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The Bruce Edgerley Inclusive Playground as seen on January 25, 2024, in Port Royal.

Amber Hewitt/ The Island News

3 … 2 … 1 … Play!

Inclusive playground opens in Port Royal

The Bruce Edgerley Inclusive Playground as seen on January 25, 2024, in Port Royal. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

By Delayna Earley The Island News The first inclusive playground in Beaufort County officially opened on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024.

The Bruce Edgerley Inclusive Playground opened with a crowd of about 50 people in attendance, but more families came following the ceremony to enjoy the new facility.

The playground equipment, which cost nearly $800,000, was installed in July 2023, but it was revealed and reported to Beaufort County Council in

September 2023 that proper procurement code was not followed in the purchase of the equipment.

At the time, Shannon Loper was the Beaufort County Parks and Recreation Director, but she is no longer employed by the county.

Six months after the equipment was initially installed, the playground is now open and can be used by members of the public.

SEE PLAY PAGE A4

Will Beaufort put Boundary Street on a ‘Road Diet?’

County considering dropping from 4 to 2 lanes between Ribaut Road, Bellamy curve

By Delayna Earley The Island News Beaufort County proposed a sixmonth “road diet” for a stretch of Boundary Street during the City of Beaufort’s work session on Tuesday, Jan. 23, but city council members requested more information and data before they could endorse the study.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s website, a road diet, or roadway reconfiguration, typically means converting an existing four-lane roadway into a three-lane roadway with two ded-

icated through lanes and one center turn lane.

According to the presentation made on Tuesday, Beaufort County hopes to temporarily shrink Boundary Street from Ribaut Road to Bellamy Curve by re-striping the road.

If the project goes forward, the four-lane road would be reduced to two dedicated 12-foot-wide through lanes and one 15-foot center turning lane.

Both sides of the road would have 2.5-foot-wide buffers between the sidewalk and traffic.

Brittanee Bishop, a program and finance manager in Beaufort County’s Engineering Department, was on hand to answer questions about the reasoning behind this project.

Among the reasons for the project is the hope that this change will reduce traffic and improve safety for University of South Carolina Beaufort (USC Beaufort) students who walk from student housing on Boundary Street to the main campus on Carteret Street.

Rendering of the proposed lane configuration for the “road diet” based off of SEE DIET PAGE A4 South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) standards.

NEWS

SPORTS

STATE NEWS

INSIDE

Bronco Wild Fund donates all-terrain wheelchair to Hunting Island State Park.

BHS Eagles sweep season series from Battery Creek.

President Biden to SC Democrats: ‘You’re the reason Donald Trump is a loser’

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PAGE B1

PAGE B7

Lowcountry Life A2 Legal Notices A2 News A2–5 Obituaries A6 Faith A7 Voices A7–9

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ISLAND NEWS PUBLISHING, LLC PUBLISHERS

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FOUNDING PUBLISHERS Elizabeth Harding Newberry Kim Harding

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Mark Bechtel took this photo of a bald eagle at Hunting Island State Park on Jan. 7, 2024. 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.

VETERAN OF THE WEEK

Bill Leschak

Beaufort’s Bill Leschak, 87, joined the United States Marine Corps in Auburn, N.Y. in 1955. After Boot Camp at Parris Island, he was assigned to Henderson Hall, Headquarters Marine Corps. He began a career in Marine Corps administration serving in Hawaii, on Long Island, N.Y., in Albany, N.Y., at

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF APPLICATION Notice is hereby given that New YUMMY LLC/DBA: Yummy Hibachi and Sushi intends to apply to the South Carolina Department of Revenue for a license and/or permit that will allow the sale and on premises consumption of beer, wine, and/or liquor at 1370 Ribaut Rd, Port Royal, SC, 29935.

To object to the issuance of this license and/or permit, you must submit Form ABL-20, postmarked no later than 2/1/2024. Submit protests online at MyDORWAY.dor.sc.dov, or email ABL@dor.sc.gov.

NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND INTENT TO SELL Name and address of Purchaser: JITENDRA G. JETWANI, 420 OLD RIVER RD, BLOOMINGDALE, GA 31302-8004 A fee simple undivided 0.0073861610410129 % ownership interest in the Project as tenants(s) in common with the holders of other undivided interests in and to the timeshare property known as MBV VACATION SUITES, as established by that certain Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions and Vacation Ownership Instrument for MBV Vacation Suites, recorded at Book 3406, Pages 1312- 1365, et seq., of the records of the R.O.D. Office for Beaufort County, South Carolina, as amended or supplemented (the “Declaration”), having Interval Control Number U2210-W5E. Deed recorded in Book 4154, Pages 370, Mortgage in Book 4154, Pages 375. Total amount presently delinquent $10,981.36, Attorneys fees $350.00, Costs $158.53. You are currently in default under certain provisions of the above referenced mortgage and timeshare instrument. As provided for in paragraph 4. of the aforementioned mortgage, the lien-holder has chosen to proceed with a non-judicial foreclosure procedure in accordance with Article 3 of Chapter 32 of Title 27 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina.

PURSUANT TO SECTION 27-32-325, S.C. CODE ANN., 1976, AS AMENDED, YOU ARE HEREBY ADVISED OF THE FOLLOWING: IF YOU FAIL TO CURE THE DEFAULT OR TAKE OTHER APPROPRIATE ACTION WITH REGARD TO THIS MATTER WITHIN THIRTY CALENDAR DAYS AFTER RECEIPT OF THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL RISK LOSING YOUR INTEREST IN THIS TIMESHARE ESTATE THROUGH A NONJUDICIAL FORECLOSURE PROCEDURE. HOWEVER, UNDER THE NONJUDICIAL PROCEDURE, YOU WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO A DEFICIENCY JUDGMENT OR PERSONAL LIABILITY FOR THE LIEN BEING FORECLOSED EVEN IF THE SALE OF YOUR TIMESHARE ESTATE RESULTING FROM THE NONJUDICIAL FORECLOSURE IS INSUFFICIENT TO SATISFY THE AMOUNT OF THE LIEN BEING FORECLOSED. YOU MAY OBJECT TO THE SALE OF YOUR TIMESHARE ESTATE THROUGH THE NONJUDICIAL FORECLOSURE PROCEDURE AND REQUIRE FORECLOSURE OF YOUR TIMESHARE INTEREST TO PROCEED THROUGH THE JUDICIAL PROCESS. AN OBJECTION MUST BE MADE IN WRITING AND RECEIVED BY THE TRUSTEE BEFORE THE END OF THE THIRTY-DAY TIME PERIOD. YOU MUST STATE THE REASON FOR YOUR OBJECTION AND INCLUDE YOUR ADDRESS ON THE

WRITTEN OBJECTION. IN A JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING THAT RESULTS FROM YOUR OBJECTION, YOU MAY BE SUBJECT TO A DEFICIENCY JUDGMENT AND PERSONAL LIABILITY FOR THE LIEN BEING FORECLOSED IF THE SALE OF YOUR TIMESHARE ESTATE RESULTING FROM THE JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE IS INSUFFICIENT TO SATISFY THE AMOUNT OF THE LIEN BEING FORECLOSED. FURTHERMORE, YOU ALSO MAY BE SUBJECT TO A PERSONAL MONEY JUDGMENT FOR THE COSTS AND ATTORNEY’S FEES INCURRED BY THE LIENHOLDER IN THE JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING IF THE COURT FINDS THAT THERE IS COMPLETE ABSENCE OF A JUSTIFIABLE ISSUE OF EITHER LAW OR FACT RAISED BY YOUR OBJECTIONS OR DEFENSES. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO CURE YOUR DEFAULT AT ANY TIME BEFORE THE SALE OF YOUR TIMESHARE ESTATE, BY PAYMENT OF ALL PAST DUE LOAN PAYMENTS OR ASSESSMENTS, ACCRUED INTEREST, LATE FEES, TAXES, AND ALL FEES AND COSTS INCURRED BY THE LIENHOLDER AND TRUSTEE, INCLUDING ATTORNEY’S FEES AND COSTS, IN CONNECTION WITH THE DEFAULT. Any response or inquiry should be made in writing to King Cunningham, LLC, Attn: Jeffrey W. King, Esq. who is serving as Trustee in this matter, at the following address: 1000 2nd Ave S, Ste 325, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582.

NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND INTENT TO SELL Name and Address of Owner(s): KURT GRANBERG 4445 OLIVE ST LOUIS, MO 631008 Contract Number: 2478210 the following described property: An undivided 0.02 (TWO%) percent interest in that certain condominium unit, lying, situate and being in Sea Pines Plantation on Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, South Carolina, and being known as Unit No. 3113, Heritage Club Horizontal Property Regime, and being more particularly shown and described by reference to the Master Deed of Marriott Ownership Resorts, Inc., establishing the said Horizontal Property Regime, said Master Deed being dated September 26, 1988, and recorded in the Beaufort County Records, on September 26, 1988 in Deed Book 511 at Page 933, and by reference to that certain plat entitled "As-Built Plat of Heritage Club", a section of Harbour Town, Sea Pines Plantation said plat prepared

by Surveying Consultants of Hilton Head Island, Inc., Terry G. Hatchell, S.C.R.L.S. # 11059 said plat being dated the 16th day of September, 1988, and recorded in the Beaufort County Records, in Plat Book 35 at Page 257 on September 26, 1988.

AND ALSO, all of the rights, privileges, easements, and common areas appertaining to the above-described condominium Unit as set forth in the Master Deed and By-Laws of Heritage Club Horizontal Property Regime.

ON THIS DATE

Delayna Earley

Sergeant with 27 years of service.

Thereafter, he worked for a Beaufort law firm for 10 years.

– Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207.

For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.

AND ALSO, all right, title, interest and privileges extending to Owner Use Period 36, as contained in that certain Supplemental Declaration of Multiple Ownership Rights, Restrictions, Affirmative Obligations and Conditions for Floating Time for said foregoing Unit(s) in Heritage Club Horizontal Property Regime, said Supplemental Declaration being attached as Exhibit "H" to the aforementioned Master Deed Lien Book and Page 156/2116; Total Amount Presently Delinquent $2,975.22.

You are currently in default under certain provisions of the Master Deed Establishing Heritage Club Horizontal Property Regime, Beaufort County, South Carolina by MARRIOTT OWNERSHIP RESORTS INC. recorded in the Registrar of Deeds, Beaufort County, South Carolina on February 21, 1983 in Deed Book 364 at Page 869, the lienholder has chosen to proceed with a non-judicial foreclosure procedure in accordance with Article 3 of Chapter 32 of Title 27 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina.

If you fail to cure the default or take other appropriate action with regard to this matter within thirty calendar days after the date of this notice, you will risk losing your interest in this timeshare estate through a nonjudicial foreclosure procedure. However, under the nonjudicial procedure, you will not be subject to a deficiency judgment or personal liability for the lien being foreclosed even if the sale of your timeshare estate resulting from the nonjudicial foreclosure is insufficient to satisfy the amount of the lien being foreclosed. You may object to the sale of your timeshare estate through the nonjudicial foreclosure procedure and require foreclosure of your timeshare interest to proceed through the judicial process. An objection must be made in writing and received by the trustee before the end of the thirty-day time period. You must state the reason for your objection and include your address on the written objection. In a judicial foreclosure proceeding that results from your objection, you may be subject to a deficiency judgment and personal liability for the lien being foreclosed if the sale of your timeshare estate resulting from the judicial foreclosure is insufficient to satisfy the amount of the lien being foreclosed. Furthermore, you also may be subject to a personal money judgment for the costs and attorney’s fees incurred by the lien holder in the judicial foreclosure proceeding if the court finds that there is a complete absence of a justifiable issue of either law or fact raised by your objections or defenses. You have the right to cure your default at any time before the sale of your timeshare estate by payment of all past due loan payments or assessments, accrued interest, late fees, taxes, and all fees and costs incurred by the lien holder and trustee, including attorney’s fees and costs, in connection with the default.

Any response or inquiry should be made in writing to Daniel C. Zickefoose, who is serving as trustee in this matter, at the following address: Eck, Collins & Richardson, P.L. 4000 Faber Place Drive, Suite 300 North Charleston, SC 29405

1926: Beaufort County Sheriff James Edwin McTeer dies. His son, also James Edwin McTeer, would be appointed nine days later to complete his term in office.

February 3 1779: The Battle of Port Royal Island, sometimes called the Battle of Beaufort or the Battle of Gray’s Hill, occurs near what is now Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort on U.S. 21 west of downtown Beaufort. After the British captured Savannah, Ga., on Dec. 29, 1778, they wanted to establish a base of operations on Port Royal Island, allowing them to stage an attack by land

and water on Charleston. British General Augustine Prevost sent Major James Gardiner and 200 men to capture Fort Lyttleton on the island. General Benjamin Lincoln responded by sending General William Moultrie and a well-armed force of 300 men to meet Gardiner. The two armies met just outside of Beaufort on February 3. The British and the Patriots, after exchanging heavy fire for 45 minutes, started to run low on ammunition and decided to withdraw. However, when Moultrie learned Gardiner was retreating, he sent his cavalry in pursuit. The cavalry chased the British and captured a few men, but the British left the island — and the field of battle — to the Americans.

– Compiled by Mike McCombs

PAL PETS OF THE WEEK Cat of the Week: Cherri is the perfect addition to any family.

She loves to meet new people and let them know that she wants their attention. Cherri is often found in a cozy spot taking a snooze, but will quickly wake up for play time. She would like a home with another cat and people around to give her pets. Cherri is 2 years old, spayed, up to date on vaccines, and microchipped.

Dog of the Week: Bug is a spunky dog ready to find his new family. He is a smart medium sized dog who would make a great family dog. He is friendly with other dogs, cats, and people of all ages. Bug is a year old, neutered, up to date on vaccines, and microchipped.

CORRECTIONS:

If you are interested in adopting Cherri, Bug, or any of our other pets, call our adoption center at 843-645-1725 or email us at info@ palmettoanimalleague. org to set up an appointment.

• In the January 18, 2024 issue of The Island News, on Page B4, USC Beaufort Associate Professor of Human Services and African American Studies Najmah Thomas’ name was misspelled.

• In the January 18, 2024 issue of The Island News, on Page B4, the date of Beaufort County Department of Disabilities and Special Needs Executive Director Bill Love’s presentation in USC Beaufort’s Books Sandwiched In series was incorrect. Love will present Wednesday, March 11, 2024.

• In the January 25, 2024 issue of The Island News, on Page B1, the name of Bridges Prep basketball player Lorenzo Moyd was misspelled in a photo caption.

• In the January 25, 2024 issue of The Island News, on Page B1, the name of Whale Branch basketball player Zaria Coaxum was misspelled in a photo caption.

• In the January 25, 2024 issue of The Island News, on Page B9, Tracy Mar’s name was misspelled in a photo caption.

FEBRUARY 1–7, 2024

delayna. theislandnews@ gmail.com

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Justin Jarrett LowcoSports@ gmail.com

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April Ackerman april@ aandbbookkeeping. com Billing questions only.

CONTACT US PO Box 550 Beaufort, SC 29901 TheIslandNews@gmail.com

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A2

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Assistant Editor

BILL LESCHAK Camp Lejeune, in Lexington and Louisville, Ky., in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive, in Lynn, Mass., and Newport, R.I. He also served with the USMC office at Fort Benning where he became Airborne qualified. His final assignment was at Parris Island from which he retired in 1981 as a Master Gunnery

Hope Falls

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DEADLINE For press releases and advertising, please submit by noon on Friday for the following week’s paper.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters to the Editor should consist of fewer than 275 words and be emailed with a name and contact information to TheIslandNews@gmail.com

DISCLAIMER All content of The Island News, including articles, photos, editorial content, letters, art and advertisements, are copyrighted by The Island News and Island News Publishing, LLC, 2022, all rights reserved. The Island News encourages reader submissions via email to theislandnews@gmail.com. All content submitted is considered approved for publication by the owner unless otherwise stated. The Island News is designed to inform and entertain readers and all efforts for accuracy are made.

Guest columns do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The Island News, its publisher or editors. Content published from Care Magazine® is intended as a reference and options source only, not as a guide to self-treatment or substitute for profession medical advice.

It is provided for educational purpose only. Readers assume full responsibility for how this information is used. The Island News reserves the right to refuse to sell advertising space, or to publish information, for any business or activity the newspaper deems inappropriate for the publication.

NEWS

Bronco Wild Fund donates all-terrain wheelchair to Hunting Island State Park

From staff reports For those who haven’t been able to take advantage of the beauty of Hunting Island State Park because of mobility issues, a gift from the Ford Motor Company and its Bronco Wild Fund (BWF) may have just given them a shot at accessing Beaufort County’s crown jewel.

Hunting Island State Park is one of the 18 parks around the country to receive an all-terrain track chair from Ford Motor Company and the BWF. These adventure-ready, battery-powered chairs have wide and rugged tracks that make it possible for visitors with various levels of mobility impairments to explore the park’s trails and beaches – areas where regular wheelchairs typically can’t traverse.

“We are grateful and honored to be selected to receive a track chair at one of South Carolina’s most popular state parks,” Director of the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism Duane Parrish said in a news release. “Helping more people experience the fun, beauty, and solitude found in our state parks is an ongoing effort. Track chairs are an incredible accessibility innovation. We’re thrilled for the countless

A Hunting Island State Park staff member tries out the new Action Trackchair AXIS provided by the Ford Motor Company and its Bronco Wild Fund on the sandy park grounds. Submitted photos visitors who have access to explore one of South Carolina’s most iconic landscapes for the first time thanks to the support of Bronco Wild Fund, and its commitment to ensuring access for all.”

