Blueberries, Blooms, and Burns

Good Morning, Leland, Town Creek, Navassa and more! Happy First Day of the Month!

In today’s LLLLeland:

• Burn Ban is in Effect

• Blueberry Farm in Bolivia

• NCDEQ Issues Warning About Algal Blooms

• Duke to Test Siren Next Week

THE NEWS

Burn Ban in Effect

Brunswick County has issued a burn ban for unincorporated areas starting Monday at 5:00 p.m. due to high heat and dry conditions. The ban excludes NC Forest Service burn permits and permitted July 4th fireworks displays. Residents are urged to avoid personal fireworks and attend professional shows instead. The ban will remain in place until conditions improve. Leland, Belville, and Shallotte have also added burn bans. (WECT , WWAY)

Blueberry Farm in Bolivia (and Blackberries, too!)

Lively Grove Farms began when Kelsey Smith and her husband decided to start a family and pursue healthier, more sustainable food practices. With support from her father-in-law Fred, a former agricultural researcher, they found ideal land in Brunswick County in 2018 to begin regenerative, organic farming. The farm uses no pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, focusing instead on soil health and natural biology. After years of preparation, the farm now offers fresh blueberry and blackberry picking. Families like Sara Harper’s visit regularly, enjoying both the experience and the opportunity to teach children about food and nature. Kelsey also hosts educational visits, hoping to inspire future farmers. Check out their website at www.livelygrovefarms.com (WECT)

Be Careful Around Potential Algal Blooms

The N.C. Department of Environmental Quality is warning the public to avoid discolored or scummy water that may indicate an algal bloom, which can form in warm temperatures with high nutrients and low water flow. Algal blooms may look like surface scums, mats, or discolored water and can produce toxins harmful to humans, pets, and aquatic life. Since harmful blooms can't be identified by sight alone, the public is urged to avoid contact—especially children and pets—and to rinse thoroughly if exposed. Health officials advise seeking medical or veterinary care if symptoms appear after contact. Reports can be submitted online or to regional DEQ offices. (NCDEQ)

Duke to Test Warning Sirens at Brunswick Plant Next Week

Duke Energy, in coordination with county officials, will conduct a test of the outdoor warning sirens near the Brunswick Nuclear Plant next week.

A total of 38 sirens located within a 10-mile radius of the plant will sound for approximately 30 seconds between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 9. Additional testing may take place after 11:00 a.m. if necessary.

The testing is carried out in partnership with emergency management agencies in Brunswick and New Hanover counties, who oversee the activation of the sirens, according to a Duke Energy press release.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Home Brew Club Meeting Tomorrow Night

The Wort City Brewers Home-Brew Club will hold its next meeting on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at Brunswick Beer and Cider, located at 1313 S Dickinson Dr in Leland. The gathering will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Brunswick Beer and Cider offers a modern brewpub setting with a dedicated tasting room and a wide selection of craft beers and ciders on tap. The meeting is open to all, from experienced brewers to newcomers interested in learning more about homebrewing.

The evening will include a pre-meeting warm-up, introductions, a home-brew tasting session, a guided IPA tasting, a raffle, and discussion of upcoming events. Attendees are encouraged—but not required—to bring their latest home-brew creation.

The club welcomes anyone with an interest in brewing and invites participants to join for an evening of education, tasting, and camaraderie.

Oyster Pickup Tomorrow

Grab a beer and pick-up your rotating selection of premium NC farmed oysters! Every Wednesday from 4-7pm at Leland Brewing Company - located at 141 Old Fayetteville Road.

Order online at https://www.rawdogshellfish.com 

Music Bingo with Sherri So Very

Music Bingo at Local’s Tavern brings midweek fun every Wednesday with a unique twist—swapping numbers for beats. Guests can enjoy hit songs, sing along to their favorites, and compete for prizes and bragging rights in this free, high-energy event. Participants are welcome to join in any round throughout the evening. The fun starts at 6:30 pm! Local’s is located at 1107 New Pointe Blvd in Leland.

Do you have an event? Reach out to us! [email protected]

WEATHER

Tuesday

88 🌡️ 77 | ⛅ | 20% | 🌬️ SSW 16 mph | Humidity 64%

Wednesday

84 🌡️ 74 | 🌧️ | 50% | 🌬️ SW 13 mph | Humidity 75%

Thank you for taking the time to read this second issue of Live, Laugh, Love Leland!

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See you tomorrow!