April 10 edition by The Island News

SC Supreme Court won’t hear hotel, parking structure cases

By Delayna Earley and Mike McCombs

The Island News

A decision from the South Carolina Supreme Court has ended a years-long legal battle over development in downtown Beaufort.

The state Supreme Court sided with the City of Beaufort and denied petitions for a writ of certiorari that were filed by the plaintiffs West Street Farms, LLC and Mix Farms, LLC, both owned by developer Graham Trask, and the Historic Beaufort Foundation.

A writ of certiorari is a legal request to the Supreme Court to

have them review a lower court’s decisions and is a common way for the Supreme Court to decide which cases to hear.

The court’s decision, issued on Wednesday, April 2, leaves in place the decisions of the South Carolina Court of Appeals and the Circuit court in two cases involving the City of Beaufort: Historic Beaufort Foundation v. City of Beaufort, et al. and West Street Farms, LLC and Mix Farms, LLC v. City of Beaufort, et al.

The lawsuits were filed by the plaintiffs asserting that the proper processes were not followed while approving the construction of a hotel and parking structure and that the original approval by the Historic District Review Board is invalid.

“It’s unfortunately very disappointing,” said Trask. “I think it’s not good for historic Beaufort. There was no rationale given by

“We are just relieved that it has come to a conclusion,” said Scott Marshall, City Manager for Beaufort. “We are looking forward to not having to deal with the cases anymore.”

MCAS Beaufort Air Show returns for 2025 edition Look,

Staff reports

The two-year wait has ended.

If you think the Sound of Freedom is loud, this weekend, it’s going to ramp up a bit.

Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort welcomes the public aboard for the 2025 MCAS Beaufort Air Show this weekend, Saturday, April 12, and Sunday, April 13. According to MCAS Beaufort’s news release, the public is invited to come and witness the “unmatched power and precision of Marine Corps aviation during an unforgettable two-day event honoring 250 years of Marine Corps legacy.”

“With thrilling aerial demonstrations, including a B-25 bomber flyover, explosive ordnance displays, and the roar of fighter jets in action, the skies over Beaufort will come alive in a way only the Marine Corps can deliver.”

“This weekend, we’re opening our gates to celebrate not just the legacy of Marine aviation, but the strength

of the community that supports us every day,” MCAS Beaufort Commanding Officer Col. Mark D. Bortnem said in a news release. “We’re honored to share this milestone year with our neighbors and look forward to giving them a front-row seat to the sound of freedom.”

Admission, tickets, etc.

Free tickets are required for general admission. They can be acquired at https://bit.ly/4j4jOia.

Base access begins at 8:30 a.m., and event gates open at 9 a.m.

Handicap access: Available through the main gate (DoD parking area, placard required). Security protocols: Attendees should be prepared for ID checks and bag inspections. Foreign nationals must bring a valid passport.

• Weapons, including pocket knives, are not permitted.

Be advised: Some air show elements may be loud or visually intense. Ear protection is encouraged for children. A full list of approved and non-approved items is available at www.beaufortairshow.com.

A local Angel Beaufort is the hometown of Maj. Brandon Wilkins, Blue Angel No. 3, in his his first year in the Blue Angel Squadron. Wilkins is the son of Lt. Col. R. Alex Wilkins, USMC (Retired) and was born in 1985 at Naval Hospital Beaufort.

Lineup

The lineup for the 2025 MCAS Beaufort Air Show consists of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron; the U.S. Army Golden Knights, the U.S. Army’s Parachute Team; Bob Schmidle; the Devil Dog Squadron; the F-35B; Full Throttle; MAGTF, the

Spectators watch as the U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform their demonstration during the Beaufort Air Show on Sunday, April 23, 2023, at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in Beaufort. Delayna Earley/The Island News

Marine Air-Ground Task Force; Mike Goulian; Red Thunder; R.J. Gritter; Undaunted Airshows; Vampire Airshows; the Viper Demo Team; and Warbird Thunder.

To learn more about any of this year’s participants, visit www.beaufortairshow.com.

Image of the proposed hotel that has been approved to be built in Downtown Beaufort. The project, along with the construction of a parking garage have been put on hold indefinitely. Artist’s rendering courtesy of 303 Associates

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels perform one of their signature maneuvers during their demonstration on Sunday, April 23, 2023, during the Beaufort Air Show at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in Beaufort. Delayna Earley/The Island News

LOWCOUNTRY LIFE & NEWS

The parking lot located at Scott and Port Republic streets, shown in this photo courtesy of the City of Beaufort, will be re-opened for public use. The lot holds 27 spaces that are available for eight-hour parking. To submit a Lowcountry Life photo, you must be the photographer or have permission to submit the photo to be published in The Island News. Please submit high-resolution photos and include a description and/or names of the people in the picture and the name of the photographer. Email your photos to theislandnews@gmail.com.

American Legion Beaufort Post 207 brings you George Ledson, 92, who was born on St. Helena but moved to New York City when he was a child. He was drafted into the United States Marine Corps in 1952 during the Korean War and began with Boot Camp at Parris Island before serving at the rifle range at MCAS El Toro.

He then served in Korea working to supply water, including drilling wells and setting up tanks and pumps at various military bases. He next was assigned to Camp Lejeune working in the warehouse and on guard duty. His last duty station was in Japan before being discharged in 1955; he then returned to New York. He worked for a while as a

railroad laborer before beginning a 30year career with the NYC Post Office. In 1987 he retired and returned to St. Helena Island.

– Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207. For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.

ON THIS DATE

April 12

2019: Twenty-one-year-old U.S. Marine Cpl. Tyler P. Wallingford, an Aircraft Ordinance Technician with Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501 (VMFAT-501) is shot and killed aboard MCAS Beaufort.

April 15

2019: More than 450 people pack Whale Branch Middle School to hear U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) speak as part of her 2020 campaign for President.

Obligors of the obligations secured by those certain Mortgages to HHI Development, LLC as recorded in the records of Beaufort County, South Carolina and detailed in Exhibit “A”. The amounts secured by the MORTGAGES, including accrued interest and late charges now owing along with a per diem amount to account for further accrual of interest and late charges are detailed in Exhibit “A”, together with any and all additional principal, interest, costs coming due and payable hereafter. The successful bidders shall be required to pay, in cash or certified funds, at the time of the bid, unless the successful bidder is the Creditor, which shall reserve a credit against its bid for the Total Owing as set forth in Exhibit “A”. The successful bidders shall also be required to pay for Deed Preparation, Documentary Stamps, or transfer fee, and Recording Costs. This sale is subject to all taxes, liens, easements, encumbrances, assessments, and/or senior mortgage liens of record and the undersigned Trustee gives no opinion thereto. An Obligor has the right to cure the default, and a Junior Lienholder has the right to redeem its interest up to the date of that the Trustee issues the Certificate of Sale pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 27-32-345. KING CUNNINGHAM, LLC, Trustee and Attorney for HHI Development, LLC, by Jeffrey W. King, SC Bar # 15840; or W. Joseph Cunningham, SC Bar # 72655, P.O. Box 4896, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29597, (843)-249-0777. EXHIBIT “A” – NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE Owner(s), Address, TS Interest, TS Interval Control No., MTG BK/PG, Default Amount, Trustee’s Fee, Interest, Total Amount Due, Per Diem- BRYAN A. MERRITT&KIM M. MERRITT 134 KINGS WAY, ROYAL PALM BEACH, FL 33411, 0.0147723220820258%, U1302-W30B, 3779/1243, $35,275.96, $450, $170.28, $35,896.24, $10.42; LAWRENCE MAURICE HOPKINS&LISA KAY HOPKINS 210 HARTER DRIVE, SUMMERVILLE, SC 29485, 0.0073861610410129%, U1103W9E, 3847/1198, $15,746.60, $450, $170.28, $16,366.88, $5.12; SHARON ANN MORIN&KEVIN M. MORIN 914 TREVINO DR, LADY LAKE, FL 32159, 0.0073861610410129%, U1305W2O, 4035/1151, $14,627.32, $450, $170.28, $15,247.60, $5.14; NANCY RUIZ ORTEGA&ARMANDO SOLIS Jr. 4810 BLACKBURN LANE, MANVEL, TX 77578, 0.0073861610410129%, U2207-W7E, 4148/2857, $13,795.81, $450, $170.28, $14,416.09, $6.74; MARK A. COSTA&KATHLEEN MARIE

April 16

2019: Frank Rodriguez, a 26-year veteran school administrator is selected by the Beaufort County Board of Education to be the district’s next superintendent, pending the negotiation of a contract.

– Compiled by Mike McCombs

COSTA 12230 WOODVIEW DR, JACKSONVILLE, FL 322465201, 0.0147723220820258%, U1211-W43B, 4154/384, $51,476.60, $450, $170.28, $52,096.88, $19.86; KEITH GORDON HUNTER 2610 KNOTTY PINES DR, LANCASTER, SC 297207511, 0.0073861610410129%, U2306-W5E, 4148/2848, $13,012.46, $450, $170.28, $13,632.74, $6.52; CYNTHIA C. CABRERA&ERIC T. JACKSON 3085 PONY RIDGE TURN, DUMFRIES, VA 22026-2765, 0.0073861610410129%, U2108W30O, 4197/702, $36,171.77, $450, $170.28, $36,792.05, $17.39; ANDREA LYNN MICHALIK&DOLORES ELAINE BECK 205 IRIS DR, FENTON, MO 63026, 0.0073861610410129%, U2109-W7O, 4215/2220, $13,003.75, $450, $170.28, $13,624.03, $4.38; SUSAN K. WISEMAN&RICHARD C. WISEMAN 310 SOUTH RIDGE RD, SAINT MARYS, PA 158573082, 0.0147723220820258%, U1411-W28B, 3573/493, $26,657.79, $450, $170.28, $27,278.07, $8.84; GESHYRA J. BURGOS&OZONY ENRIQUE ELSEVIF 72 ELLWOOD ST APT 4C, NEW YORK, NY 10040-2084, 0.0073861610410129%, U2310-W5O, 4197/1284, $14,897.08, $450, $170.28, $15,517.36, $6.97;CATHERINE G. TODD 182 SPARKS CT, WINSTON SALEM, NC 27103-8003, 0.0147723220820258%, U2508-W51B, 4176/526, $34,731.91, $450, $170.28, $35,352.19, $17.76;MEGAN R. GOOTEE 2935 WHITE PLAINS RD, LOUISVILLE, KY 40218, 0.0073861610410129%, U1503W5E, 4197/513, $10,921.19, $450, $170.20, $11,541.39, $4.70.

TRUSTEE'S NOTICE OF SALE 95-26 Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. §§ 27-32-300, et. seq., NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN of the intent of the undersigned Trustee, KING CUNNINGHAM, LLC, to sell the below described Properties at Public Auction to the highest bidders for cash on 4/24/2025 beginning at 9:30 A.M. The Public Auction shall occur at the Office of Bolchoz Law Firm, 6 Buckingham Plantation Rd, Ste B, Bluffton,

– NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE Owner(s), Address, TS Interest, TS Interval Control No., MTG BK/PG, Default Amount, Trustee’s Fee, Interest, Total Amount Due, Per Diem- KEYSHAWN NAJEE HENDERSON&& TAYLOR NICOLE HENDERSON ANGELICA MICHELLE HENDERSON 500 VENUE WAY APT 5307, ALPHARETTA, GA 30005, 0.0073861610410129%, U2402W2E, 4225/3153, $16,806.93, $450, $210.28, $17,467.21, $8.06; LUCY CLAIRE MAGGARD 110 CRESCENT CT APT 2, LOUISVILLE, KY 40206, 0.0073861610410129%, U2408-W5O, 4246/2206, $17,397.71, $450, $210.28, $18,057.99, $7.7; RENITA KATURA STAFFORD 2102 SAVANNAH TER SE APT D, WASHINGTON, DC 20020-2138, 0.0073861610410129%, U2305-W7E, 4168/230, $11,601.22, $450, $210.28, $12,261.50, $5.62; RODERICK R. TOBIN 296 OLEANDER MILL DR, COLUMBIA, SC 29229, 0.0073861610410129%, U2105W4O, 4321/1739, $11,899.82, $450, $210.28, $12,560.10, $5.65; DEBORAH F. FOREMAN 9 WALTER PL, IRVINGTON, NJ 07111-2653, 0.0073861610410129%, U1501-W35E, 3835/1713, $22,917.01, $450, $210.28, $23,577.29, $8.74; LORETTA WILCOX TYREE PO BOX 342444, MEMPHIS, TN 381842444, 0.0073861610410129%, U2207-W50E, 4359/3129, $14,250.33, $450, $210.28, $14,910.61, $5.39; JERRY A. MARICHAL 1100 NEWPORTVILLE RD, CROYDON, PA 190215056, 0.0073861610410129%, U1601-W5E, 4210/2000, $14,436.54, $450, $210.28, $15,096.82, $7.04; MARISSA LEE LOTHIAN&JANET ELIZABETH CANDO-LOTHIAN 13275 SW 11TH RD, NEWBERRY, FL 32669, 0.0073861610410129%, U2110-W3E, 4225/3276, $6,160.90, $450, $210.28, $6,821.18, $2.5; STACY DAVONNE JACKSON 7009 E 144TH ST, GRANDVIEW, MO 64030-4165, 0.0073861610410129%, U1203-W6E, 3593/2339, $6,451.79, $450, $210.28, $7,112.07, $2.76; HUMBERT CAZAUBON&ALLISON MARGARE CAZAUBON 7564 AGUILA DR, SARASOTA, FL 342400302, 0.0073861610410129%, U1305-W2E, 3609/1785, $7,402.93, $450, $210.28, $8,063.21, $3.16;MACK NELSON HAYNES JR&NADIRAH NICOLE PITTS 38 CYPRESS GROVE LANE SW, HUNTSVILLE, AL 35824, 0.0073861610410129%, U1502-W7E, 3802/755, $10,461.55, $450, $210.28, $11,121.83, $4.63;BOBBY WAYNE WILKES 116 FORREST LN, CEDARTOWN, GA 30125, 0.0147723220820258%, U2305W12B, 3815/1090, $23,719.73, $450, $210.28, $24,380.01, $8.44;LORI ANN MORSE&JAMES THOMAS HAVILAND, 3RD 143 ALLEN ST, GROTON, CT 06340-4055, 0.0073861610410129%, U2608-W49E, 4255/1525, $20,839.88, $450, $210.28, $21,500.16, $8.68;LESIA SMITH 1956 COUNTY RD 215, ABILENE, TX 79602, 0.0147723220820258%, U1605-W24B, 4197/1293, $82,885.18, $450, $210.28, $83,545.46, $33.3;L. MICHELLE VON HATTEN 349 SUMMER SQUALL RD, DAVENPORT, FL 33837-3655, 0.0147723220820258%, U1405-W28B, 4309/118, $53,513.68, $450, $210.28, $54,173.96, $23.43.; CHARLOTTE ANN ELDER 856 GLEN LILY RD, BOWLING GREEN, KY 42101-2702, 0.0073861610410129%, U1302-W17E, 3794/461, $13,931.89, $450, $210.28, $14,592.17, $5.31.

Do you value your free hometown newspaper – made by locals, for locals? Free news isn’t cheap. Please help support The Island News!

Donations gratefully accepted at www.yourislandnews.com or The Island News, PO Box 550, Beaufort, SC 29901

Beaufort sees largest protest yet against Trump Administration

More than 750 take part in Saturday’s Hands Off! protest

By Mike McCombs The Island News

In what was undoubtedly the largest protest in Beaufort County in recent memory, more than 750 people gathered in front of Beaufort City Hall at the intersection of Ribaut Road and Boundary Street on Saturday, April 5, to protest the actions of President Donald Trump and his administration, including billionaire Elon Musk.

The rare Saturday protest – protesters have been gathering each Monday in the same place since February 10 -- was a part of Hands Off! National Day of Action organized by more than a dozen organizations “to stand up against those who believe they can take whatever they want — our democracy, our future, our rights.”

The event coincided with events in Bluffton, Hilton Head Island and Okatie, which all saw unusually high turnout for Beaufort County, as well as events nationally that saw more than 3 million protesters take to the streets in more than 1 200 events across all 50 states.

“It was wonderful, it was awesome,” said Barb Nash,

President of the Northern Beaufort County Democratic Club. “We had a gentleman who counted at one point and we had 762 people, but more came after that.”