Hunting Island applied for the track chair through a partnership program between BWF and America’s State Parks. The program received applications from 79 applicants in 33 states, narrowing the winners down to 18 parks, with three winners in each of America’s State Park's six regions. The other

winners from the Southeast region are state parks in Tennessee and Alabama.

“It was a competitive program,” said Sam Queen, spokesperson for the SC Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism. “The park applied early in the fall. (The chair) technically awarded in late 2023, and it arrived in late 2023.”

Queen said Hunting Island State Park applied for the gift at the individual park level rather than the state applying. She said a park staff member found out

about the contest, and the staff entered.

The new track chair is an Action Trackchair AXIS model, which offers users comfort and safety as they trek through wooded or beach trails, covering a variety of uneven and sandy terrain, for up to seven miles.

Visitors are encouraged to call the park to reserve the track chair at least 48 hours in advance to ensure availability. There is no additional charge to use the track chair, but a Park Passport or park admission is

required for entry for all visitors. Park passes are $8 for adults $5 for seniors, $4 for children ages 6 through 15 and free for children 5 and younger. Photo ID and acknowledgment of operating instructions are required for every user.

Hunting Island State Park attracts more than a million visitors every year. Home to a vast array of land and marine wildlife, the barrier island boasts five miles of white sandy beaches, thousands of acres of marsh and maritime forest, a saltwater

lagoon, and an ocean inlet.

The park’s historic lighthouse is currently closed for renovations, but a virtual reality headset is available to guide you up the iron staircase to the top of the lighthouse, with views from every angle of the gallery – all without leaving the ground.

The park is one of South Carolina’s 16 original state parks built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Learn more about Hunting Island State Park at southcarolinaparks.com/ hunting-island.

ADVANCED ORTHOPEDIC OPTIONS TO RELIEVE BACK AND NECK PAIN

Whether you experienced a recent injury or have a chronic condition, Beaufort Memorial has your back. The Advanced Orthopedics and Spine Program at Beaufort Memorial brings together state-of-the-art technologies and top spine care experts to address a range of conditions that cause neck and back pain. Let our team create an individualized care plan, exploring both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options, so you can get back to life.

................................................

W

hen unmanageable neck or back pain gets in your way, it’s time for the board-certified, fellowship-trained experts at Beaufort Memorial to give you relief.

At Beaufort Memorial you also find: • Innovative solutions that improve your mobility and allow for more natural movement • An Optimization Program that follows you through the process to ensure the best outcomes • Advanced procedures that spare healthy tissue and speed recovery • Outpatient surgeries that allow many patients to go home the same day Visit BeaufortMemorial.org/SpineCare

FEBRUARY 1–7, 2024

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NEWS

Haley headed to Hilton Head for Thursday meet and greet

By Mike McCombs making the rounds The Island News back in her home Despite losses in the first two Restate, including publican primaries, former South a meet and greet Carolina Governor Nikki Haley campaign event refuses to concede the 2024 ReThursday, Feb. 1 on publican Presidential nomination Nikki Hilton Head Island to former President Donald Trump. Haley in Beaufort County.

In advance of the South Carolina The “Meet and primary on February 24, Haley is Greet with Nikki Haley” will be-

Gullah/ Geechee Land & Legacy event set for Feb. 3 From staff reports As part of the celebration of Black History Month, Queen Quet will host the "Gullah/Geechee Land & Legacy Black Family Gathering" on Saturday, Feb. 3 at noon at the historic Brick Baptist Queen Church on Quet St. Helena Island.

The Brick Baptist Church is part of the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park in the Penn Center National Landmark Historic District.

Attendees will dine on Gullah/Geechee cuisine while being a part of a historic Black land ownership dialogue entitled "From St. Helena to Sapelo" with Amir Jamal Toure and Town Councilwoman Bridgette Frazier, Elder Carlie Towne and others. A tour of the historic district will conclude the event.

Funds will benefit the Gullah/Geechee Land & Legacy Fund. Tickets can be purchased on EventBrite at https://bit.ly/3OqkUY2.

For more information, email the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition at GullGeeCo@aol.com. To learn more about the Gullah/ Geechee people, visit www. gullahgeecheenation.com.

gin at 6 p.m., with doors opening at 4:30 p.m., at Forest Fire BBQ at Coligny Plaza, 1 North Forest Beach Drive, Hilton Head Island.

Those interested in attending can get a general admission ticket at https://bit.ly/3HFvTJt. Earlier in January, Haley received a little less than 20% of the vote in Iowa, placing third be-

hind Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and 32 percentage points behind Trump. Since then, after DeSantis dropped out, she received 43% of New Hampshire’s votes, still a double-digit loss.

But she sees the results as a glass half full and she’s quick to remind naysayers that before the primaries started, her support in the polls was

around 2 percent.

Haley as said no matter the results, she aims to stick around at least through Super Tuesday – March 5 – when voters in 16 states cast their primary votes.

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

City begins search for new police chief

From staff reports The City of Beaufort announced on Thursday, Jan. 25, that it has begun its search for a new police chief, following the retirement of Chief Dale McDorman after 29 years of service. Stephenie Price was sworn in earlier last week as interim police chief.

The job listing notes that candidates must “exhibit integrity and

ethical leadership, knowledge of effective policing strategies, such as Community Policing and 21st Century Policing, and expertise in developing appropriate policies and procedures that will positively affect the Department as it works to meet the City’s strategic goals for public safety. Experience addressing complex issues requiring collaboration and partnerships to

resolve, like homelessness, could be particularly of interest.”

Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field; a Master’s of Public Administration or related degree is preferred. They should have at least 10 years of progressively responsible experience, with at least five years in a significant supervisory position.

The chief will oversee a depart-

ment of approximately 60 people, and report to the city manager. The salary range is from $100,000 to $120,000 a year. City Manager Scott Marshall said that input from City Council and public feedback will be part of the process in determining who is selected.

To apply for the position or see the job requirements, visit https:// bit.ly/3HCFsZE.

JSLB calling all dresses for its Prom Boutique

From staff reports The Junior Service League of Beaufort is preparing for its 13th annual prom dress event where the group sets up a boutique – this year the Fancy And Free prom boutique – and provides high school students from Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties an opportunity to “shop” for formal dresses to wear to their prom for free.

With the date of the prom boutique quickly approaching, JSLB is asking people to donate their used formal and semiformal dress-

Diet

from page A1 Several concerned citizens made comments during the public comment period and said that they do not believe that this is truly about keeping USC Beaufort students safe.

Several Beaufort residents also took issue with the county’s asser-

es and accessories. Drop-off locations include Beaufort Chiropractic (22 Professional Village Circle, Beaufort), Kinghorn Insurance (910 Carteret Street, Beaufort), Inner Peace Spa (48 Pennington Drive, Bluffton), Lux Medical Spa (350 Fording Island Road No. 101, Bluffton), and Pink Magazine (37 New Orleans Road Unit M, Hilton Head Island).

The donations will be put to use at the Fancy and Free Prom Boutique to be held from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 24 at Bridg-

es Preparatory School, 555 Robert Smalls Parkway, Beaufort.

At the event, each girl has the opportunity to pick out a gently used dress and matching accessories to wear for her Junior/Senior Prom for free. All local female students are invited to attend the event.

Public school students will need to bring their student ID. Private school students will need a signed note on letterhead from a teach-

er, guidance counselor or administrator from their school.

Each girl may bring one friend to the event.

For questions, email Nicole at commnication.jslb@gmail. com. For more information, visit jslbPROM.com.

JSLB is a nonprofit 501[c] (3) dedicated to supporting and enriching the lives of women, children, and families in our community.

tion that the two middle lanes are only used as turning lanes, saying that traffic travels on all four lanes regularly and worried about how this was going to affect their ability to get in and out of their neighborhood easily.

According to Beaufort resident Dan Blackman, he said he has not seen an issue there, so he sees no need to analyze it.

The road diet, according to Bishop, is a pilot program and would only last six months.

They do not plan to alter any existing infrastructure, just re-striping the road to make it two lanes.

Bishop said that they plan to study traffic patterns in the area for six months to compare to other areas of Beaufort and to see if there are improvements.

Another reason that the county wants to do this pilot program is to “validate assumptions made on the Ribaut Road project and determine how changing traffic flow may impact final designs of the Reimagine

Ribaut Road Project.”

Bishop said that Beaufort County will not proceed with the pilot project without the city of Beaufort’s blessing.

The road diet project, if given the green light to proceed, will be funded by Beaufort County.

Delayna Earley 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.

BMH receives $1 million in development funding

From staff reports Beaufort Memorial (BMH) has received $1 million in funds from the State of South Carolina Fiscal Year 2024 General Appropriations Act Bill for two innovative workforce development programs.

The funds were approved through a budget amendment by City of Beaufort last week and will be divided equally between the hospital’s Nursing Workforce Development and People Achieving Their Highest (PATH) programs.

“These funds will allow us to begin construction on the new nursing education center immediately and will support the career growth and development of hundreds of current and future employees at Beaufort Memorial,” BMH Pres-

ident and CEO Russell Baxley, MHA, said in a news release. “Ultimately, these programs are an investment in the health of our communities and directly support our mission to enhance the quality of life in the Lowcountry through improved health, innovative partnerships and superior care.”

Planning for the new nursing education center began in late 2021 amid growing concerns about nursing shortages following the pandemic. In 2022 Beaufort County provided $500,000 in funds toward its construction and the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) provided an additional $500,000.

Last year City Council approved an amendment to its budget, allocating $1.5 million to healthcare

workforce development programs and simulation labs in the new education center. The city received funding through a grant from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control for a nursing expansion and retention program. The latest installment from the city fully funds the construction project, which will begin this week and is expected to be completed this fall.

“Developing the healthcare workforce is a crucial aspect of the quality of life for the City of Beaufort and the entire region,” Beaufort City Manager Scott Marshall said. “We appreciate being a partner in this process.”

The nursing education center will provide a dedicated learn-

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The Bruce Edgerley Inclusive Playground as seen on January 25, 2024, in Port Royal. Amber Hewitt/The Island News A4

FEBRUARY 1–7, 2024

Interim County Administrator John Robinson announced during the Jan. 8, 2024, County Council meeting that the contractors finished sidewalks just after Christmas and revealed the date of the grand opening and ribbon cutting, but made no mention of the issues surrounding the playground beginnings.

The new playground is in Port Royal at the Port Royal Community Center.

The equipment is inclu-

ing space with access to medical equipment, technology and training for future and current healthcare professionals, including nursing students enrolled at USCB and in the Beaufort Memorial PATH Program. Simulation labs will also be used by current nurses for continuing education on clinical competencies. The 6,340 square-foot facility will be located on the second floor of the Beaufort Memorial Medical and Administrative Center at 990 Ribaut Road.

The PATH Program is a joint venture funded by the Beaufort Memorial Hospital Foundation and Beaufort County. In the summer of 2022, the county initially contributed $700,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds

sive because it goes beyond American with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards to accommodate children of all abilities, according to Hannah Nichols, Beaufort County’s Public Information Officer.

Among the typical pieces you might see at a playground, it features a flush entry to the equipment, unitary turf surfacing, new restrooms and sensory areas.

While the playground will be managed and maintained by Beaufort County, the town of Port Royal will step in to help where it is needed, Port Royal Mayor

to develop the program. Of the $1 million received this month, $500,000 will provide scholarships, clinical training, traditional education, and even non-traditional financial assistance to encourage and incentivize individuals to advance their careers and support a better healthcare network.

The Beaufort Memorial PATH Program has been showcased as an innovative example of workforce development by the South Carolina Hospital Association.

The fully committed collaboration between Beaufort Memorial Hospital, Beaufort County, the City of Beaufort, USCB, and Beaufort County School District, has made the PATH Program effort a success.

VIDEO For a brief video related to this story, follow the digital link provided or go to https://bit.ly/3vOXfdp.

new playground and that Port Royal was chosen as the site for the playground.

He said that they specifically chose to have the event on a Saturday so that more families and children would be able to attend and use the playground.

“It’s a beautiful playground,” Phillips said. “I’m excited to see people enjoying it.”

Delayna Earley formerly worked Kevin Phillips said. as a photojournalist for The Island Phillips, who just celebratPacket/The Beaufort Gazette, as well ed the birth of his first child, as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. said that he is very excited She can be reached at delayna. theislandnews@gmail.com. about the opening of the

NEWS

SLED arrests 2 man in murder of twins in Jasper County nd

From staff reports Agents with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) have charged a second man in connection with a shooting in the early morning hours of Dec. 17, 2023, that left twin brothers from Beaufort dead.

On Friday, Jan. 26, Andrew Lee Grober II, 26, of Beaufort was arrested and charged with two counts

of Murder, one count of Attempted Murder, and two counts of Possession of a Weapon During the Commission of a Violent Crime.

Previously, on Wednesday, Dec. 20, SLED agents charged Jamar Smith-Hagood, 23, of Beaufort, with two counts of Murder, one count of Attempted Murder, and one count of Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime in connec-

tion with the shooting.

The affidavits on the most recent arrest warrants are identical to those on the warrants for Smith-Hagood.

SLED was requested Dec. 17 by the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office to investigate a double homicide that occurred at 51 Riverwalk Business Park in Ridgeland off Highway 170. During the incident two people were murdered and two

Shell Point residents get drainage update

people were injured.

According to arrest warrants, on December 17, Smith-Hagood and Grober became involved in a physical altercation between two rival groups of people in the parking lot in front of the Okatie Dance Studio.

During the fight, Smith-Hagood and/or Grober brandished a firearm and fired several shots in the direction of the victims.

The incident was captured on the surveillance cameras of a nearby business and, according to the warrants, witnesses indicated the person on video firing toward the victims was Smith-Hagood and/of Grober.

The shooting allegedly resulted in the death of twin brothers and the injury of a third person.

According to the Jasper

NEWS BRIEFS

Public Test of ballot tabulating machines set for February 2

one who takes the five-minute training will receive free supplies of Naloxone.

Free "Deterra Bags" will be available too.

These bags are the proper way to dispose A public test of the Central Count Scan- of expired, unwanted medication.

For more information visit www.beauners (Ballot Tabulating Machines) for the February 3, 2024 Democratic Presidential fortcountysc.gov/alcohol-and-drug.

Preference Primary (PPP) will begin on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024 at 10 a.m. at the Board Beaufort Sportfishing of Voter Registration and Elections of Beaufort County office, located at 15 John and Diving Club Galt Road, Beaufort, S.C. 29906. For more meeting February 8 information, call 843-255-6900.

The Beaufort Sportfishing and Diving Club’s February meeting will be held Thursday, Feb. 8, at the Beaufort Yacht and Scholarship Sailing Club located on Lady’s Island off of auction continues Meridian Road. The social begins at 6:30 The Second Founding of America is p.m. and the meeting will begin at 7 p.m.. hosting the Explorers of Untold History Local guide, Captain Neil Kendrick Scholarship Program’s Inaugural Online of Carolina Tail Charters, will discuss Auction through its end at 11:55 p.m., SatSheepshead. He will present rods and urday, Feb. 3. This event is designed to reels, various rigs and sure techniques for raise funds for annual scholarships prehooking. This will also include the proper sented by Second Founding of America use of mussels and frozen blue crab when and the National Park Service to deservfiddlers are not available. ing students of the Lowcountry.

Beaufort Boat & Dock Supply, Butler The online format will allows those inMarine, The Archurch Group and Danny terested to follow the link https://explorWalsh again are our drawing sponsors. ers.cbo.io to the landing page that will Congratulations to Debra Norwood for help them register and receive a bidder winning the last monthly $50 drawing. number, view the items, and participate in Winners must be present at the next the bidding. Bidders are also encouraged month’s meeting to receive the cash award. to use the Donate tab on the site to make a Guests are welcome. Reservations are tax-deductible donation to the scholarship not needed. program.

For additional information, please conContact Dan Durbin with any questions tact Captain Frank Gibson at 843-521concerning this event dhd3495@gmail.

7340 or email fgibson@islc.net. com or 843-929-9207.

Free Naloxone, training February 3 at Beaufort County Library Lobeco Branch

Katie Herrera, Shell Point Drainage Improvement Project Manager, addresses a crowd of about two dozen Shell Point residents during the public information meeting Monday at Shell Point Baptist Church. Herrera said the massive drainage maintenance project is funded with a federal $7.5 million grant and is projected to take another 52 months to complete. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

County Coroner’s Office, Trajaan T. Fripp, of Beaufort, was pronounced dead at the scene, while Tranquan Shalek Fripp, also of Beaufort, died at a local hospital. The brothers were 24.

Smith-Hagood and Grober are confined at the Jasper County Detention Center.

The case will be prosecuted by the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office.

The Beaufort County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Department will be offering a free 5-minute Naloxone training Saturday, Feb. 3, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., at Beaufort County Library Lobeco Branch, 1862 Trask Highway.

The training helps people understand how to identify the signs of opioid poisoning and how to help someone who may be exposed to opioid toxification or illicit contamination.

No appointment is required, and every-

Beaufort Twilight Run in search of sponsors

The Beaufort Twilight Run is a little less than two months away – March 23, 2024 – and is looking for sponsors. A sponsorship is a wonderful opportunity to help support the students at Riverview Charter School and to promote a business or place of employment.

For more information, contact Christina Gecy, BTR Sponsorship Chair at christinagecy@gmail.com. Review the sponsorship packet at https://bit.ly/49fAygV or complete the sponsorship form at https:// bit.ly/48UqEBI. – Compiled from staff reports

SCDNR's Baltimore Oriole Winter Survey, Great Backyard Bird Count set for Feb. 16-19

SC Dept. of Natural Resources The S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) will conduct its annual Baltimore Oriole Winter Survey Feb. 16-19 in conjunction with the Great Backyard Bird Count. The state natural resources agency is interested in the status and distribution of these colorful songbirds that are wintering in the Palmetto State.

