August 4, 2021 • Volume 10, Issue 8 • Complimentary • HiltonHeadSun.com
PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID BLUFFTON, SC PERMIT NO. 135 POSTAL CUSTOMER
U.S. 278 project team faces disgruntled residents By Gwyneth J. Saunders CONTRIBUTOR
With few exceptions, individuals who spoke at the U.S. 278 Corridor Improvements Open House held July 21 were uniformly against the “recommended preferred alternative” route chosen by the South Carolina Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration and Beaufort County. The project, begun in 2018, was to “address structural deficiencies at the existing eastbound Mackay Creek bridge and reduce congestion within the project study area,” according to the 2,915-page U.S. 278 Corridor Improvements Environmental Assessment (EA). The project now proposes intersection improvements, replacement of both the Mackay Creek and Skull Creek bridges,
and improved access to Pinckney Island National Wildlife Refuge and the C.C. Haigh Jr. Boat Landing. SCDOT hosted the open house at the Hilton Head Island Recreation Center, setting up nine staffed information stations with big screen monitors displaying routes and traffic studies, and informative posters displaying artists’ renderings of future landscapes. Visitors were able to speak with project team members for four hours before the public comment period began at 6 p.m. The alternative on display was the finalist out of an initial 22 total options that ranged from “No Build” to “Mass Transit” to a quickly discarded route that picked up at the end of the Bluffton Parkway and stretched across the water almost to
Please see HWY. 278 on page 10A
GWYNETH J. SAUNDERS
Jared Medlin of the US 278 Corridor Improvements team talks with Hilton Head Island resident Judy Dunning about proposed changes in traffic patterns in the Stoney Community.
Island team hopes to bring home town’s third World Series title By Tim Wood CONTRIBUTOR
It’s the kind of dream season that athletes rarely get to experience once in their sports career. A group of Hilton Head Island youth baseball players is representing the Lowcountry for their second shot
Cypress ‘angels’ show love to staff with backpacks 18A
at a national title in three years. The Hilton Head 12-and-under Dixie Youth All Stars won the Division 1 state tournament on July 15 and are now headed to represent South Carolina in the Dixie Youth World Series in Laurel, Miss., beginning Aug. 7. Team head coach Jeff Reilley said the
HH Prep senior scores highest possible ACT score 22A
kids’ exciting run has been a product of determination, team chemistry and a tenacious commitment to fundamentals. “Everyone has a role and they all play it so well, they just go out and execute. The work they put in during practice, the fun and camaraderie they’ve built among themselves – it’s translating to big things
on the field,” said Reilley, who is helming his first all-star team after seven years of coaching teams as part of the parent-run Hilton Head Baseball Association. “There are just no attitudes, no egos, amazing support from the parents. You can see
Job fair Aug. 18 seeks to connect underemployed with employers 24A
Check out latest arts news, events 27A
Please see CHAMPS on page 14A
Sunny Side Up 3A • Editorial 4A • Sun on the Street 6A • Arts 27A • Business 38A • Legal 41A • Health 44A • Wellness 46A • Pets 48A • Faith 50A • Nature 51A • Real Estate 54A