Metal Detector Hobbyist Finds Wedding Band on Oak Island

A Timberlake, North Carolina resident found a men's wedding at the beach, while metal detecting on Oak Island this month. The band is described as being an 11.5 gram, 14k gold, men's wedding band. The gentleman is apparently willing to return the ring to it's rightful owner upon proper identification and confirmation, and also after claiming some bragging rights at his next metal detecting meeting.

If you, or someone you know lost this ring on Oak Island, please see the Metal Detecting Forum for more information on claiming this ring.

2010 4th of July Festivities - Southport, NC

June 22, 2010 – Southport, North Carolina (NC) - Families looking for a unique July 4th destination need look no further than Southport, NC. The town’s annual Independence Day celebration is the official state of North Carolina’s celebration. Highlights include picnics, arts and crafts in the park, a car show, parade, fireworks, firemen’s competition, children’s games, live entertainment nightly, great food and of course lots of red, white and blue.

The history of Southport's Fourth of July Festival celebration was first recorded in a newspaper in 1795. Now the event has grown to attract over 60,000 visitors each year.

Through the years it through efforts of civic groups and citizens the festival has evolved to encompass a wide variety of America celebration traditions. And what could be more American than a Naturalization Ceremony which was incorporated into the N.C. Fourth of July Festival in 1996 and administered by what is now the United States Department of Homeland Security U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS). Holding true to its mission of promoting patriotism, the festival also holds a Veterans Recognition Ceremony, Flag Retirement Ceremony and Flag Raising Ceremony.

Parade enthusiasts can watch the golf cart parade marshaled by NBC’s biggest losers 2008, Ed & Heba on Sunday, July 4th and the Southport parade on Monday, July 5. This year’s Southport parade, hosted by WECT-TV, will be marshaled by Captain Anthony Popiel, USCG Commander, Coast Guard Sector North Carolina. New to the festival parade line-up is The Burlington Teen Tour Band, a top award-winning band they have a membership of 170 plus, all between the ages 13 – 21. Festival events culminate this year on July 5th with a brilliant display of fireworks.

We invite you to join us July 1-5, 2010, celebrating our 215th year. View the entire Festival schedule and daily waterfront entertainment schedule at http://www.nc4thofjuly.com/.

Should your trip to Southport involve an overnight stay please visit the Chamber’s Web site at http://www.southport-oakisland.com/.  The area is known for its coastal cuisine, boutique shopping and antique stores. Tucked away on the southeastern coast of the Brunswick Islands, Southport and the surrounding area offering both the vacationer, resident and investor a pleasant coastal experience.

Cambridge Crossings Revived

Dear Editor,

Thank you for the opportunity to acquaint you with the new Cambridge Crossings Townhomes. As you are aware from your research for your previous article, the original owner/developer, Stratland Homes lost this project in a foreclosure action to Regions Bank. New owners have emerged and Cambridge Southport, LLC, a North Carolina based builder/developer from the Charlotte area, purchased Cambridge Crossings at the beginning of this year. The abandonment of this community was so sad and so symbolic of the real estate collapse in our area, particularly for the three homeowners who had already purchased their home, and for the South Harbour Village community at large. Yet, as we all watched it sit for months (almost 2 years), we also knew that before Regions Bank took it over, there were 47 contacts for purchase in place. Cambridge Crossings is a place where people who love this coastal area want to live.

How wonderful it is to market the “Good News”! Things are changing! Things are getting better! Look at these lovely homes that were for so long a ghost town, and now it is so uplifting to see it being revived. The new owners have given us a beautiful entrance, improved the grounds with abundant landscaping and are in the process of completing units for new buyers who have already decided to make Cambridge Crossings their home. With ties to the South Harbour Village POA, Cambridge Crossings residents will share the completed amenities that include Clubhouse, Pool, Tennis Courts and Parks, as well as enjoying the South Harbour Links Golf Course, full service Marina on the Intracoastal Waterway, the Wildlife Boat Launch and Dutchman’s Creek Park.

