The town of Lake Waccamaw held a brief but informative town meeting on Tuesday evening for the month of July. Brent Jernigan caught the board up on ABC sales over the last fiscal year, and Mike Creen was on-hand to go over the details of a Veterans Day parade for November in Whiteville. Town leaders also renewed their contract with Thompson, Scott, Price, Adams and Company to conduct the annual budget audit for Lake Waccamaw.
The Independence Day thunderstorms may have caused a delay in fireworks displays, but it did not dampen the spirit of purchasing spirits in the area. This year, tourists and residents purchased over $917,875 in alcohol from the town’s ABC store.
In 2015, the store was moved from the Hills shopping plaza to Chauncey Town Road next to Highway 74/76. At that time, sales were around $230,000.
Brent Jernigan said the profits have skyrocketed since the move 8 years ago.
“This is a 400 percent increase in sales,” said Jernigan. “That’s 105 customers per day spending $29 each.”
ABC stores distribute the funds among the county, the town, and the fire and police departments. The town of Lake Waccamaw received $57,516, and Chief Jerry Gore was awarded $2,752 for Lake Waccamaw Fire and Rescue. The police department will receive a distribution of funds over the next day or so. The county was granted over $24,000.
Jernigan said he has also been in contact with Whiteville town manager Darren Currie about the building and funding plans the city used to recently construct a new ABC store in their area. He hopes to be able to build a free-standing establishment for Lake Waccamaw as well to expand space for much needed product.
Veterans will be honored in Whiteville with a parade in November. Mike Creen, a spokesman for the Columbus County Chapter of Veterans, approached commissioners about Lake Waccamaw’s participation in the event. He will be back in September or October to update everyone about the procession’s progress and notify the town about any fundraisers the organization will be having to offset out-of-pocket fees incurred by the participants.
The 2023 Columbus County Veterans Parade will be on Saturday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. with lineup from 9-10 a.m. The route will leave from Smith Street and travel down Madison Street. The procession will end where Lee and Franklin Streets merge with South Madison.
Prizes for first, second, and third place will be presented to the best decorated entry. Candy may be thrown by those who wish to do so during the procession. Only patriotic theme floats and music are allowed through the parade route, and no horses or donkeys are permitted. Motorcycles are allowed to enter the event.
To enter your unit in the parade, entry forms can be completed and submitted online at www.columbusco.org. They can also be mailed to the Columbus County Veterans’ Services office located at 805 Pinckney Street in Whiteville. All entries must be received by Friday, Oct. 13, and details about when and where to lineup will be released by Nov. 8.
Lake Waccamaw will renew their contract with Thompson, Price, Scott, Adams and Company P.A. to conduct their annual audit.
Town Clerk Meredith Parker said the firm has always done a great job for the municipality in the past and recommended keeping them on board for their services.
“We have established a good working relationship with them over the years, so I think this is the best course,” explained Parker.
At the close of the meeting, the board also gave their approval for another organization to hold a 5K run. The Waccamaw Siouan tribe has requested the use of Elizabeth Brinkley Park to hold their own event on Aug. 12. The run will be a fundraiser for tribe members.