Nash said the turnout was just “beyond my expectation,” and that she was hop-

ing for 500 people.

“It was just incredible!” Nash said. “It was energizing, it was creative. We had great signs, and there was a great response from the traffic that passed.”

“There was a ton of energy, lots of horn honk, lots of

thumbs up, the occasional thumbs down, … we did have some of the trucks that gave us a bunch of exhaust to breath in …” said Carter Hoyt, one of the organizers of the original February 10 Beaufort protest. “It just was, for everybody I think, cathartic.

It felt good. … It felt good. We wanted our voices to be heard. We’re not represented. We need to be represented.”

Though she’s affiliated with the Democratic Party, Nash said the Beaufort crowd was made up of more than just Democrats.

“There were people from Indivisible. There were Northern Beaufort County Democrats,” she said. “And there were Republicans and there were independents. And a lot of other people from a lot of other groups.”

Unlike the weekly protests, Saturday’s event was more organized with scheduled speakers who talked about hot-button issues such as medicaid, medicare, social security, the military, immigration and censorship.

“We did have speakers,” Nash said, “However, people did not want to leave the protest facing the street to hear the speakers.”

The group 50501, one of the organizations involved in organizing the Hands Off! Protest, is again calling for protests on April 19 in all 50 states against the Trump administration.

According to social media posts, the group’s goal is 11 million people — roughly 3 5 percent of the U.S. population — to participate.

April 19 would be the Saturday before Easter.

“The timing isn’t great,” Hoyt said, “but we’ll do what we need to do.”

Nash said it was important to continue protesting to inspire other who are upset to have their voice be heard.

“It’s amazing to me the courage that it gives other people,” Nash said. There were two young men who showed up at Saturday’s protest wearing MAGA hats and dishing out insults as they mingled with the protesters. Hoyt said they failed to incite a conflict.

At a previous protest, Hoyt said a Trump supporter told her she shouldn’t be carrying an American flag.

“I found that incredibly offensive,” Hoyt said. “That’s what we’re fighting for. We wouldn’t be out there if that wasn’t what we were fighting for, America.”

Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews.com.

At Beaufort Memorial, our advanced orthopedics and spine care team is committed to helping you be your best and enjoy life without pain.

Whether neck or back pain is slowing you down or your activities are limited due to hip or knee pain, our board-certified specialists will personalize your care using sophisticated diagnostic and treatment options. Our advanced techniques and technologies, including Mako SmartRoboticsTM and VELYSTM robotic-assisted joint replacement, will improve function and relieve pain quickly. Many surgical patients even go home the same day.

Visit BeaufortMemorial.org/Ortho for help addressing your pain.

At Beaufort Memorial you’ll also find:

• Joint preservation therapies

• Numerous non-surgical treatment options

• A personalized approach to restoring mobility and joint function

• Pre-operative education classes that engage patients and caregivers in the healing process

• An Optimization Program that follows you through the process to ensure the best outcomes

• Outpatient and in-home rehab services to get you back to doing what you love faster

More than 750 protesters gathered in front of Beaufort City Hall near the intersection of Boundary Street and Ribaut Road on Saturday, April 5, 2025, for the Hands Off! Protest against the actions of Donald Trump Administration and Elon Musk. Asa Aarons Smith/The Island News

The Island News wins 18 SC Press Association awards

By Mike McCombs

The Island News

Continuing a run of six successful years, The Island News took home 18 awards at the 2025 South Carolina Press Association awards luncheon Friday, April 4 2025 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

"It’s always hugely gratifying to be recognized by your peers,” The Island News Publisher Jeff Evans said. “The Island News has a smaller staff than almost any other news weekly in South Carolina and for us to win the number of awards we do is a testament to the quality and professionalism of that staff. I couldn’t be more proud of them or more grateful to the Beaufort Community that has embraced us.”

The Island News generally competes in Category D, reserved for the largest weekly newspapers.

Editor Mike McCombs and Assistant Editor Delayna Earley each won two first-

place awards. They shared the top award in the Short Story category for their coverage of a boat that crashed through the window of the Waffle House in Port Royal.

Earley added a first-place award in Government Reporting, while McCombs won an Open Weekly Division first-place award for Sports Headline Writing. Earley added a second-place award for Enterprise Reporting, and McCombs won second place in the Short Story category. Page designer Hope Shreve and longtime photographer Bob Sofaly each brought home five awards.

Shreve swept first, second and third place in the Sports Page Design category and took second and third place in the Page One Design Category. Sofaly took first and second place in the Sports Action Photo category.

He claimed two more second-place awards in the Pic-

NEWS BRIEFS

HELP of Beaufort hosting fundraiser

HELP of Beaufort is hosting a Smoked Ham fundraiser. The northern Beaufort County food pantry is selling Smoked Hams for $45. Order and pay online at www.helpofbeaufort.org, or call 843-524-1223

Pickup date is from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, April 19 at the Piggly Wiggly Shopping Center at 1347 Ribaut Road in Port Royal.

BOE Chair Geier to speak at Tea Party meeting

Col. Richard Geier, U.S. Army, ret., the Chariman of the Beaufort County Board of Education, will be the guest speaker at the April meeting of the Beaufort TEA Party.

The meeting is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Monday, April 21 at the

torial and Spot News Photo categories and a third-place nod in the Humorous Photo category.

Wes Kerr repeated as the first-place winner in the Spot Sports Story category, and a year after his first-place win, Terry Manning won third place in Column Writing.

Photographer Amber Hewitt earned her first SCPA honor with a thirdplace win in the Feature Photo category.

Lowcountry Weekly wins 2

Lowcountry Weekly, sister publication to The Island News and also published by Jeff and Margaret Evans, won two awards.

Competing in the same category as The Island News

Margaret Evans won second-place awards in Column Writing and Arts & Entertainment Writing.

Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews.com.

Olde Beaufort Bar & Eatery at 139

Geier was elected unanimously as Board Chairman on January 7 of this year, and has represented Beaufort's District 4 for the past six years.

Geier will discuss the changes the Trump Administration has made to the Department of Education and other agencies and their effects on the Beaufort County School District.

Northern Beaufort County Democratic Club meeting

U.S. Senate candidate Kyle Freeman will be the guest speaker when the Northern Beaufort Democratic Club holds its April meeting at 6 p.m., Thursday, April 17 at Grace AME Chapel at 502 Charles Street. Freeman has declared to run against longtime GOP incumbent Lindsey Graham.

The Island News Editor Mike McCombs, left, and publishers Jeff Evans and Margaret Evans display the newspaper’s awards for 2024 at the S.C. Press Association’s annual awards luncheon Friday, April 4, 2025, in Columbia. Submitted photo

Poll workers needed; training available

The Board of Voter Registration and Elections of Beaufort County will be holding 10 new poll worker training classes. All of the classes will be held at the main office, located at 15 John Galt Road, Beaufort, S.C. 29906

The classes will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the following dates: Wednesday, April 23; Wednesday, May 14; Saturday, May 24; Wednesday, June 18; Wednesday, July 16; Saturday, July 26; Wednesday, Aug. 20; and Wednesday, Sept. 17

To sign up for a class, visit https://beaufortsc.easypollworker. com/home.

Rotary Club

hosting annual Vidalia onion fundraiser

The Rotary Club of Beaufort is hosting its annual fundraiser – the

sale of farm-fresh Vidalia onions in either 10-pound or 25-pound bags ($12 or $25). The onions must be pre-ordered before Friday, May 9 and will be available for pick-up between noon and 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Sea Island Presbyterian Church, Lady’s Island, on Wednesday, May 14. The money raised by this fundraiser is used to support grant requests from nonprofit organizations north of the Broad River in Beaufort County. Onions can be ordered and paid for at www.beaufortrotaryclub.org.

Leadership Beaufort application window

open

The application window for the 41st class of Leadership Beaufort (August 2025-May 2026) is now open. Visit https://bit.ly/3EnhSlz to learn more and access the application. Deadline to submit applications is Friday, May 23. The

program builds community trustee leadership through an in-depth view of cultural, economic, historic, social, educational, environmental and government resources.

Beaufort

County business license renewals due April 30 Businesses that operate within the unincorporated boundaries of Beaufort County must renew their County business license by April 30 or face late penalties. Business license renewals can be processed at the County Business License office, 100 Ribaut Road, Beaufort. Business owners can also renew online through the Civic Access portal.

For more information visit the Beaufort County Business Services website at https://bit.ly/3FPXgD7 or call 843-255-2270 – Staff reports

Beaufort County Council asks volunteers to serve on Accommodations, Hospitality Tax Advisory Committee

Staff reports

The Beaufort County Council is inviting volunteers to serve on the local 3% Accommodations and Hos-

pitality Tax Advisory Committee.

On Oct. 14 2024, County Council approved a resolution which authorized the

establishment of the Beaufort County Local Accommodations and Hospitality Tax Grant Funding Policy (Resolution No. 2024/54) in

accordance with Chapter 66 Article II, Division 2, Section 66-41 et seq. of the Code of Ordinances County of Beaufort, South Carolina.

The purpose of the Local Accommodations and Hospitality Tax Fund is set forth in detail in Beaufort County’s Ordinance No. 2024/13 2024/15 and applicants are encouraged to review the ordinance and resolution in its entirety. The overall purpose of the program is to ensure the revenue received from a 3% local accommodations tax (A-Tax) imposed on tourist lodging as well as a hospitality tax (H-Tax), which is imposed on the sale of prepared meals and beverages, is properly expensed for tourist-related purposes as spelled out in Beaufort County's Code of Ordinances, Sec. 66-44 for A-Tax and Sec. 66534 for H-Tax. The Local 3% Accommodations and Hospitality Tax Grant requires the establishment of a Local Accommodations and Hospitality Tax Advisory Committee. The duties and responsibilities of the Advisory Committee are: to attend yearly meetings held in June; to attend meetings throughout the year if needed;

• to evaluate applications applying for the Local 3% Accommodations and Hospitality Tax

Funds; to understand and ensure the use of Local Accommodations and Hospitality Tax dollars are properly being used for tourism related projects and expenditures within Beaufort County; • to recommend to County Council projects to be funded with collected tax funds; and to perform such other related duties as may be assigned by County Council.

Minimum requirements

Each member must possess experience in the areas of hospitality and accommodations. Members shall possess considerable experience with, and a comprehensive knowledge of the allowable expenditures of Beaufort County’s Local 3% Accommodations and Hospitality Tax dollars collected and of the Beaufort County Local A&H Tax Grant Policy. Current Beaufort County boards, commissions and agency members are encouraged to apply. Interested residents may apply to serve on the committee at https://bit. ly/43ACzoC.

NEWS Community honors legacy of Robert Smalls

BRWC, Tabernacle Baptist Church, Exchange Club celebrate Smalls’ birthday

Staff reports

Beaufort native Robert Smalls’ birthday was celebrated at the annual Robert Smalls Birthday event at 11 a.m., April 5 2025, in the social hall of the Tabernacle Baptist Church at 901 Craven Street in Beaufort. The unity event was sponsored by Reverend Kenneth Hodges, The Exchange Club, and the Beaufort Republican Women’s Club.

Al Jenkins, Regional Director for Senator Tim Scott, read a letter of appreciation and presented a flag that was flown over the U.S. Capitol in honor of Reverend Hodges.

Pictured here with Jenkins is Deacon Howard Reeves of the Tabernacle Church. The Tabernacle Church is where Robert Smalls, an enslaved person and American hero, is buried.

Principal Bradley Tarrance and students of Robert Smalls Leadership Academy made an inspiring presentation and shared original artwork. In addition, they brought their replica of the Planter created by Dennis Cannaday, who was also present.

Al Jenkins, Regional Director for Senator Tim Scott and Deacon Howard Reeves of the Tabernacle Baptist Church are pictured at the annual Robert Smalls Birthday event Saturday, April 5, 2025, in the social hall of Beaufort’s Tabernacle Baptist Church. Submitted photo

Duke Buckner, Esq., read a letter from S.C. Sen. Margie Bright Matthews regarding the status of the Robert Smalls Monument. Brian Stone won the drawing for a plane ride donated by Beaufort Flight Training. Everyone enjoyed lunch of Jollof Rice, Meat Pies and Plantains catered by Sugar & Soul Café, and cake and punch were served by the Republican Women’s Club.

Beaufort Human Library

Court

from page A1

the Supreme Court. You lose faith in our judicial system. But it is what it is, and that’s what we have to deal with, and we’ll see what happens.”

Beaufort developer Dick Stewart stated that he was happy, but not surprised to see the Supreme Court’s response and said that Trask does not live here and does not truly understand the issues here but tries to create problems for Beaufort and the city.

“We are not surprised, but we are gratified that the Supreme Court, by rejecting this frivolous appeal, has confirmed that our compa-

ny and the city of Beaufort conducted business in a lawful fashion as we have in the two and a half decades since I have returned home to Beaufort,” Stewart said. Trask said about the development of the hotel and parking garage that the bottom line in all of this is that Stewart has all of his approvals but has chosen not to move forward and blames others for this decision.

“This decision by the Supreme Court, in my opinion, basically allows our city to ignore their own laws and, in so doing, expose our city to overdevelopment by allowing this huge hotel and this parking garage,” said Trask. “We’re seeing all this pressure on our town coming to the forefront now, whether it’s this project downtown,

or where all the clear cutting is out on Robert Smalls, to Cat Island … it exposes a broken city code.”

The other plaintiff in the cases, the Historic Beaufort Foundation, said that they were disappointed with the outcome.

“We are obviously disappointed in the Supreme Court decision not to hear the appeal,” Cynthia Jenkins, Executive Director of the Historic Beaufort Foundation, said in a text message. “This brings to an end our litigation with the city.”

Delayna Earley, who joined The Island News in 2022, formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.

Lyn Markovich Bryant, Omega Smalls and Victoria Smalls discuss growing up together to attendees on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at the fifth edition of the Beaufort Human Library held at Technical College of the Lowcountry. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Lowcountry Food Truck Festival a

Scales & Tails

Bluffton man arrested on child sexual abuse

material charges

Staff reports

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced Tuesday, April 8 the arrest of Rio Dirk Mahealani Galiza, 34, of Bluffton, on four charges connected to the sexual exploitation of minors. Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office made the arrest. Investigators from the Attorney General's Office, also a member of the state's ICAC Task Force, assisted with the investigation.

Investigators received a CyberTipline report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) which led them to Galiza. Investigators state Galiza manufactured, distributed, and possessed files of child sexual abuse material.

Galiza was arrested on April 7 2025. He is charged with one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, first degree, a felony offense punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment; one count of sexual exploitation of a minor, second degree, a felony

offense punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment; and two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, third degree, a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment on each count. Galiza was out on bond from a prior arrest on similar charges in 2024 This case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General's Office.

Attorney General Wilson stresses all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law.

Truck Festival

Saturday, April 5, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

St. Helena Island’s Royal Walker, 7, watches his fishing pole, hoping for a bite during the Junior Service League of Beaufort’s Scales & Tails fishing tournament on Saturday, April 5, 2025. The goal of the catch-and-release tournament and fundraiser was to help young fishing enthusiasts to enjoy the outdoors, learn new skills, and compete for exciting prizes. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

By Delayna Earley The Island News

Two petitions have begun circling social media over the past few weeks calling for change in how law enforcement refers to and approaches what are currently considered “runaway” cases, thanks to the parent of a Beaufort preteen who hopes to prevent others from going through what her family went through.

Twelve-year-old Emily Hollis went missing from her home in Beaufort on Saturday, Feb. 15, and it was later discovered that she was in the company of 16-year-old Chase Eskeets.

Both juveniles were reported by the Beaufort Police Department as runaways based off known evidence and evidence found at the scene, according to Lt. Lori Evans with the police department.

She told The Island News that they “were in a known relationship and had run away, which included a note left by Emily Hollis.”

During the time that Emily was missing, her parents took to social media to share their experience from their perspective in dealing with local law enforcement while trying to find their daughter to bring her home.

Their videos and posts on social media sparked a very heated response from the Beaufort community regarding the perceived manner in which the police were handling her recovery.

The events and response from police from the moment that Emily went missing until she was found days later, that encouraged Emily’s mother, Autumn Hollis to start petitions to replace the word “runaway” with “missing” or “en-

Time for a change?

