LOCAL HONEY BEES - - STOLEN - - BRUNSWICK FOREST

On Tuesday, January 23rd Ken Edgar arrived at his bee yard located across from Brunswick Forest just off 17 South near Walmart. He has been reconfiguring this site to optimize the hive inspections, the honey flow production and lawn maintenance for 2024. There were approximately 20-30 single or double hives and stands along with an electric fence to protect the bees and their colonies from unwanted visitors, like bears, from the natural habitat. The reason the exact number of hives is unknown is because he has been reorganizing and improving the layout over the past 2 months.

Unfortunately, the site had been ravaged by humans who obviously knew what they were doing. Meticulous care was taken to steal at least $12,000 worth of supplies, queens and bees. Further, these supplies provided a substantial source of Ken’s yearly income. Most importantly, these supplies helped to maintain the health and abundance of agriculture and people in the area.

Many of you may know Ken as he one of several Master Bee Keepers in the region. For the past 20 years, he has been in the North Carolina Beekeepers Association, taught classes in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender Counties, and participated in a number of volunteer opportunities including the Honey Bee Exhibit at the North Carolina State Zoo in Albemarle. The time, energy and love this man puts into his honey and our community is priceless.

In addition to his passion for teaching and expanding the art of beekeeping in this region, he distributes his product through local craft fairs and a variety of Local Vendors:

Weslie Warren Organics, Old Wilmington Marketplace

Wrigglesworth Ace Hardware, Wilmington

Primrose Cottage, Wilmington

Mill Creek Farm Store, Leland

Shelton Herb Farm, Leland

Scott’s Farm and Family, Shallotte

He is always willing and able to proactively share his knowledge and wisdom concerning bees and honey. He is open, honest, enthusiastic and patient with novices as well as seasoned veterans. His contributions over the past 20 years have definitely made a significant impact to all of us whether we are aware of it or not. He has never been one to brag or boast about his accomplishments. This post was constructed with great care and although he did not create it, he approved the message.

In case you didn’t know, most supermarket honey is blended, heated and filtered. This adulterated process significantly decreases the taste but more importantly, the health benefits. On the other hand, all of Ken’s honey is 100% local and is extracted within hours before he puts it out for sale to the public. It will most likely take at least 2-3 months of hard work and dedication to recover what he has lost. Unfortunately, the colonies will probably not be strong enough to produce the quantity of honey to fulfill the much needed demand from the community this year.

Please donate to help restore what has been lost and share the link so others may contribute as well. Let’s keep the spirit of health, happiness and camaraderie alive. If you have any information leading to the recovery of the supplies or the apprehension of those who stole this powerful source of energy to our community, please contact Officer Robeson with the Leland Police Department, Case #LL24-00147. If any arrest or recovery efforts are successful, a monetary reward shall be offered. Amount not to be disclosed at this time.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Please help us keep the honey the ways the bees made it, simply delicious and abundant. From Ken’s house unto yours with peace and love.