The best news yet is that the new owners have no debt on this property and are not subject to bank loans in order to finish the remainder of the 88 Townhomes. Now, Cambridge Crossings will be symbolic, not of local real estate problems, but a perfect example of the revival of our local real estate market; as buyers who want to enjoy our coastal community find a well built, maintenance free home in an established, successful neighborhood.

Pam Lawrence
Managing Partner
Lawrence Sales & Marketing

Playhouse 211 is Back!!!

May 25, 2010 – Southport, North Carolina (NC) - Playhouse 211 Theater is back! Now that zoning and building issues have been resolved, Playhouse 211 Theater is pleased to announce that it's opening, finally! The theater will open by hosting Cape Fear Repertory Theatre's production of the Michael Parker farce "The Sensuous Senator". The show is slated to open June 10, 2010 and run through June 20th.

Anyone interested in purchasing tickets should visit http://www.playhouse211.com/, http://www.capefearrep.com/, or stop by Playhouse 211 Theater, Monday through Friday 10:00 am-6:00 pm.

Playhouse 211 Theater is located at:

4320-100 Southport-Supply Rd.
Southport, NC 28461

Capacity Crowd Attends First Brunswick Civil War Round Table

May 21, 2010 – Southport, North Carolina (NC) - Over 90 people attended this new organization’s first monthly meeting. The audience included Civil War enthusiasts as well as those interested in knowing more about the Civil War. The audience included males and females, young and old, and attendees came from as far away as Ocean Isle Beach, Leland, Bolivia and Supply... Read More >>>

The Southport Times Joins Facebook!!!

The Southport Times has established a presence on the ever popular Facebook social website. We would like to invite you to join our online community.

Learn more about our Facebook community:

http://www.southporttimes.com/facebookpage.html

Cost of Bald Head Island Ferry Trip Could Jump

Are you serious!!!

Bald Head Island Transportation, Inc. has petitioned the N.C. Public Utilities Commission to let the company increase its general round-trip ferry ticket from $16 to $28. So a day tripper and their companion would have to shell out $56 bucks just to get to and from the island.

Are we supposed to believe this after watching Bald Head Island, Ltd. build a brand-new, multi-million dollar facility at Deep Water Point Marina? Have you been to Bald Head Island lately? They don't look like they are starving out there.

The company cites a decrease in riders and increased fuel costs as reasons for the need to raise the fare. Bald Head Island Transportation, Inc. further states the ferry service has seen its lowest level of riders in seven years because of the economic downturn.

So almost doubling the current rate will attract riders and thus increase tourism to Bald Head Island?

Duh!

NC 4th of July Festival Updates Look

Read Article

Silver Coast Winery Announces Their Annual Wine and Cheese Pairing Weekend on April 17 & 18, 2010

Learn about the two oldest cultured foods known to man and which cheeses will pair best with your favorite wines. Winemaker Dana Keeler says "Beautiful weather is here, it's time to relax on your patio or deck and enjoy a lovely glass of Silver Coast Wine along with some wonderful cheese." The cost is $15.00 per person which includes the Wine and Cheese pairing and the Silver Coast Winery Signature Glass. Advance reservations are required.

Seatings are as follows: Saturday, April 17th at 3:00, 4:00 and 5:00pm. Sunday, April 18th at 2:00 and 3:00pm. Tickets are limited so please stop in or call the winery at (910) 287-2800 to get yours before they sell out.

Silver Coast Winery is a full winemaking facility housing an eclectic art gallery, unique gift shops, beautiful picnic grounds located midway between Wilmington, NC and Myrtle Beach, SC. The Winery hosts Weddings and private and corporate parties. Open seven days a week from 11am to 6pm, Monday through Saturday and noon to 5pm on Sunday for tours and tastings. For more information, visit www.silvercoastwinery.com or call 910-287-2800.

Directions: 7 miles north of the South Carolina border on Hwy 17, take 904W -- 2nd right onto Russtown Rd -- 4th right Barbeque Rd.

1965 Boiling Spring Lakes Real Estate Advertisement

How cool is this??? Larger Image

This ad was published in the November 20th, 1965 edition of The Saturday Evening Post.

Golf Outing to Support the NC Maritime Museum at Southport

The North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport is going to be renovating and moving in to the barracks on Ft. Johnston. To help defray costs in this effort The Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport are going to be holding a golf tournament at The Members Club at St. James on Wednesday, April 28th.

