Two big farmers markets open this weekend for the new season, and there’s something going on for everyone in our county in the coming days.
- Fair Bluff’s Community Market will be open Saturday starting at 8 a.m. The market features farmers and hobby gardeners, crafters, yard salers, baked and canned goods, flowers and more. The market is held on Riverside Drive. Call 910.833.8772 to reserve a place.
- Saturday is also opening day for the Columbus County Community Farmers Market. While not much produce is ready, crafters, candlemakers, millers, beekeepers and woodworkers are welcome. The market is open from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the county complex in North Whiteville. Call 840.6743.
- The Sheepdog Foundation will be recruiting for the Troop Hardcharger youth program Saturday in downtown Whiteville. The group will set up an informational booth beside The Pawn Shop on Madison Street at Lewis Smith from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.
- February 5-10 is Fire Learning and Mitigation Education Week – also called FLAME—at Turnbull Creek Educational Forest in Bladen County. There will be special learning opportunities for foresters, firefighters, landowners and families every day. Go the the Turnbull Creek website for more information, or view the flyer here: TCESF_FLAME_Week
- Seniors looking at college can find help and free pizza February 8. West Columbus High School will host a FAFSA student aid workshop for parents and students February 8 at 6 p.m. Multiple counselors will be on hand to help fill out student aid forms. Contact zachcastro@columbus.k12.nc.us for more.
- Council Tool Company from Lake Waccamaw donated Halligan tools to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office. A Halligan tool can be used to make entry into barricaded or locked doors during an emergency situation. Council Tool is supplying every School Resource Officer in Columbus County with a Halligan for emergency use.
- Transformation Church is celebrating its fourth anniversary. The church is currently building its new sanctuary near Williams Township School. Currently it meets every Sunday at 10 a.m. in the Lebanon Methodist Church Fellowship Center, 9237 James B. White South, Whiteville. Transformation is a contemporary church that welcomes everyone.
Some of the happy new fur families from Animal Protective Services this week. (APS photos)
- Columbus Animal Protective Services had several causes for celebration this week. Five shelter dogs went to loving new homes. Many more animals are available for adoption, and February marks the end of the discounted adoption fee of $20. Go find you a new furry friend today. Call 641.3945 or drop by the shelter on Legion Drive between 10 and 4 Monday through Friday.
- Riegelwood Baptist Church recently held its first-ever Chili Cook-off.
The winners were
First Place – Heather Veraldi
Second Place – Pam Butler
Third Place – Cliff Freeman & Rick Mercado
Most Unique Style – Jessica Congleton (she used chorizo)
Best Use of Spice – Will White
- A new program at Columbus County Cooperative Extension will help local gardeners get their hands dirty and improve yield. Bruce McLean will lead weekly programs on all phases of gardening starting Feb. 13. You can pick and choose which classes to attend. Call 640.6605 or email Bruce underscore Mclean@ncsu.edu.
- The Arts Council, Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce and other groups are recognizing 10 local African American authors Feb. 10 at a free book signing and reception. The event will include readings by authors from Columbus County. The reception will be at the Columbus Arts Council, 822 Madison St., Whiteville from 2 to 5 p.m.
- The Southeastern Swamp Stewards chapter of the N.C. Wildlife Federation is sponsoring a bird-watching event February 18 at Fair Bluff. The event is part of the Great Backyard Bird Count, an annual effort to document bird species across the country. The Fair Bluff bird count is free and will take place from 8-10 a.m. Contact the Swamp Stewards on Facebook for more information.
- A Job Fair and Veterans Stand Down will be held at the county fairgrounds March 2. There will be displays from area businesses, job recruiters, and service agencies that assist veterans in all walks of life. Organizers are asking for donations of gift cards and door prizes for the event. Contact David Pattillo at 910.977.0762.
- Saturday Skate Nights are back at Anchorage Camp of Lake Waccamaw. Admission is $8, skate rental $2, and season passes are $110. There’s also a snack bar and rock climbing wall. Call 646.4111 for more information.
We always have room for your church announcements, civic club news, good Samaritans, animal stories, pageant winners, little kids with big fish – anything that makes you smile, there’s room for it on air and online in the Good News. Email jeffersonweaver@columbuscountynews.com, drop by our office at 1015 s. Madison Street in Whiteville, or send us a message on Facebook.