Police handling of case of ‘runaway’ Beaufort girl prompts parents to propose new law

dangered youth” and to enact what she is calling Emily’s Law, hoping to criminalize the act of taking children aged 15 and younger over state lines, even if the “abductor” is an older juvenile and the younger child goes willingly.

‘Runaway’

Hollis states in the online petition that terms like “runaway” negatively impact how not only the public views a missing person report, but how it is handled by law enforcement as well.

“Context matters – when you think of the world ‘runaway’ what images come up?” Hollis said.

“When you think of the words ‘missing child’ or ‘endangered,’ what do you picture? All of these terms can refer to the same youth. However, based on our assumptions or the narratives we hold, we either visualize a child victim in need of assistance or label them as a bad kid who chose their circumstances.”

Hollis is proposing a legislation change for all children who “vanish” from their home to be referred to as “missing” and not “runaways” and hopes that the petition will gain traction so that legislators will put forth legislation that will push law enforcement to act immediately to search for the child “rather than withhold their efforts under the assumption that the child will return on their own.”

“Runaways are still missing children,” Hollis said. “The label of “just a runaway” is dangerous and the assumptions that come with it can be life threatening.”

On the petition, Hollis says that the first 48 hours are the most important when any child goes

from

missing, and if they are labeled as runaways the necessary time and resources are not allocated quickly enough to find them, resulting in higher numbers of youth homelessness and victimization for child trafficking.

“As a community we have a duty to care for all of our children as if they were our own,” Hollis said. “We must fight against the indifference that too often surround runaway cases.”

Emily’s Law

The second petition that Hollis has started circulating is to try and garner support for a law protecting

the decision to pursue

youth younger than the age of 15 called Emily’s Law.

Currently in South Carolina, there are no legal consequences for a juvenile over the age of 15 to take a child under the age of 15 from their home and across state lines and Hollis says this should change.

“In South Carolina, the age of consent is 16, meaning individuals under 16 cannot legally give consent,” Hollis said.

Hollis points out that in South Carolina, you must be 16 to consent to most health services, sexual contact with anyone regardless of age, hold a job and drive with an unrestricted driver’s license.

“According to the laws of South Carolina, whoever shall unlawfully seize, confine, inveigle, decoy, kidnap, abduct or carry away any other person by any means whatsoever without authority of law, except when a minor is seized or taken by his parent, is guilty of a felony,” Hollis said.

Hollis defines “decoy” in the context of kidnapping, as the act of luring or attracting someone by using fraud, trickery or temptation without using force and states that in South Carolina, a minor – aged 16 to 17 years old – can legally take a willing [decoy] 12-year-old across state lines without consequences.

“The law must be changed,” Hollis said. “This cannot continue to happen. The crime not only emotionally traumatizes the victim, but their families. It also exposes the minor to greater danger.”

She said that the gap in legislation leaves families and children vulnerable because once state lines are crossed the search and rescue operations are made more complicated and chances of recovery drop.

“Unless we make this change, our legal system inadvertently becomes an ally of those who harm our children,” Hollis said. “This is a dangerous loophole that needs immediate attention.”

Hollis’ daughter and the older teen she was with were located and brought home after being missing for four days in Florida.

Kiel and Autumn Hollis, the parents of Emily Hollis, a Beaufort 12 year old who was missing for four days, discus “Emily’s Law,” which would give parents the authority to press charges against juveniles aged 16 to 17 who cross state lines with their child without parental consent. This legislation removes the discretion

law enforcement, placing

charges solely in the hands of the parents. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

By Justin Jarrett LowcoSports.com

HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL NOTEBOOK

BA blasts Battery Creek

Beaufort Academy’s young baseball team is rounding into form and has won two straight games after routing crosstown rival Battery Creek 17-0 on Thursday.

The Eagles jumped out to a 7-0 lead with four in the first and three in the second, then broke it open with a 10-run fourth inning to invoke the mercy rule.

Tucker Scoggins struck out six and walked one in a four-inning two-hitter for the Eagles, and he was also 2-for-4 with three RBIs.

Tobias Patel smoked a three-run triple, and Nic Shuford Jr. and Keeler Dineen each had two hits and an RBI to lead BA.

Eagles take one from Bishops After two tough losses to begin

the series, Beaufort High took the finale from Region 6-4A leader Bishop England with a 6-2 win Friday to stay within a half-game of the Bishops for the top spot in the standings.

The Eagles couldn’t muster quite enough offense in the opener against Newberry commit Will Rissmiller, who struck out 11 and walked one in a complete game to lead Bishop England to a 4-2 win. Finn Corley picked up where Rissmiller left off to shut down Beaufort in Wednesday’s matchup, outdueling Gunnar Hollingsworth in a 2-1 battle.

The Eagles finally broke out for five runs in the third inning of the finale, and that was plenty of support for Hudson Mullen and Dylan Rast, who combined to strike out 11 batters and limited the Bishops to five hits and two

unearned runs. Hollingsworth and Jayden Davis each had two hits and Rast drove in two runs in the win.

Bucs fighting for 2nd Bridges Prep’s fledgling baseball team has found its footing this season, and the Bucs find themselves fighting for the No. 2 seed from Region 5-2A and the first-round home playoff game that comes with it.

Everyone is chasing Barnwell, but the Bucs are tied with Edisto for the No. 2 spot after splitting the season series with the Cougars. A dominant doubleheader sweep of Lake Marion on Thursday kept Bridges in the hunt for a top-two finish, but the Bucs face two key games against Hampton County on Tuesday at home and Friday on the road.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS NOTEBOOK

Host girls win Beaufort Track Classic

By Justin Jarrett LowcoSports.com

Beaufort High’s girls track team claimed the team title and the boys finished runner-up to Westwood in a close battle Saturday at the annual Beaufort Track Classic.

The Eagles racked up 140 points to top the girls standings, edging Westwood by 11 points with May River ( 109 ) in third. Westwood ( 153 ) narrowly defeated the host Eagles ( 145 5 ) for the boys’ title.

The Beaufort girls claimed the title in the 4x100 relay and had two golds in the throws, with Amir Harrison winning the javelin and Divaria Smith taking the shot put.

On the boys’ side, Eric Smart (14 58) won the 110 hurdles and the pole vault (4 29m) and placed second in the 400 hurdles, while Amare Patterson (10 83) won the 100 and was second in the 200 Whale Branch’s Derrick Roberts (12 6m) won the triple jump.

Bridges soccer barreling through region

The soccer teams from Bridges Prep are closing in on region titles as they try to complete perfect runs through Region 5-2A play.

The Bridges boys are 6-0 in region matchups and have outscored their opponents 51-7, while the girls sit at 4-0 with a 46-0 goal differential.

The Bucs have two matchups with Hampton County this week, and the girls’ game is a showdown of undefeated region contenders.

Bridges Prep’s Joseph Alvarez and Whale Branch’s Joseph Darby fight for control of the ball during the boys' soccer game Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at Whale Branch. Bridges Prep won, 7-3. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Beaufort boys lacrosse on win streak

It’s been an up-and-down season for Beaufort High’s boys lacrosse team, but the Eagles are on an upswing as the regular-season winds down.

The Eagles have won two straight and three of their last four after following up a 14-7 win at Fox Creek with a key 11-8 triumph at Bluffton on Thursday.

Freshman Renner Taylor scored a sock trick with six goals and contributed three assists in the win over Fox Creek, while Emory Orton scored four goals and added an assist and Hunter Booher added three goals and two assists against the Bobcats.

Tuesday, April 1

COLLEGE BASEBALL

USCB 14, Edward Waters 11

COLLEGE SOFTBALL

USCB

Lander 11, USCB 1 COLLEGE SOFTBALL

USCB 1, Columbus State 0 Columbus State 3, USCB 1

HS GIRLS SOCCER

Dixie 3, Battery Creek 0 Tuesday, April 8

COLLEGE BASEBALL Middle Georgia at USCB, 3 p.m.

HS GIRLS LACROSSE Savannah Christian at Beaufort, 6:30 p.m.

HS SOFTBALL Woodland at Beaufort, 7 p.m.

USCB 0

COLLEGE BASEBALL

Lander 20, USCB 0

HS SOFTBALL Hampton Co. 16, Whale Branch 1 Laurence Manning 10, John Paul II 0 HS BASEBALL

Beaufort 6, Bishop England 2 Laurence Manning 14, John Paul II 0 Pinewood Prep 10, Bridges Prep 0 Hampton Co. 10, Whale Branch 0 Saturday, April 5

COLLEGE BASEBALL

Lander 6, USCB 4

Battery Creek’s Cody Smith steals second base during at home against Beaufort Academy on Thursday, April 3, 2025. BA won, 17-0. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Auditions set for ‘Ain’t

Misbehavin’’

Beaufort Theatre Company announces auditions for Tony-winning musical revue

Staff reports

The USC Beaufort Center for the Arts and the Beaufort Theatre Company are holding auditions for “Ain’t Misbehavin’” from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, April 15, at the USCB Center for the Arts.

"Ain't Misbehavin'" is a Tony Award-winning musical revue that celebrates the music and spirit of the legendary jazz pianist and composer Fats Waller, featuring a vibrant collection of his songs from the Harlem Renaissance era, with

a cast of five performers and a live band. Director Scott Gibbs is seeking five dynamic African American performers age 18 and older who are strong singers who can harmonize and hold their notes. “Ain’t Misbehavin’” was conceived by Richard Maltby, Jr. and Murray Horwitz

If you are interested in auditioning, dress in comfortable clothes, please arrive in the lobby 15 minutes before the audition to complete necessary paperwork

and provide a current headshot. The audition process will include singing, dancing and acting. Audition materials and details are available at https://www. uscbcenterforthearts.com/ btc-auditions. Production dates are June 12 through June 15

Rehearsal schedule will be release as soon as cast is selected. If you are interested playing in the band for the production please contact Bonnie Hargrove at bhargrov@uscb.edu for details.

SOBA announces winners of 31st annual Judged Show

Staff reports

The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) has announced the winners of its 31st annual Judged Show. The event, open to artists across the Lowcountry, showcased an array of exceptional talent in various artistic mediums. The winning pieces are on display at the SOBA Gallery through March 30, with an awards ceremony recently attended by more than 100 people.

Renowned watercolor artist Jan Ross served as the judge for this year’s competition. With over 40 years of experience and accolades from numerous national and international exhibitions, Ross brought a wealth of expertise to the selection process.

“This year’s Judged Show was a spectacular display of the incredible talent within our local artist community,” SOBA President Karen Richards said in a news release.

“We’re honored to showcase these remarkable works and grateful to Jan Ross for lending her expertise to this year’s competition.”

The public is invited to view the exhibit at the SOBA Gallery, located at 6 Church Street, Bluffton. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

For more information, visit www.sobagallery.com or call 843-757-6586

2025 Judged Show Award Winners Best in Show Tatiana Zalapskaia – Ophelia

Oil Painting

• 1st Place: Julia Kamenskikh – Lowcountry Boy

2nd Place: Frank Gorman – Bay Street

Life

• 3rd Place: Murray Sease – Orange

Crush

Honorable Mentions:

M. Pearl Mitzer – XOXO

◦ Mickey Boisvert – Sisters-A Day at the Museum

Heather Wanamaker – Still Life of Finials and Flowers

Photography & Digital Art

• 1st Place: Stephen Lopuck – Squash

Tray

• 2nd Place: Lindsay Pettinicchi – Sea

Foam Surprise 3rd Place: Cathy Thiem – Shake Your Booty

• Honorable Mention: Kendra Natter –Owl Be Waiting for You

Acrylic Painting

• 1st Place: Barbara Storer – Lowcountry

Shoreline

2nd Place: Judith Walters – Watching 3rd Place: Margi Smith – After Spring’s Rainfall

• Honorable Mention: Lauren Arsenault – Camellia Dreamin’

Watercolor Painting

• 1st Place: Marty Parker – Pas de Deux

2nd Place: Robin Stark – Spring’s Ar-

rival

• 3rd Place: Bill Winn – A Tranquil Evening

Honorable Mention: Joanne Marois Talbot – Pause

Mixed Media & Collage

1st Place: Missy Gentile – Caterpillar

Flowers

• 2nd Place: Angela Kleinhans – Springtime 3rd Place: Jean Macaluso – Bronze

Concentric

• Honorable Mention: Robin Morrissey – Following Sea

3D Art

• 1st Place: Laura Larranaga – Live Oak

2nd Place: Abby Machamer – Plant

Harmony

• 3rd Place: Nick DiMona – Internal Piece

Drawing (Pencil, Colored Pencil, Pastel, Pen/Ink)

1st Place: Donna Raines – Slack Cat

2nd Place: Mary Burrell – Oh My Deer

• 3rd Place: Marie Camenares – A Visual Delight

Honorable Mention: Carol Iglesias –Tranquility

Tatiana Zalapskaia poses at the Society of Bluffton Artists after winning Best In Show at the 31st annual Judged Show. Submitted photo

ART

Coastal Discovery Museum

24th annual Art Market

10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, April

26 & 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, April

27, Coastal Discovery Museum, 70 Honey Horn Drive, Hilton Head Island. $5 Admission, free for children 12 and younger. Free parking.

Visitors will find a diverse range of mediums, including ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, wood, metal, painting, drawing, photography, and sculpture. Beyond the art, visitors can enjoy live music and a variety of food and beverage vendors, with shaded seating under the Mary Ann Peeples Pavilion and throughout the scenic grounds. Proceeds from the Art Market support the Museum’s year-round programs, exhibitions, and events. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.coastaldiscovery.org/.

Budding Artist After-School Art

Club

4 to 5 p.m., or 5:15 to 6:15 p.m., Mondays/Wednesdays or Tuesday/ Thursdays, Happy Art Studio, 10 Sam’s Point Way, Beaufort. Ages 8 to 13. Painting, drawing, clay or crafts. Visit www.happyartstudio. net.

CALENDAR

Royal Pines Spring Craft Fair

10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, April

12, Olde Beaufort Golf Club, 139 Francis Marion Circle, Lady’s Island. Come rain or shine!

MCAS Beaufort Airshow Saturday, April 12 & Sunday, April

13, MCAS Beaufort. Celebrate 250 years of the Marine Corps with us.

From the U.S. Navy Blue Angels to unforgettable aerial thrills, it’s a weekend you don’t want to miss. Tickets are free for general admission but required! Reserve yours now to secure your spot. Go to beaufortairshow.com to reserve your tickets.

Karaoke with Melissa

7:30 p.m. to midnight, Mondays, Tomfoolery, 3436 17 Market, Habersham, Beaufort. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.

Karaoke

9 p.m. to midnight, Tuesdays, Luther’s Rare and Well Done, 910 Bay Street, downtown Beaufort. With DJ Ali.

Karaoke with Melissa

7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Beaufort Moose Lodge, 350 Broad River Blvd, Beaufort. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.

Eric’s Karaoke Krew

9:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke with either Parker or Eric.

Trivia with Tom – Bricks On Boundary

7 p.m., Every Thursday, Bricks on Boundary, 1422 Boundary St, Beaufort. Free. Team trivia event, win house cash and Beer Bucket prizes! For more information, visit https:// rb.gy/o9nhwe.

Eric’s Karaoke Krew

7 p.m., Thursdays, Amvets Post 70, 1831 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Free. Public is welcome. Enjoy Karaoke. Dinner will be available.

Karaoke at Willie’s 8 p.m., Thursdays, Willie's Bar and Grill, 7 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Saint Helena Island. Come and showcase your singing talents or just enjoy the performances. For more information, visit www.GullahLove.com.

Bluffton Night Bazaar — a Lowcountry Made Market

5 to 8 p.m., first Thursday of each month, Burnt Church Distillery, 120 Bluffton Road. A highly curated selection of accessories, clothing, home goods, custom gifts and more by local artists and makers.

Habersham Farmers Market

3 to 6 p.m., Fridays, Habersham Marketplace. Vendor roster includes B&E Farm, Cottonwood Soap, Flower Power Treats, Hardee Greens, Megs Sweet Treats, Vitamin Bee, Lady’s Island Oyster Company, Pet Wants.

Eric’s Karaoke Krew

9 p.m., Fridays, Highway 21 Bar, 3436 Trask Pkwy, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy Karaoke with Lt. Dan.

Eric’s Karaoke Krew

9:30 p.m., Fridays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy Karaoke with Parker.

Karaoke with Melissa

7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Fridays, R Bar & Grill, 70 Pennington Drive, Bluffton. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.