If you currently have Baltimore orioles coming to your feeders or have had them in the past years, SCDNR encourages your participation. Survey participants count and record the largest number of Baltimore orioles they can see at one time, on one, two, three or all four days of the survey period. Even if you cannot participate during the survey period, SCDNR would still like to record your oriole numbers seen during the winter months of December through February.

Survey participants need to be able to correctly identify Baltimore orioles from other bird species. To

participate, you can access the survey form and materials from https://bit.ly/3OnRDgK. The survey form and materials are available through your web browser or through the Survey 123 app (free download through your device’s app store).

The Survey123 form can be used to report Oriole observations either during the survey period (Feb. 16-19) or outside of the survey period (December through February). For more information on the Great Backyard Bird Count and counting all species of birds, visit http://gbbc.birdcount.org/.

This year marks the ninth annual survey, and South Carolina continues to report large numbers of wintering Baltimore orioles. Historically, these birds have wintered in southern Florida, the Caribbean, Central and South America.

However, during the last several decades, they have been wintering along the East Coast in greater abundance.

An adult male Baltimore oriole visits a feeder in Mount Pleasant. South Carolina continues to report large numbers of wintering Baltimore orioles annually. Dennis Balkham/SCDNR South Carolina had 25 counties reporting orioles last year, up from 22 counties in 2022. The majority of reported birds wintered along the coastal plain from Myrtle Beach to Hilton Head Island.

Charleston County was the 2023 hotspot, with Beaufort, Dorchester, Horry and Florence counties also leading the pack. Good numbers

continued to extend inland, with the Upstate reporting Orioles as far west as Oconee County.

Though SCDNR is not sure why these birds have begun overwintering in large numbers in the state, they are responding well to the popularity of backyard bird feeding. Orioles are best attracted to feeders where the homeowner is al-

ready feeding birds in general. Orioles are attracted to the activity of other birds at feeders. If conditions are right for them, they are likely to frequent the feeders where they can find food, water, and shelter.

They will eat a variety of foods and seeds, suet products, some seed mixes, nuts and fruit mixes, but their favorite food by far is grape jelly. Since these birds have become more common at the winter feeders, you can find an assortment of feeders that cater to them and their foods, especially at bird-feeding specialty stores.

The survey will enable scientists to learn the distribution and abundance of Baltimore orioles wintering in South Carolina. Information from the survey and the Great Backyard Bird Count can provide a “big picture” about what is happening to Baltimore oriole populations and other bird species. SCDNR appreciates the public’s support and efforts in helping collect the valuable information in this survey.

FEBRUARY 1–7, 2024

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OBITUARIES James Andrews April 16, 1937 – January 13, 2024 James Andrews died on January 13, 2024, in Casseatt, South Carolina, of natural causes. Jim was the second son of John and Agnes Andrews. He was raised in Garden City, on Long Island in New York. He graduated from Garden City High School, then graduated from Yale in the Class of 1960. At Yale he resided in Branford College and was a member of The Fence Club. He later graduated from Harvard Business School.

An Army ROTC cadet at Yale, he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant after graduation. He served as a Counterintelligence Agent in Army Intelligence. Also, he successfully completed parachute training, earning his paratrooper wings upon graduation from the 82nd Airborne Division's Jump School at Fort Bragg, N. C. His active service included assignments in Special Weapons at XVIII Airborne Corps, and the then new Special Warfare Center on Smoke Bomb Hill. After Honorable separation from active duty, he served in the Active Reserves with 11th Special Forces Group (Green Berets), which trained at Camp Kilmer, NJ, serving as S-2 of a B­Team, and Executive Officer of an A-Team. He also jumped with 11th Special Forces during summer training at Ft Bragg. In total he made 26 parachute jumps from both fixed wing and rotor aircraft.

Jim began his civilian career in the New York advertising agency firms of Benton & Bowles, and Young & Rubicam, two leading agencies of that day. After 10 years in the agency business, he was recruited to join Polaroid Corporation in Cambridge, MA, directing its advertising and marketing communications for 10 years. During this time, he felt privileged to work directly with Dr. Edwin Land, Polaroid's legendary founder, and inventor of instant photography.

After Polaroid he spent the next 20 years as a consultant to corporate clients, non-profit foundations and private schools, while residing in New Canaan, CT. There he was active in St. Mark's Episcopal Church, serving as a Lay Eucharistic Minister, a Lector, co-chairman of Stewardship, and co­ chairman of May Fair. He was elected to the St. Mark's Vestry.

In 2005 he retired to Beaufort, SC and became active on various boards, including Beaufort County YMCA, a USO volunteer, and a caseworker volunteer for Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society on Parris Island. He joined the Curriculum Committee of the University of South Carolina, where he wrote and taught a 1-semester course for several years, entitled "Historic Perspectives on Church-State Relations". He helped to found and was a charter member of a new chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division Association, working to support deployed soldiers in the war zones, and wounded warriors. He was twice elected Chairman of the chapter and served for many years on its Board. He was also an active member of The Parish Church of St. Helena (Anglican) in Beaufort, where he was a Docent, chairman of a Discernment Committee, Coordinator for Men's Summer Book & Breakfast, and sang in the Resurrection Choir.

Jim Andrews was pre-deceased by both his younger sisters, Mary Andrews Williams, and Kathleen Andrews Klein,

each of Ridgefield, CT, and his older brother, John Andrews, of Lady's Island, SC. He is survived by four nephews, Palmer Williams III of Huntsville, AL, McRae Williams of Glastonbury, CT, Christopher Klein and Casey Klein, of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, and by two nieces, Wendy Andrews Franklin of Chapin, SC, and Kelly Andrews Hunter of Elgin, SC. The internment service will be at The Beaufort National Cemetery on February 15, 2024, at 10:00 am with full military honors. A memorial service will follow to celebrate Jim at The Parish Church of Saint Helena at 11:00 am with reception to follow.

Scott Capen Shaffer February 15, 1943 – January 6, 2024 Scott Capen Shaffer was a man of faith, compassion, humor and integrity who committed his life to helping others and to making memories with his family. He was born on February 15, 1943, in Tryon, NC to Roger Augustus Shaffer and Jane Harwood Shaffer. He spent his childhood honing mischief and wonder in the North Carolina mountains.

Scott’s formal education began in the Tryon public schools and progressed to Christ School in Arden, NC. Upon graduation, he went to Williams College and transferred to Emory University where he stayed to pursue his graduate studies in clinical psychology. Learning through life experiences mattered to Scott who worked on a fruit farm and as a nanny, swim coach, and repo man in the midst of his schooling. He made close, lifelong friends at every turn; from Emory, Scott was proud to say he earned three degrees and his wife, Lee. During graduate school, Scott enlisted in the US Navy. Upon receiving his PhD, he went on active duty and was assigned to Parris Island, SC to evaluate Marines-recruits and those returning from combat in Vietnam. He was a staunch advocate for their fair treatment. While there, he recognized the dearth of mental health support for military families and offered his expertise to the local military schools. After Scott’s discharge, the Shaffers remained in Beaufort where he established the first child psychology practice in the area. Children and families benefited from his care for nearly fifty years.

Scott’s service extended beyond his practice. Post Navy, he continued consultation in Laurel Bay schools where teachers called him “the miracle worker.”

Through this work, the need for speech and language services became apparent whereupon he helped establish Beaufort County’s Speech and Hearing Clinic.

Scott further aided the under-served by conducting disability evaluations through the Beaufort County Vocational Rehabilitation Center. Beaufort Memorial Hospital awarded Scott staff privileges to provide mental health consultations in the interest of improving patient care. Additionally, Scott volunteered for numerous community organizations: the Caroline Hospice Foundation, multiple PTOs, Rotary, and the Democratic Party.

Scott was a lay leader in the Episcopal Church – first at Holy Cross in Tryon, NC then at St. Helena’s in Beaufort, SC and ultimately co-founded St. Mark’s in Port Royal. Promoting the ideals of love, inclusion, and equity was paramount to Scott.

Scott Capen Shaffer

Maurice Curtis Wildy, Jr.

Scott’s influence spread beyond Beaufort County. He was active in the Diocese of South Carolina, led the South Carolina Psychological Association, was an examiner for the American Board of Professional Psychology, coached Rotary scholarship applicants, hosted Rotary exchanges, and served as a state delegate for the Democratic Party.

The mischief and wonder nurtured in the mountains of Scott’s childhood carried to life in the South Carolina Lowcountry and then Charlotte, NC. Scott delighted in driving his convertible in town parades and filling his home with garden roses.

He loved fishing, swimming in the ocean, dancing, walking on the beach, traveling with his family, floating on the river, and watching sunsets with Lee. In Charlotte, his favorite pastimes were watching hummingbirds, herons, and hawks from his patio; playing in a drum circle; cheering for Vanderbilt and the Carolina Panthers; and attending gatherings at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church.

Scott died as he lived, steadfast in his faith and surrounded by his family, on January 6, 2024. In death, he precedes his wife of 55 years, Lee Paulk Shaffer with their Maltipoo, Luna; Laura Shaffer and Amit Shahane; and Jane Shaffer and Walker Davidson. Services will be held February 17, 2024, 11 a.m., at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Port Royal, SC and March 2, 2024, 11 a.m., at Holy Cross in Tryon, NC. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Friends of Caroline Hospice, CAPA, Coastal Conservation League, the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund, or a charity of your choice.

Vietnam). After his honorable discharge, he remained supportive of fellow veterans. He was a member of the 369th Veterans Association and the Vietnam Veterans Association, volunteered as a counselor at a veterans drug counseling center, and contributed to veteransrelated charities.

Maurice was highly self-motivated, ambitious, willing to work hard to achieve his goals. In 1972, he became a commercial underwriter for Allstate Insurance Company; in 1975, a commercial accounts underwriter; by 1978, he was the Underwriting Division Supervisor, Eastern Commercial Region; and in 1985 he was promoted from Underwriting Division Manager to Commercial Territorial Manager (assuming responsibility for ten states).

Rather than taking another promotion that would require relocating his family, Maurice decided to become an Allstate Agency Owner, first located in Selden NY, and later in Holbrook, NY. In addition to his strong work ethic, he had a heart for community service, and was recognized with the Allstate “Agency Hands in the Community Award” for his commitment to community service.

He was a man who was highly beloved, respected, and appreciated. He was an excellent “team” man, both as a team leader, and as a team player, and many considered him a mentor. His character could be summed up by the words kind, generous, loyal, trustworthy, and honorable. He was also known for his love of golf, photography, and most importantly – family and friends. He was a loving father and grandfather, a strong moral guide, and a great giver of care, friendship, and support. He will be dearly missed, his memory deeply cherished, and his influence and impact profoundly appreciated.

Maurice was predeceased by his parents; his twin sons Mark Wildy and Michael Wildy; and his brothers Earl Thomas Wildy and Don Albert Wildy.

He is survived by his son Maurice Curtis Wildy III, daughter-in-law Jennifer Wildy; his granddaughter Jana Saree Wildy; his sister-in-law Candace Wildy; his niece Dr. Erica Lynn Wildy; his nephew Marcus Earl Wildy (Lauren); great friends Roland (Al) Gardner and Fred Morris, amongst numerous beloved cousins, friends, and former co-workers.

Maurice Curtis Wildy, Jr. May 16, 1947 – December 24, 2023 Maurice Curtis Wildy Jr. departed this life on Sunday, December 24, 2023, at the age of 76. He was born on May 16, 1947, in St. Helena Island, Beaufort County, South Carolina to the late Maurice C. and Delphine G. Wildy.

He attended St. Helena Elementary School, and (for high school) Boggs Academy, in Keysville, Georgia, graduating in 1965 as an honor student.

He attended Drew University, in Madison, NJ., graduating in 1969 with a B.A. in Political Science.

Maurice entered the Army in August of 1970. He graduated from Army OCS that year and reached the rank of First Lieutenant by August 1971. In May of 1972, he received the Bronze Star Medal having distinguished himself by meritorious service, while serving as an infantry platoon leader (23rd Infantry Division and People's Self Defense Force Advisor, Chung Thien Province,

OBITUARIES

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FEBRUARY 1–7, 2024

FAITH & VOICES Editor’s Note: The opinions of our columnists in the Voices section are not necessarily the opinions of The Island News.

LIVING ON PURPOSE

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Negativity is not cheering for us to succeed

want to begin today by saying how much I appreciate you for being a faithful reader of this newspaper and this column. Newspapers are still considered valuable to the older generations as they remember their grandparents and parents who embraced the daily news as part of their regular routines.

As technology is constantly advancing, we see younger readers choosing to receive their information through various forms of modern media rather than holding the printed page. I’m personally grateful for all the great publications that agree to carry columns like “Living On Purpose” as they believe sharing positive and thought-provoking content is a blessing to their audience.

Since the beginning of the year, I admit the messages have been rather sobering. Focusing on self-examination and searching deep into our soul about what we believe is usually not a top priority. We talked about the

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carnal desires of our flesh, compromising, justifying our rebellion, and how we have the free will ability to ignore intentional sin without the concern to repent.

By the way, repentance is more than saying we’re sorry. We used the example of Achan and asked if intentional sin is hindering the churches and the demonstration of God’s glory today. We agreed that sin offends His holiness and obstructs the advancement of His kingdom.

Is something making you sad or anxious today?

Have you spent time with God about it? Facing hardships and trials is a part of life, but holding on to the one that does not falter and is never caught by surprise is our greatest hope for being content and

As technology is constantly advancing, we see younger readers choosing to receive their information through various forms of modern media rather than holding the printed page. I’m personally grateful for all the great publications that agree to carry columns like ‘Living On Purpose’ as they believe sharing positive and thoughtprovoking content is a blessing to their audience.” enjoying the abundant life we will ever have.

There is no such thing as God being confused and pacing the floor unsure of what to do? The mountain plateaus feel good and we love these seasons of victory, but when we enter into a dark valley, though it’s not pleasant, it can give us peace and security to understand that Christ is always teaching and ready to carry us through suffering in His perfect time.

We decide which view of life we will embrace. If our mind is set on being negative, there is little anyone can say or do to cheer us up. However, for those who choose the higher road

of embracing optimism, no dead-end or dire situation can prevent faith and hope from declaring that anything is impossible with God. To think or say there is no answer to a certain circumstance is revealing to ourselves and the world we no longer believe that God is who He says He is.

Ephesians 3:20 promises, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”

If the devil or anything in this life is more powerful than God, then either He is not the Almighty or our view of Him is in error.

Who we choose to lead matters

was driving to work a few weeks ago and stumbled across a podcast interview talk-show host Conan O’Brien was having with President Joe Biden.

As the two shared anecdotes about the similarities in their Irish-Catholic upbringings, the president spoke about how his mother helped him cope with having a stutter. In addition to telling him his speech impediment didn’t define him as a person, his mother added the stutter was a reminder of how to show grace to others.

“In our family,” Biden said, “we were never allowed to make fun of anyone, no matter how mean they were to us, if they had something they couldn’t overcome. …

If you did, you got your rear end kicked when you got home. It taught me that a lot of people are dealing with dilemmas that take away

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BILLY HOLLAND

Babe Ruth hit 714 home runs but also struck out 1,333 times. Cy Young is famous for winning 511 games, but did you know he lost 316 times? The point is that defeat does not mean failure and no one that is known for great accomplishments has ever avoided disappointments.

It’s easy to stay enthused when times are good, but our perseverance goes on trial when we face discouragement from difficulty.

Which do you believe?

Our thoughts can come God’s word reassures us in from God or the devil and Jeremiah 32:17, “O soverboth have a plan. If God is eign Lord! You made the heavens and earth with your saying to stand and press through the pain, then He strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too difficult has a vision that will eventually bring victory and joy. for you!”

However, if we choose We know the dark side is to agree with the enemy, not trying to help us be a he will forever keep us light for God or a spiritual offended and tangled up overcomer, which should inspire our faith to become in a depressing victim mentality. God can help us stronger in our quest to succeed when we have an please Christ. We become unrelenting determination good and faithful soldiers to become like Him. through extensive training and developing a passion to Billy Holland is a Christian be a living sacrifice for His glory. We cannot succeed minister, chaplain, and author. for the Lord if we are ready To read more about the to give up every time we are Christian life visit his website at challenged. billyhollandministries.com.

TERRY MANNING

their pride, their dignity.”

O’Brien continued the thought by talking about how suffering personal shortcomings can help develop what he called the “superpower” of empathy.

I caught myself tearing up. These were two men talking about life, about loving their parents, about overcoming obstacles, about being decent human beings.

That basic decency is what I want in people who have the power to lead, to effect change in the lives of others. Some characteristics are prerequisites for me,

that have less to do with policy than with the essence of the candidate seeking my vote. I think the country deserves that.

One of the things I liked about former Arizona Sen. John McCain was reading about how when he was captured during the Vietnam War, he refused early release, a benefit his captors would have extended him after his father was named Pacific commander of the U.S. Navy.

Years of torture he endured — time he sacrificed for his fellow prisoners of war — left him with permanent physical disabilities.

I was just as impressed when, during a 2008 campaign stop during his presidential campaign against then-candidate Barack Obama, he corrected a woman who expressed fear of Obama being an Arab. “No ma'am, he's a decent family man, citizen, that I just hap-

pen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues,” McCain said.

He could have taken the easy course of action and gone along with the baseless fear-mongering.

