Merry Christmas from the whole CCN family to yours. We wish you a beautiful and bright New Year to come.
Tomorrow is the big day that everyone has been waiting for. Santa is set to make his appearance tonight, and you can track his progress at https://www.noradsanta.org/en/. Events will wind down this week, but the New Year will bring a host of activities to come.
Some organizations are already planning spring gatherings for 2026, so if your church, civic group, or association has markets, plays, fundraisers, or events that you want published in The Good News, send your submissions to crystalfaircloth@columbuscountynews.com or ccn.cfaircloth@gmail.com. We will be sure to get them out there for absolutely free.
Southeastern Community College recognized Gary Nealy, chemistry instructor, as the recipient of the Fall 2025 Faculty/Instructional Staff Meritorious Service Award during a campus ceremony. The award celebrates instructors who show dedication to students, commitment to the mission, and instructional excellence.
The Whiteville Junior Women’s Club is holding a gun raffle fundraiser, and it’s going to be a good one. Only 150 tickets will be sold for this event, and $100 will give you ten chances to win a prize.
Up for grabs is a Beretta A400 Ext. Plus 12 GA, a Browning Silver 20 GA, a Ruger American 350 Legend, a Savage 334 .270 WIN, a Smith and Wesson FPC 22LR, a Springfield Hellcat Pro 9mm, a Sig. Sauer P938 Legion 9mm, a Ruger Security 380 ‘Cheetah,’ a Glock 43X Mos 9mm, and a Smith and Wesson M&P Bodyguard 2.0 380.
Winners must claim their prize at Waccamaw Outdoors located at 104 Top Tobacco Road in Lake Waccamaw. To purchase a ticket, contact a member of the Whiteville Junior Women’s Club or message them via Facebook at www.facebook.com/wjwc2016. All proceeds will go towards the WJWC’s community projects.
If you’re looking for a furry new best friend to surprise the kids with on Christmas morning, the Columbus County Sheriff’s Animal Protective Services have you covered this season. Adoption fees have now been cut in half through December.
A new cat for your lap is only $12.50, and dogs can be brought home to snuggle for $37.50. Consider giving the gift of a permanent home to an animal in need this Christmas. The APS can be found at 288 Legion Drive in Whiteville.
Speaking of the APS, the facility is now hosting the Christmas Critter Giveback event to help families and support pets while spreading some Christmas cheer. The shelter is taking donations of dog and cat food, beds, blankets, and warm bedding, collars, leashes, harnesses, toys, treats, crates and dog houses, and any other pet supplies that help families care for their animals.
Anonymous recommendations are welcome, and APS is asking folks to just give what you can and share kindness. For more info, you can call the shelter at 910.641.3945 or email them at animal.services@columbussheriff.com.
Columbus Regional Healthcare System held its first ever gingerbread house competition last week. For the Department and People’s Choice categories, the Cardiopulmonary team took home the gold, and Melissa Mitchell grabbed the number one spot for the Individual category. Congratulations to the winners.
The thirty-seventh annual Community Christmas Dinner will be held on Dec. 24 and 25 at various locations in Southeastern North and South Carolina. This dinner is completely free to everyone and funded by a non-profit volunteer organization.
Columbus County will be participating on Dec. 24 at Fair Bluff Baptist Church starting at 8 a.m. and at Mt. Tabor Manna Cafe at 9 a.m. Pick-up and delivery are available for anyone without transportation by calling 843.781.1326 by Dec. 21.
FBBC’s address is 1205 Main Street in Fair Bluff, and the cafe can be found at 200 Orange Street in Tabor City.
The Melaine Jamison Scholarship Drive will be hosting a blood drive in memory of Wayne Watson on Dec. 30 from 1-6 p.m. The Blood Connection will be set up at Amy’s Academy of Dance located at 129 East Strawberry Street Boulevard in Chadbourn.
If you have a busy schedule, you can reserve an appointment by visiting https://donate.thebloodconnection.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/297041.
Get ready, aim, and fire every Friday and Saturday night through Dec. 27 and on Wednesday, Dec. 31 with the Veterans Memorial Park of America Turkey Shoot. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. each evening. Raffle tickets are also up for grabs for a Weber smoker. Tickets are $10 each or 3 for $20, and the drawing will be held on Dec. 31.
The Veterans Memorial Park of America can be found at 6354 James B. White Highway South in Whiteville.
The Town of Tabor City will have their first inaugural Yam Drop on Dec. 31 from 6-8 p.m. at the Garrell Depot to ring in the new year. This event is family friendly, and everyone is invited. The depot is located at 105 Railroad Street.
Gator Fest is right around the corner, and vendor applications are now available for those who would like to participate in the 2026 event. The forms can be picked up at Town Hall located at 205 Flemington Street in Lake Waccamaw.
Speaking of Lake Waccamaw, the Board of Commissioners needs help from the locals to bring life to the new Town Hall lobby and meeting chambers. Artists can donate or lend artwork inspired by the Lake, community, and natural surroundings to make the building more welcoming and inviting.
To learn more about the project, please reach out to Meredith Parker at mparker@lakewaccamaw.gov.
The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office is currently accepting applications for its spring 2026 Citizens Academy program. The free program offers demonstrations, facility tours, presentations and direct interaction with deputies, detectives, detention staff, and specialized units.
Participants will meet every Tuesday from 6-9 p.m. beginning on Feb. 16 for 10-12 weeks. You must be at least 21 years of age and able to pass a background check.
Interest parties can visit the academy page at https://columbussheriff.com/citizens-academy/ or send an email to pcarrano@columbussheriff.com. Enrollment ends on Feb. 8.
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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