Port Royal Farmers Market

9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, year round, Naval Heritage Park, 1615 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Rain or shine. You will find fresh, local, seasonal produce, shrimp, oysters, poultry, beef, pork, eggs, bread and cheese, as well as plants, ferns, camellias, azaleas, citrus trees and beautiful, fresh cut flower bouquets. There are prepared food vendors serving barbecue, dumplings, she crab soup, crab cakes, paella, coffee,

WHAT’S HAPPENING

baked goods, bagels and breakfast sandwiches. No pets allowed. For more information, visit http://www. portroyalfarmersmarket.com/, visit @portroyalfarmersmarket on Facebook or call 843-295-0058.

Slip and Splash Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturdays, Battery Creek Pool, 1 Blue Dolphin Drive, Beaufort, and Bluffton Pool, 55 Pritchard Street, Bluffton. $5 per person. Stay busy for hours climbing on our inflatable challenge track.

Eric’s Karaoke Krew 7 p.m., Saturdays, The Beaufort Moose Lodge, 350 Broad River Blvd., Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke with Lt. Dan. Come early at 6 p.m. for Steak Night.

Eric’s Karaoke Krew 9:30 p.m., Saturdays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke with Eric.

Teddy Bear Picnic Read-Aloud

9 a.m. to noon, 1st Saturday each month, Port Royal Farmer’s Market, Corner of Ribaut Road & Pinckney Blvd, Port Royal. Free. DAYLO Students and other volunteers will read to young children, who are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animals.

Karaoke with Melissa 8 p.m. to 12 a.m., 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month, Peaceful Henry’s Cigar Bar, 181 Bluffton Road, Bluffton. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.

CLASS REUNION

Beaufort High School Class of 1975

Oct. 17 through Oct. 19, 2025, Beaufort. 50th Class Reunion Celebration. Request that graduates of this class contact the class Community Outreach Representative Barbara Gardner Hunter at 347-4979326 or email gardnerbarbara991@ gmail.com to provide current contact information.

DANCE

The Beaufort Shag Club

6:30 to 9 p.m., Wednesdays, AmVets Club, 1831 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Free lessons for members from 6 to 6:30 p.m. We also host a dance the second Saturday of each month from 7 to 10 p.m. Lessons will run September through May only. Visit our FaceBook page (beaufortshagclub) for current events.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Rooted Beaufort Yoga classes

5:30 to 6:45 p.m., Thursdays, Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal; 9 to 10:15 a.m., Whitehall Park or Pigeon Point Park. Rooted Beaufort is a collective of local Yoga teachers who host outdoor yoga classes and donation-based events with proceeds being donated locally on a rotating basis.

BEMER Circulation Therapy 10 to 11 a.m., Fridays via Zoom. Already own a BEMER? Never heard of it but curious? Join to ask any questions about this leading-edge German technology that enhances blood flow 30% in 8 minutes. Sessions are designed to support those who have their own unit but everyone is welcome. Brought to you by BEMER Specialist -- Human & Equine, Elizabeth Bergmann. Text 410-212-1468 to get the Zoom link. Free.

HISTORY Beaufort History Museum at the Arsenal

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays, 713 Craven St, Beaufort. General Admission for Adults $8, Seniors $7, Active Duty Military and College Students with ID $5. Children/Teens younger than 18 Free. Explore and experience more than 500 years of Beaufort History with knowledgeable docent guided tours.

The Historic Port Royal Museum 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or upon request, Thursdays through Sundays, The Historic Port Royal Museum, 1634 Paris Ave. The museum features the turn-of-the-century businesses and industries of Port Royal: Shrimping, crabbing, oystering, the railroad, the school and the mercantile. Great gifts featuring local artists are available. For more information. visit www.portroyalhistory.org, email historicportroyalfoundation@gmail. com or call 843-524-4333.

Tour Historic Fort Fremont Dawn to dusk, Monday through Sunday, The Fort Fremont Preserve, 1124 Land’s End Road, St. Helena Island. Free and open to the public.

The History Center is open Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m., Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.

Visitors can learn about the fort’s history during the Spanish-American War through interpretive signs, self-guided walking tours with a smart phone, exhibits in the history center, and docent-led tours. For more information visit www.fortfremont.org or contact Passive Parks Manager Stefanie Nagid at snagid@ bcgov.net.

LIBRARY ACTIVITIES

Watercolor Basics

11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, April 12, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road, St.

Helena Island. Free. Ages 14 and older. Adults will be introduced to the basics of watercolor painting through various techniques. No registration required.

Intro To Art Media For Kids

3 to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 12, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road, St. Helena Island. Free. Ages 6 and older. Kids are invited to join us to “dabble” in art media. We’ll introduce different types of media from acrylic painting to sketching. Participants will leave with a fun multi-media art creation all their own. No registration required.

Toddler Storytime

11 a.m., Mondays through May 12, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. (Library will be closed Jan, 20 and Feb. 17.) Join us for a fun-filled time of stories. Books and activities will focus on toddlers/preschoolers, but siblings are welcome.

Plant Swap

2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 19, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road, St. Helena Island. Take a plant, leave a plant. Bring your divided perennials, extra clippings, and propagations to swap with others.

Make a Seashell Trinket Dish

11 a.m., Saturday, April 26, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road, St. Helena Island. Ages 12 and older. All materials will be provided. Space is limited. Call 843-255-6487 to register.

Mother’s Day Gift

11 a.m. to noon, Saturday, May 3, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road, St. Helena Island. Come and celebrate the mothers and the mother figures in your life with a fun craft.

“Hidden Gems” Book Club

3 p.m., third Monday of each month, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road, St. Helena Island. Free. So many books, so little time. St. Helena staff have uncovered some great titles to get you started on your “hidden gem” journey. Join us for lively discussions and coffee or tea. No registration required.

Postpartum Support Group

11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesdays, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Join us fr a postpartum and parenting support circle, a weekly gathering for parents and caregivers navigating the postpartum journey. Led by full-spectrum holistic doula Tameka Walker, the circle provides a warm supportive environment where families can connect, share and learn together. Registration is requested but not required. Call 843-255-6487 for more information.

“Lego” With Lego 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., every Tuesday, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Free and open to the public. Ages 5 and up. No registration required. Come see our new and improved Lego Club. Choose one of our new Lego kits and get going. Call 843-255-6540 for more information.

Career Navigator

11 a.m. to 1 p.m., every Tuesday, Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort. Free one-on-one resume writing and job application assistance with a Career Navigator from Palmetto Goodwill. No appointments necessary. For more information call 843-255-6458.

Bridge Club

10 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays, Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort. Join us if you want to learn a new game, practice your skills, or need more players. Call the Beaufort Branch Library at 843-255-6458 for more information.

Baby Time 10 a.m. Thursdays through May 15, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Join us for stimulating stories, activities, and more. Designed for babies, 0-18 months.

Mahjong Basics

11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Join us to learn the basics of this fun tile game. Intructor Donna Misuraca will teach participants the structure and rules of the game and guide you through how to play. All game materials will be provided. Call 843255-6540 for more information.

Mahjong Club

10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fridays, Beaufort Library, 311 Scott Street. All levels of players are welcome. Feel free to bring your own mahjong sets. Plan to meet every week. For more information, call the Beaufort Branch Library at 843-255-6458.

MEETINGS Northern Beaufort County Democratic Club

6 p.m., Thursday, April 17, Grace AME Chapel, 502 Charles Street, Beaufort. Guest speaker will be Kyle Freeman, candidate for the U.S. Senate.

Citizens’ Climate Lobby of Beaufort County 1 to 2 p.m., Saturday, May 31, Bluffton Public Library, 120 Palmetto Way, Bluffton. Learn about climate change and solutions with a nonpartisan group. Guest speaker will be Vince Albanese, former Board President, Institute of Clean Air Companies. For more information or questions, visit beaufort.sc@ citizenclimatelobby.org

PFLAG Savannah – Beaufort Peer Group

6:30 p.m., first Tuesday of every month, Fellowship Hall, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Beaufort (UUFB), 178 Sams Point Road, Beaufort. Free. The group will be moderated by Rick Hamilton and Kay Carr. The provides advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, family, peers, and allies in the Lowcountry. The peer group provides a safe and strictly confidential environment for LGBTQ+ individuals, their families, friends, and allies to discuss the challenges faced in coming out or being out in neighborhoods, the workplace, school, or church. The organization offers resources for counseling, educating, and advocating to achieve an equitable, inclusive community where every LGBTQ+ person is safe, celebrated, empowered, and loved. Minors under the age of 18 are required to come with an adult parent, guardian, or mentor. Additional information about peer groups, membership, donations, and volunteering is on the website www.PFLAGSavannah.org and on Facebook.

Zonta Club of Beaufort 6 p.m., 4th Tuesday of each month, Smokehouse, Port Royal.

Rotary Club of Sea Island lunch meeting

12:15 p.m., 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, Sea Island Presbyterian Church, 81 Lady’s Island Drive, Lady’s Island. Social gathering every 3rd Tuesday at 5:30 pm, locations vary and posted on our website. For more information, visit www.seaislandrotary.org.

Rotary Club of Sea Island social gathering 5:30 p.m., 3rd Tuesday of each month, locations vary and posted on our website. For more information, visit www.seaislandrotary.org.

Beaufort Rotary Club Noon, Wednesdays, Sea Island Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 81 Lady’s Island Drive, Lady’s Island. Catered buffet lunch, followed by a guest speaker. Prospective members welcome. For further information and upcoming speakers, please visit website www.beaufortrotaryclub.org.

The Beaufort Trailblazers – A Volunteer Group 8 a.m., first Thursday each month, Herban Marketplace, Beaufort. Anyone interested in supporting or building off-road/dirt/wilderness mountain biking/jogging/walking trails near is encouraged to attend. For more information, call 843-5750021 or email universitybicycles@ hotmail.com.

Emotions Anonymous International local group meeting 4 p.m, Thursdays, via Zoom. Emotions Anonymous International, (EAI), is a nonprofit program designed to help people with emotional difficulties. It has a chapter in the Lowcountry and members want others who feel the need to know they are welcome to participate. There is no charge to participate. They are based on the 12 steps and 12 traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous and follow a specific format designed to provide the support and tools for navigating life’s painful difficulties. All are welcome. Anyone interested in participating may contact the group via email at EALowcountry@gmail.com or call or text Laurie at 252- 917-7082. For more information on EAI visit www.emotionsanonymous.org.

Rotary Club of the Lowcountry 7:30 a.m., Fridays, Sea Island Presbyterian Church, 81 Lady's Island Dr., Ladys' Island. Catered breakfast from local chef. Speakers weekly. Occasional social events replace Friday mornings, but will be announced on our website, www.rotaryclubofthelowcountrybeaufort.org.

MUSIC

Music on Malphrus — Scott Ainslie 7 p.m., Saturday, April 11, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Lowcountry, 110 Malphrus Road, Bluffton. $25. Doors open at 6:15 p.m. Tickets available at the door or at https://www.uulowcountry.org. Schedule — April 11: Scott Ainslie. April 26: Karyn Oliver.

Distant Sounds 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, April 18, Seaside Bar and Grill, 1760 Sea Island Parkway, St. Helena Island. www. seasidebarandgrill.net

Live entertainment 7 to 11 p.m., Wednesdays, Luther’s Rare and Well Done, 910 Bay Street, downtown Beaufort.

Chris Jones 7 to 11 p.m., Thursdays, Luther’s Rare and Well Done, 910 Bay Street, downtown Beaufort.

Habersham Third Fridays Music on Market 5 to 8 p.m., third Friday of the month, Habersham Marketplace.

Live entertainment 9 p.m. to midnight, Fridays & Saturdays, Luther’s Rare and Well Done, 910 Bay Street, downtown Beaufort.

OUTDOORS/NATURE

The Beaufort Tree Walk Lady’s Island Garden Club invites you to take a meandering walk through the Historic “Old Point” and enjoy some unique and noteworthy trees. The “Walk” takes about an hour, is a little over a mile starting at the corner of Craven & Carteret streets in Morrall Park and concluding in Waterfront Park. Booklets with map and information about each tree are available free at the Visitors Center in the historic Arsenal on Craven Street.

Tours of Hunting Island Every Tuesday, Hunting Island State Park, 2555 Sea Island Pkwy. Free, park entry fees apply. Sponsored by Friends of Hunting Island Keeper Ted and his team. For more information call the Hunting Island Nature Center at 843-838-7437.

SEWING/QUILTING

Sea Island Quilters “Southern Comforts” quilt show 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, April 25, & 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, April 26, National Guard Armory, 1 Cavalry Lane, Beaufort. Featured at the show will be approximately 150 quilts of all sizes and styles from traditional to modern to contemporary art. A “Lowcountry Store” will sell used magazines, books, patterns, fabrics from “stashes”, and a few surprises. “Southern Elegance,” the Sea Island Quilters beautiful raffle quilt is in tribute to and in loving memory of its maker, Joanne Moss. A valued guild member for many years, Joanne passed away shortly before the 2023 Southern Comforts Quilt Show. The quilt was acquired from her husband. Tickets for the quilt are $1 each or six for $5. In addition to raffle, there will be an opportunity to purchase tickets for various themed gift baskets. A small Merchant’s Mall will be available for shopping. Items include fabric, threads, embroidery and wool supplies, long arm quilting demos, tools, templates, and more. Proceeds from the quilt show will be used to support guild activities such as making quilts for local children’s shelters and the Good Neighbor Clinic and making stockings for Christmas babies born at Beaufort Memorial Hospital. Ribbons will be awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd place in each of the 15 categories. Attendees also have the opportunity to vote for their favorite quilt to be awarded the “Viewer’s Choice” ribbon.

American Needlepoint Guild

Meeting

10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1st Tuesday each month. The Hilton Head Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild welcomes anyone, beginner or experienced stitcher, who is interested in needlepoint to join us for stitching, learning and fellowship. For more information, please contact us at hiltonheadislandchapter@needlepoint.org. Embroidery Guild of America Meeting

Second Tuesday of every month, Palmetto Electric Community Room, Hardeeville. The Lowcountry Chapter of the Embroidery Guild of America welcomes anyone, beginner or experienced stitcher, who is interested in any type of embroidery including needlepoint, cross-stitch, surface and beaded embroidery, hardanger, bargello, sashiko, etc., to join us for stitching, learning and fellowship. For more information, please contact us at lowcountrychapter@egacarolinas.org.

SPORTS/GAMES

Hilton Head Kiwanis Club Cornhole for Charity Tournament 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 26, Lincoln & South, 138 Island Drive, Hilton Head Island. Overall proceeds from the 2025 Tournament to benefit Volunteers in Medicine -- Pediatric Care. Winning team selects a youth charity of choice for the $300 prize; runner-up selects for $150. For more information and to sign up, visit https://shorturl.at/cFB0k

ACBL Duplicate Bridge Club 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Carteret Street. Events will be held weekly. Contact Director and Club Manager Susan DeFoe at 843-5972541 for location.

Bridge Club

Beaufort Masters Swim Team 6 to 7 a.m., Monday through Friday, Wardle Family Port Royal YMCA. Coached practices. Ages 18 & older, all skill & speed levels, no prior swim team experience needed. Visit lowcountryswimming.com for more information.

No books removed from public schools as SC BOE reviews regulation

By Delayna Earley

The Island News

The state Board of Education members voted to hold off on deciding whether to remove 10 more books from public school libraries due to sexual content and depictions during their April 1 monthly meeting in Columbia.

On March 13, the Instructional Materials Review Committee unanimously voted to recommend that the board remove 10 books from school libraries statewide after they were found to have violated Regulation 43-170, which states that any books that contain sexual depictions should be removed from public schools in South Carolina.

All 10 books were part of the list of 97 books that were originally submitted for review to the Beaufort County School District by Beaufort resident Elizabeth “Ivie” Szalai, in 2022, most of which were returned to library shelves after an extensive review process by the district and community that lasted just longer than a year.

Under Regulation 43-170, local districts are required to handle complaints about books at the district level before they are kicked up to the state level for review, but since Beaufort County completed their review of the books shortly before the regulation was enacted, the district has refused to review the books again and is sending them straight to the South Carolina Board of Edu-

cation for review.

Before a final vote on banning the books from school libraries was able to be taken during Tuesday’s meeting, questions were raised by several of the board members about the regulation and whether they had correctly applied it in the past.