That might have won him support from constituents who were trying to give themselves an easy excuse for voting against the man who would become the first Black president, but McCain chose the truth.

I am old enough to remember Jimmy Carter’s presidency. I remember price inflation. The Iranian hostage crisis. His brother, Billy. Peanuts. The “killer rabbit.” And I remember the Playboy interview.

Carter, generally considered a paragon of Christian service, told the men’s magazine in 1976 for one of its definitive interviews that he “looked on a lot of women with lust” and “committed

adultery in his heart many times.” He was still Georgia’s governor when he gave the interview, but that’s pretty spicy stuff.

Reading the interview years later I find Carter’s comments in the context of a thoughtful look at one man and his views of his faith journey. (Refreshing when so much of today’s discussion of faith in the public realm gets boiled down to “God, guns and ’Merica! Git you some!”) Carter had to know his answers might get him in trouble, but he chose transparency. He shared his genuine personal faith over a fake public performative one.

I’ll end by saying I was giddy when I learned Obama was a fellow Trekkie. He told Wired magazine in 2016 the low-budget sets of the first Star Trek series “didn’t matter because [Trek] was really

talking about a notion of a common humanity and a confidence in our ability to solve problems.”

People working together and overcoming their differences to solve problems.

Imagine that.

Decent. Honest. Self-sacrificing. Authentic. A consensus-builder. A problem-solver. These are traits we want and need in our leaders and our role models.

I don’t find any of these traits in the lying, cheating, self-aggrandizing convicted rapist currently leading the campaign to become the next presidential nominee for the Republican Party.

But if you think the country you claim to love deserves that kind of leader, knock yourself out. Please.

Terry E. Manning is a Clemson graduate and worked for 20 years as a journalist. He can be reached at teemanning@gmail.com.

The sky is falling … don’t you believe it

f Donald Trump is elected to a second term, democracy as we know it will be over! I know that to be true because I heard it from “The Big Guy” himself, and I am pretty sure that the President of the United States would not lie to me.

Just to reinforce the truth of that statement, I have heard the same thing from some of the members of the other party as well. Before we go any further with this I think that it’s important to clear something up. The United States is not and has never been a democracy.

So for all of those politicians on both sides of the aisle who either cut class or slept through American History…we are a Representative Constitutional Republic.

I know that is a mouthful and I am nit picking, but at least they could refer to the nation as a republic. That’s just as easy to say as democracy. I am sorry but it

has taken the art of prevarication to a new level. And Mr. Biden is a worn out old political war horse that deserves to be put out to pasture. I believe that if either one of them is re-elected the country is in for some big problems that could be avoided if we chose someone who is competent and JIM DICKSON experienced, a person that people can trust to actually bring the irks me every time I hear somecountry back together. Even if one who should know better tell that doesn't happen the United us that we are a democracy. OK, States will survive because of the enough of that, on to the danger incredible wisdom of the men who that we face from a Donald Trump gave us the Constitution. That dictatorship that the Dems are so beautiful document has withstood fearful of, or the inevitable loss of far worse than either of those two freedom and a communist take men can dish out. over if Joe Biden is re-elected that It’s looking less and less like we some Republicans are talking are going to see a white knight about to anyone who will listen, ride to our rescue and save the maybe including me. nation the agony of a re-match It’s pretty well known that between Presidents Trump and Trump is a divisive force that Biden, but hope springs eternal and we still have time for somepeople either love or hate, and

thing positive to happen. I don’t believe that either of those men want to see the downfall of the nation. I think that they both consider themselves to be patriots.

However, even if the worst happens and we end up with one or the other in the White House, I am sure that the country will not only survive but continue to prosper and grow. We have two things going for us that will make that happen – our constitutional form of government and the will and strength of the American people. Those two things have pulled the nation through a bloody civil war, a great depression, two world wars and too many inept and corrupt politicians to count.

It’s true that the world is becoming a more dangerous place and we have many powerful enemies around the world. It seems that history tends to repeat itself and for some reason the

world turns upside down every hundred years or so. I am sad to say that that time may be coming again, but America is strong, and populated with people who love it, and will do whatever is necessary to preserve it.

The best thing that we the people can do, is if those white knights show up to save us, and it still might happen, work for them and vote for them. In short, the sky is not falling, don’t believe those who are running around willy-nilly telling you that it is.

Born, raised and educated in the Southwest, Jim Dickson served in the U.S. Navy Reserve in Vietnam before a 35-year business career.

Retired to St. Helena Island, Dickson and his wife are fiscally conservative, socially moderate and active in Republican politics, though they may not always agree with Republicans. Having lived around the country and traveled around the world, Dickson believes that the United States truly is the land of opportunity.

FEBRUARY 1–7, 2024

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

Tim Scott, ‘we hardly knew ye’

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s a self-proclaimed moderate with more liberal leanings than conservative, I nevertheless admit to having had admiration for South Carolina Senator Tim Scott when he came on the scene in 2012. By appointment of then-governor Nikki Haley, I might add. But more on that later.

Senator Scott grew up in a single-parent household in North Charleston. He became accustomed to moving frequently as his mom worked long hours to keep a roof over their heads. To say his younger years were tenuous at best is an understatement.

When he failed four classes his freshman year of high school, life took on a sense of failure that many young Black boys faced then and face today.

But thankfully, he had a mom who stuck with him. And a mentor that showed him the wisdom of conservative principles who entered his life, thus enabling him to graduate from Charleston Southern University, and build his own successful small insurance business.

ertheless still earned my respect as a good person.

Until now.

It was when he informally endorsed Donald Trump for the Presidency that my admiration took a nose-dive. Senator Scott turned the occasion into an evanCAROL LUCAS gelistic revival meeting, deeming himself the preacher. While I have no need or desire to undermine Eventually, Mr. Scott was elect- the good intentions of anyone ed to Charleston County Council, attending a revival, I do have the South Carolina House of my own perception of the intent Representatives, the United States of such an event. The notion of House of Representatives, and the healing and speaking in tongues United States Senate. plays upon the emotions of innoAll of this is truly the makcents, often mandating them to do ings of a story reflecting the things less than Biblical. determination of a poor Black Tim Scott’s revival message kid who overcame adversity and endorsing Donald Trump was no made good. If it doesn’t generate less than what I have described. respect from you, it certainly did I found it cringe-worthy and not from me when I read his backbefitting of the man. ground.

But this performance, this panAnd as the years passed, I dering if you will, didn’t stop here. remember thinking that, despite Sen. Scott flew to New Hampshire my incredulity that someone to formally endorse former Prescoming from such a background ident Trump for the 2024 GOP could adhere to the conservatism presidential nomination during a I believe works against those rally last Friday, saying “we need a growing up as Scott did, he nevpresident who will unite our coun-

try – we need Donald Trump.”

I know my mouth must have physically dropped open. Excuse me? Mr. Scott, many Republicans under the umbrella of anonymity will admit that there has never been anyone more divisive than Donald Trump. While some may relish that, others do not and are ashamed of the daily antics of the former President.

When Donald Trump finally took the stage in New Hampshire to deliver his acceptance speech, true to form, it was his usual rambling and unhinged rant.

Standing directly behind him to his right was Tim Scott with a big grin on his face. Just before that, the former president had obviously alluded to Scott in some way.

Shortly thereafter, our fawning senator stepped to the front, commandeered the microphone from Trump, and proclaimed, "I just love you.”

Come on! What an embarrassment. Just when I thought the revival performance had all the elements of cringe, you, Senator, put that to rest.

I wonder how our Senator

defines allegiance. It was Governor Sununu of New Hampshire who pointed out that Tim Scott wouldn’t have a job if it weren’t for Nikki Haley in 2012.

If Scott is vying for the vice-Presidency position on a Trump ticket, I’d suggest he revisit the January 6 rebellion and the position Trump took against Mike Pence, then Vice President, when Mr. Pence didn’t do his bidding; this despite the fact that it was against the law to do so. Are you willing, Senator Scott, to do Mr. Trump’s lawless bidding? Keep in mind, sir, the humiliation Trump leveled at you in his New Hampshire acceptance speech when he declared that you must really hate Nikki Haley. Perhaps that was a subtle command.

It was Tara Setmayer, a Republican operative turned Trump opponent who queried, “Who’s worse? Trump or his court jester enablers?”

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.”

Most SC magistrates are not lawyers – That needs to change

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Other needed changes to SC system include how they’re selected, how they’re paid

he controversy over the selection of judges in South Carolina has focused on the Legislature’s elections of circuit court, family court and appellate judges.

That’s because lawyer-legislators practice before the same judges they elect. And there is widespread suspicion that lawyer-legislators receive favored treatment from those judges.

The controversy has grown to include whether the current system of selecting magistrates is compromised by conflicts of interest and also whether magistrate qualifications should be raised to assure due process of law to litigants in their courtrooms.

There are some 311 magistrates in this state. Most of them have not attended law school and are not lawyers.

Even so, non-lawyer magistrates have the jurisdiction to sentence defendants to up to 30 days in jail for each violation of law. In bad check cases, magistrates have been known to

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should be a lawyer because the complexity of modern criminal law and criminal procedures could not by understood well enough by a non-lawyer judge and a trial before a non-lawyer judge would deny a defendant his due process right to a fair JOHN CRANGLE trial.

To assure parties to a sentence defendants to 30 criminal and civil case fair days for each separate bad treatment and due process check. I once consulted with by a competent judge a woman inmate who was trained and admitted to the sentenced to 53 months in practice of law, the Legislaprison for 53 bad checks. ture should amend the law There is a serious questo provide that all criminal tion of whether a criminal defendants and parties to trial before a non-lawyer civil lawsuits involving magistrate violates the $1,000 or more should be defendant’s right to due able to choose a jury trial process of the law. The 1972 and that only lawyer-magKentucky case Diddy v. istrates should preside over Hampton raised the quesall such jury trials. tion but ducked an answer The other major problem by ruling that a trial before with the current magistrate a non-lawyer judge was system is that senators permissible if the convicted control who becomes a defendant on appeal could magistrate in their county obtain a trial de novo as a and, in turn, practice before matter of right. the same magistrates they The California Supreme choose. The favors handed Court ruled in 1974 (Gorout by magistrates to the don v. Justice Court) that lawyer-legislators who sea judge in a criminal case lect them are legendary and

magistrates deal with in their courts.

In addition, the salaries of magistrates should be uniform all over the state.

Currently, judges in urban counties get paid more than those in rural counties.

And the salaries of lawyer-magistrates should be supplemented and increased to attract more lawyers to serve as magistrates.

The state should also assume the financial burden of operating magistrate’s courts from the counties and pay all magistrate courts’ salaries and operating expenses. That would ensure that the quality of magistrate courts is both high and uniform in the state and provide due process and equal protection to all litigants in all 46 counties.

Finally, improvements in magistrate courts would allow magistrates to handle civil cases where the amount in controversy is more than the current $7,500 limit. It could be raised to perhaps $10,000

or $15,000, which would relieve pressure on circuit courts and speed up the resolution of cases.

The authority of magistrate courts could be increased in criminal cases as well by raising the maximum sentence which a magistrate could impose from the current 30 days in jail per violation to six months or a year.

This would speed up the resolution of criminal cases and clear the clogged dockets of the circuit court judges.

John Crangle is a graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law and member of the South Carolina Bar. He was a member of a commission appointed in 1991 that proposed ways to improve the selection of judges.

Approved changes included a ban on sitting legislators voting for themselves for judicial positions and the creation of a Judicial Merit Selection Commission to screen judicial candidates. He also participated in reforming the magistrate system. Changes effective in 1996 included requiring new magistrates to have a four-year college degree and pass a course in the basic laws magistrates enforce.

DeSantis-linked super PAC mocked campaign finance rules on candidate coordination

ever Back Down, the Ron DeSantis super PAC, played an outsized role in the Iowa caucuses campaign of the Florida governor. Its impact on the results, in which DeSantis came in second to former President Donald Trump, will likely remain an open question.

But one thing is sure: It mocked the already weak regulatory framework governing money in campaigns.

A PAC, or political action committee, is a group that is formed to support a candidate by raising and spending money on various activities; it is not supposed to coordinate with the candidate it supports, nor should it be controlled by that candidate.

Super PACs have been a force in caucus politics since 2012. That year featured the first nomination cycle after the U.S. Supreme Court

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too often include delaying criminal and civil cases for years or forever.

The selection of a magistrate should no longer be decided by the local senator in whose legislative district the magistrate holds court.

All magistrate candidates should be screened and cleared by the Judicial Merit Selection Commission just like circuit, family, and appellate court judges.

The governor should then appoint magistrates only from the list of magistrate candidates cleared and forwarded to the governor. The commission may need to be increased in numbers and a separate panel assigned the duty of processing magistrate candidates. Senators should no longer be allowed to select the same magistrates that they practice law before.

Several other reforms would improve the performance of the magistrate judges, including more rigorous and frequent refresher training sessions and more difficult and relevant instruction in the types of laws that

FEBRUARY 1–7, 2024

BARBARA A. TRISH

in the Citizens United decision opened the floodgates for unregulated contributions and spending by outside groups. The only limits currently imposed are that super PACs can’t contribute directly to federal candidates’ campaign funds, and they can’t coordinate with campaigns. Since 2012, super PACs have spent freely on advertising, dominating broadcast airwaves in 2016 and 2020.

In the 2024 Iowa caucuses campaign, the DeSantis-backing super

PAC staked out some new territory by largely funding the candidate’s ground game, recruiting and training organizers in Iowa and sending them out early to engage Iowa Republicans face-to-face.

But the new territory didn’t stop there.

Never Back Down appeared to disregard that ban on coordination with the campaign. Super PACs and campaigns have developed methods to allow them to coordinate while preserving the image of independence. Yet, strangely, Never Back Down and the campaign seemed determined to make their coordination transparent.

The super PAC boldly posted online its memo laying out a proposed strategy for the candidate before the first GOP debate in August. The intent was never perfectly clear, but it succeeded in sending advice to the campaign.

Never Back Down appears to have helped pay for the candidate’s air travel, according to The Washington Post.

The super PAC has recruited donors to contribute directly to the campaign. It sponsored candidate events where it picked up the food tab for registered attendees. The candidate arrived on the bus with the can’t-miss “Never Back Down” slogan plastered on the side. And the super PAC touted that the candidate’s wife went door to door with Never Back Down canvassers.

In December 2023, the Campaign Legal Center, a nonpartisan campaign finance watchdog group, filed a complaint to the Federal Election Commission, charging that the campaign and the super PAC engaged “in an illegal coordination scheme.” A DeSantis spokesman called the charges “baseless.”

This might not be the biggest story to come out of Iowa. But it sends a notable and disturbing message to federal candidates, Democratic and Republican: Don’t let the law stand in your way.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Barbara Trish is the director of the Rosenfield Program in Public Affairs, International Relations, and Human Rights and a professor of political science at Grinnell College in Iowa. She holds a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University. Trish is a generalist in U.S politics, with political parties, electoral politics, and technology frequently at the intersection of her teaching and scholarship.

"Inside the Bubble" (Routledge), which she co-authored with William Menner, looks at the 2020 Iowa Caucus contest, with a special focus on campaign staff.

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

I

Early altruism eventually collides with reality

t is Thursday and I’ve got my coffee — Dunkin' Donuts Original Blend — and the January issue of SC Lawyer. This issue has the usual mix of helpful articles (“A Roadmap of Alimony Calculation in S.C.”) and those that are more selfhelp (“Improving Lawyer Well Being; Let’s Start with Curiosity!”) and those that warn young lawyers not to outsource their patent applications and pleadings to third parties based in Mumbai.

This magazine also carries news of suspensions and death.

Notwithstanding the fact that I feel fine; and marginally honorable; my eyes always scan these death and disciplinary columns thinking I might have overlooked my demise or my disbarment.

This morning we have a couple of articles focused on attorney wellness – articles telling us that lawyers

In this edition of SC Lawyer there is a profile of Mike Ethridge who — after taking a turn at Divinity School — decided he wanted to go to law school “Where I could do a lot of important work for the people who needed it ...”

SCOTT GRABER Although I did not have a calling to the cloth, I did report depression (28%), have similar feelings that opioid abuse (20.6%), and I should help ordinary, suicidal thoughts (11%). All middle-class folks who had of this comes on top of Alex bought a worthless autoMurdaugh’s trial and his mobile or found themselves claim that opioid addiction trapped in a confiscatory was responsible for his mon- contract. This would eventustrous behavior. ally take me to Penn Center I, myself, am passing out and its Black Land Program. of these ranks and into the After three years at Penn, warm, comfortable womb of I found that “poor people’s obscurity, irrelevance and law” was hard, tedious and anonymity that retirement sometimes frustrating. promises. I have sold my Trying to keep a person in office building to my son — possession of her leaking, $1 — and have distributed deferred-maintenance my Southeastern Reporters double-wide; or trying to (law books) to other lawyers. overturn an invalid tax sale Yes, incredibly, there are was not all that glamorous. some attorneys who use If you found yourself in Emily’s Bar after work—lisbooks for their research.

tening to a colleague talk about his latest $1 million dollar personal injury verdict — it was hard to counter that tale with a story about your efforts to straighten out a boundary line on Coosaw Island.

After laboring for some years in these hard-scrabble vineyards I moved into Beaufort and hung a shingle on Carteret Street. Many of my African American clients followed me to this drafty, hard to heat building and kept me warm and well-nourished with nocturnal deliveries of fat-lighter, sweet potatoes and collard greens.

Shortly thereafter Travis Medlock — campaigning for Attorney General — came to Beaufort and following a late evening speech, I offered him our sofa for the night. The next morning our naked, infant son trundled down our stairs and woke Medlock as the sun rose out of the marsh.

