Stedman Fire Department Fried Chicken and BBQ Plate Sale Set for March 8

This Saturday, March 8 will be a big day as the Stedman Fire Department Fried Chicken and BBQ Plate Sale takes place beginning at 11 a.m.

Plates will be $10 each and will consist of your choice of fried chicken or BBQ chicken along with green beans with potatoes, potato salad and hushpuppies.

The Stedman Fire Department is located at 5318 Front Street in Stedman, North Carolina. If you would like to have plates delivered, call 910-323-2592.

For more information, click here.

As they say at the Stedman Fire Department, “Eat More Chicken, Fuel Our Mission.”

The weather is warming up and it's time to get the kids outside (and in my family, of the screens!) Fishing with kids offers a wealth of benefits for both parents and children, creating lasting memories while fostering valuable life skills. A few great reasons to pick up this fin-tastic hobby include:

Fishing provides an opportunity to unplug from the distractions of daily life—like work, school, and technology—and enjoy uninterrupted time together. It allows parents and kids to connect in a peaceful, natural setting while sharing conversations, laughter, and teamwork. These moments often become cherished family memories.

Fishing is an excellent way to teach kids the value of patience and focus. Waiting for a fish to bite requires stillness and perseverance—skills that are important in many aspects of life. For parents, it’s rewarding to see their children develop these traits in a fun and engaging way.

Fishing teaches kids about the importance of taking care of the environment, respecting wildlife, and practicing sustainable habits like catch-and-release fishing. Parents can use this time to instill values about environmental stewardship and responsibility.

When kids successfully catch a fish—whether they keep it or release it—it boosts their confidence and sense of accomplishment. Additionally, fishing involves problem-solving skills, such as choosing the right bait or learning how to untangle a line. Parents get to witness their children grow more self-reliant while offering guidance along the way.

Fishing gets kids outside, away from screens, and into nature. For parents, it’s a chance to encourage physical activity in a calm yet exciting environment. Being outdoors also has proven mental health benefits for both adults and children, such as reducing stress and improving mood.

Fishing is full of teachable moments: understanding that success takes time, learning from mistakes (like losing a fish), and appreciating simple joys. Parents can use these lessons to help their kids develop resilience and gratitude.

Fishing is an inexpensive activity that doesn’t require extravagant equipment or travel. Many local parks or lakes offer free or low-cost fishing opportunities, making it an accessible hobby for families of all sizes.

Fishing naturally introduces kids to biology (learning about fish species), ecology (understanding aquatic ecosystems), and even weather patterns (knowing how conditions affect fishing). Parents can nurture their child’s curiosity by explaining these concepts in simple terms.

Fishing allows parents to be present with their kids without distractions. Teaching them how to cast a line or bait a hook creates moments of trust and teamwork that strengthen the parent-child bond.

Whether you’re teaching a toddler how to hold a fishing rod or helping an older child master advanced technique, fishing is an activity that grows with your child’s abilities. Parents can enjoy it just as much as their kids, making it an inclusive family tradition. Fishing with kids is more than just catching fish—it’s about creating shared experiences that foster growth, connection, and joy for both parents and children alike!

These locations are ideal for teaching kids about sustainable fishing practices:

Offers catch-and-release fishing for $10/adults and $5/kids (rod included). Bait can be purchased on-site, making it a convenient and family-friendly spot with additional activities like animal feeding and a playground.

A kid-friendly location with stocked ponds. While primarily a seafood market, it’s a great place to teach children about fishing in a relaxed environment.
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Located in Robeson County, this farm offers well-stocked ponds with bass, crappie, bream, and catfish. A clean and accessible spot great for children to enjoy catch-and-release fishing.

Catch-and-release fishing is allowed here, and only pier-fishing or pole-and-line fishing is permitted. It’s a great spot for kids to fish for bluegill, catfish, and bass.

A family-friendly spot where kids can enjoy fishing. While not explicitly stated, catch-and-release is commonly practiced in public parks like this one.