Several board members also expressed concern that the majority of the books submitted for review, including the 10 that were up for consideration in Tuesday’s meeting, came through challenges from Szalai.

“I’m looking at this, it seems we have 46 counties and yet everything’s coming from one of them,” said board member David O’Shields, superintendent of Laurens County School District 56.

“I’m just confused a little by that.

I mean 45 out of 46 is a larger majority than 1 out of 46, but that’s only me pontificating.”

Since the board first started reviewing books in November 2024, 11 books have been removed from school libraries and six have been allowed to stay, including one that requires parental permission to check out.

The first seven books that were considered for removal from state funded public K-12 schools did not come from a parental challenge, but by board members working with the state Department of Education staff.

Board members sought to consider widely questioned books in

EDUCATION BRIEFS

SC Governor’s Schools hosting joint information session on Hilton Head

The Governor’s School for Agriculture at John de la Howe (JDLH), Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities (SCGSAH), and the Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) are hosting Endless Opportunities, a joint information session for prospective students and their families on Tuesday, April 29, at 6 p.m. at the Hilton Head Island Branch Library, 11 Beach City Road, Hilton Head Island.

As public, residential high schools, South Carolina’s Governor’s Schools serve students interested in pursuing advanced studies in agribusiness, the arts, or STEM disciplines. Tuition is free (although fees for meals and boarding may apply), and any student in the state can apply to attend based on grade level.

Endless Opportunities is designed for students and parents who are interested in learning more about the schools’ residential high school programs. These informative, one-hour sessions will feature presentations

hopes of setting a precedent to be used in future rulings and to clear up any confusion about what was acceptable and what was not, according to board members at the time.

Since then, almost all the challenged books have come from Szalai.

“When does this thing stop?” said board member Ken Richardson, who represents Horry and Georgetown Counties, asked when talking about how Szalai could feasibly ask the board to review each of the 97 books for removal.

“I think that’s the question of the day,” replied board Chairwoman Rita Allison.

Several board members expressed concern over the fact that one parent was able to request that the state remove all of these books from public schools when they are not presenting an issue or encouraging any complaints from constituents in any of the districts they represent.

O’Shields said that while he does not like the content of the books in question, upon questioning librarians in his district, it appears that the books were brought into the libraries in hopes that they would encourage more students to read while “understanding that children don’t come from a cookie cutter world,” and he argued that the books have value for some students and should be considered as a while instead of

by each school and a Q&A with school representatives.

Sessions are offered April 27 through May 1 in various locations throughout the state, including Aiken, Hilton Head, Lancaster, North Charleston and Spartanburg. Interested individuals can learn more and register to attend at EndlessOpportunitiesSC.com.

St. Helena’s Gordon elected to Phi Kappa Phi

Gianna Gordon of St. Helena Island was recently elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline collegiate honor society, at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

Gordon is among approximately 20 000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter.

Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7 5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent

based on some excerpts that contain sexual conduct.

He continued to say that while he finds the pages “repugnant” the books could be very important for some students going through the turbulent times of adolescence and puberty.

Tony Vincent, who represents Anderson and Oconee counties, spoke about how the books could “possibly save lives and help young people understand themselves and their experiences,” especially for children who have experienced abuse or other difficulties.

“Looking at these books outside of the arc of their full stories is a mistake, in my view,” said Vincent.

Richard Harrington, who represents Florence and Marion counties, said that his understanding was that the board originally approved the regulation to protect children from being indoctrinated by adults or older students hoping to influence them with the intent of abusing them.

He said that while he does not know if that is happening in South Carolina schools, he is in support of continuing to remove books containing sexual conduct out of an abundance of caution.

Vincent and O’Shields asked if a middle ground could be explored between completely removing the books and allowing open access to them, such as requiring parental permission or something similar.

O’Shields commented, “I’m

of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.

TCL employees recognized

as state association’s ‘Educators

of the Year’

The Technical College of the Lowcountry is pleased to announce three of its employees have been recognized by the South Carolina Technical Education Association’s (SCTEA) as “Educators of the Year.”

The purpose of the association’s Educator of the Year awards is to provide annual recognition for outstanding service and achievement.

TCL’s honorees include Sara Cain, Support Staff of the Year; Sasha Bishop, Administrator of the Year; and Kelli Boniecki, Faculty of the Year.

All three were recognized along with their colleagues from other South Carolina technical colleges at SCTEA’s annual conference in February and received a certificate and a cash award of $100. The honorees will also

asking for something so it’s not, ‘goodnight, sweet prince,’ for these books.”

Ultimately the board voted to postpone making a decision on the 10 books that were up for consideration on Tuesday until board members are able to get more clarification on the regulation or determining if the regulation needs changes made to it.

The next board meeting will take place on May 6.

Szalai was contacted for comment but she declined at this time as she had not had a chance to view the meeting in its entirety.

The books that were up for consideration are:

“Tricks” by Ellen Hopkins;

“Collateral” by Ellen Hopkins;

“Identical” by Ellen Hopkins;

“Lucky” by Alice Sebold;

“Living Dead Girl” by Elizabeth Scott;

“Last night at Telegraph Club” by Malinda Lo; “Kingdom of Ash” by Sarah J. Maas;

“Empire of Storms” by Sarah J. Maas;

“Hopeless” by Colleen Hoover; and

“Half of a Yellow Sun” by Chimananda Ngozi Adichie.

receive reserved parking spaces on campus for the 2025 calendar year.

Notre Dame Club continues to support JPII

John Paul II Catholic School is honored to once again receive generous support from the Notre Dame Club of Hilton Head, which recently presented a $7 500 gift to the JPII scholarship fund. This most recent contribution brings the club’s total giving to an extraordinary $40 300 since 2013, directly impacting families and students seeking a Catholic education in the Lowcountry.

"Their support helps us ensure that deserving students have access to the academic excellence and spiritual foundation that JPII provides, regardless of financial circumstance," JPII president David Lima said in a news release. "We are eternally grateful for the club’s ongoing investment in our mission and in the future of our students. This partnership makes a lasting difference in our school community."

– Staff reports

Health care in hard times

When tightening the purse string becomes a necessity, there are some things you shouldn't eliminate from the budget. Healthcare is one of them. Cutting corners on your medical care might actually cost you more in the long run. More important, it may put your health in jeopardy. Still, as deductibles and co-pays rise and many people find themselves without health insurance, lowering out-of-pocket medical expenses may become a priority. These steps can help you stay healthy and lower your medical costs:

Practice good health habits.

Smart lifestyle choices, such as these, are key: Don't smoke and avoid secondhand smoke. Lung disease, heart disease, stroke and cancer are just a few of the health problems associated with smoking that you might avoid by kicking your habit.

Eat well.

Diseases as varied as high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis, and heart disease may be linked to diet. Aim for a diet filled with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. And go easy on foods

and drinks that are high in calories, sugar, salt, or fat.

Get active.

Balancing your activity level with your calorie consumption will help you maintain a healthy weightand lower the risk of diabetes, heart disease and osteoarthritis. Exercise can also strengthen lungs and muscles and may ward off depression. Aim for at least two hours of exercise each week. Don't worry about joining a gym or purchasing exercise

equipment. A brisk daily walk can be beneficial.

Be safe.

Wearing seat belts in vehicles and helmets on bikes reduces your risk of injury.

Practice prevention.

Wear sunscreen to prevent skin cancer and wash your hands often to keep germs at bay.

Manage stress. Stress can be toxic to your body and contribute to a host of health problems, reports

the journal Mental Health To combat stress, try to balance work with play and make time for relaxation. Always get adequate sleep.

Have a primary care physician. Seeing a doctor (DO or MD) regularly can help keep your immunizations up-todate. This may enable you to avoid illnesses such as influenza and shingles or measles. PACs and FNPs are fine for small or urgent care problems, but a well-trained phy-

Practice good health habits. Have a primary care physician. Know when to seek help. Ask about generics.

sician with intern, resident and perhaps specialty experience should be your main go-to health care choice.

Regular appointments also provide opportunities for screening tests. These tests may catch health problems early when they might be easier-and possibly less expensive-to treat.

Know when to seek help. According to the American College of Physicians, many minor medical problems correct themselves or improve with home or overthe-counter remedies. These treatments may be worth a try before seeking medical help.

For instance, if you sprain an ankle, many doctors recommend the R.I.C.E. approach to treatment -rest, ice, compression. If you have a cold, your doctor cannot offer a cure, but getting rest, drinking fluids, and using overthe-counter remedies-such as an oral decongestant- may help you feel better.

However, if your condition fails to get better or if you're not sure whether you need assistance, you should seek professional advice. And you should always get immediate help for a medical emergency.

Ask about generics. Generic drugs have the same purity, strength, and quality as their brand-name counterparts, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. But they're less expensive than brand-name drugs. Patient assistance programs may be available if you can't afford your medications. Ask your pharmacist for details. Whatever you do, don't decide on your own to stop taking your medicine in order to save money. If you're worried about the cost of a medication-or any other aspect of your care, talk to your primary care doctor. Together, you can work to keep costs under control while staying on top of your health.

Vitamin A can’t prevent measles

What this supplement actually does

By Yasemin Nicola Sakay

The United States has recently been experiencing a significant measles outbreak, which has expanded to 12 states and affected over 300 people as of March 7

Currently, there are two confirmed deaths.

Recent statistics show that the latest rise in cases has been concentrated around western Texas and New Mexico. Beyond the outbreaks in those two states, measles cases have also been reported in California, New York, and Maryland. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned travelers to be vigilant as spring break begins

Measles has traditionally been a well-controlled infectious disease, bar a few surges. The U.S. experienced two major measles outbreaks in the last few decades. Both events were fueled by under-vaccination.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, has said vitamin A, found in supplements such as cod liver oil, as well as the steroid budesonide and the antibiotic clarithromycin have shown “good results” in helping treat measles.

Although the CDC lists vitamin A as a potential treatment for measles, the agency still recommends vaccination as “the best defense against measles infection.”

Two experts: an infectious disease specialist and a pediatrician—Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, an infectious disease specialist with the University of California, San Francisco, and Danelle Fisher, MD, FAAP, board certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA, talk about whether vitamin A supplements help, and what people can do to protect themselves and their community

provider with any

• Measles cases have recently risen in the United States, with over 200 cases reported across at least a dozen states.

• In light of recent comments from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the new U.S. Health and Human Services secretary, more people have been looking into vitamin A supplements in hopes of treating or preventing measles.

• In this article, two medical and public health experts to answer common questions about vitamin A supplements for measles and measures people can take to prevent the disease’s spread.

Can vitamin A prevent or treat measles? “Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps with vision as well as the functioning of the immune system. It is found in many common foods, including eggs, cheese, fish, milk, and orange and green vegetables,” Fisher explained.

Both experts said vitamin A provided no such benefit as a preventive measure but that the disease itself can cause vitamin A deficiency and make symptoms more severe.

“While it does help the immune system, Vitamin A does not help protect against infectious diseases like measles. When someone has measles virus, their body can have Vitamin A deficiency. In that condition, treatment with two oral doses of Vitamin A can be helpful,” Fisher said.

“It is true that severe Vitamin A deficiency did lead to more severe outcomes with measles in the past. A Cochrane review showed that two doses of Vitamin A should be given to children (especially those under the age of 2 years old) with severe measles, and the World Health Organization recommends two doses of Vitamin A in adults and children with measles,” Gandhi explained. How to protect yourself against measles Fisher underscored that the only effective prevention against measles is vaccination.

“Vitamin A is used when a patient already has measles and is not a [preventive] measure. Therefore, there is no indication in this era (where we get plenty of Vitamin A in the diet) to take

Vitamin A to prevent measles,” Gandhi said.

“The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated for measles, especially if you are in an area where the outbreak is occurring (West Texas, New Mexico). [If] you haven’t been vaccinated before, get your children vaccinated too, as children can experience very severe cases of measles,” she added.

Vitamin A and cod liver oil: What to know Gandhi said that cod liver oil contains vitamin A, vitamin D, and fatty acids, making it a more complex supplement.

“Cod liver oil contains high amounts of Vitamin A and Vitamin D. These are fat-soluble vitamins that can accumulate in the body if too much is ingested and cause Vitamin A toxicity,” said Fisher.

Although experts believe most people will meet their daily requirements via diet, some people may need supplements to ensure they get their daily dose.

“The recommended daily vitamin A intake depends on age. Babies and children need less (approximately 300 mcg) versus adults, where women should take 700 mcg daily, and men should take 900 mcg daily,” said Fisher.

“In resource-rich countries like the United States, most people can consume the recommended daily allowance from their diets. Only certain populations, including premature infants or people with diseases that could interfere with dietary absorption, including those with celiac disease or Crohn’s disease, to name a few,” she added.

How much vitamin A is too much?

Gandhi warned that consuming

vitamin A in high amounts can cause damage to the body.

“Moreover, Vitamin A is a ‘fat soluble’ vitamin, which means it stays around in the body and can cause toxicity (e.g. skin and bone fragility, headache, liver damage, etc.) if consumed in too high amounts,” she said.

“If people are taking Vitamin A supplements, they need to make sure not to exceed certain daily levels, again depending on age (not more than 3,000 mcg for adults, less for children),” Fisher also warned.

“Vitamin A by itself can also be harmful if too large of a dose is ingested. Toxicity can cause symptoms including nausea, diarrhea, rash, blurred vision, drowsiness, muscle weakness and other symptoms. People who eat diets with Vitamin A in them do not need regular Vitamin A supplementation.” — Danelle Fisher, MD

Current measles vaccine recommendations

The current vaccination guidelines, in response to the growing measles outbreak in the U.S., are as follows:

• U.S. health authorities recommend that young children receive their first dose at ages 12-15 months and the second at ages 4-6

Older children, teens, and adults who are not vaccinated should receive one to two doses of the MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine, each at least 28 days apart.

If you have not had the MMR vaccine as a child, only had one dose, or are unsure if you’ve been fully vaccinated, experts recommend speaking with your doctor.

Sources: https://www.medicalnewstoday. com/articles/vitamin-a-measlesprevention-health-experts-answer-questions

HEALTH & WELLNESS

wise WORDS ©

Walk your way to a better mood

Looking to boost your mood?

You may want to go for a walk. A psychologist provides insight on a study showing the benefits of taking more steps for your mental health.

A recent ( JAMA Network Open ) study found people who took more than 5 000 steps in a day noticed an improvement with their depression.

“Exercise has been linked to different neurotransmitters in the brain that bring a sense of enjoyment,” explained Kia-Rai Prewitt, PhD, psychologist at Cleveland Clinic. “Also physiologically, it can change our body. So, there's a lot of benefit to exercise that actually has a direct benefit on our mental health.”

Dr. Prewitt was not part of the

study but said the findings are encouraging and show that doing something as simple as going for a walk can be beneficial for your mental health.

She notes that some people may have a hard time finding the motivation to get moving when they’re depressed.

In those situations, she said it could be helpful to ask a friend or family member to go for a walk with you.

They can serve as motivation and hold you accountable.

Plus, it gives you the chance to socialize too.

“Sometimes we minimize the importance of social connections. For some people who are introverted, they really value spending time by themselves,

and so they may get overwhelmed with a lot of people,” she said. “But if you notice that you're spending time by yourself most of the time and you're not engaging with other folks, then you may start to feel lonely or isolated, and so it's good to make connections with people.”

Dr. Prewitt said if you notice your depression symptoms don’t seem to be improving with time or they're interfering with your life, it’s best to consult with a mental health professional.

Sources: https://newsroom.clevelandclinic. org/2025/04/02/walk-your-way-to-abetter-mood;

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/ jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2828073

What to do if you have a lump on your arm or leg

A sarcoma is a term for a broad group of cancers that start in the bones or soft tissue, such as muscle, fat, blood vessels, nerves, tendons and joints. One of the signs of a sarcoma is a lump that can be felt through the skin that may or may not be painful. So, if you feel one of these lumps, what should you do?

"Many patients will wonder: 'I have a lump on my arm or my leg. Should I have this evaluated? Who should I see, and when are these symptoms concerning?'" says Dr. Krista Goulding, a Mayo Clinic orthopedic surgeon.

She explains, "If you have a lump on your arm or your leg that is growing rapidly or is bigger than the size of a golf ball, this needs rapid attention."

The first step in diagnosing a lump is to get advanced imaging, typically starting with a radiograph or X-ray.

