Selflessness, inspiration, and motivation headline the Good News this week. There are so many wonderful folks, events, and stories in Columbus County that we just had to write all about them. Whether they’re saving lives, saving puppies, or writing books, the impact local heroes have on the community is never ending.
On May 30, Columbus Regional Hospital, in partnership with HonorBridge, witnessed their first organ donation at the hospital. The experience was described as one as “profound grace and courage” and “made possible through the selfless gift of one remarkable individual and the strength of their loving family.” Staff of CRHS participated in an Honor Walk and lined the halls in silence to pay tribute to the donor as they were wheeled to the OR to give their precious gift of life. The impact of organ donation can save up to eight lives and heal many more.
Abundant Life Assembly of God will be hosting a special needs workshop on Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the church’s Fellowship Hall. Those in attendance will be learning all about special needs and how to best serve those with exceptional minds in the community and in the church. Debbie Simmons, an expert instructor, will be teaching the class. For questions, contact Victoria Elliott at 910.918.3600.
Fair Bluff will have their First Saturday Market this weekend on June 7. The day will also include a livestock swap. Vendors will have eggs, chickens, goats, cows, ducks and more up for grabs for those wanting to expand their flocks and herds. The swap will run from 7-11 a.m. on Riverside Drive. Crafters, yard sellers, flea marketers, bakers, and gardeners will also be set up beginning at 8 a.m. For more information, call 910.833.4772.
Congratulations are in order for Charleigh Ann Hewett of Whiteville High School. Hewett is the 2025 recipient of the Trooper Kevin Connor Spirit of Community and Leadership Scholarship. She is a senior at WHS who plans to attend Methodist University in the fall to double major in Criminal Justice and Forensic Science.
The Columbus Baptist Association needs your help to prepare for the arrival of Mission Serve. The group of over 300 teens and their youth leaders pay to come to Columbus County to volunteer their time and labor to the local community. The CBA needs donations of bottled water, Gatorade, and Powerade to distribute to the kids while they’re working out in the hot summer sun. Donations can be dropped off Monday-Wednesday from 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. at the association office located at 208 South Thompson Street in Whiteville. If you have a large number of items to donate, a pickup can be arranged by calling 910.642.2155.
Sheriff Bill Rogers extended his gratitude to Whiteville Rescue for their dedication to both human lives and the four-legged kind. The CCSO responded to a call in South Whiteville for a possible overdose and found an unconscious middle-aged male and an unresponsive puppy inside the residence. Both the man and the puppy received Narcan via the deputies on scene, and Whiteville Rescue transported them both to Columbus Regional. The puppy was evaluated at APS where he is resting comfortably and receiving lots of love.
The Columbus County Beekeepers will be having their monthly meeting on June 12 at 7 p.m. Barry Chadwick will be speaking about summer dearth at the NC Cooperative Extension that evening. The extension can be found at 45 Government Complex Drive in Whiteville.
The ‘Fatherless Roads’ book launch will be held on Friday, June 13, from 5-9 p.m. at the Vineland Station Depot in Whiteville. The book was written by Brad Wilder to inspire, educate, and uplift individuals and families impacted by father absence. Wilder is a motivational speaker, author, police officer, and community leader in Whiteville. This is the fourth book in his Wildly Inspirational series. Tickets are free and can be obtained by visiting https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fatherless-roads-book-launch-tickets-1348818314889?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.
The Columbus County Farmers Market will be hosting the ‘Hoedown at Sundown’ event on Saturday, June 14, from 6-9 p.m. at the market location. The evening will include music, dancing, food and food trucks, games, a photo booth and more. The cost is $15 for couples, $10 for adults, and $5 for children 10 years old and under. The CCFM can be found 132 Government Complex Drive in Whiteville and is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Columbus County Schools will be holding a substitute update training class for those who acted at board approved substitutes during the 2024-2025 school year. The training is for teachers, cafeteria workers, and custodial subs. The event will be held at East Columbus Junior/Senior High School on July 22, July 23 at West Columbus High School, and July 24 at South Columbus. Each session will take place from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the schools’ cafeteria. Bus driver and bus driver training will be held at a later date. For questions, call 910.642.5168, extension 24014.
A new face has joined the ranks of the patrol squad at the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Nicholas Barone was sworn in last week and will be joining the CCSO family. Congratulations on your new position.
Remember to check out our Good News tab throughout the week. We love to hear about all the great things happening around you. If your church would like their VBS dates and times published in our Church News, send your submissions our way. We will get it out there for you, and the best part is, it’s free.
Email thegoodnews@columbuscountynews.com or crystalfaircloth@columbuscountynews.com; call us at 910.914.6056 or just drop by our office at 1015 South Madison St., Whiteville. We love visitors. If the blinds are open, we’re open for business.
