News Briefs

know IN THE

HILTON HEAD ISLAND’S AIRPORT GETS MILLIONS IN FUNDING, A COUNTY REFERENDUM MOVES CLOSER TO BEING ON THE BALLOT, AND A PROMINENT LAWYER WAS CHARGED WITH MURDER. HERE IS WHAT MADE NEWS THIS PAST MONTH:

HILTON HEAD ISLAND AIRPORT

AIRPORT TERMINAL UPGRADE RECEIVES $12 MILLION IN STATE FUNDING

The Hilton Head Island Airport has received $12 million in additional funding for the estimated $53 million terminal upgrades in the South Carolina State budget. The project is estimated to begin in the winter of 2022 and be completed in mid-to-late 2025. The project will include approximately 43,000 more square feet of terminal space, three jetways for passengers, new parking, security upgrades, an all-new baggage claim, a new grand hall, and a four-lane passenger drop off and pick-up area.

“This is an important win for Hilton Head and Beaufort County,” said Sen. Tom Davis. “The upgrades to Hilton Head Island Airport Terminal are needed to match the growth of Beaufort County, showcase the Lowcountry, and deliver people directly to the number one island in the U.S.”

BEAUFORT COUNTY COUNCIL PASSES $142.1M BUDGET

Beaufort County Council approved a $142.1 million budget for the 2023 fiscal year. The proposed budget can be found at beaufortcountysc.gov/budget. Budget highlights include: 7% increase in tax revenue from population growth that led to a $6.2 million budget increase; $1.7 million in new county positions; highlights include $105,840 for deputy human resources director and $701,906 to run the 60-andBetter program and expand services.

USCB APPROVED FOR NCAA DIVISION II MEMBERSHIP

The USC Beaufort Department of Athletics was officially approved as provisional members of NCAA Division II. The school applied in April 2021 when the Peach Belt Conference Board of Directors unanimously accepted USCB as a provisional member of the league. With USCB’s acceptance into the NCAA, the Sand Sharks are now full-fledged PBC members. USCB will transition into the three-year provisional stage that begins in the 202223 season. If USCB successfully passes the annual reviews, the Sand Sharks will become a full and active NCAA Division II member in 2025-26.

GREENSPACE SALES TAX REFERENDUM ADVANCES

Beaufort County Council voted 8-2 to advance a 1 percent, four-year, $300 million Greenspace Sales Tax referendum that could be presented to voters on the November ballot. It will be to purchase land, conservation easements, and buy down density to slow and prevent development. The money may also be used to pay off debt from past land purchases. There will be a public hearing and the third reading of the referendum before it is on the November ballot. County Council rejected a proposed streets, roads, bridges, and greenbelts sales

CONGAREE GOLF CLUB

Photo: congareegc.com

tax referendum, which was a 10-year, $770 million sales tax to address the county’s need for street, road, bridge, and greenspace projects identified by the citizen committee. The proposal failed in a 5-5 vote and did not advance to a third reading.

FORMER LAWYER CHARGED WITH KILLING WIFE AND SON

Attorney Alex Murdaugh was indicted on two counts of murder in the June 7, 2021 killings of his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, 52, and his son Paul Murdaugh, 22, state law enforcement said. Alex Murdaugh, 54, has denied having any role in the deaths. The indictment accuses Murdaugh of killing his wife with a rifle and his son with a shotgun. He was also charged with two counts of possession of a weapon during a violent crime. “Today is one more step in a long process for justice for Maggie and Paul,” said SLED Chief Mark Keel. Murdaugh’s attorneys said he “didn’t have anything to do with the murders.”

LOWCOUNTRY ENTREPRENEURS EARN FUNDING GRANT

Earth People Farms on St. Helena Island earned a South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Agribusiness Center for Research and Entrepreneurship share of $150,000 for its agribusinesses. There were nine winners. Owned by sister-and-brother duo Najmah and Glen Thomas, Earth People Farms recently developed a EPFarmacy line of products, including a collection of herbs and herbal products in the tradition of their African and Gullah/Geechee heritage.

TRASK LANDING

BOAT LANDING IN BLUFFTON CLOSED FOR THREE MONTHS

H. E. Trask Boat Landing near Bluffton is closed for three months (beginning in midJuly) for the installation of a 100-foot sectional dock. A news release said the new dock will have five 8-foot by 20-foot floating sections. The project is expected to cost $288,609. Part of the project cost is funded by a $52,310 hospitality tax grant, with the balance of $236,299 covered by the Public Works Department.

HILTON HEAD ISLAND LAUNCHES SEWER CONNECTION PROGRAM

Hilton Head Island homeowners and renters who qualify may be eligible for grants from the Town of Hilton Head Island to help connect their single-family homes to public sewer. The town received funding to expand sewer connections and help those still on septic systems to transfer their homes to a “safer, reliable sewer” a news release said. Applications for Project SAFE are available at the Hilton Head Island Deep Well Project. For more information, call 843-785-2849 or visit hiltonheadislandsc.gov/program/ sewer.

PGA TOUR ADDS LOWCOUNTRY EVENT

Congaree Golf Club in Jasper County will host The CJ Cup the week of Oct. 17-23. The CJ Cup in South Carolina will feature a 78-man field. Last year Congaree hosted the Palmetto Championship. The Tom Faziodesigned course is off U.S. 278 near Gillisonville.

PETS

MO NTH Of THE

ADOPT THEM AT: NOAH’S ARKS RESCUE

Noah’s Arks Rescue specializes in helping animals with special needs. Meet these pets and their other adoptable animals by appointment only at 231 Hazzard Creek Village, Suite 3 in Ridgeland. For more information: CALL 843-540-6755 OR GO TO WWW.NOAHS-ARKS.NET.

LILA BEAN

Age: 4 years old

Gender: Female

Weight: 54 pounds Breed: Pit Bull Temperament: Extremely sweet, loves kisses. Can walk and play fetch all day long.

FLOSSIE

Age: 6 years old Gender: Female Weight: 79 pounds Breed: Great Pyrenees/Lab Mix Temperament: Tripod, protective. Loves hugs and playing ball.