"The next step is to get cross-sectional imaging, which means either an MRI or a CT scan," says Dr. Goulding. Imaging is then followed by a biopsy to remove a sample of tissue for testing.

"And this helps our multidisciplinary team make decisions about how to treat these tumors because these tumors can be benign. They can be benign aggressive, meaning that they are not cancerous, but they can cause problems locally. And then there can be cancer diagnosis similar to sarcomas and other types of cancers that will need rapid attention," says Dr. Goulding. Sarcoma refers to a broad group of cancers that start in the bones and soft tissues. Soft tissues connect, support, and surround other body structures. Soft tissues include muscle, fat, blood vessels, nerves, tendons, and the lining of the joints. Cancer that starts in the soft tissue is called soft tissue sarcoma.

There are many types of sarcomas. They can happen in many parts of the body. Treatment for sarcoma varies depending on sarcoma type, where it is and other factors.

Signs and symptoms of sarcoma include:

A lump that can be felt through the skin that may or may not be painful. Bone pain.

A bone that breaks with no clear cause, such as with a minor injury or

no injury.

Belly pain.

Weight loss.

When to see a doctor:

Make an appointment with a doctor or other healthcare professional for symptoms that worry you.

It's not clear what causes sarcoma. This cancer starts as a growth of cells in the bones and soft tissues.

Sarcoma happens when cells develop changes in their DNA. A cell's DNA holds the instructions that tell the cell what to do. In healthy cells, the DNA tells the cells to grow and multiply at a set rate. The DNA also tells the cells to die at a set time. In cancer cells, the DNA changes give other instructions. The changes tell the cancer cells to grow and multiply quickly. Cancer cells can keep living when healthy cells would die. This causes too many cells.

The cancer cells might form a mass called a tumor. The tumor can grow to invade and destroy healthy body tissue. In time, cancer cells can break away and spread to other parts of the body. When cancer spreads, it's called metastatic cancer.

Factors that can increase the risk of sarcoma include:

• Inherited syndromes. Some syndromes that raise the risk of cancer can pass from parents to children. For instance, syndromes that increase the risk of sarcoma include Li-Fraumeni syndrome, familial retinoblastoma, and neurofibromatosis type 1

• Radiation therapy for cancer. Radiation treatment for cancer raises the risk of getting a sarcoma later.

• Lymphedema. Lymphedema is swelling that happens when something blocks or damages the lymphatic system. Lymphedema raises the risk of a type of sarcoma called angiosarcoma. Exposure to viruses. The virus called human herpes virus 8 can raise the risk of a type of sarcoma called Kaposi sarcoma in people with weakened immune systems.

By Mayo Clinic Staff, https://newsnetwork. mayoclinic.org/discussion/ 3-24-mayo-clinic-minute-what-to-do-if-youhave-a-lump-on-your-arm-or-leg/

Deep vein thrombosis

Something very small can sometimes pose a big problem. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is one of those things.

DVT refers to the formation of a blood clot, or thrombus, within a vein deep within the body. Most deep vein blood clots occur in the lower leg or thigh, but they can also occur in other parts of the body.

When a clot partially or completely blocks the flow of blood through a vein, it can cause pain and swelling at the site, as well as other symptoms.

If the clot breaks free of the vein and lodges in the lungs, it is called a pulmonary embolism. This is a medical emergency. A pulmonary embolism can cause death within hours, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Some risk factors for DVT include:

Having a personal history of DVT.

Smoking.

Being older than 60 Being overweight or obese.

Having recent or ongoing treatments for cancer.

Having a history of heart attack, stroke, or heart failure.

Taking hormone replacement or birth control pills.

Having an injury to a deep vein from surgery, a broken bone or other trauma.

Being immobile during long-distance travel or prolonged bed rest.

Being pregnant. The risk continues through the first six weeks after giving birth.

Major surgery on your hip, knee, leg, calf, abdomen, or chest can also put you at high risk for DVT.

Symptoms

Not everyone who develops DVT has symptoms. Those who do could experience swelling of the leg or along a vein in the leg, tenderness or pain in the affected leg that worsens while walking or standing,

swollen veins, a warm feeling in the area that's swollen or painful, skin redness at the clot site, or foot pain. Contact your doctor at once if you have DVT symptoms.

DVT is treated with medicines-such as heparin or warfarin-that interfere with blood clotting and help prevent blood clots from forming or getting larger. You may also be advised to wear compression stockings.

In-hospital care may include physical therapy, range-of-motion exercises, and other types of exercises to promote muscle tension and contraction. Mechanical compression devices that fit on your leg might be used to keep blood from pooling and clotting.

Prevention if you're at risk for DVT: See your doctor for regular checkups or, if you have had DVT, for follow-up treatment. Take all medicines your doctor prescribes. Use compression stockings if your doctor recommends them. Get out of bed and move around as soon as possible after surgery or illness. And while traveling, try not to sit for long periods of time without walking.

Regular checkups can help detect DVT and other problems.

If you have symptoms of deep vein thrombosis, your doctor will probably conduct a thorough medical examination and order one or more tests. These procedures can rule out other

causes for your symptoms. In addition to checking your blood pressure, heart and lungs, your doctor will ask about your overall health, what prescription medicines you take, any recent surgeries or injuries, and whether you've been treated for cancer.

Diagnostic tests can tell your doctor if your blood is flowing as it should or if you have a clot that interrupts it.

Common tests for DVT include: Ultrasound. Sound waves generate pictures of blood flow through the arteries and veins.

D-dimer test. Blood drawn from a vein or finger is tested for a substance that's released when a blood clot dissolves. If the test shows high levels of the substance, you may have a blood clot. If your test is normal and you have few risk factors, DVT isn't likely. Venography. This x-ray test may be used if ultrasound doesn't provide a clear diagnosis. Dye injected into a vein makes it possible to see blood flowing through the vein. If blood flow is slow, you could have a clot.

Other tests include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and angiography-all of which provide pictures of the inside of the body. A blood test might be used to check whether you have an inherited blood-clotting disorder that can also cause DVT.

Sources:

Editor’s Note: The opinions of our columnists in the

It was behind a half-eaten Keebler cookie

It is Monday, early, but I’ve yet to say, “Alexa, play NPR.”

I have my coffee — Breakfast Blend — and I do have my Citadel Class of 67 ring on my aging finger along with my wedding band. That big band of collegiate gold with its symbolic rifle, sword and 50 caliber bullet had gone missing for a couple of days, and that fact focused my mind.

Now, I know what you’re thinking — that Citadel guys bathe in the belief that they “wear the ring” and thus belong to a sacred tribe that entitles them to privileges way beyond the roadway assistance that comes with a AAA rewards card.

If you’ve read Pat Conroy’s “Losing Season”; or Googled his 2001 “I Wear the Ring” speech; you might conclude that a Citadel ring represents baseline guarantees relating to honor, honesty and opens doors that might otherwise remain locked.

Well, yes, I suppose some of that is true.

But usually a ring-inspired

conversation veers off to one’s particular Battalion, an infamous cadet known to both graduates; a mess hall “reconnaissance” that ended in disaster.

When I graduated from The Citadel in 1967 I was confused about my experience, believing the plebe system — the first eight months or so — was somewhere south of “Game of Thrones.” I believed that the system was a test of toughness and designed to create men who were not especially curious about literature or the arts. I believed that keeping women out of the Corps made for a lesser, one dimensional graduate who went into the world with a disadvantage.

I did not wear my ring.

As I headed off to law school I still believed the plebe system, its midnight torture, had no real purpose and I didn’t want to explain the bullet, sword, M1 rifle and star — representing the supply ship turned away by cadet artillerists — that were engraved into the ring.

I had great, good friends in law school who were usually from Manhattan and I usually spent my weekends, especially Thanksgiving, with them and their families. For a couple of years after (law school) graduation, Susan and I actually spent most of our time driving up I-95 to Washington, D.C., or Manhattan in an effort to sustain those long distance relationships. But slowly those Mid-Atlantic and New England relationships withered.

I did frame my Citadel diploma — with its cannon balls, fortification maps, rifles and drums — and did hang it amongst the bar certificates, board certifications and the photos of my wife and young son. But I don’t think I was — in the 70s — wearing the ring.

I did, however, notice that my close friends — the enduring friends who I reliably entertained and talked to (at night) when I was troubled — tended to be Citadel classmates.

One of those friends, Pat Conroy, was then living in Atlanta, Rome and San Francisco but was also buying property in Beaufort County. Usually he asked me to help him with these investments — often popping into our home in Port Royal with a brand new, unpublished manuscript.

It was during the early 80s, after I noticed that Pat was now wearing his ring, that I took my own ring off the shelf. I was, by this time, swimming on the Paris Island Swim Team and didn’t like competing with what seemed to be a sea anchor — and so I took off my ring on a daily basis.

Slowly I came to the realization that I had this connection — formed in a long-ago cauldron of screaming, steaming, night-time torture — with these men who had also survived this Hieronymus Bosch-like journey. I realized

these men knew me at my worst; when I had no hair; no commendations; no photos of my young family.

And so I would put my ring on in the morning; take it off at night; from time to time forgetting where I left it.

Two days ago I realized that I didn’t have my ring; did not remember where I had left it; and believed that this time it had migrated away from its inconstant owner and into the yard.

Notwithstanding an inconsistent affection, I was profoundly saddened by the prospect of never seeing the rifle or the bullet.

But I’m happy to report that earlier this morning I found my much-abused, often-neglected ring — somehow shoved to the back of my armoire; hidden behind disfavored cuff-links, long-abandoned collar stays and a half-eaten Keebler (shortbread) Sandy.

Scott Graber is a lawyer, novelist, veteran columnist and longtime resident of Port Royal. He can be reached at cscottgraber@gmail.com.

What’s wrong with South Carolina’s income tax reform bill

South Carolina’s new proposal for a flat income tax, H. 4216, seems to be on the fast track for what is billed as a tax cut. Maybe. But not for most of us.

The federal standard deduction, expanded in the first Trump administration, would be cut for state tax purposes from $15,000 ($30,000 for a married couple) to a miserly $6 000 and $12 000 respectively. Then it is phased out until it disappears at an adjusted gross income of $40,000 But wait, there’s good news. The tax rates would be changed from a two-step schedule of 3% and 6 3% to a single flat rate of 3 99% (just so we can claim to be lower than our neighbors).

That’s a tax cut, isn’t it? Yes and no. The General

Assembly giveth and the General Assembly taketh away. The federal standard deduction, which was also followed in South Carolina’s state income tax, gives people at the bottom a little relief and makes the income tax just a little bit progressive. That’s “economist-ese” for taking a smaller percentage of income in taxes for poor people than rich people. Our other state and local taxes on sales and property, and our fees and

Comments on Simmer's nomination for SCHD

It is pretty easy to see that Edward Simmer is qualified to lead the new SC Department of Public Health. I don't applaud our Governor very often, but he is making the right decision in this case. I hope he stays committed to Simmer's nomination.

The Republican crazies who still think that masks, vaccines and social distancing were not an appropriate response to Covid need to go back to "infectious disease 101." Sometimes, in the interest of South Carolinians' safety, our responsible government has to make tough decisions (based on science not personal opinion) regardless of how it may affect the economy, individual rights or the right to play bingo in a crowded room. Where do these elected officials get their information about vaccines? Maybe they listen to the "influencers" like Joe R. Surely they went to at least high school and while there, besides learning how to read, write and add, they took a science course. Or maybe they think that science and Covid are a hoax. After all their DJT god/wannabe king said so during his first term.

If we are going to treat science, medicine, and research as a worthless endeavor, why even pursue it in school?

charges for government services, are regressive. They take a larger share of income from the poor than from the rich. So, the income tax has provided a partial equalization of the total tax liability across households at different income levels.

According to estimates by the S.C. Department of Revenue and Fiscal Affairs, if your family is in the median income range of $50,000 to $75,000, more than 80% of you will discover that your income taxes will go up, not down. Less than 10% of households in the income range of $300 000 to $500 000 will have that same sticker shock, but rather will see a steep reduction.

Revenue from the individual income tax is expected to decline by

Just let brain-dead elected officials tell us how to deal with Polio, Measles, TB, Covid, etc., etc. ... Get rid of NIH and its devoted scientists and the useless research they do trying to bring new medicines and protocols to Americans and the world (remember there is an entire globe full of humans out there).

Simmer was biting his tongue while trying to walk a narrow path during his meeting with the committee of S.C. senators. I can only hope Gov. McMaster continues to stand up to his Republican colleagues, and the committee of "non scientists" push through Simmer's nomination.

– Bob Lewis, Port Royal

Make your voice heard

How did your 401k do last week?

Will you enjoy paying more for just about everything because the current administration's "reciprocal" tariffs will increase the cost of domestic goods as well as imported goods? Do you enjoy the daily chaos, corruption, and mindnumbing incompetence of the current administration?

While everyday Americans suffer, Senate Republicans are rushing forward at break-neck speed with new tax cuts for the wealthy. Of course someone will need to pay for these tax cuts so we need to

about $216 million in the first full year.

Bottom line: This is a tax cut for the wealthy, plain and simple. And unlike the usual justification – attracting business – the personal tax rate will now be lower than the business tax rate. That’s not the only problem with this bill. With no chance to itemize, citizens with heavy medical expenses and/or generous charitable contributions or lots of interest on their home mortgage and/or student loans will have to rethink their priorities. Medical expense deductions are important for many disabled or elderly citizens, especially if there is a family member in a nursing home. Medicare is not much help there — and the future of Medicare is uncertain.

“Bottom line: This is a tax cut for the wealthy, plain and simple. ”

HOLLEY ULBRICH, on South Carolina’s proposed flat income tax bill.

South Carolina is riding a wave of revenue growth that is overdue for correction. The stock market is flailing, consumer confidence has dropped, tourism prospects (important to our state) are dismal as people from other nations are reluctant to come here, and tariffs are likely to revive inflation that has just returned to more normal levels (not counting eggs).

reduce spending on "frivolous things" like childhood cancer research, aviation safety, extreme weather forecasting, medical care for the poor, K-12 education, clean energy, worker safety, etc., etc. And the current administration has already hinted at cuts to Social Security and Medicare.

The majority of us did NOT vote for this madness. And many who did vote for Trump are now experiencing very serious buyers' remorse. If you're unhappy with the current state of affairs, please make your voice heard. Let our elected officials know that this is not okay. Join the weekly protests in front of the Beaufort County Building. And most importantly, please VOTE in every upcoming election.

– Peter Birschbach, Port Royal

10 days or RIP Title I

Recently the Federal Department of Education sent out a directive that state and local education officials running Title I programs had 10 days to prove that DEI (diversity equity and inclusion) are not part of their programming. Failure to meet the deadline will end the funding. That’s about $266 million for South Carolina, a little less than $400 per student five years ago. No workable definition of DEI was provided. How in the world are officials supposed to respond?

The state’s definition of income for tax purposes will still be tied to the federal definition of adjusted gross income but that may change if Congress, worried about ballooning deficits, fails to extend the tax cuts from the first Trump administration. The legislature has made a number of commitments, such as higher teacher pay and a larger state contribution each year to protect the soundness of the retirement fund. Legislators may not be able to fund these priorities if revenue from the income tax falters, as it does with either tax cuts or recessions. This bill needs to go in the circular file and start again.

In 1971, I was the first Title I reading teacher in Colleton County, South Carolina. It was a great experience. Training and classroom materials were provided to me. My instruction was observed and evaluated by state and county officials.

Literacy was but one of the many needs addressed by The Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 that created Title I. The legislation, reauthorized many times by Congress, provides funds to aide schools serving low income communities.

Alas, it remains difficult for schools to conquer the socio-economic ills of the communities they serve. No alternative to Title I is offered to address the learning gaps that persist in poorer communities. This directive shows no regard for the students served under Title I, their teachers, administrators or decades of congressional will and public support. It is an outrageous affront and an apparent abandonment of the vital cause of universal education.

Please join me and urge that Senators Graham and Scott and Congresswoman Mace demand the withdrawal of this directive as we remain dedicated to the vital mission of educating all of out young people.

– Tim Joy, Lady’s Island

SCOTT GRABER

Holley Ulbrich is retired professor emerita of economics from Clemson University.

HOLLEY ULBRICH

Editor’s Note: The opinions of our columnists in the Voices section are not necessarily the opinions of

May the Force be with us

It feels like the Alliance to Restore the Republic is starting to stand up to the authoritarian Empire sought by President Donald Trump, whose blitzkrieg of cruel executive orders over the last two months shocked and awed the establishment.