After Medlock was elected he put me on a list of lawyers who were employed to defend the State and its governmental subdivisions in personal injury lawsuits.

I found myself representing the City of Beaufort, Town of Hilton Head and SCDOT when those governments were sued for uneven pavers; or faulty traffic signals; or pine trees that suddenly dropped their branches on bicycle-riding tourists.

This was good, go-tocourt work allowing me to go up against some of the best personal injury lawyers in the State.

And yes, that sometimes included the Murdaugh Law Firm in Hampton. The legal fees were modest, but that steady hourly income allowed me to do pro bono work for the clients I had first represented at Penn.

It allowed me to straighten-out titles, to find long lost heirs, to come full circle in my own journey to do

“important work for people who needed it …”

I suspect that many of my colleagues first came to the Bar wanting to “do important work for those who needed it.” But that early altruism eventually collides with the reality that the practice of law has become hugely expensive.

It collides with the need to win (and publish) big verdicts for one’s continued visibility. It collides with the fact that the legal world is corrupted by money — much like medicine — at every level.

Although our Magistrate’s Court serves, defacto, as a small claims court; serious cases require a serious retainer. Notwithstanding these realities there is no prospect that things will change anytime soon.

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

Big Pharma harms South Carolinians with unethical tactics that keep prices high

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Rural citizens who already lack access to healthcare are hit especially hard

e have a rural health problem.

Americans living in rural areas lack sufficient healthcare access and financial security.

Thus, they suffer disproportionately from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, hypertension, obesity, depressive disorder, and many other chronic diseases that affect their quality of life and longevity.

As a result, rural Americans suffer far poorer health outcomes than their urban counterparts.

America’s rural health disparities disproportionately affect South Carolina. Over 30% of South Carolinians live in rural communities, and 6 in 10 South Carolinians suffer from one or more chronic illnesses.

This has dire consequences.

In 2020, cardiovascular disease accounted for 25% of all deaths in South Carolina, the leading cause of death taking more than 15,000 lives. South Carolina’s epidemic of chronic illness holds many of its residents back from living long, healthy, happy lives.

SANDY MCGARRY

Something must be done.

South Carolina’s rural communities have limited access to healthcare, especially prescription drugs.

For instance, South Carolinians often discover that they cannot afford the drugs they need upon arrival at the pharmacy. Medications necessary to treat the ever-prevalent chronic illnesses plaguing South Carolina — like diabetes, cancer, and asthma — can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars per year. Even getting tested for these chronic conditions proves challenging, as the cost of lab work prohibits many South Carolinians from even receiving the proper diagnoses.

The cause of high drug prices can be placed squarely on one thing: Big Pharma.

America’s largest pharmaceutical companies have captured complete market power, unfairly creating an oligopoly with profit margins similar to Gilded Age robber barons.

Even worse, these companies either blame pharmacies and insurance companies or tell the American people that high drug prices are an unchangeable fact of American life. Big Pharma’s deep pockets allow them to spread these fallacies while South Carolinians hand over huge portions of their income just to stay alive.

Rural communities in South Carolina are among the people who are hurt the most.

To keep prices high, Big Pharma exploits legal loopholes to hijack patent and regulation systems.

Whenever a pharmaceutical company develops a new drug, the government grants them a patent, allowing them to enjoy market exclusivity without competition.

This way, companies are incentiv-

ized to fund the development of innovative treatments. However, Big Pharma deploys unethical tactics to prolong their patents and keep less-expensive competitors off the market.

One such tactic is “product hopping,” which entails slightly altering a drug to obtain a new patent and switching patients away from the previous version.

Another tactic is “pay-for-delay,” which entails Big Pharma paying smaller companies to keep their product off the market.

Product hopping and pay-fordelay eliminate competition and hold American patients hostage.

Big Pharma rakes in trillions from working-class Americans just to use that cash to stave off competition and keep prices high.

To top it off, suing Big Pharma for wrongful patent claims can cost millions, so its tactics almost always go unchecked. And the more life-saving a drug, the more they can charge. Thus, Big Pharma enjoys profit margins unrivaled by all other industries.

U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham of

South Carolina has voiced his concerns about Big Pharma’s abuse of the patent system numerous times over the years.

Now, Sen. Graham has the opportunity to prove that South Carolina can stand up against the blatant, unscrupulous, anticompetitive practices of America’s most powerful corporations.

Eliminating Big Pharma’s grip on the market will reduce prices, encouraging patients to go to the doctor, receive proper testing, and manage their health conditions with the necessary prescription medication.

Former state Rep. Sandy McGarry represented Lancaster County during the 2021-2022 legislative session. During her tenure, she was assigned to the House Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee where she worked on legislation related to health care and access.

From 1999-2005, she worked for the North Broward Hospital District in Florida. Living in and representing rural South Carolina, she understands the disparities our rural counties suffer, which are exacerbated by a lack of access to healthcare and prescription drugs.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS Options & References for a Healthier Life

What can cause ear and jaw pain?

Pain in the ear and jaw can range from mild aches to intense pain.

Numerous conditions can cause ear and jaw pain, including mouth or ear infections, joint injuries, and tooth grinding. Treatment can depend on the cause.

It can be difficult for a doctor to diagnose the cause based on symptoms alone, so they will consider risk factors and recent history. For example, a person who has not been to the dentist in many years and has a history of tooth pain may have a cavity.

Problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can cause a wide range of symptoms, including, most prominently, ear and jaw pain.

Some people also get headaches, eye pain, and even sinus pressure.

The sternocleidomastoid is a thick muscle that extends from just under the ear down to the collarbone. Injuries to this muscle can cause jaw and ear pain, as well as sinus pain and eye pressure.

When a person has these symptoms but has no injuries and no other signs of infection—such as a fever or runny nose—an injury to the sternocleidomastoid may be the culprit. A doctor can rule out other causes, such as infections of the middle or inner ear, by carrying out a physical examination.

A tooth abscess can sometimes cause pain that radiates to the ear or jaw. In most cases, a person will also have swelling in the gums or tender spots in and around the teeth. Sometimes, the pain in the teeth disappears and then reappears as pain in the ear or jaw, which may signal that the infection is spreading.

down toward the shoulder and holding it there for a few seconds. Repeat on the other side.

• Stretch the jaw muscles by opening the mouth and jutting out the lower jaw, then holding this position for a few seconds.

Next, try moving the teeth forward and back and from side to side in a circular motion.

An ear infection can cause intense pain in, around, or behind the ear. Sometimes, this pain radiates to the jaw, sinuses, or teeth.

In most cases, viruses or bacteria cause ear infections. Ear infections can also happen when water or other fluids build up in the ear.

A person with an ear infection may have other symptoms, such as fever, congestion, and low energy.

The pain of an ear infection can be intense and may get rapidly worse without treatment. Untreated ear infections can spread to other parts of the body. Some people develop an infection called mastoiditis, which is an infection in the mastoid bone near the ear.

When this happens, a person may

experience swelling close to the ear, hearing problems, or a high fever. Severe cases of mastoiditis can be life threatening and require immediate treatment.

An injury, such as a broken jaw or a strain or sprain in the surrounding muscles, could cause jaw pain that radiates to the ear. If a person notices ear and jaw pain shortly after a fall, a car accident, or a blow to the head, they may have a jaw injury that needs medical treatment.

Grinding the teeth, or bruxism, at night places stress on the muscles of the face, neck, and jaw.

The tension can cause pain in the jaw, in the ears, and on the front or side of the face. Some people may

also damage their teeth, slowly grinding them down or even breaking them.

It is safe to treat ear and jaw pain at home when it is not due to an underlying infection or a serious injury. People can try the following strategies: • Sleep with a mouth guard to prevent tooth grinding.

• Try applying heat or ice to the injury, as this can ease pain and promote healing.

• Gently massage the jaw to reduce muscle tension.

• Take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

• Try stretching the sternocleidomastoid by tilting the ear

If home treatment fails, a person should speak to their healthcare professional.

Bacterial infections almost always require antibiotics. Sometimes, a person needs other medical treatments, particularly in the case of serious infections, such as mastoiditis.

Ear and jaw pain can be extremely unpleasant. Prompt medical treatment can help, even when there is an underlying chronic condition. It is best to see a healthcare professional for ear and jaw pain if: • there are signs of an infection, such as fever or swelling • the pain appears immediately after an injury • the gums are swollen, or the teeth hurt • symptoms do not improve within a few days of home treatment • a doctor prescribes antibiotics or other treatment, but treatment does not help • ear or jaw pain becomes unbearable • a baby or young child with ear and jaw pain does not stop crying Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday. com/articles/ear-and-jaw-pain?

careTALK©

Clearing out digital clutter If your phone is filled with apps, photos, texts and emails, it might be time to do some digital decluttering.

Susan Albers, PsyD, psychologist with Cleveland Clinic explains the benefits.

“Studies show that digital clutter is just as toxic to your mental health as physical clutter. It triggers high levels of stress and anxiety.”

She said our brains tend to favor order over chaos, so when you’re bombarded

by clutter, it can make you feel overwhelmed. It can also make it harder to focus and be productive.

Dr. Albers suggests doing a “digital audit” of your devices and deleting stuff you don’t need – like old emails or text messages.

You could also create folders and rename files so they’re easier to find. Be sure to do this on a regular basis.

That way you’ll start to develop the habit of staying orga-

nized. Plus, it’ll make you feel better too.

“Clearing out your digital clutter can make you feel more in control and empowered. It helps to give you clarity and organization that you need to get things done,” said Dr. Albers.

Not to mention, you’ll free up more storage along the way too.

Source: https://newsroom. clevelandclinic.org/2024/01/24

Is pain or procrastination stopping your workout plan?

Six Tips to Reach Your Goals

A lot of people have made new exercise resolutions to try and stay in shape. But for many people, their resolve to get in shape is an on-going process of “well, maybe tomorrow”.

Once people commit to staying on a fitness plan, it’s important not to push too hard, which could cause pain and injury. Some pain may be manageable, though, and there are ways to address it between workouts in order to stay on track. If you’re one of those with good intentions but poor follow through, there are ways to get back on track.

Here are six tips to help you stick with a workout plan as well as ways to prevent pain from sidelining you:

1. Create an action plan. If you’ve been a consistent couch potato, you might not want to set a goal to run a marathon in just a few weeks. So, create

a sensible action plan that contains the steps you need to reach incremental goals, then bigger ones. Set small goals at first and celebrate your success along the way. This enables you to build confidence and look forward to working out, rather than dreading it and skipping it. Then, as you feel stronger, increase the duration and frequency of your workouts over time.

2. Create a support network.

When you tell your family members, friends, and colleagues about your resolutions, you might find others who have set goals that align with yours.

These are the people who can help hold you accountable and motivate you to succeed.

You might also inspire others through your actions. If you find exercise partners, you’ll reap the benefits of positive social experiences and inspiration.

3. Make small adjustments that add up. Waking up 30 min-

utes early to tackle a workand down stairs, stretching or out is great, but what if that marching in place while you’re doesn’t fit within your busy on the phone. Small changes day? Schedule your workouts lead to big results. like you would schedule meetings and commit to sticking How to address the pain with them. You can fit in mini 4. Massage. From deep tissue work to more gentle techworkouts throughout your day.

These may include walking up niques, massage can help you

relax. Its therapeutic benefits include relaxing muscles and sore tissues as well as easing chronic pain.

5. Physical therapy. You’ll learn how to move and stretch your muscles while working to strengthen your joints gently and effectively. Physical therapy can help the cause of your pain and may include exercises, stretching, or even water therapy that works your muscles in a pool.

6. Hot and cold therapy. Heat from a heating pad, a hot bath, or other source boosts blood flow and allows muscles to relax. Cold from ice or a cold pack slows circulation and reduces swelling, slowing the body’s ability to send pain messages.

“Don’t get discouraged,” physicians and PT professionals say.

“We all have off days. It’s advisable to take days off from working out to rest or heal or if you’re not feeling well. You can emerge refreshed while reaffirming your commitment.”

The content offered in this Care magazine® supplement are here to educate consumers on health care, wellness, lifestyle, and medical issues that may affect their daily lives. Nothing in the content, products or services should be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The articles, references and options contained herein do not constitute the practice of any medical, nursing, or other professional health care advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always talk to your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment, including your specific medical needs. None of the products or services offered through this publication represents or warrants that any particular service or product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. We advise readers to always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions regarding personal health or medical conditions.

—Care magazine® editor, caremagazine@gmail.com

A10

FEBRUARY 1–7, 2024

HEALTH & WELLNESS Options & References for a Healthier Life

S

noring isn’t something to make fun of or ignore anymore!

Those loud gurgling noises we make at night could be the beginning of a serious problem called Sleep Apnea. And Sleep Apnea can be harmful to your overall health if not treated.

Snoring occurs when the air you are trying to breath is vibrating off the tissue located in the back of your throat. The tissue may be swollen or your lower jaw may be falling backwards when you are sleeping causing your tongue to block the air.

What starts out as annoying snoring noise, with some of the air being blocked, can progress to Sleep Apnea where ALL of the air is blocked. When you stop breathing for ten seconds or more, you have had a sleep apneic event. Some patients stop breathing over 30 times per hour and at times for as long as 30 seconds or more. In between keeping your spouse awake, snoring may be causing

Is snoring harmful?

DR. DANA BLALOCK

health concerns and you may not even know it!

Traditionally, men are 7 times as likely to have sleep apnea. However, after menopause, women are just as likely to develop sleep apnea. Body composition and anatomy can definitely make a person more likely to have sleep apnea.

When you stop breathing while you sleep it changes how your body rests. When we sleep we go through different stages of sleep over and over during the night. This can be when your body rests and regulates the hormones that control the health of your body and brain. REM sleep is when your body processes emotions and learning

and when we dream. When you stop breathing at night you don’t get to go through these stages properly because your brain is more worried about starting your breathing again. It can be as if someone is waking you up several times during the night. How can you feel rested when this is happening?

There can be many side effects of poor sleep and sleep apnea. Some are: fatigue and feeling rundown, gaining excess weight or difficulty losing weight, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, clenching or grinding your teeth, morning headaches, difficulty focusing or remembering, and several more. The FIRST STEP should be to discuss this with your physician and they can order a home sleep test for you, or refer you to a sleep specialist.

If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, the treatment will vary depending on how many times per hour you stop breathing or how many times the oxygen in your

“Traditionally, men are 7 times as likely to have sleep apnea.

However, after menopause, women are just as likely to develop sleep apnea. Body composition and anatomy can definitely make a person more likely to have sleep apnea.” blood drops. The CPAP is the gold standard and has helped millions of people. If you have mild to moderate sleep apnea or find that you are unable to tolerate the CPAP then you may be a candidate for an oral appliance. These appliances are worn on your teeth, like a retainer or night guard. It

works by posturing the jaw slightly forward preventing the collapse of the airway.

The side benefit of this oral device is the reduction of snoring.

Since this is a medical condition, most all medical insurance will cover these treatments. For those patients that have Medicare,

and a secondary or supplemental insurance, your out-of-pocket expense is normally zero. For medical insurance, like Blue Cross Blue Shield, your out-ofpocket is normally a 20% coinsurance amount after your deductible has been met. It is very beneficial to work with a dentist that can bill your medical insurance.

In addition to billing for the device, this dentist should be working closely with your sleep physician or internist, to do follow up sleep testing to make sure that the oral device is managing the apnea episodes. Additionally, you want to see someone that is knowledgeable with these oral devices and has studied extensively in this area of dentistry.

Dr. Dana Blalock is a dentist that has limited her practice to Dental Sleep Medicine. She is the owner of Sleep Better South Carolina.

For additional information you can check out her website at www.sleepbettersouthcarolina.com or call the office for a complimentary consultation at 843-494-5004.

Should you close the toilet lid?

Many controlled studies over the years have found there's little doubt particles can be forcefully ejected from a toilet bowl after a flush.

"All that air when you flush goes somewhere, and it carries the viruses that are in the toilet bowl out of it," says Microbiologist Charles Gerba and his research team at the University of Arizona.

Toilet flushes are known to produce aerosols, which could carry pathogenic viruses to various surfaces in the restroom. A new study (Jan. 2024) in the American Journal of Infection Control examines the impact of closing the toilet lid before flushing on the odds of cross-contamination of other surfaces.

In the US, public and private toilets both create high-velocity airflow aerosols that may carry viruses from the water in the toilet bowl to significant heights, facilitating the spread of viruses within the room.

In this study, researchers concluded microscopic viral particles spread to the floor and nearby restroom surfaces when a person flushes the toilet, regardless of whether

the lid is up or down. The only meaningful way to reduce the spread of viral pathogens such as norovirus is to disinfect the toilet, toilet water and nearby surfaces, the study found.

Does it make a difference whether the toilet seat lid is up or down? When the seat lid was down, the main contamination was on the bottom of the toilet seat.

Interestingly, the study found that wall and floor contamination did not change with either lid position, though it was minimal for the former. Paradoxically, the floor to the right and left were less contaminated with the lid up and the wall on the left more.

The same patterns persisted when the toilet bowl was cleaned with a brush, but when an acidic disinfectant was added, the contamination was lessened.

Note the current study looked at small droplet dispersion in aerosols rather than large droplets containing fecal matter. The study results demonstrate that closing the toilet lid prior to flushing does not mitigate the risk of contaminating bathroom surfaces.

Public toilets in the US have no lids; thus, the seats were always highly contaminated after flushing, even at lower levels of virus in the water. Viral particles may be more readily and widely spread via aerosolization than bacteria because of their increased viability and ease of aerosol formation.

