Back to school is upon us, but several events are still planned before the kids head out to hit the books once again. Hang out at the museum, catch a school safety presentation, grabs some supplies, or donate food to children in need. Columbus County News has all the latest and greatest covered in this week’s edition of the Good News.
Columbus Career and College Academy will be welcoming their freshmen class to the school with Boot Camp 2025 happening July 31 – Aug. 1. Each day will run from 8:20 a.m. – 2:45 p.m. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for students, but they will need to bring their Chromebooks and cell phones for certain activities. The purpose of the event is for students to get familiar with the school, participate in fun and engaging activities, make new friends, meet teachers and staff, and start the school year with confidence. The early college is located at 4564 Chadbourn Highway on the Southeastern Community College grounds.
Veterans Memorial Park of America will have orange and black bows available for a donation of $25 each in honor of Agent Orange Awareness Day on Sunday, Aug. 10. Those interested in hanging a bow at your home or business is asked to contact the VMPA at 910.840.5207. The deadline to order is Aug. 1.
Hallsboro United Methodist Church, in partnership with Chadbourn UMC, received the Taylor Award for Outstanding Mission Engagement at the annual NC conference last week. This special recognition celebrates the congregation’s commitment to serving the community, especially Hallsboro Artesia Elementary and Chadbourn Elementary schools. Reverend Rhonda Jordan, Director of Missions, presented the award, and the church thanked District Superintendent Reverend Tara Lain for her support and presence during the joyful occasion.
Facts of Life Church and Pastor Daisy J. Brooks will be hosting ‘Safety Matters’ for all school-aged children and college students on Aug. 4 from 6-8 p.m. Chief Paul Rochenbach of the Whiteville Police Department will speak to the kids on various topics like staying safe on campus, new roommate situations, social gatherings, etc. Dinner will be served that evening, and the church will giveaway school supplies at the event. Facts of Life can be found at 501 North Madison Street in Whiteville. Those who would like to attend are asked to RSVP by July 31 at 5 p.m. Call 910.840.1700 to reserve a spot for your child.
The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office is asking the community to come together to support the family of Officer A.J. Shipman whose life was tragically cut short on his first day of service with the department. Those who would like help can donate directly to S&L Funeral Home to pay for Shipman’s final arrangements by this afternoon, July 30. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. Services will be held this Friday, Aug. 1, at 1 p.m. at West Columbus High School. Following the service, burial will take place at Butler Branch Cemetery. Repast will follow at Sandy Grove Baptist Church in Fair Bluff.
Speaking of police officers and community, Whiteville and Chadbourn police departments are already planning neighborhood shindigs for ‘National Night Out’ on Aug. 5. Whiteville will hold their event from 6-8:30 p.m. in the City Hall parking lot, and Chadbourn PD and other first responders will hang out with residents at the Strawberry Event Field from 6-8 p.m. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign to promote police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie.
Whiteville High School Coach Serena K. Smith is celebrating a great honor this week. Smith has been selected as the East Girls Head Coach for the prestigious NCCA East-West All Star Games. The Wolf Pack will be cheering her on as she leads some of the top talent in the state. Great job, Coach.
Columbus County Parks and Rec is also honoring some little athletes. The Dixie Softball Darlings, Angels, and Ponytails, as well as the Dixie Youth Baseball 6U, 8U, and 13U teams will be advancing to the World Series. Safe travels kids as you head off to play ball and make memories.
Folks are invited to join the NC Museum of Natural Sciences at Whiteville on Aug. 9 from 2-4 p.m. for ‘Studying Dragonflies with 10,000 of my Closest Friends.’ Learn how Chris Goforth, Head of Collaborative Sciences, has explored dragonfly behaviors through her citizen science projects. After the presentation, stay for an activity about a different kind of flying insect- the moth. Mock moth night will show you how to create your own moth observation kit. This event is free to attend, and the museum can be found at 415 South Madison Street in Whiteville. Call 910.788.5100 for more information.
The Columbus County Farmers Market has a ton of events planned for everyone for the rest of 2025. Aug. 9 is Back to School Day, Sept. 13 is Honey Day, Sept. 27 is the Fall Harvest Festival, Oct. 18 is Chicken Bog and BBQ Day, Nov. 15 is Collards, Cornbread, and Sweet Potato Day, and on Dec. 13, the facility will host Christmas from the Heart. You don’t have to wait for these dates to roll around before you can head out and shop at the market. They are open every Saturday from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. at 132 Government Complex Drive in Whiteville. To find out about all the vendor wares and produce for sale, be sure to visit the Columbus County Farmers Market Facebook page.
The Watermelon Festival was a big hit during the weekend long gathering in Fair Bluff. Pageants, biggest watermelon weigh-ins, and other contests reigned supreme at the event. Earl and Miles Worley took home trophies in their divisions for the annual Watermelon Eating Contest.
East Columbus Junior/Senior High School will have their open house on Aug. 21 from 5-7 p.m. There will be a parent meeting for grades 7-12 in the auditorium at 6 p.m. The school is located at 32 Gator Lane in Lake Waccamaw.
The Columbus Baptist Association will have their kick-off Backpack Buddy Packing Party on Monday, Aug. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the CBA office. This year, funding for the Backpack Ministry has been drastically reduced, and the organization needs churches, local businesses, and civic groups to fill in the shortfall. If you would like to donate, you can send checks made payable to the CBA with “Backpack” written on the memo line to 208 South Thompson Street, Whiteville, NC 28472. Item collections can be brought to the CBA office Monday-Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Below is a list of foods needed for this year’s ministry:
- Individual size pop-top cans (7.5oz) of ravioli, Vienna Sausages, Spaghetti-Os, Beefaroni, Beanie Weenies, etc.
- Juice Boxes (not the pouches)
- Pop Tarts
- Granola Bars
- Fruit Cups
- Pudding Cups
- Individual Cereal Boxes (little boxes not the little tubs)
- Rice Krispy Treats
- Raisins
- Square Nabs (crackers)
- Fruit Snacks
The second annual Jessalyn Wray Batton Walk to Remember will be on Sept. 27 at 10 a.m. at the Coastal Family Urgent Care located at 310 Liberty Street in Whiteville. There will be vendors, food trucks, fellowship, a memory walk, and t-shirts for sale. All proceeds from the event will go to Breast Cancer screenings for uninsured women. Last year, the charity raised enough money for thirteen mammograms and three diagnostic mammograms and ultrasounds. Signups for screenings will also be available on site. For details, call Brittany at 910.317.5550.
Remember to check out our Good News tab throughout the week. We love to hear about all the great things happening around you. Email your submissions to 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.
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