Our federal courts seem to be responding finally with rulings as a dizzying array of lawsuits continue to challenge Trump 2 0 on everything from immigration and foreign aid to whether a so-called Department of Government Efficiency can get rid of longtime government workers in the National Park Service, U.S. Department of Education, Pentagon and on and on.

Among the lawsuits is a case filed by the Southern Environmental Law Center on behalf of a North Charleston nonprofit and others that seeks to keep

Sthe administration from its yo-yo of turning off and then on grant funding that has already been approved.

By the end of March, according to The New York Times, federal judges temporarily paused more than 50 of the administration’s initiatives, which led Trump to thrash back, calling “for the impeachment of a federal judge who ruled against his administration on deportation flights, earning a rare public rebuke from Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr.”

The Force got a big boost this week when U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., took the Senate floor for a record-breaking 25 hours (beating a 1957 civil rights filibuster by the late U.S. Sen. Strom Thurmond of South Carolina) to shine a light on how the country is at a “moral moment” as a representative democracy. The speech reportedly got more than 350 million TikTok likes with more than 300 000 watching at the same time, according to media reports.

Booker said he spoke because he believes the nation is in crisis.

“I believe that not in a partisan sense, because so many of the people who have been reaching out to my office, in pain, in fear, having their lives upended, so many of them identify themselves as Republicans.

"Bedrock commitments are being broken; unnecessary hardships are being borne by Americans of all backgrounds; and institutions, which are special in America … are being recklessly and, I would say, even unconstitutionally attacked and even shattered."

He said what is happening in America is not normal and should not be treated as such.

“Generations from now will look back at this moment and have a single question — where were you?"

NBC News summarized the impact: “It was a cathartic moment for a vast swath of demoralized voters across the country, who tuned in amid hunger for some action by the opposition party beyond the traditions of business as usual.”

In the same week that Booker’s speech gave hope to many across the deeply divided nation, something happened in Columbia that also smacked of the Force getting a handle on legislative hubris: State Republican leaders, giddy just a week ago over a proposal to transform the income tax into a flat tax, started backing away from the proposal after getting lots of egg on their faces about how the cut would make the majority of South Carolinians pay more, not less, in taxes.

An odd coalition of hard right Republicans and Democrats joined to squeal about the unfairness, sending the leadership back to the drawing board to figure out a way to stanch the bad public relations blood spewing from the wounded bill. As of Friday, at least nine Republican House members – in

a fit to get away from the bill after hearing screams of constituents — took their names off the measure. More will join — even as the leadership tries to rewrite the half-cocked, ill-conceived policy proposal designed to benefit the state’s wealthy.

Mainstream Americans of both parties have been floundering for the last couple of months, wondering what to do to save the republic. Now, for a change, they’ve got a little hope. The threat isn’t over, but maybe late March will be remembered as when the tide started turning against Trump 2 0 May the Force be with the U.S.

Andy Brack is editor and publisher of the Charleston City Paper and Statehouse Report. Have a comment? Send it to feedback@statehousereport.com.

Is forgiveness simply capitulation?

aturday afternoon is upon me, and with it comes the realization that I have a deadline looming. I like to tell myself that I do best under pressure, and there is some truth to that. However, I have to admit that I have started two pieces, but I’m not sure they are what I wish to address at this time. How many times have I muttered, “So much to write about, so little time.”

What keeps niggling at me is the Facebook posting by a good friend this morning. So, I am going to go with this in hopes that I will complete my thoughts, clear my mind, and submit.

The post was a commentary from Tim Miller, who is a conservative and a bright one, I might add. Miller is a political commentator and was the communications director for Jeb Bush’s 2016 presidential campaign. That was also the year he became an early and prominent Republican critic of Donald Trump.

Miller started out in Republican politics as an intern working on the 1998 Colorado gubernatorial election. Later, in 2008, he was an Iowa staffer for John McCain for the Republican presidential primary. After the primary, Miller joined the Republican National Committee as its liaison to the Mitt Romney

campaign of 2012 I give you this backdrop because, as I have previously contended, there are many real conservatives that I admire; he happens to be one of them.

Miller’s posting dealt with the acceptance of an apology from Richard Hanania. This name meant nothing to me until I began my research. What I found still leaves me somewhat shocked as I would never have expected anything remotely close to an apology from someone with Hananis’s background.

Hanania, an American political science researcher, is of Palestinian/Jordanian descent. He is a right-wing political commentator who — are you ready? — was a contributor to Project 2025, relating to DEI. Furthermore, under the pseudonym Richard Hoste, much of his work is considered to be racist.

Let that brief bio settle in before you read what he posted regarding his regrets. Hanania’s

lengthy apology began with the following:

“For those asking: yes, voting for Trump was a mistake. I thought we’d get a repeat of the first administration, but we didn’t. The signs were there, I just did not take my own idea about the awfulness of Trump and MAGA seriously enough.”

Hanania continues:

“I just thought the ideological basis of conservatism-free markets, individual rights, tough on crime and foreign adversaries-was sound and enough of it was left over to make even a Republican President this personally flawed a better option.”

Miller replied, “First public person I’ve seen admit they made a catastrophically stupid decision in 2024. Many more to come. Congrats, Richard.”

Some things to consider in reading this exchange: One, hopefully Miller is right with his second sentence. Two, is Miller’s response tongue-in-cheek? But most important, should Hanania’s apology be taken at face value, or does his disappointment lie in something less visible?

As I began to respond to my friend’s message of Tim Miller’s post, I had to have a heart-toheart with myself and ask if I were truly ready to engage in “kiss and make-up.” Trust me

when I say that feeling is inconceivable when applied to 47 and his Mafia goons, who have so willingly dragged our country into a position of muck and mire with the rest of the world. Forgiveness for them will never be forthcoming from me, and I am sure they couldn't care less.

That said, what about conciliatory feelings for those who would never take the path of Richard Hanania and acknowledge the error of their ways? How does one deal with them? Are original, “pre-47” affections and emotions able to be retained? Can the fracture be repaired?

It was Alexander Pope who postulated in his Essay on Criticism, "to err is human, to forgive is divine," emphasizing that making mistakes is a natural part of being human, while the ability to forgive is a higher, almost divine, attribute.

I responded to my friend who had posted the Tim Miller piece with this:

“I have to believe there are many out there who will find this appealing. Of course, not necessarily the die-hards who would rather their tongues atrophy and fall out of their heads. I feel, however, there are those who retain a sense of embarrassment, and this kind of nudge may be what is needed. If any coming together is to take place, it must

not include an obligatory "public flogging." Forty-seven is all about retribution, and we mustn't fall prey to his tactics. There is a dilemma in this exchange of thoughts between Miller and Hanania, and that is the level of sincerity of the latter. I’ve watched Miller, and I don’t doubt him. I admit to some reservations re Hanania.

I can only hope that my altruism isn’t a fleeting moment. I want to believe that more will come to their senses regarding the convulsions our country is undergoing. And by coming to their senses, I would hope they would renounce our present leadership.

Please know that what I have written doesn’t constitute turning the other cheek. We are in a situation that requires us to be alert AND to act. One MAGA coming to his senses obviously isn’t enough to require celebration.

I will continue to monitor and write about the atrocities that are being committed under the guise of downsizing our government. I owe it to my family, to my friends, to you, dear reader, and to myself.

Carol Lucas is a retired high school teacher and a Lady’s Island resident. She is the author of the recently published “A Breath Away: One Woman’s Journey Through Widowhood.”

A future with far less cars in Beaufort?

ris and I had a lovey walk the other late afternoon on one of our many perfect days here in beautiful Beaufort by the sea, just 24 miles from Yemassee … remember that one?

We parked on the bluff on Bay Street, walked to the promenade in the Waterfront Park, walked over the Woods Memorial Bridge, into and all around the newly established Whitehall Point, (which used to be the politically incorrect, but historically correct, “Plantation”). Then we retraced our steps after a quick tour of one of the new $1 8 million townhouses; They were into their last construction cleaning.

As we walked and talked, commenting on what a beautiful job they did with this development and thanking the Lord above that they saved and created such a lovely park, including water access

(I wonder how that will go?!?). Our only disappointment was knowing that only the (very) wealthy can afford to live inside Whitehall Point. Happy, however, that us average folk can, at least, snoop around and enjoy the park, for now.

One thing that jumped out at me was the very loud traffic noise over the bridge. Does anyone drive 35 mph across that bridge? Don’t we have a noise ordinance to help control the glass mufflers and earth-shaking speakers?

But that lead me to a terrific fantasy …

Most of us are aware and concerned about our histor-

ic and quaint turn bridge, and rightly so. How about the congestion on Carteret Street these days? I know as well as any the complexities concerning new island access bridges. We just came back from a visit to Coral Gables and West Palm and you ain’t seen nothing yet! So I went into my reverie and what I would do if I could wave my magic wand with where we are heading: I would commit all of U.S. 21 and Sam’s Point Road as being the permanent arteries and access to our islands. I would build another bridge next to the McTeer bridge. The main traffic arteries (IE: Lady’s Island Drive) would become six lanes with a diamond interchange overpass at the intersection of Sam’s Point Road, U.S. 21 and Sea Island Parkway.

I would then road block U.S. 21 at Meridian Road, establishing the Woods Memorial Bridge as pedes-

trian (foot and bikes only) into Beaufort. I would then make the following streets inside Beaufort strictly pedestrian: Bay Street and Port Republic Street from Carteret Street to Charles Street; Scott and West streets would also become strictly pedestrian within that outside boundary. Carteret would be pedestrian from Craven Street south. Though Port Republic and Bay streets would be blocked at Carteret, the east side of those streets off Carteret would be two-way (interior) traffic for parking and homeowners’ access. I would also tear down the First Federal Bank building across from the boat landing and create an efficient and attractive, in/out access parking lot for vehicles with boat trailers (only) serving the public Factory Creek boat landing.

In pitching this concept, one needs to develop an anti-automobile mentality and

work the logistics out from there. For example: Shuttle stations, parking passes, convenient but expensive parking areas, congestive pricing plans?

I’ve been discussing the threats and dangers of Beaufort County’s overdevelopment for 40 years, and it is now upon us. It is not only the cars that are harming us, it is also the boats and the over-harvesting of our precious marsh — fish, crab, oysters and shrimp. Oh, and tourism … I often curse Southern Living magazine and Hollywood; They started the whole bloody business.

People like myself will not and can not win any war against development, there is simply too much on-going, deep greed with deep pockets, within that sphere. We need to start thinking outside the box, to try and save as much of Beaufort’s charm as we can, encouraged by what citys like

Savannah and Paris have and are doing now. We would probably need (the infamous) parking garage (next to my proposed boat trailer parking?) and if Savannah and Paris can pull off their car problems so could we. If we don’t have wisdom to do it, ask the dozens of towns and cities (within both the U.S. and Europe) that have pulled it off … Mackinac Island, Paris, Savannah, etc. We should, at the very least, try to make sure Beaufort retains some of it’s older charm that Kris and I, along with all our friends, sorely miss.

Tim and Kristy Wood moved to Beaufort in 1974. He worked as a carpenter in both restoration and new home construction, as well as operating a shop specializing in custom woodwork, Wood on Wood Specs. He is semi-retired, involved with fine woodworking and formerly sat on the City of Beaufort Zoning Board of Appeals.

ANDY BRACK

CAROL LUCAS

TIM WOOD

LOCAL MILITARY

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, 11 April 2025

Recruit Training Regiment • Commanding Officer, Colonel C. B. McArthur 1st Recruit Training Battalion • Commanding Officer, Colonel K. R. Sile Commander of Troops, First Sergeant P. S. Ramos • Parade Adjutant, Staff Sergeant M. I. Saavedra Company “C”, 1st Recruit Training Battalion • Captain T. C. Garibay Drill Masters • Gunnery Sergeant J. J. Merriweather, Staff Sergeant B. C. McGuigan

PLATOON 1016

Senior Drill Instructor

SSgt Z. A. Ford

PFC Abbas, S. K.

PFC Barrier, L. J.

Pvt Bautista Jr, J. L.

Pvt Burden, T. E.

PFC Buyers, L. C.

Pvt Cabreraquesada, D. C.

Pvt Camarenaalvarez, E.

PFC Charlton, B. P.

Pvt Childress, B. E.

PFC Chuilli, A. J.*

PFC Cibotaru, D.

Pvt Colott, J. I.

Pvt Combs, A. L.

Pvt Copeland, M.

Pvt Cornejo, A. D.

Pvt Craker, J. D.

PFC Crosby, T. A.

PFC Edwards, R. A.

PFC Elma, S. J.

Pvt Freeman, K. M.

Pvt Fritschklimack, A. M.

PFC Funderburk, K. M.

Pvt Gaviriaesquivel, T.

PFC Gilmore, S. J.*

Pvt Goff, Z. A.

PFC Griffey, C. W.

PFC Harrison, J. T.

Pvt Hopson, B. J.

Pvt House, N. C.

PFC Jeffcoat III, I. W.

PFC Ledford, C. A.

Pvt Loflin, G. D.

PFC Lopez, D. M.

Pvt Maltempi III, D. P.

PFC Manning, G. M.

PFC Martinezromero, O.

Pvt Mccray, M. L.

Pvt Mcginnis, J. B.

PFC Mcmahon, B. M.*

PFC Michelman, M. C.

PFC Miles, J. E.

Pvt Nagel, D. S.

Pvt Nedrow, R. J.

PFC Neibauer Jr., K. P.

PFC Nguyen, J. T.

PFC Oliver, W. J.*

Pvt Parker, B. S.

PFC Pierce, L. E.

Pvt Pittman III, E. R.

PFC Price, D. S.*

Pvt Prince, C. R.

Pvt Rannells, R. T.

Pvt Razosecundino, E. G.

PFC Rodriguez, G. D.

PFC Sanchez, S.

Pvt Santillanmunoz, A. S.

Pvt Sexton, R. L.

Pvt Thomas, T. E.

Pvt Thompson, E. X.

Pvt Treichler, O. P.

Pvt Triplett, A. M.

Pvt Weaver, L. C.

Pvt Wells Jr, K. C.

Pvt Wentzelashcraft, G. C.

Pvt Williams, C.

Pvt Williams, T. J.

Pvt Wing, D. H.

PLATOON 1017

Senior Drill Instructor

GySgt L. J. Nevins

Pvt Almeida, L. A.

PFC Barclay Jr, D. V.

Pvt Blancodelacruz, K. I.

Pvt Brashier, T. J.

Pvt Brathwaiteyoung, A. J.

Pvt Brown, C. A.

Pvt Bunch, L. J.

Pvt Cardenas, B. N.

PFC Carterlozada, J.

Pvt Ceriani, A. R.

Pvt Charles, D.

PFC Cole, W. C.

PFC Colella, J. D.

Pvt Cook, D. D.

Pvt Cooper Jr, J. T.

PFC Craig, G. M.

PFC Crooks, A. W. *

Pvt Deleon, D. Z.

Pvt Delossantos, A. L.

Pvt Dixon, O. K.

Pvt Duncan, K. J.

Pvt Eastridge, I. Q.

Pvt Espinoza, H.

Pvt Garciagomez, E.

Pvt Gardiner, J. A.

Pvt Garmendiz, L. E.

Pvt Golden, P. J.

PFC Gonzalezcaban, A. Z. *

Pvt Hawkins, K. A.

PFC Herreratoro, Q. I. *

PFC Jamisonneto, W. T.

Pvt Kizer Jr, A. L.

Pvt Leblanc, H. R.

Pvt Lirianohidalgo, J.

PFC Macleod, A. I.

PFC Maier, E. P. *

Pvt Martinez, E. C.

PFC Martinezramirez, R. A.

Pvt Mcgee, D. J.

Pvt Mellish, J. S.

Pvt Meyers, J. K.

Pvt Miller, J. A.

Pvt Nazariogonzalez, N. I.

Pvt Nkokepaziseh, E. R.

PFC Noonan, A. J.

Pvt Pisano, D. S.

Pvt Porter, A. M.

Pvt Prudent, D. A.

Pvt Rodriguez, A. O.

Pvt Santillana, C. A.

PFC Shafi, A. A.

Pvt Shepherd, T. A.

Pvt Shoemaker Jr, J. L.

PFC Simms, J.

