The number of wild colonies of honeybees has dropped significantly. The Polk County Extension Center will be offering a beginning beekeeping course for five consecutive Thursdays starting Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. The instructor will be Phil Holbert of Holbert Bee Supply in Saluda, N.C.

Holbert brings over 30 years of experience in beekeeping to the classes.

Each participant with perfect attendance is eligible to win a complete hive of bees. One person will win.

The Extension Center is now located at 79 Carmel Lane in Columbus, behind the Senior Center. Call the Polk County Cooperative Extension office to register at 828-894-8218.

– article submitted by Sarah Gottfried