The toilet design in the USA contributes to significant contamination of the toilet seat because of the airflow during flushing, over both aspects of the toilet seat and through the 0.5inch gap from seat to toilet rim, towards the floor and walls. To prevent contamination, viruses in the bowl

water can be inactivated or removed by cleaning the bowl with acid-based disinfectant and a bowl brush.

In conclusion, the best practice with infection in the household causing gastric and intestinal upsets might be “twice-daily disinfection of all restroom surfaces following toilet brushing, and/

or use of a disinfectant that leaves residual microbicidal activity.” This is especially important when immunocompromised patients are in contact with the index patient.

It is highly recommended keeping a disinfectant near the toilet as well as disinfectant wipes to clean the toilet handle after use. People should always thoroughly wash their hands and use hand sanitizer, especially if someone in the household is infected with a virus, Gerba said.

Users of public restrooms have less control over how often it is cleaned, but people can still protect themselves with handwashing and hand sanitizer.

In addition to handwashing and cleaning a bathroom regularly with disinfectant, you should put away your toothbrush and cosmetics applied to your face. People also should avoid handling their phones while using the restroom.

References: https://pubmed.ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/29423191/ https://www.ajicjournal.org/ article/S0196-6553(23) 00820-9/

careTALK©

We’ ll get through this together.

People with peanut allergies should consider avoiding ground cumin

By Kristin J. Kelley JWatch.org People with severe allergies to peanuts should be extra cautious not to consume food with cumin powder or ground cumin (e.g., as a spice, or as an ingredient in seasoning mixes). Some products containing cumin have tested positive for undeclared peanut protein.

The FDA recommends that consumers with peanut allergies and their caregivers read ingredient panels when shopping, and call manufacturers to see if products that contain unnamed "spices" have any cumin powder in them.

Consumers with severe peanut allergies and their caregivers should: • Review the list of recalled products and avoid these foods. They include ground cumin, seasoning mixes, and a variety of cooking “kits” which include “Tex-Mex” and Indian dishes.

• When choosing a food, review the ingredients panel. Products, such as soups or chilies that contain only small amounts of the affected ground cumin may not contain enough peanut protein to trigger a reaction in most peanut-allergic people. However, people who are highly sensitive to peanuts may consider avoiding products that list “cumin.”

• Realize that if the ingredients panel lists “spices,” it may or may not contain ground cumin. People who are highly sensitive to peanuts may want to call the manufacturer to find out if the product contains cumin powder.

• Realize that if symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as shortness of breath, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or hives, occur, stop eating the product and seek immediate medical care or advice.

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The Adventure of a Lifetime What if you were called on an amazing journey?

We love great adventure stories.

Often in novels and movies, ordinary people are suddenly called on an unexpected adventure. It is a mission that seems impossible, a mission that beckons them to true greatness. By the end, they have discovered truths and grown in ways that they never could have imagined.

What if we too are called on such an adventure?

We love these kinds of stories because, deep within ourselves, we sense that we are called to something special, something great.

And this isn’t just a daydream; it is reality! God has indeed created us for an amazing adventure, greater than anything Hollywood has ever portrayed.

God calls us on an amazing journey.

God is not an impersonal force or energy, like gravity or electricity.

Rather, he knows us and loves us in a personal way. He created us to enjoy a relationship of love with him, here on earth and one day in heaven. He invites us to share in his own divine life. This is our purpose on earth. This is the answer to the meaning of life. This is the adventure that makes all others seem small in comparison.

Our journeys are unique.

We all share this call from God to journey towards him, but the particular path will be different for each of us. He has a special plan for each of our lives, a plan which calls us to faithfully develop the talents and opportunities we have received. Along our journey, we each have some special work that God has intended for us to do, tasks that he has not intended for anyone else.

Reasons for Joy Message 3 of 8

Our adventure with God enriches all areas of our lives.

Jesus taught, “Love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, mind, and soul.” (Matthew 22:37) As our love for God grows, he starts to slowly change our hearts, and our love for those around us also grows. We become better spouses, better parents, better friends. We become more fruitful employees and more engaged citizens. Rather than weighing us down or holding us back, our relationship with God allows us to live life to the fullest.

Accepting God’s call brings joy.

Like the heroes in the stories, we have to take that first step and embark on the adventure. It will not be easy; there will be hardships and trials, obstacles and foes.

But there is a deep peace and joy that comes from accepting God’s call and beginning to journey with our Christian brothers and sisters on this most amazing adventure.

Next Week What If God Was One of Us? 70 Lady’s Island Drive, Beaufort • 843-522-9555 • www.stpetersbeaufort.org • office@stpetersbeaufort.org

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SPORTS&RECREATION

FEBRUARY 1–7, 2024

THE HARD WORK OF ALL ATHLETES DESERVES RECOGNITION

B1

WRESTLING ROUNDUP

Bucs claim region crown; Creek comes up short

LowcoSports.com Bridges Prep’s burgeoning wrestling program notched another first last week, sweeping Blackville-Hilda, Whale Branch, and host Bamberg-Ehrhardt in what served as a de facto Region 6-1A championship Wednesday night.

After blowing out Blackville-Hilda and holding off an improving Whale Branch squad, the

Buccaneers won a tough matchup with the Red Raiders, clinching the 47-30 victory when 106-pounder Dayton Yancovich fought off his back and erased an 11-point deficit with a late pin to finish 3-0 on the night.

Bridges Prep and Whale Branch await their playoff seeding and will open the Class 2A/1A dual playoffs Saturday.

Iron Horses win Region 8-3A duals

Momentum swings play a pivotal role in wrestling duals, and Philip Simmons rode the wave to a 5230 win over host Battery Creek in the matchup that decided the Region 8-3A duals title Wednesday.

SEE CROWN PAGE B2

John Paul II’s Jude Witkowski won both his matches by pin in Saturday’s Warrior Duals. Submitted photo.

USC Beaufort’s Larry Bulluck manages to make a basket despite the defensive pressure from USC Aiken’s Rhyion Blackwell during their NCAA Division II Peach Belt Conference game Wednesday, Jan. 24, at USCB. The Pacers narrowly defeated the Sand Sharks, 83-80, in overtime.

Bob Sofaly/The Island News

With just 23 seconds left to play in the fourth quarter, Battery Creek’s Makayla Wilson goes up over the top of Beaufort’s Davariyah Smith to ties the game at 34 on Friday, Jan. 26, at Battery Creek. Despite Wilson’s efforts, The Lady Eagles eventually won the game 35-34, improving their record to 6-13 overall and 3-3 in Region 8-3A. The Lady Dolphins droped to 3-12 overall and 1-4 in region play. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

Eagles sweep season series from Creek

LowcoSports.com The result in the Palace was the same as the result in the Nest — Beaufort High officially has bragging rights over crosstown rival Battery Creek.

The Eagles finished off a season sweep of the Dolphins on the road Friday, as sophomore Carson Crosby sank the game-winning free throw in a 35-34 win for Beaufort’s girls before A.J. Newton powered the Eagles to a 51-41 win in a gritty boys game.

Crosby had a stellar night with 13

points, 13 rebounds, and five steals, and she capped it with a go-ahead free throw with 13 seconds left before Beaufort denied Creek a good look at a buzzer-beater. Freshman Faith Owens added six points and nine rebounds for the Eagles (6-13, 3-3), who solidified their hold on third place in Region 8-3A with two games to play.

Beaufort’s boys are also locked into third after grinding out a tough road win in a defensive struggle.

Newton had a monster game with 17 points and 13 rebounds to lead the

way, while Samari Bonds was limited to eight points but collected six rebounds and seven assists. Guerin Willis pulled down 13 boards, including five of the Eagles’ 17 offensive rebounds.

Alizjah Mathis scored 14 points to lead the Dolphins, who struggled to 21 percent from the floor including 4-for-22 from 3-point range.

Creek (9-10, 1-4) earned its first region win Tuesday, winning 66-47 at Hanahan to buoy the Dolphins’ playoff hopes.

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Upset bid falls short, USCB men fall flat

By Brackin Lambert uscbathletics.com BLUFFTON — USCB men's basketball has shown that it has the flair for the dramatic during its inaugural season, and it was no different Wednesday night inside The Cove, as the Sand Sharks fought to the final seconds against rival USC Aiken, but the eighth-ranked Pacers escaped the Lowcountry with an 83-80 overtime victory.

"We were right there and had a chance," head coach Ron Fudala said. "I just feel for our guys right now, they played their butts off tonight. They are buying in and listening to what we're doing here. We're going to do good things here and tonight's game proves that."

Larry Bulluck led the way for five Sand Sharks in double-fig-

SEE FLAT PAGE B2

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SPORTS

Dixie Baseball WS coming back to Beaufort LowcoSports.com When the Dixie Boys World Series was last played in Beaufort County in 2017, the home team kept the hardware. A group of Lowco all-stars will get a chance to repeat the feat this summer at Burton Wells Recreation Complex.

The county announced Burton Wells will be the site of the Dixie Boys (14U) and Junior Boys (13U) World Series tournaments from July 26 through 31. The event brings together the state champions from 11 states — Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia — to compete in a doubleelimination tournament.

In 2017, a Beaufort County team coached by Rex Smith and Brian Laing claimed the championship at Oscar Frazier Park in Bluffton.

Sand Shark women break through

By Brackin Lambert uscbathletics.com BLUFFTON — It took an extra five minutes of game time and a comeback from down five midway through the overtime period, but USCB women's basketball picked up its first Peach Belt Conference victory over rival USC Aiken, 7573, on Wednesday night in front of a packed house at The Cove.

"I'm so proud," Coach Sharon Versyp said. "The amount of resilience this team had, going into overtime, being down by five, and being able to come back. They've just worked so hard. They stepped up and this is going to build our confidence moving forward."

Four Sand Sharks posted double-figure scoring efforts, led by Mahkayla Premo's 18 points and seven rebounds. Janiyah Heyward was one rebound shy of a dou-

ble-double, as she scored 17 points with nine boards, while Taniyah Bowman continued her strong play with 11 points and Madison Self had her best game of the season, adding 10 points and adding six rebounds.

The Pacers led 37-35 at halftime, but Beaufort opened the second half on a 6-0 run thanks to Self's 3-pointer and Heyward's drive to the basket. Premo's scored with 2:37 to go made it an eight-point game, but USC Aiken continued fighting back and was down two heading into the final quarter.

A Marta Rivera layup tied the game at 52, but Premo drove through the Pacers defense to retake the lead. The game remained tied through the final minutes, and the Sand Sharks had a chance to win in it on the final possession, but a jump ball was called and

USCB went to OT for the first time this year.

Aiken jumped out to a five-point lead, but USCB clawed right back to tie it at 67 and Bowman drove to the basket and was fouled while hitting the floater to give the Sand Sharks a three-point lead.

The defense stepped up in the final minutes, and Arie’a Garrett produced a huge block before Bowman iced the game at the line for Beaufort, giving the Sand Sharks their first conference win in program history.

USCB couldn’t keep the momentum going Saturday at Flagler, falling, 70-59, despite 18 points from Premo, 14 from Bowman, and 12 from Heyward. The Sand Sharks (511, 1-7 PBC) have two home games this week, hosting Columbus State on Wednesday and Clayton State on Saturday.

Sharon Versyp, head women’s basketball coach for the USC Beaufort Lady Sand Sharks, gives her team a pep talk Wednesday night. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

Little Eagles cheer on big Eagles

Flat

from page B1 ures, posting a team-high 18 points. Marcus Overstreet put a stellar 15 points and 15 rebounds while Qurahn Anderson scored 14 points and Kevaughn Price netted 12 points with seven boards.

Shea Champine added 10.

The Sand Sharks had a chance to win it in regulation when Overstreet drove to the basket and drew a foul as the clock winded down, but the ball rattled the rim before failing to fall and two foul shots were off the mark.

Heading into overtime, the Sand Sharks quickly jumped ahead, and the Pacers missed three of four from the charity stripe, but Tyler Johnson put Aiken up 77-75 with a 3-point play and the Pacers escaped with an 83-80 win.

The Sand Sharks struggled on the road Saturday at Flagler, though, shooting 5-for-33 from 3-point range in a 97-68 defeat.

USCB (9-7, 2-6 Peach Belt) returns home to The Cove for home games against Columbus State on Wednesday and Clayton State on Saturday.

About a dozen Beaufort Academy Little Eagles cheerleaders took to the floor to show their support between the BA varsity boys and girls basketball games Tuesday at the school’s gym. The squad, comprised of girls in Kindergarten through Second Grade, haven’t had any official practice. Rather, they watch the varsity cheerleaders, duplicate what they’ve seen and get a few pointers from the older girls according to Hope Aughtman, one of the squad’s coaches. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

BASKETBALL ROUNDUPS HS GIRLS HOOPS SCORES TUESDAY, JAN. 23

Battery Creek 59, North Charleston 53 Philip Simmons 47, Beaufort 16

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 24

Beaufort Academy’s Kamirah Freeman scores two of her game-high 18 points against John Paul II Catholic School defense Tuesday night at BA. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

Bethune-Bowman 49, Bridges Prep 17 Allendale-Fairfax 34, Whale Branch 22 John Paul II 62, Charleston Collegiate 21

Crown

B2

FEBRUARY 1–7, 2024

MONDAY, JAN. 29

Bamberg-Ehrhardt 41, Whale Branch 27

John Paul II’s Jack Hannagan won both his matches by pin in Saturday’s Warrior Duals. Submitted photo.

Jimenez, and Renzo Cedeno all earned pins against Northwood, with Witkowski avenging an early-season loss with a quick first-period pin in a pivotal swing match.

Witkowski, Orta, Hannagan, Horton, Jimenez, and Gavin Byrne all won by pin in the Golden Warriors’ second dual.

JPII hosts the first two rounds of the SCISA dual playoffs Wednesday, facing the Patrick Henry-Heathwood Hall winner in Round 2.

JPII earns home playoff match

WB, LIMS girls earn hardware

from page B1 The Iron Horses won three matches by pin that appeared to be toss-ups, swinging the result in their favor in the decisive dual after Philip Simmons and Battery Creek dispatched Beaufort High, Hanahan, and North Charleston.

The Dolphins and Eagles both qualified for the Class 3A playoffs and will open on the road Saturday. Battery Creek will travel to Gilbert and face Georgetown in the first round with a matchup with the host Indians likely in Round 2. Beaufort will face Loris in its opener in hopes of advancing to a likely matchup with host Lake City in Round 2.

FRIDAY, JAN. 26

Beaufort 35, Battery Creek 34 Bamberg-Ehrhardt 77, Bridges Prep 28 Bethune-Bowman 33, Whale Branch 29 HHCA 69, John Paul II 50 Colleton Prep 52, Beaufort Academy 33

John Paul II went 2-0 at its Warrior Duals on Saturday, beating Northwood Academy 54-28 to lock in the No. 3 seed in the SCISA

playoffs and dousing a combined squad from Thomas Heyward, Colleton Prep, and Patrick Henry 56-21.

Bailey Homer, Jude Witkowski, Brian Orta, Jack Hannagan, Matei Porcelli, Brandyn Horton, Javier

TUESDAY, JAN. 30

John Paul II 75, Charleston Collegiate 52

HS BOYS HOOPS SCORES TUESDAY, JAN. 23

Beaufort 51, Battery Creek 41 Bamberg-Ehrhardt 60, Bridges Prep 45 Whale Branch 43, Bethune-Bowman 40 HHCA 56, John Paul II 49 Beaufort Academy 81, Colleton Prep 34

John Paul II 80, Beaufort Academy 28

Battery Creek at North Charleston Philip Simmons 59, Beaufort 58

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 24

Bridges Prep 54, Bethune-Bowman 51 Allendale-Fairfax at Whale Branch

qualifier, and two Lady’s Island Middle School wrestlers claimed medals at the Carolina Invitational middle school girls state championship on Saturday.

Whale Branch’s Giannina Rosario (112) and Marry Black (127) each placed fourth in their weight classes at the Lower State qualifier at South Florence High School, earning berths in the state tournament.

Lady’s Island’s Kamryn Fields was the runner-up in the 185-pound weight class at the middle school championships, while teammate Alanna O’Quinn finished fourth at 152.

Two Whale Branch wrestlers advancing to the WEDNESDAY, JAN. 24 SCHSL girls state tourRegion 8-3A Duals nament with fourth-place at Battery Creek finishes at the Lower State Battery Creek 54,

FRIDAY, JAN. 26

MONDAY, JAN. 29

Bamberg-Ehrhardt 61, Whale Branch 57

Beaufort 24 Battery Creek 66, Hanahan 12 Philip Simmons 51, Beaufort 27 Philip Simmons 52, Battery Creek 30 Hanahan 42, Beaufort 36 THURSDAY, JAN. 25 Region 7-1A Duals at Bamberg-Ehrhardt Bridges Prep 66, Blackville-Hilda 15 Bridges Prep 55, Whale Branch 24 Bridges Prep 47, Bamberg-Ehrhardt 30 SATURDAY, JAN. 27 John Paul II 54, Northwood Academy 28 John Paul II 56, CPA/THA/PHA 21

ARTS

A look at one of the artists of Chalk It Up!

From staff reports Chalk Artist extraordinaire Lisa Gaither will be demonstrating her street painting skills at Beaufort’s Chalk It Up! festival in March.

Hailing from Raleigh, N.C., Gaither travels throughout the country participating in chalk/ street painting festivals and creating art for everyone to enjoy. But this will be her first visit to historic Beaufort, where she is looking forward to spending the weekend creating art and connecting with the community.

“I love the large scale of chalk art,” Gaither said. “I love that they are ephemeral. I especially love the interaction with the public, sharing art with them and

making it fun!”