The community's support at this critical juncture in the future development of the museum. The Maritime Museum attracted more than 40,000 visitors in 2009. With the new location, expanded museum displays, and additional artifacts, the Museum's goal is to at least double the number of visitors. By attracting more visitors to the Southport area the Museum expects to influence every business in the area and continue to tell the history of southeastern North Carolina and Southport.

This renovation of the Ft. Johnston site will, of course, require a substantial amount of money. The Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum at Southport is a 501 (c.) 3. tax exempt organization. Playing in the tournament and donations will help in making the golf tournament a success. While this tournament will not afford the Friends the luxury of paying for all of our expenses, it will be an excellent start.

Sponsors and players are needed for this fund raising effort. The entry cost of $85 includes green fees, golf cart, social hour, and dinner along with the usual entertainment to be expected at this kind of event. Raffles, door prizes, and silent and oral auctions will be used to instill excitement and ensure all players have an enjoyable time. The captain's choice scramble will tee off at 10:30 on April 28th. For more information, please contact Jim Carey at 910-253-6331 or visit the website at http://friendsncmmsouthport.org

The Friends of the Museum and this community face many challenges in the future. However, by working together it will happen.

Southport Woman Arrested For Smuggling Drugs Inside Bible

Nicoll Christine Brennan of Southport was arrested last Friday and was charged with attempting to smuggle contraband into the Brunswick County Jail by packing them in a Bible.

Agents say Brennan cut holes in the pages of a Bible and inserted the contraband inside.

Brennan is currently being held in the Brunswick County Detention Facility under a $30,000 bond.

This brings a new meaning to the phrase "Salvation lies within."

Awesome Picture Taken on Oak Island After 2010 Snow Storm

Click Picture For Larger Image

Taken By: jsummerlin13

Bald Head Island Golf Course Improves Ranking to 38th in State

Bald Head Island Golf Club, located on Bald Head Island in North Carolina, was ranked as the 38th best golf course in the state according to the North Carolina Golf Panel's most recent ranking of the Top 100 Golf Courses in North Carolina. Founded in 1995, The North Carolina Golf Panel consists of 135 members throughout the state that determine rankings for various golf courses. The Bald Head Island Club was previously ranked #51.

Pinehurst No. 2 was the highest ranked golf course in North Carolina and has been each and every year since the panel was founded.

The Reserve at St. James Plantation, located in St. James, North Carolina, ranked #40 this year.

Further reason as to why Brunswick County, North Carolina is a golfer's destination.

Congratulations to the Bald Head Island Golf Club and The Reserve at St. James Plantation! 

Skeletons Found Under Golf Course on Bald Head Island

Three sets of human remains were found by workers on Bald Head Island while renovating the golf course. Early opinions suggest the remains may be from Civil War soldiers or perhaps even earlier. At least one person suggested that the remains could be from a Native American.

The remains will be sent to Raleigh to be studied by State Archaeologists.

Meanwhile work on the golf course in on hold until State Archaeologists examine the site for more remains.

Photo From WWAYTV3

Boiling Spring Lakes, NC To Finally Get Sewer Service

After years of wishful thinking and speculation, the municipality of Boiling Spring Lakes, NC looks like they will finally be getting public sewer service. In an agreement reached with Brunswick County, the City of Boiling Spring Lakes agreed to turn over their water distribution business and infrastructure in exchange for County provided sewer service.

The sewer service is first anticipated to only provide service to the commercial properties located within the City of Boiling Springs Lakes along Highway 87, Garage Road and West Boiling Spring Road. Future development and expansion could include residential customers.

City officials expect the system to be operational in about 3 years.

The City of Boiling Spring Lakes in the last incorporated area within Brunswick County to install a public sewer system.

Reward Offered in North Carolina Pelican Cruelty Case

The Humane Society of the United States and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust are offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for breaking the wings of 10 brown pelicans in Brunswick County, N.C.

