause for all the extra work that went into restoring the landmark. Remember when it was closed that there was discussion of demolishing the structure. Looking at it now, one can’t help but feel some extra pride in our community.
- Bill Valentine was in the crowd Friday at the Courthouse dedication. The Whiteville native left home to become a world-renowned architect, but never lost his love for Whiteville. Valentine loves the courthouse and Columbus County so much that he gave $100,000 to the project from the foundation created by he and his wife Jane.
- Next Saturday is Back to School day at the Columbus County community farmers market. The market is open from 8 until 2 every Saturday. You can always find fresh produce and eggs, locally sourced arts and crafts, handmade jewelry and much more at the market. Next week there will be special activities and giveaways for school children and their families, but you have to get there early, since quantities are limited. The market is located on Government complex Drive in North Whiteville.
- Transformation Church is hosting Vacation Bible School at Lebanon Methodist Saturday until 4 p.m. The church is located in Williams Township, at 9237 J.B. White Highway south of Whiteville.
- Speaking of Transformation Church – congratulations to our friend Jon Walton for being named the new pastor of Transformation. Jon is best known for his Milk B4 Meat Ministries events where members are not afraid to do the work of the gospel whenever and wherever there is a need. Transformation meets at 10 a.m. every Sunday in the Lebanon fellowship hall.
- National Night Out is Tuesday at the Whiteville city hall and the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office. There will be food, games, giveaways, tours of the equipment and vehicles used by first responders, and more. National Night Out is from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Police Department and 6 until 10 at the sheriff’s office.
- If you want to have some input on the new K-8 school in East Columbus, the county schools will host a community meeting August 8 from 6 until 8 p.m. The meeting will be held in the ECHS auditorium. Everything from the school’s logo to classroom design will be open for discussion. Call 910.642.5168 for more information.
- Backpack Buddies for the new school year begins August 19 at the Columbus Baptist Association Office. Volunteers are needed to help fill bags for children who might not have good meals when they are away from campus. The association office is on Franklin Street in Whiteville. Call 642. 2155.
- Food trucks are needed for Family Fur Day August 31 at the Columbus County Fairgrounds. Sponsored by Columbus Animal Protective Services, you can enjoy games, a petting zoo, and adoptable animals from the shelter. This is the third year for the event. Call 910.641.3945 for more information.
- Braille resources are now available for blind children at Columbus County Smart Start. The Early Learning Family and Resource Center worked with the school system to make available materials ranging from learning aids to a free Braille book distribution program. Call 910-642-8226 for more information.
- AARP of North Carolina will sponsor a caregivers disaster lunch and learn August 8 at Whiteville United Methodist church. Lunch will be provided by the Cape Fear Area Agency on Aging. Respite care will also be available. Call 1.800.242.3900 to RSVP.
- If you like golfing for a good cause, you have a couple opportunities coming up. The fourth annual Columbus County Partnership for children golf tourney is September 27 at Vineland Golf Course. It’s the first time the group will host the event at Vineland. Call 910.642.8226 for registration and sponsorship information. Tee It Up For Veterans Golf Tournament will be held Saturday, Aug. 17 at Diamondback Golf Course (Woodland Valley) in Loris. All proceeds will support the Veterans Memorial Park of America Community Outreach Center. Early registration is encouraged. Call Angela Norris at 910.840.3848. See this story online for more information.
We always have room for your church announcements, civic club news, special events, birthdays, pageant winners, celebrations, Good Samaritans, little kids with big fish and anything else that makes you smile. There is never a charge for sharing your news at Columbus County News Dot com. Email jeffersonweaver@columbuscountynews.com, call 910.914.6056, or just drop by our office at 1015 South Madison Street, Whiteville.