Pvt Smith, D. J.

Pvt Solorzanocordoba, F. A.

Pvt Stone, P. L.

Pvt Suemnick, S. A.

Pvt Swiderski, L. M.

Pvt Swoap, J. D.

Pvt Thi, H. P.

Pvt Thornton, S. I.

PFC Tilahun, L.

Pvt Torres Jr, R. A.

Pvt Valentine, A. G.

PFC Vasquezgarcia, H.

PFC Woodard III, S. C. *

PLATOON 1018

Senior Drill Instructor

GySgt M. B. Carter

PFC Aikman, J. M.

PFC Amer, R.

PFC Arroyoquinones, J. S.

Pvt Baez, E.

Pvt Baiderapalo, M. G.

Pvt Barnes, P. M.

Pvt Barrera, M.

PFC Bencosme, J. M. *

PFC Brownslack, T. J.

Pvt Bruckman, C. J.

PFC Buestancuzco, C. J.

PFC Carden, A. C.

PFC Cargill, J. M.

Pvt Cazares Jr., L. F.

Pvt Cedeno, O. A.

Pvt Cortez, C. A.

Pvt Cosmeus, L. M.

Pvt Cuthbert, B. D.

Pvt Cuthbert, C. B.

PFC Demansana, L. A. *

Pvt Diazlopez, A.

PFC Doss, L. A.

PFC Douglas, J. E. *

Pvt Ernsberger, C. M.

Pvt Flores, H. A.

Pvt Fontanezfalcon, Y.

Pvt Funestoribio, J. R.

PFC Gandy, Z. T.

Pvt Grossutti, D. M.

Pvt Harvey, J. D.

Pvt Hayes, G. W.

PFC Huertas, S. A.

Pvt Jones, K. E.

PFC Kunszabo, B. J.

Pvt Lemoine Jr., J. K.

Pvt Lerette, Z. L.

Pvt Lin, K.

Pvt Lopezsilva, S.

Pvt Marshburn, K. T.

Pvt Mcewan, D. R.

Pvt Meloflores. T. B.

Pvt Morales, P.

Pvt Ojedagarcia, J. R.

Pvt Oyedeji, K. A.

PFC Pacheco, N. R.

PFC Poole, W. O.

PFC Potter, A.

PFC Puello, M. M.

Pvt Rogers, G. M.

PFC Rogers, G. J.

PFC Rosarioramos, S. A. *

Pvt Sampley, J. M.

Pvt Sanchezmunoz, S.

Pvt Santana, J. G.

PFC Schott, S. R. *

Pvt Shemley, N. A.

Pvt Shipman, M. J.

Pvt Smith, T. D.

Pvt Spinella, K. C.

PFC Torresfigueroa, J. A.

Pvt Toscanini, K. J.

Pvt Tyler, C. J.

Pvt Vazquezsaez, J. O.

Pvt Vera, C. J.

Pvt White, N. A.

Pvt Wines, B. A.

PLATOON 1020

Senior Drill Instructor SSgt I. M. Fannin

Pvt Belchercolon, M. L.

Pvt Berdos, J. A.

PFC Bermudez, C. G.

Pvt Berry, J. J.

Pvt Blanchard, N. M.

Pvt Bober, C. A.

Pvt Brooks, K. R.

PFC Burlingame, D. O.*

Pvt Carson, C. H.

Pvt Carter, C. T.

Pvt Caserta, N. A.

Pvt Casillas, A. L.

Pvt Cisneros, M. J.

Pvt Cordeiro, F. D.

Pvt Coultman, T. A.

Pvt Crawford, G. R.

PFC Cross, C. C.

Pvt Davidson, K. C.

PFC Delgadohernandez, F. B.

PFC Dornezon, J. A.

PFC Douglas, L. E.

PFC Ellison, A. M.

Pvt Erickson, T. D.

Pvt Fox, Blake C.

PFC Galindoramos, Jose I.

Pvt Gibson, T. C.

PFC Hawkins, D. E.*

PFC Henderson, T. L.

Pvt Henry, J. M.

Pvt Henry, R. J.

Pvt Hilaire, T. D.

Pvt Hooker, T. L.

Pvt Hopkins, C. E.

Pvt Jeffrey Jr, L. M.

Pvt Jones Iii, E. C.

PFC Jones, A. L.

Pvt Justin, H.

Pvt Khoud, T. B. Pvt Koka, E. Pvt Li, J. PFC Lopez, P. J. Pvt Lopezcruz, A. Pvt Martin, L. W.

Pvt Masri, M. G. Pvt Massey, C. X. PFC Mauriello, A. J.

Pvt Mcdaniel, J. E.

Pvt Mcintosh, K. A.

Pvt Mckelvey, B. D.

Pvt Mclain, S. J.

Pvt Miller, L. S.

PFC Murray, D. T.*

Pvt Ohlsten, E. J.

Pvt Osby, O. S.

Pvt Overton, K. A.

PFC Pierce, B. J.*

Pvt Pike, J. B.

PFC Price, K. L.

Pvt Razomorales, J.

Pvt Rosenhoover, B. M.

Pvt Russell, M. T.

Pvt Sarge, A. J.

Pvt Skeen, J. L.

Pvt Starr, A. J.

Pvt Steward, T. J.

PFC Stone, J. T. *

Pvt Stratton, B. D.

Pvt Threlkeld, C. A.

PFC Tonga, M. T. *

Pvt Vy, J.

Pvt West, M. L.

Pvt Will, N. K.

Pvt Yowell, H. E.

PLATOON 1021

Senior Drill Instructor

SSgt M. D. Mckie

Pvt Ahrorov, B.

PFC Ashworth, J. A.

Pvt Bacon, J. R.

Pvt Bah, M.

PFC Ballester, H. E.

Pvt Basurtobautista, I.

Pvt Behnke Jr, R. D.

PFC Bills, T. C.

Pvt Bogarowski, B. F.

Pvt Bohannon, R. R.

Pvt Brandon, R. A.

Pvt Burnham, C. B.

Pvt Cadena, J. D.

Pvt Castro, J. H.

Pvt Chavarria Jr, E. F.

Pvt Clapsaddle, L. N.

PFC Clark Jr. J. E.

Pvt Conn, E. J.

PFC Cook Jr., J. D. *

Pvt Cruz, B.

Pvt Cruz, J. A.

Pvt Cruzsilva, A. G.

Pvt Davis, N. S.

Pvt Delrosario, C. A.

PFC Dyson, A. M. *

Pvt Eslavayanes, M. E.

Pvt Fitzpatrick, J.

Pvt Gimmellie, S. A.

PFC Gomez, A. *

Pvt Gomezarias, A. J.

Pvt Gonzalezclaros, A. S.

Pvt Guarnerosbarraza, A.

PFC Harrison, S. L.

Pvt Hawkins, R. C.

Pvt James, K. T.

Pvt Laboy Jr, A. L.

PFC Lee, R.

Pvt Lemley, B. M.

PFC Lormond, G. M.

PFC Marudkar, S. A. *

Pvt Melendez, R. A.

Pvt Mendozagarcia, M. A.

Pvt Miller, L. C.

Pvt Molina, A. G.

Pvt Moncayotorres, B. M.

Pvt Munoz, A. A.

PFC Murray, G. M. *

PFC Nguyen, T.

Pvt Olveraalmazan, L.

Pvt Paredez, K. V.

Pvt Peralta, L.

Pvt Perkins, C. N.

Pvt Sainthilaire, L.

Pvt Shadrick, D. N.

Pvt Sheninger, J. R.

Pvt Smith, I. A.

Pvt Taylor, J. A.

Pvt Verdungarcia, A. D.

PFC White, T. A.

Pvt Whitis, D. M.

Pvt Willette, D. X.

Pvt Wright, D. J.

Pvt Zern, Noah P.

*Denotes Meritorious Promotion

Wildlife on Parris Island

Eligibility for VA Healthcare, Elderly Veteran Benefits

Last week’s article encouraged veterans to use a VA-accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to help them: Determine their eligibility requirements for VA healthcare.

Enroll in VA healthcare. Understand VA healthcare benefits specifically for elderly veterans.

Last week’s The Island News article on veterans’ benefits was also the first of three articles encouraging veterans to do their homework and read the information available at www.va.gov and in past The Island News articles on veterans' healthcare, elderly veterans' benefits, and how to apply for them.

As a Vietnam wounded warrior and a combat and 100% service-connected disabled veteran, I cannot emphasize enough how vital it is for all veterans to apply for their VA healthcare benefits, service-connected disability compensation, and other valuable federal (VA) and state veterans’ benefits.

Now is the time to enroll in VA Health Care. I encourage every veteran I meet to watch the VA YouTube video “Introduction to VA Benefits” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9bqZwlfXYY.

I am also one of the six million American veterans who have chosen VA healthcare. Yet, more than 11 million more veterans may be eligible for VA healthcare, the best healthcare available anywhere.

With a weakening economy, rising prices, the possible reduction of future Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits, and so many government workers losing their jobs, now is the time for eligible veterans to enroll in VA healthcare.

VA outperforms private health

The VA provides healthcare exclusively to veterans and their families, and one out of every three employees of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is a veteran. No one understands the needs of veterans and veterans’ family members better than the VHA. VA medical facilities and systems outperform private health, Medicaid, and Medicare on key preventive care services such as Cancer screening, Diabetes care, and Cholesterol management.

The five-star Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and System Take, for example, the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and Healthcare System (RHJVAMC&HCS), the only habitually five-star rated hospital and system in S.C. For longer than a decade, the Joint Commission has rated the RHJVAMC in the top 10 percent of all public and private hospitals for quality of care, customer satisfaction, infection prevention, and dozens of other important metrics.

The RHJVAMC is partnered with the Medical University of SC (MUSC), and if you are a veteran enrolled in VA healthcare, any specialty doctor care you receive will likely be from an MUSC doctor. If a veteran has questions about RHJVAMC&HCS, they should call the main number at 843-577-5011 and ask the opera-

tor for help, or if the veteran has a question about mental healthcare, they can call 843-577-5011

Extension 2

Comprehensive VA care

VA gives veterans access to more than 1,200 care sites nationwide and provides care through VA Medical Centers, Community-based Outpatient Clinics, mobile clinics, Vet Centers, and telehealth services. The VA also serves veterans through Patient-Aligned Care Teams (PACT teams), secure messaging, mobile apps, and 24/7 online access to their medical records.

VA healthcare enrollment also satisfies the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements. Applying for VA healthcare is easy, and veterans will receive their enrollment status within seven days.

If you have questions about VA health care, call the VA’s Health Eligibility Center at 877-222-8387 (Teletypewriter — TTY: 711). TTY mode is a feature that allows textbased communication over regular phone calls for people with hearing or speech difficulties.

Eligibility for VA Health Care

Ensure you meet the VA’s healthcare eligibility requirements for enrollment before applying. Veterans may be eligible to enroll in VA health care if all of these statements are true: You served in the active military, naval, or air service (including being called up from the National Guard or Reserve by a federal order), and You did NOT receive a dishonorable discharge, and You meet at least one of the service requirements for enrollment. You must meet at least one of

these service requirements: You served at least 24 months in a row without a break (called continuous), or for your full active-duty period, or You were discharged for a service-connected disability, or You were discharged for a hardship or “early out,” or You served before September 7, 1980 Note: Time spent on activeduty status for training purposes only does not count toward the service requirements.

What a veteran needs to apply for VA health care.

Social Security numbers for the veteran, the veteran’s spouse (if the veteran is married), and any dependents the veteran may have.

Insurance card information for all health insurance companies that cover the veteran. This includes any coverage that the veteran gets through a spouse or significant other. This also includes Medicare, private insurance, or insurance from your employer.

The veteran can also provide this information: The veteran’s military service history information and details about exposure to toxins or hazards.

• A copy of the veteran’s DD214 or other separation documents. If the veteran signs in to apply, the VA may be able to fill in their military service information for them. If the veteran does not sign in to apply, the veteran can upload a copy of their DD214 or other separation documents.

Income information for the veteran, the veteran’s spouse,

EDITOR’S

or any dependents the veteran may have. This includes income from a job and any other sources.

Deductible expenses (expenses that the veteran can subtract from their income) for themselves and their spouse. These expenses will lower the amount of money the VA counts as income.

Eligibility for VA Mental Health Services

According to the VA webpage “VA Mental Health Services,” https://bit.ly/3H8KAoE, the VA will help connect veterans with mental health care, no matter what their discharge status, service history, or eligibility is for VA health care. Find out how to access VA mental health services for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST), depression, grief, anxiety, and other needs at https://bit. ly/3H8KAoE. You can use some services even if you are not enrolled in VA health care.

Continued next week.

Larry Dandridge is a Vietnam War wounded warrior, disabled veteran, ex-Enlisted Infantryman, ex-Warrant Officer Pilot, and retired Lt. Colonel. He is a past Veterans Service Officer, a Patient Adviser at the RHJ VA Hospital, the Fisher House Charleston Good Will Ambassador, and the

LARRY DANDRIDGE

An American Bald Eagle soars over Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island on March 18, 2025. The bald eagle has been the national bird of America since 1782, when it was placed

the Great Seal of the United States. Parris Island is home to bald eagles, reflecting

natural habitat and conservation efforts and it provides

Pfc.

Isaac De Leon/USMC

An adult Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake is found in its natural habitat on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island on March 18, 2025. Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes are the only venomous snake species on Parris Island faced with various threats because of habitat loss and alteration due to human development. Pfc. Isaac De Leon/USMC

SERVICE DIRECTORY

ATTORNEY

Christopher J. Geier

Attorney at Law, LLC

Criminal Defense & Civil Litigation

16 Professional Village Circle, Lady's Island Office: 843-986-9449 • Fax: 843-986-9450

chris@bftsclaw.com • www.geierlaw.com

AUDIOLOGY & HEARING

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Monica Wiser, M.A. CCC-A

Licensed Audiologist

38 Professional Village West, Lady's Island monica@beauforthearing.com www.beauforthearing.com | 843-521-3007

Hear the Beauty that Surrounds You The Beaufort Sound Hearing and Balance Center

Dr. Larry Bridge, AU.D./CCC-A 206 Sea Island Parkway, Suite 31, Beaufort thebeaufortsound@gmail.com www.thebeaufortsound.com | 843-522-0655

CLASSIFIEDS & GAMES

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AUCTIONS ADVERTISE YOUR AUCTION in 80

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MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE

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The Early Church

We are not meant to journey to God all by ourselves.

The current pandemic, forcing us into isolation and social distancing, has been a difficult reminder of our need for other people. We are not meant to be alone, separated from others. We depend on each another not only for our physical needs, such as food and medical care, but also for emotional health. Likewise, we are not meant to be alone on our journey with God. God intended for us to have a spiritual family to accompany us and support us in our faith.

The Bible is the story of God forming a family of faith. As we explored in our message series, “Preparing the Way,” God always intended for us to know and love him through a family of faith. Our first parents, Adam and Eve, were to help each other to love God. After sin entered the world, God called Abraham and began a new spiritual family. Abraham’s descendants eventually became the nation of Israel. God promised that one day, he would bless the entire world through Abraham’s descendants. (Genesis 12:3)

Through Jesus, the family of faith becomes open to all humanity. God did something no one could have imagined: he became a human being, Jesus of Nazareth. He was born into the people of Israel. Through Jesus, all the nations of the earth are indeed blessed. The family of faith expands into a worldwide family, through which all peoples can come to know and love Jesus. Through this family, Jesus continues to invite all to share in the victory he has won for us.

The family of Christian believers is called the Church. The original Greek word translated as “church” meant a gathering of people for a specific purpose. The early Christians began to describe themselves with this term. They were not referring to a building for prayer, as we often use “church” today, but Christians united in Jesus as a spiritual family. In the New Testament, we see this word used to describe the worldwide Christian family as well as local communities of Christians.

The Book of Acts describes the first years of the Church. The Acts of the Apostles is the book in the New Testament directly following the four Gospels. In Acts, we see how the Christian faith began to spread throughout the whole world. We experience the joy of the early Christians, and we are inspired by their willingness to risk everything to follow Jesus and to share his Good News with others.

The example of the early Church inspires us still today. In this message series, we will explore some of the important themes and events in the Acts of the Apostles. What mission did Jesus give the apostles? How did Jesus continue his ministry through them? What lessons can be learned from the early Christians that still apply to us today, as we journey with God?