Each year, an estimated 6.8 million people in the U.S. donate blood. Sunday in Hampstead, a blood donation bus stationed in front of Lowes Foods welcomed some new donors. Boy Scouts, Noah Witkowski and Kelso Fargo, donated blood for the first time though they've been helping organize blood drives for quite some time now. These boys stay busy helping the community and adding badges to their sash. Soon they will be hiking in New Mexico at Philmont Scout Ranch, which they raised money for, and then attending the World Jamboree in South Korea.
Phi Kappa Phi inducts new members
The following area students were recently initiated into Phi Kappa Phi honor society for all academic disciplines at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington: Krystal Byers, Codi Mann, both of Jacksonville; and Amy Somers of Swansboro.
JPD promotion
Jacksonville Police Department Capt. Richard Mike Kellum was promoted to his current rank during a ceremony held at the Center for Public Safety.
VFW Post 9983 Scout of the Year
Noah Witkowski of Hampstead Boy Scout Troop 235 has been recently named VFW Post 9983 and 5th District Scout of the Year by exemplifying the qualities of the rank of Eagle Scout. Noah has earned over 70 merit badges and has completed over 195 hours of community service.