Gaither is a big fan of public art and was immediately hooked on the challenge of creating large pastel illustrations on street pavement when she stumbled upon a street painting festival 10 years ago.

“I didn’t know it was a thing, and I was addicted from the start,” she said.

“It’s a challenge and it’s a good way to get outside.”

Her three-dimensional street paintings, known for their anamorphic perspective, are always a popular attraction.

Organized by the Freedman Arts District, the Chalk It Up! Festival combines community engagement and art appreciation into one free fun-filled

USCB brings Septima to Center For The Arts

weekend, March 23-24, and will feature local chalk artists as well as those, like Gaither, who are traveling from other parts of the country just to be part of Beaufort’s festival.

Artists (18 or older) interested in participating should complete the online application at www.FreedmanArtsDistrict.org. The number of artist slots is limited, so interested artists are encouraged to submit their application soon.

Artist participation is free, and no street painting experience is required for Lisa Gaither’s three-dimensional street paintings, known for emerging artists. The Artist their anamorphic perspective, are always a popular attraction.

Application and a full set of guidelines can be found Submitted photo on www.FreedmanArtsDisawards ceremony on Sun- ed – First Place $500; Sectrict.org.

The Chalk It Up! festi- day, March 24 at 5 p.m. ond Place $300; People’s val will conclude with an Three prizes will be award- Choice $200.

Books Sandwiched In series continues at USCB CFA

From staff reports The 2024 Books Sandwiched In Series, presented by Friends of the Beaufort Library, continues Monday, Feb. 5 from noon to 1 p.m. at the at the USC Beaufort Center for the Arts. The series runs through Wednesday, March 11.

Each week a community leader will discuss a book that has had an impact on them, followed by a rich discussion and a question-and-answer session about the book.

Here is the remaining schedule: February 5 – Grace Cordial, responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Beaufort District Collection, the special collections library and archives unit of the Beaufort County Library presents Hurricane Jim Crow by Dr. Caroline Grego.

This narrative history of the deadly natural disaster of 1893 uncovers how Black workers and politicians, white landowners and former enslavers, northern interlocutors and humanitarians all met on the flooded ground of the coast and fought to realize very different visions for

the region's future.

February 12 – Kristin Williams, Executive Director at the Open Land Trust and previously Executive Director of Friends of the Environment, a conservation organization situated in Abaco, Bahamas where she is from, presents Wind From The Carolinas by Robert Wilder. This is a novel of an aristocratic Tory clan who fled the South in the wake of the American Revolution to rebuild their baronial plantations and recapture their lost fortune in the turbulent, windswept

Bahamas Islands.

February 19 – Barney Forsythe, Ph.D., Brig. Gen., U.S. Army (retired), with extensive experience in leadership development and education, presents Robert E. Lee and Me by Ty Seidule. In a unique blend of history and reflection, Seidule deconstructs the truth about the Confederacy and challenges the myths and lies of the Confederate legacy.

February 26 – Marie Gibbs, Ph.D., a retired educator who has spent more than 34 years teaching the children of St. Helena Island and Beaufort County and manager of the Penn Center Museum, presents Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco. A first for Books Sandwiched In, this children’s book is a real-life, classic story of a dyslexic girl and the teacher who would not let her fail.

March 4 – Brian Canada, Ph.D., Professor of Computational Science and Chair of the Department of Computer Science & Mathematics at USCB, presents 88 Names by

Matt Ruff. This novel is a thrilling and immersive virtual reality epic – part cyberthriller, part twisted romantic comedy – that transports you to a world where identity is fluid and nothing can be taken at face value.

March 13 – Bill Love, Executive Director of Beaufort County Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (DSN) and previous Deputy Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections presents Until We Reckon by Danielle Sered. Critically, Sered argues that the reckoning owed is not only on the part of those who have committed violence, but also by our nation's over-reliance on incarceration to produce safety – at great cost to communities, survivors, racial equity, and the very fabric of our democracy.

This series is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served.

To learn more visit us at https:// bit.ly/3O5gFkL.

From staff reports The USC Beaufort Center For The Arts presents Septima, a new play by Patricia Williams Dockery about the mother of the American Septima Civil Rights Clark Move m e n t for two performances – 7:30 p.m., Friday, March 9 and 3 p.m., Sunday, March 11.

In partnership with PURE Theatre, League of Women Voters Charleston Area (LWVCA) commissioned a play about the life of civil rights and voting rights activist, teacher, and LWVCA member Septima Clark.

PURE Theatre produced the play, which premiered in Charleston on March 9, 2023, and ran through April 1, 2023.

The play is set on the day of what would have been Septima Clark’s 125th birthday. As the City of Charleston prepares to celebrate, Septima, with the help of some old friends, reflects not only on her work as a Civil Rights leader and educator, but the moments of her life that shaped her into one of the most important figures in American history, and inspired Martin Luther King, Jr. to name her the “Mother of the Civil Rights Movement.”

Tickets are $30 for adults, $10 for students and $25 for senior citizens or members of the military To purchase tickets, go to https://bit. ly/3UiXUy0.

WANT TO GO? What: Septima – A play about the mother of the American Civil Rights Movement.

When: 7:30 p.m., Friday, March 9 or 3 p.m., Sunday, March 11.

Where: USC Beaufort Center For The Arts, 805 Cartaret Street, Beaufort.

Tickets: $30 for adults, $10 for students and $25 for senior citizens or members of the military To purchase tickets, go to https://bit. ly/3UiXUy0.

Application period for fellowships, student awards for fiction, poetry are open

From staff reports The S.C. Academy of Authors announces the 2024 Elizabeth Boatwright Coker Fellowships and Student Awards in Fiction and Poetry.

Fellowship prizes worth $1,250 and $250 in student prizes are being awarded. Entrants

may submit up to 15 pages of fiction (single story or novel excerpt) or up to five unpublished poems totaling no more than 10 pages.

Submission and eligibilty details are available at https://bit.ly/49gDREA. Be sure to click on the appropriate SC Academy of Authors link. There is a $20 entry

fee for the fellowships, while submissions for the student awards are free. Submission deadline is Thursday, Feb. 29.

The fiction judge is Valerie Sayers, author of six novels, including The Powers (2013), Brain Fever (1996), and Who Do You Love (1991).

A native of Beaufort, she now lives in South

Bend, Ind. Judging the poetry will be Ashley Mace Havrid, author of Wild Juice (2021) and The Garden of the Fugitives (2014). The winner of the X.J. Kennedy Prize, she is a S.C. native and former Caddo Parish poet laureate.

For more information about the fellowships or awards, visit https://bit.ly/3UiSFOQ.

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FEBRUARY 1–7, 2024

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EDUCATION

BCSD seeks calendar input for next two school years

From staff reports The Beaufort County School District (BCSD) is asking for public input on upcoming academic calendar options for both the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years.

“We recognize that the district calendar impacts many key stakeholders, to include educators, students, families, businesses, and community members,” Superintendent Dr. Frank Rodriguez said in a news release. “This year, we plan on releasing two

years’ worth of calendars, instead of just one, so families, educators, and the community can plan ahead accordingly.”

The 20242025 and 2025-2026 academic calendar options being put forth for public input have been developed based on

initial holistic input that the Instructional Services Department received from educators and SIC chairs (which includes parents). As the next step in the process, all Beaufort County citizens are welcome to submit their feedback via the district’s

website at https://bit.ly/4biDz1I

by Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024.

“After receiving essential initial feedback that contributed to the current options put forth for public review that align with SC State law, we look forward to receiving input from all of our stakeholders before a final recommendation is made to the Board of Education in February,” Chief Instructional Officer Mary Stratos, Ph.D., said. “Many educators we spoke with expressed the need for an even 90/90 split

for each semester before and after the winter break that would allow for an equal amount of instructional days for our classes, especially at the high school level, which is a key reason for the modified options put forth this year.”

Although a full year-round option is not under consideration, modified options that still include several weeks of summer break are, as well as a more traditional option for 2024-2025 to serve as a transition period.

BCSD holding recruitment events

From staff reports Beaufort County School District (BCSD) principals, curriculum coordinators, and lead teachers will be uniting for three recruiting events to interview candidates for classroom teaching jobs: Special Education Hiring Event (in-person) 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024 (registration deadline is Thursday, Feb. 1) Beaufort County School District Educational Services Center

2900 Mink Point Blvd., Beaufort Virtual Hiring Event (all disciplines) 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. via Zoom, Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2024 (registration deadline is

EDUCATION BRIEFS

Riverview continues search for new Director

The Board of Riverview Charter School has announced it has officially resumed the search for a new Director.

The job posting can be found on the RCS website at RiverviewCharterSchool.org/ director, as well as across appropriate job boards and social media platforms. The sharing of this posting is encouraged.

Here is a breakdown of the proposed timeline for hiring a director: January 25 – Job posting went live; March 1 – Final day to submit applications; March 15 – First round of interviews completed; April 1 – Second round of interviews completed; April 22 – Finalists invited to campus; April 30 – New Director announced; July 1 – New Director assumes role.

Contact the Board Chair at kimberly. dudas@riverviewcharterschool.org for any questions.

Beaufort’s Harrington graduates from Alabama

Savannah Harrington of Beaufort (29902) received a Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Alabam. UA awarded more than 2,000 degrees during its fall commencement ceremonies.

A recent economic analysis found that a degree from The University of Alabama can pay more over time than investments in United States stock market indexes.

The University provides numerous opportunities for service and growth to help prepare future generations through its educational, cultural and social experiences.

With a global reputation for excellence, UA provides an inclusive, forward-thinking environment and nearly 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus. A leader in cutting-edge research, UA advances discovery, creative inquiry and knowledge through more than 30 research centers.

College of Charleston announces President's List, Dean's List for Fall 2013

College of Charleston congratulates more than 3,500 students who were named to the President's List and the Dean's List for Fall 2023, including 30 from the Beaufort area.

Beaufort’s President’s and Dean’s List students include: • Jacob Rye (29906), President's List

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FEBRUARY 1–7, 2024

Monday, Feb. 19) 12 H.E. McCracken Hiring Event Circle, Bluffton (in-person, all disciplines) Saturday, March 2, 2024 Beaufort County School (registration deadline is District boasts the highest Monday, Feb. 26) starting teacher salary in Bluffton High School the state of South Carolina.

(Highly Distinguished), Theatre.

• Frederick Scheper (29907), President's List (Highly Distinguished), Marine Biology.

• Emily Bennett (29907), President's List (Highly Distinguished), Studio Art. • Margaret Armes (29906), President's List (Highly Distinguished), Biochemistry and Chemistry.

• Tyler Mcguire (29907), President's List (Highly Distinguished), Computer Science.

• Cole Smith (29907), President's List (Highly Distinguished), International Studies.

• Cadence Gillaspie (29906), President's List (Highly Distinguished), Political Science and Public Health.

• Charlotte Vyge (29907), President's List (Highly Distinguished), Undecided.

• Ella Wedgewood (29907), President's List (Highly Distinguished), English.

• Paige Mcdougall (29902), President's List (Highly Distinguished), Psychology.

• Kathryn Bendle (29907), President's List (Highly Distinguished), Undecided.

• Catherine Cozad (29902), President's List (Highly Distinguished), Communication.

• Julye Scheper (29907), President's List (Highly Distinguished), Biology.

• Lydia Mahan (29902), President's List (Highly Distinguished), Spanish and Psychology.

• Addison MacPhee (29907), President's List (Highly Distinguished), Computer Science.

• Charles Jindrich (29907), President's List (Highly Distinguished), Electrical Engineering.

• Emily Stacks (29906), President's List (Highly Distinguished), International Studies and Spanish.

• Shannon Smith (29907), President's List (Highly Distinguished), Exercise Science.

• Eva Frost of Fripp Island (29920), President's List (Highly Distinguished), Business Administration.

• Zelie Plair (29907), Dean's List (Distinguished), Psychology.

• Rainee Kearney (29907), Dean's List (Distinguished), Professional Studies.

• Ava Ratcliff (29902), Dean's List (Distinguished), English.

• Anna Wolfe-Gay (29907), Dean's List (Distinguished), Biology and Public Health.

• Hannah Fennell (29907), Dean's List (Distinguished), Biology.

• Catherine Webb (29907), Dean's List (Distinguished), Integrated Studies.

• Philip Henshaw (29907), Dean's List (Distinguished), Exercise Science.

• Isabel Vega (29907), Dean's List (Distinguished), Political Science.

• Lillian Kindwall (29907), Dean's List

About 75 applicants have already pre-registered to meet with school leaders about classroom teaching opportunities for the 202425 school year.

“These events are helpful to our schools and also to prospective teachers,” BCSD Talent Acquisition Specialist Monique Brown, Ph.D., said in a news release. “Schools can interview professionals who might be good fits for their students, and prospective teachers can find the best fits for their talents and interests.

And, all of this happens in the

(Distinguished), Urban Studies.

• Alex Barradas Perez (29906), Dean's List (Distinguished), German Studies and Electrical Engineering.

• Abigail Lute of Southaven (38672), Dean's List (Distinguished)., Arts Management.

To qualify for the President's List (Highly Distinguished), students must earn a GPA of 3.800 or higher and complete a minimum of 12 semester hours. To qualify for Dean's List (Distinguished), students must earn a GPA of 3.500 or higher and complete a minimum of 12 semester hours.

The College of Charleston is a public liberal arts and sciences university located in the heart of historic Charleston, S.C. Founded in 1770, the College is among the nation's top universities for quality education, student life and affordability.

3 Beaufort students named to Alabama’s Fall 2023 Dean’s List

Three Beaufort students enrolled during Fall Semester 2023 at The University of Alabama were named to the dean's list with an academic record of 3.5 (or above) or the president's list with an academic record of 4.0 (all A's).

The Beaufort students include Savannah Harrington (29902), Alexandra Lee (29906) and Lexi Sligh (29906). The UA dean's and president's lists recognize fulltime undergraduate students. The lists do not apply to graduate students or undergraduate students who take less than a full course load.

Two from area make The Citadel’s Fall 2023 President’s List

The President's List is one of the most distinguished cadet awards presented by The Citadel. It indicates excellence in academics and military duties. The list is a combination of the Dean's List and the Commandant's Distinguished List and is composed of cadets who contribute the most to their companies while maintaining excellent military and academic records.

Mark Burton of Sheldon and Elliott Ruoff of Beaufort earned the honor this for the Fall of 2023.

17 from Beaufort area named to The Citadel's Fall 2023 Dean's List

The dean's list is a recognition given to cadets and students who are registered for 12 or more semester hours and whose grade point average is 3.20 or higher, with no grade of I (Incomplete) and no grade below C for work in a semester.

The following Beaufort-area students were named to fall 2023 dean's list: Alma Orozco-Rico, Elliott Ruoff, Henry Man-

same place, at the same time.”

Brown said prospective educators who aren’t able to attend these events can complete an online application to be considered for employment. Interested persons should visit the school district’s website (beaufortschools.net) and click on the orange “CAREERS” icon.

For more information about district recruiting events, please visit https:// www.beaufortschools.net/ careers/recruiting-events or email bcsdrecruiters@beaufort.k12.sc.us.

ley, Thomas Purdy, Paul Scarpa, Caleb Stone, Tyler Reichel, Brock Durham, Justin Spencer, Ryan Brozek, Joseph Combs, Theeb Bayyoud, Matthew Polk, Clayton Vande Burgt, John Sumner IV, Justin Ambrose, Stuart Barickman, Mark Burton (Sheldon), Janeya Cox (Seabrook) and Itzel Volino.

The Citadel, with its iconic campus located in Charleston, offers a classic military college education for young men and women focused on leadership excellence and academic distinction. The approximately 2,300 members of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets are not required to serve in the military, but about one-third of each class earn commissions to become officers in every branch of U.S. military service.

11 area students receive gold stars from The Citadel

Gold stars were awarded to cadets and students at The Citadel who achieved a 3.7 grade point average or higher in the fall 2023 semester. Cadets and students who achieve gold star recognition are also placed on The Citadel's dean's list.

The following local students were awarded gold stars for fall 2023 at The Citadel: Mark Burton of Sheldon; Henry Manley of Beaufort; Alma Orozco-Rico of Beaufort; Elliott Ruoff of Beaufort; Ryan Brozek of Beaufort; Clayton Vande Burgt of Beaufort; Joseph Combs of Beaufort; Brock Durham of Beaufort; Caleb Stone of Beaufort; Paul Scarpa of Beaufort; and Stuart Barickman of Beaufort.

Pino, Coates named to SUNY Morrisville Dean's List

SUNY Morrisville recently announced that two students from Beaufort – Kevin Pino and Rowan Coates – have been named to the Dean's List for the Fall 2023 semester.

To be named to the Dean's List, a student must achieve a 3.0 to 3.99 grade-point average for the semester and complete 12 credit hours.

An action-oriented, interactive learning lab, SUNY Morrisville is a national leader in technology and has been lauded for its exemplary, innovative and effective community service programs.

Steffner makes Dean’s List at MTSU

Fripp Island’s Caroline Steffner was named to Middle Tennessee State University's Dean's List for the fall 2023 semester.

Steffner is majoring in Tourism & Hospitality Management.

To qualify for this distinction, an undergraduate student must maintain a current semester grade-point average of 3.5 or above and earn at least 12 semester hours.

– Compiled from staff reports

WHAT’S HAPPENING CALENDAR

Teddy Bear Picnic Read-Aloud 9 a.m. to noon, 1st Saturday each Karaoke with Melissa month, Port Royal Farmer’s Market, 8 p.m. to midnight, Tuesdays, HighCorner of Ribaut Road & Pinckney Blvd, way 21 Bar, 3436 Trask Pkwy, Beaufort.

