Pets to Adopt

COUNTY SALES TAX RATE CHANGES

The sales and use tax rate in Beaufort County changed Jan. 1, dropping the rate in Beaufort County to 6 percent. Those paying an Accommodations Tax in Beaufort County will pay 7 percent. The 1 percent Transportation Tax became effective May 1, 2019 after Beaufort County voters approved the tax in 2018. The stated goal was raising $120 million for improvements to Beaufort County roads and bridges.

SCHOOLS REPORT THREATENING MESSAGES

The Beaufort County School District said threatening messages warning of school shootings were found in bathrooms at Bluffton H.E. McCracken Middle, Bluffton Middle, Beaufort Middle, and Beaufort High schools. Law enforcement investigated the threats and planned an increased presence on the campuses. The Bluffton Police Department said Dec. 10 it charged a juvenile for writing a threatening message in a bathroom at McCracken Middle School. The student was charged with making student threats and malicious injury to property, according to Police Chief Stephenie Price. Hilton Head Island High School was put on lockdown after law enforcement received a phone call about a possible threat to the school. The lockdown was lifted after two hours.

FOOD TRUCK OWNER ARRESTED ON FEDERAL DRUG TRAFFICKING CHARGES

A Bluffton food truck owner was arrested on federal drug trafficking and conspiracy charges. According to an indictment, Isaac Jimenez Nava, 30, who owns Maiz Taqueria, is accused of working with another man, Sandy Clark to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine, 100 grams of heroin and 40 grams of fentanyl, beginning in at least 2019. Both men pleaded not guilty to the charges, according to The Post & Courier.

HILTON HEAD ADOPTS PLAN FOR CULTURAL AFFAIRS

Hilton Head Island Town Council voted unanimously to adopt a strategic plan that guides the work of the Town’s Office of Cultural Affairs, including initiatives to promote art and culture organizations and enhance quality of life for the community. The plan includes goals, strategies and tactics for several initiatives such as public art, the annual Crescendo event, historic sites and cultural preservation. A copy of the plan will be available on the Town’s website at hiltonheadislandsc.gov, and the OCA’s website at culturehhi.org. The adoption of the plan will

OF THE MONTH

PEBBLES

Age: 3 years old Gender: Male Weight: 37 pounds Breed: Carolina Dog and Lab mix Temperament: Obedient, loving, laid back.

FRED

Age: 3 years old Gender: Male Weight: 57 pounds Breed: Walker hound Temperament: Laid back, loving, easy going.

Adopt them at: Rogue Rescue & Sanctuary Located in Bluffton. By appointment only. Donations and foster families also needed. CALL 843-816-0097 OR WWW.ROGUERESCUE.ORG.

PRICE IMAGINATION LIBRARY

provide direction and support for the Office of Cultural Affairs during the next three years, according to Jenn McEwen, director of the Town’s Office of Cultural Affairs.

LOWCOUNTRY CHURCH PARTNERS WITH DOLLY PARTON BOOK INITIATIVE

Lowcountry Community Church has partnered with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to bring free books to all children under the age of 5 in Beaufort County. Since it launched in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has gifted more than 160 million free books. Register at lowcountrycc.org/ imaginationlibrary, call 843-836-1101 or email jbest@lowcountrycc.org.

MLK CELEBRATION PLANNED ON HILTON HEAD

The Hilton Head MLK Committee for Justice plans to celebrate the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday on Jan. 17. The keynote speaker will be Sen. Mia McLeod. The celebration will include worship, speakers, music, a presentation of the MLK Community Service Award and a fellowship luncheon. For more, hiltonheadmlk.com.