The Case:

News reports give the following account: Between Dec. 17 and Dec. 31, 10 pelicans were found washed ashore on Bald Head Island, Oak Island, Holden Beach and Caswell Beach. The birds were suffering from broken wings. Some of the birds had drowned, and the rest had to be euthanized as a result of their injuries. In 2007, there was a similar string of pelican injuries in the same area.

“The infliction of such egregious cruelty on these birds is a serious crime,” said Kimberley Alboum, North Carolina state director for The HSUS. “Clearly the person or persons responsible have a callous disregard for wildlife laws and the species they are intended to protect.”

If caught, the individual or individuals face numerous violations of state and federal law. Maliciously maiming an animal is a felony in North Carolina. Pelicans are also protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Animal Cruelty:

Getting the serious attention of law enforcement, prosecutors and the community in cases involving allegations of cruelty to animals is an essential step in protecting the community. The connection between animal cruelty and human violence is well documented. Studies show a correlation between animal cruelty and all manner of other crimes, from narcotics and firearms violations to battery and sexual assault.

Poaching:

Every year, thousands of poachers are arrested nationwide; however, it is estimated that only 1 to 5 percent of poachers are caught. Poachers kill wildlife anytime, anywhere and sometimes do so in particularly cruel ways.

The Investigators:

Anyone with information about this case should contact the North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission at 800-662-7137.

The HSUS works to stop wildlife abuse and animal cruelty across the country. Visit www.humanesociety.org/wildlifeabuse for more information.

Brunswick County Sheriff's Office Arrests 13 on Drug Charges

Kudos to the Brunswick County Sheriff's Department for keeping Brunswick County a nice place to live.

According to a December 8, 2009 article in The Sun News... "Thirteen people have been arrested on drug charges after an operation in Southport, N.C., last week, according to the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office.

The special operation spanned over four days and netted 13 arrests for 22 felony and misdemeanor drug charges, authorities said.

The operation was conducted in response to several complaints from residents of ongoing drug activity throughout the community. Several vehicle stops were made in conjunction with surveillance, and officers seized amounts of marijuana, illegal prescription pills, ecstasy, powder cocaine and crack cocaine, authorities said."

One would not think such a drug operation would exist in sleepy Brunswick County. Unfortunately, it does and it would be a lot worse if not for the efforts of the Brunswick County Sheriff's Office and local law enforcement agencies.

Next time you see an officer thank them for making Brunswick County a nice place to live!!!

Christmas By The Sea Festival - December 4th-18th, 2009

No snow, no ice, no freezing weather, how do residents of North Carolina’s Coast get in the holiday spirit? The Christmas by the Sea Festival is how. The numerous events held throughout Boiling Spring Lakes, Oak Island and Southport during the Christmas by the Sea Festival would warm any heart including one E. Scrooge, Esq. The festival begins Friday, December 4th and runs through Friday, December 18th.

Read More>>>

Thrifty Car Rental Named the Official Rental Car Company of The Brunswick Isles Golf Trail

Are you serious?

(I could not resist the urge to talk about this headline when I saw it on Newswire.)

How does one come to win this prestigious award? Were the other car rental companies aware of this award? Were they in the running? Who voted? What was the criterion? Why is this award even necessary? Was there an official award ceremony?

Is it just me or are product endorsements and sponsorships completely out of hand these days? The Smucker's Halftime Report, the Bud Light post-game show, the Miller pre-game show, the Snickers player of the game.

Even the weather on the weather channel is now sponsored by such and such company! Sorry, I thought the Weather Channel was sponsored by my $100 and something a month cable bill!!!

Seems to me that endorsements and sponsorships is just another way for companies to extort more money out of advertisers and to discreetly put more advertising in front of us!

Give me a break!

Good Deed At Walmart

An employee identified only as "Al" recently found $60 in cash (probably almost a day's pay after Uncle Sam gets his) lying on the floor in the electronics section at Walmart in Southport. Instead of pocketing the money, which many, myself included, would have done, Al took the money to the Customer Service desk to be held in the safe in case anyone should come looking for it.

Congratulations Al, you did the right thing.

I would have taken the money and justified it by thinking... "anyone who is dumb enough to lose $60 in cash doesn't deserve the money in the first place." But not Al. Al probably thought... "man I bet it feels terrible to lose $60. Let me take this to a safe place in case the person comes looking for it."

Now, before you go on thinking I am some uncaring, rotten human being, I have found several wallets full of money and credit cards in my lifetime. I have without question gone way out of my way to return these wallets, with the cash, to their rightful owners. Losing your credit cards, driver's license, Social Security Card, etc., now that is bad news. Losing a few dollars because of your own carelessness, that is just a minor penalty.

Finders keeper!

Cyber Parlors Springing Up Like Weeds in Brunswick County

Photo By Paul Stephen

Come on folks! Let's call a duck for what it is!

These lowlife gaming parlors are invading our communities under the guise of some simple minded sweepstakes game. By playing with words and definitions these hucksters are slipping through the cracks of local laws with little or no regulation. In fact, in knee-jerk fashion, many localities are attempting to control these gaming parlors through zoning regulation until further legislation can be passed to legally control these new menace to our society.

If you remember back to the nineties Myrtle Beach faced a similar problem of the quick-buck vermin opening gambling parlors under similar word playing games. If I recall the operators of theses parlors insisted their games were games of luck and not skill. This somehow eased through the laws of Myrtle Beach at the time. Those parlors lasted no more than a year or two before the laws were tightened up and the shady operators packed there stuff and moved on to the next get-rich scheme. Myrtle Beach said "NO" to these undesirable establishments and in time so will Brunswick County.

Don't get me wrong. I am all in favor of legalized gambling, but let's do it legitimately, instead of some marginal business on the outskirts of society. Let's make Myrtle Beach the Las Vegas of the East. Myrtle Beach all ready has the shows, the restaurants, the golf, the beach, the lodging, the housing and the infrastructure to support legalized gaming. Add gambling to this already impressive resume and we will have quite a nice playground right in our own backyard.

But let's do it right. Let's not play word games and skate around the law. This will only attract low-end operators and a low-end clientele, something I do not want in my backyard!

Lawsuits Run Rampant in Death Hispanic Worker

Jose Antonio Montalvo.

Does this name mean anything to you? Probably not.

Jose was a hard working young man that rose early each morning at his home in Sumter, South Carolina and rode to the construction site of the new bridge to Oak Island. Jose worked hard to support his wife and three children.

When I first heard the story of his fateful day of December 3rd, 2008 I admit I got choked up. I could not help but to think of his wife and kids. What would they do?

Now almost a year later, the lawyers are still duking it out in the court rooms. Leave it to the attorneys to straighten things out.

A lawsuit was filed in Craven County Superior Court against the general contractor seeking $10,000 worth of actual damages and an unspecified amount of punitive damages.

A second suit was filed on behalf of another injured worker.

A tort claim was filed by another attorney against the N.C. Department of Transportation.

A worker's compensation claim has been prepared and filed.

There are attorneys from Myrtle Beach, Wilmington, Raleigh, New Bern and beyond involved with these various suits. All looking for a piece of the pie.

The claims and suits will likely go on for years before being settled out or court for an unspecified amount. The attorneys will make a bunch of money.

Do you think this benefits Mrs. Montalvo in any way? Do you think she cares about the money?

2009 U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament Winner

Wining Team: Larry Deal

Boat: Mako Warrior

Fish Weight: 40.30lbs.

More U.S. Open King Mackerel Tournament Coverage>>>

Dog Days of Summer

I think I know what they mean by the "Dog Days of Summer," as they are now upon us. The temperature has been running in the high 80s to low 90s everyday for over a week now. The humidity is nearly 100% even in the overnight hours. Air conditioners struggle to keep up and really are only making the temperature bearable. It is so hot, you can break a sweat just watching TV!

At least we have the wonderful fall season to look forward to. The fall is perhaps the most pleasant time of the year in the Southport area. The temperatures moderate, the humidity falls and a nice autumn breeze seems to roll in from the ocean perpetually.

Fall is the perfect time of year for golfing, fishing, antiquing, garage sales and just about any other outdoor activity you can think of.

If the "Dog Days of Summer" have you feeling a little blue, don't despair, Labor Day weekend and the start of the fall season is just around the corner!!!