Port Royal. Free. DAYLO Students and Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke other volunteers will read to young chilwith Melissa. dren, who are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animals.

The Beaufort Shag Club 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesdays, AmVets Karaoke with Melissa Club, 1831 Ribaut Road Port Royal. We 8 p.m. to 12 a.m., 2nd and 4th Saturalso host a Saturday evening dance the days of every month, Peaceful Henry’s second Saturday of each month from Cigar Bar, 181 Bluffton Rd, Bluffton. En7 to 10 p.m. Interested in learning the joy food and drinks during Karaoke with Shag dance? Free lessons for members Melissa. beginning in September through June.

Visit our Facebook page; The Beaufort HEALTH AND WELLNESS Shag Club.

Yoga 101 Workshop Part II Karaoke with Melissa 1 to 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 3, Celadon 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Health & Wellness Club, 61 Celadon Beaufort Moose Lodge, 350 Broad Drive, Beaufort. Cost is $45 for memRiver Blvd, Beaufort. Enjoy food and bers, $50 for nonmembers. Beginner’s drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.

Yoga workshop teaching class structure, technique and modifications to Trivia with Mike – Fat Patties help anyone feel comfortable entering a 7:30 p.m., Every Wednesday, Fat Pat- yoga class. For more, call 843-379-1088. ties, 831 Parris Island Gateway, Beaufort. Free. Team trivia event, win house Yoga for Sleep Workshop cash prizes! For more information, visit 5 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 8, Cehttps://rb.gy/o9nhwe. ladon Health & Wellness Club, 61 Celadon Drive, Beaufort. Cost is $45 for Eric’s Karaoke Krew members, $50 games for non-member.

9:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Rosie Join Celadon’s own Jo Heckert to learn O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite how Yoga can support and improve our 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke with quality of sleep. Open to all levels. Call either Parker or Eric.

843-379-1088.

Trivia with Mike – 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.

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.

Eric’s Karaoke Krew 7 p.m., Thursdays, Amvets Post 70, 1831 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Free.

Public is welcome. Enjoy Karaoke. Din- New Moon Sound Bath ner will be available.

5:30 to 6:45 p.m., Friday, February 9, Celadon Health & Wellness Club, 61 CelBluffton Night Bazaar — adon Drive, Beaufort. Cost is $33 for all. a Lowcountry Made Market Chandra Bergmann of Alchemy hosts 5 to 8 p.m., first Thursday of each monthly Sound Baths. Holistic healing month, Burnt Church Distillery, 120 modality. Call 843-379-1088.

Bluffton Road. A highly curated selection of accessories, clothing, home Wellness Happy Hour goods, custom gifts and more by local with Well House Juice artists and makers.

5 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 15, Celadon Health & Wellness Club, 61 Celadon TECHconnect Drive, Beaufort. Complimentary event, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., 3rd Thursday of open to all. Learn about the benefits of each month, Beaufort Digital Corridor, adding cold-pressed juice to your well500 Carteret Street, Suite D, Beaufort. ness routine with Beaufort’s local juicery, Free. The BDC's signature happy hour Well House Juice. Call 843-379-1088. “meetup” networking event for tech professionals. Connect with like-mind- President’s Day Storytime ed people, fellow entrepreneurs, start- & Craft with Sally Sue Lavigne ups and VCs over local food and cold of The Story Book Shoppe beverages. Call 843-470-3506 or visit 10 to 11 a.m., Friday, Feb. 19, Celadon https://rb.gy/e7t2h for more informa- Health & Wellness Club, 61 Celadon tion.

Drive, Beaufort. Complimentary and Eric’s Karaoke Krew 9 p.m., Fridays, Highway 21 Bar, 3436 Trask Pkwy, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy Karaoke with Lt. Dan.

open to all. One-hour story time and craft for children themed around President’s Day. Opportunity to purchase books from Bluffton Story Book Shoppe at the event. Call 843-379-1088.

Eric’s Karaoke Krew Celadon Supper Club 9:30 p.m., Fridays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 24, Celadon 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beau- Health & Wellness Club, 61 Celadon fort. Free. Enjoy Karaoke with Parker.

Drive, Beaufort. Cost is $100 per person.

First monthly Celadon Supper Club with Karaoke with Melissa Chef Robert Singleton. Enjoy a memora7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Fridays, R ble evening with a price fixed menu inBar & Grill, 70 Pennington Dr, Bluffton. cluding 3 courses, wine and community.

Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke February is Prime Rib. Open to all. This with Melissa. will be a monthly offering. Call 843-3791088.

Highway 21 Flea Market 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., every Saturday and Full Moon Sound Bath Sunday, Highway 21 Drive-In. Sellers, 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., Monday, Feb. 26, vendors, handmade items, unique Celadon Health & Wellness Club, 61 Celproducts and yard sale items. For infor- adon Drive, Beaufort. Cost is $33. Chanmation, email lowcountryfleamarket@ dra Bergmann of Alchemy hosst monthgmail.com. ly Sound Baths at Celadon Club. Holistic 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, 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.

HIGHWAY 21 DRIVE-IN The movies scheduled for this week (Friday, Feb 2 through Thursday, Feb. 8) at the Highway 21 Drive-In are Argyle (PG-13, 7:30 p.m.) and Night Swim (PG, 9:50 p.m.) on Screen 1; The Beekeeper (R, 7:30 p.m.) and Anyone But You (R, 9:30 p.m.) on Screen 2; Migration (PG, 7 p.m.) and Wonka (PG, 8:30 p.m.) on Screen 3.

Online ticketing is available at hwy21drivein. com on the Now Playing page. Patrons are asked to arrive early on Friday and Saturday nights. Gates open at 6 p.m.

“Our family at the Hwy. 21 drive in feel a responsibility to our community,” a statement from Highway 21 Drive-In management reads. “We are concerned about many things in these trying times and in making the right decisions. We are concerned with our employees, our patrons, our business, our community’s businesses, and the health and well-being of all.”

A reminder: no outside food or beverages can be brought into the drive-in.

Upcoming movies include Kung-Fu Panda 4 (March) and One Love (February).

ic Port Royal Museum, 1634 Paris Ave. The museum features the turn-of-thecentury 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.

bers 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, Sea Island Parkway, Lady’s Island. A light breakfast is provided before the program. For further information and upcoming speakers, please visit our website at www.lowcountryrotary. org or contact our President, Bob Bible a reconmc@aol.com or 843-252-8535.

MUSIC

Beaufort Drum Circle 6:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 9, Susan Stone's Studio at "The Arts of Port Royal,” 1404 Paris Avenue, Port Royal. Enter and go upstairs to our venue. Bring your percussion instrument or borrow one of ours. No musical experience or training required as the rhythms we develop originate in the intrinsic rhythms in your soul and of life itself. Parking is Tour Historic Fort Fremont free and ample and chairs are providDawn to dusk, Monday through Sun- ed. We are a friendly and welcoming day, The Fort Fremont Preserve, 1124 group that enjoys the sounds and benLand’s End Road, St. Helena Island. Free efits of community drumming. We all and open to the public. The History feel better when we leave.

Center is open Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; OUTDOORS and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Visitors The Beaufort Tree Walk can learn about the fort’s history during Lady’s Island Garden Club invites the Spanish-American War through inyou to take a meandering walk through terpretive signs, self-guided walking the Historic “Old Point” and enjoy tours with a smart phone, exhibits in the some unique and noteworthy trees. history center, and docent-led tours. For more information visit www.fortfremont. The “Walk” takes about an hour, is a org or contact Passive Parks Manager little over a mile starting at the corner of Craven & Carteret streets in MorStefanie Nagid at snagid@bcgov.net. rall Park and concluding in Waterfront Park. Booklets with map and informaLIBRARY ACTIVITIES tion about each tree are available free Basic Computer Skills Class at the Visitors Center in the historic Ar11:30 a.m., every other Friday, Feb. 9, senal on Craven Street.

Lobeco Branch Library, 1862 Trask Parkway. Personalized computer classes led Tours of Hunting Island

by SC Works for job seekers, beginners, Every Tuesday, Hunting Island State or those looking to refresh their skills. Park, 2555 Sea Island Pkwy. Free, park For more information, call 843-255- entry fees apply. Sponsored by Friends 6479 or stop by for more information. of Hunting Island Keeper Ted and his team. For more information call the MEETINGS Hunting Island Nature Center at 843Beaufort Sportfishing and Diving Club 838-7437. The next Tuesday is August 1.

7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 8, Beaufort Yacht and Sailing Club, Meridian Road, Lady’s Island. The social begins at 6:30 p.m. Local guide Captain Neil Kendrick of Carolina Tail Charters, will discuss Sheepshead. He will present rods and reels, various rigs and sure techniques for hooking. This will also include the proper use of mussels and frozen blue crab when fiddlers are not available.

Beaufort Boat & Dock Supply, Butler Marine, The Archurch Group and Danny Walsh again are our drawing sponsors.

Congratulations to Debra Norwood for winning the last monthly $50 drawing.

Winners must be present at the next month’s meeting to receive the cash award. Guests are welcome. Reservations are not needed. For additional information, please contact Captain Frank Gibson at 843-521-7340 or email fgibson@islc.net.

SEWING/QUILTING 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, sashiBeaufort Republican Women’s Club ko, etc., to join us for stitching, learning 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, Caroli- and fellowship. For more information, na Room, Dataw Island Club, 121 Dataw please contact us at lowcountrychapDrive, St. Helena Island. The club will ter@egacarolinas.org. hold its annual membership drive luncheon. The buffet luncheon is $40 per Maye River Quilters person. To reserve a seat or seats, please healing modality. Call 843-379-1088.

10 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 3, Palmetto mail checks to BRWC, P. O. Box 1835, Electric Cooperative, 1 Cooperative Beaufort, S.C. 29901 by January 27. For Way, Hardeeville. To attend as a guest, Wellness Happy Hour with Dr. Kallie additional information, call Kathy Stan- RSVP to mayeriverquilters@gmail.com.

Byrd Guimond OM.D, MPH, L. AC 1 to 3 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 28, Cel- ton at 843-838-4974.

For more information or a membership adon Health & Wellness Club, 61 Celadon form, call 987-464-0585.

Drive. Complimentary event and open Zonta Club of Beaufort 6 p.m., 4th Tuesday of each month, Stitch In Public Day to all. Another Wellness Happy Hour learning how Traditional Asian Medicine Smokehouse, Port Royal.

10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Feb. 3, and Acupuncture can support you in the Bluffton Branch of the Beaufort CounBeaufort Rotary Club Winter season. Call 843-379-1088. try Library. Lowcountry Chapter of the Noon, Wednesdays, Sea Island Pres- Embroidery Guild of America will hold byterian Church Fellowship Hall, 81 La- “Stitch in Public Day.” Anyone interestHISTORY dy’s Island Drive, Lady’s Island. Catered ed in any type of embroidery (including Friends of Fort Fremont buffet lunch, followed by a guest speak- needlepoint, cross-stitch, surface and Meeting, Lecture er. Prospective members welcome. beaded embroidery, hardanger, barg3 p.m., Friday, Feb. 2, Beaufort Branch For further information and upcoming ello, sashiko, etc.) is welcome to come Library, 311 Scott Street. The Public is speakers, please visit website www. see our work, and learn about the art invited. A short business meeting will beaufortrotaryclub.org. of embroidery and about our group. be followed by a special presentation We will have materials available if you

by James Shinn, “Americans and ‘Free The Beaufort Trailblazers – would like to try a little embroidery.

Cuba:’ The Pre-history of the Span- A Volunteer Group ish-American War.” www.fortfremont.org 8 a.m., first Thursday each month, SPORTS/GAMES Herban Marketplace, Beaufort. Anyone Beaufort History Museum at the Arsenal interested in supporting or building off- ACBL Duplicate Bridge Club 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through road/dirt/wilderness mountain biking/ 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays, 713 jogging/walking trails near is encour- Carteret St. United Methodist Church.

Craven St, Beaufort. General Admission aged to attend. For more information, Games and events will be held weekfor Adults $8, Seniors $7, Active Duty call 843-575-0021 or email universitybi- ly. Director Gene Ogden. Contact Jane Military and College Students with ID $5. cycles@hotmail.com.

Simpson 803-226-3491.

Children/Teens younger than 18 Free.

Explore and experience more than 500 Emotions Anonymous International Beaufort Masters Swim Team years of Beaufort History with knowl- local group meeting 6 to 7 a.m., Monday through Friedgeable docent guided tours.

4 p.m, Thursdays, via Zoom. Emo- day, Wardle Family Port Royal YMCA. tions Anonymous International, (EAI), Coached practices. Ages 18 & older, all The Historic Port Royal Museum is a nonprofit program designed to help skill & speed levels, no prior swim team 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or upon request, people with emotional difficulties. It has experience needed. Visit lowcountryThursdays through Sundays, The Histor- a chapter in the Lowcountry and mem- swimming.com for more information.

FEBRUARY 1–7, 2024

B5

STATE NEWS

President Biden to SC Democrats: ‘You’re the reason Donald Trump is a loser’ In his only mention of Nikki Haley, Biden takes a jab at Trump for being ‘confused’

By Abraham Kenmore SCDailyGazette.com COLUMBIA — Seeking another slingshot from South Carolina to the White House, President Joe Biden pitched a list of successes to the party faithful with the refrain of “promises made, promises kept.” His speech ended with a simple request: “Vote!”

Biden headlined the state Democratic Party’s “First-in-the-Nation Celebration” dinner as part of an all-out effort to jump start sagging enthusiasm for his re-election in the state that bolted his 2020 campaign from fifth place to first.

“If you ever doubt that the power to change America is in your hands, remember this: You proved it. You’re the reason I’m president,” he told a crowd of about 800 at the State Fairgrounds.

“You’re the reason Donald Trump is a defeated former president,” he continued to loud applause. “You’re the reason Donald Trump is a loser, and you’re the reason we’re going to win and beat him again.”

The crowd then chanted “four more years” to drown out protesters of the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Later, another protester was removed by security after yelling about being “scared for my future” due to climate change. All protesters were well dressed to get in the door.

The fundraiser, with ticket costs starting at $150 per person, was held a week out from the nation’s first Democratic primary recognized by the party. His win over two little-known candidates is a foregone conclusion. Even his closest competitor, U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips of Minnesota — who spoke earlier in the night — expects Biden to take nearly all of South Carolina’s primary votes.

‘She’s smarter’ The push for a big turnout is about creating momentum and galvanizing support among Black voters, who make up a large part of South Carolina’s Democratic base, after national polls showed a steep decline in Biden’s support among Black and young voters, both key constituencies.

Successes he highlighted in his

“The only loser I see is Donald Trump,” Biden said to raucous applause, adding, “I apologize for losing my temper, but it really, really, really offends me.”

Goals left on his to-do list, Biden said, include immigration reform, banning assault weapons, and reinstating national access to abortion that was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling that upended a half-century of precedent following Roe v. Wade.

“Imagine a future where we restore Roe v. Wade as the law of the land again,” he said of the 1973 ruling that guaranteed access through the second trimester.

President Joe Biden gives the keynote address at the South Carolina Democratic Party’s “First-in-the-Nation Celebration” fundraising dinner Saturday, Jan. 27, at the State Fairgrounds in Columbia, S.C. Mary Ann Chastain/Special to the S.C. Daily Gazette roughly 25-minute speech included investing $7 billion in historically black colleges and canceling more than $130 billion in student debt, despite the U.S. Supreme Court striking down his first loan forgiveness program as outside his authority.

“The Supreme Court blocked me but didn’t stop me,” Biden said.

He heralded appointing the first Black woman to the nation’s high court, noting that it was in South Carolina (during his 2020 campaign) that he first made the promise to do so.

“By the way, she’s smarter than the rest,” he said of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.

He stressed appointing a historic number of Black females to the federal bench. He specifically named Judge Michelle Childs, “who’s making South Carolina proud” on the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.

He also touted declining inflation rates.

“The cost of eggs, milk, chicken, gas, and so many other essential items have come down,” he said, without mentioning that it’s coming down from a four-decade high in 2022 and remains higher than when he took office.

“We’re making progress. There’s a lot more on the way,” he said, blaming American corporations for “ripping people off.” Noting

the smaller size of a Snickers bar, he also pledged to end “shrinkflation.”

While South Carolina’s GOP presidential primary is still a month away, Biden made clear he expects to face Trump in November.

The only time he mentioned former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, the lone Republican still challenging Trump for the nomination, was to make fun of Trump’s apparent mental blip.

“By the way, have you noticed?

He’s a little confused these days.

He appeared to confuse Nikki Haley and Nancy Pelosi,” he said to laughter about a gaffe that Haley has also highlighted to question Trump’s fitness.

The quick reference by Biden, who at 81 is already the nation’s oldest president, served as a counterpunch to questions of his mental acuity.

Biden’s criticism of Trump in a state with a large veteran population became especially intense as he talked of the former president making derogatory comments about captured or killed American military members. According to reports in fall 2020 that Trump denied, he called the Americans buried at a World War I cemetery in France “losers” and “suckers” when he declined to visit the memorial in 2018.

Thousands in pockets A conservative group backing Haley criticized Biden’s visit as pure politics, saying he’s here to “score political points” rather than address how his economic policies have impacted hardworking South Carolinians.

“While the Biden Administration quietly moves away from the term ‘Bidenomics,’ South Carolinians won’t forget the financial hardship that their top-down policies from Washington have caused them,” Candance Carroll, state director of American for Prosperity, said in a statement.

It’s true that Biden never used the term he once peppered into speeches. Instead, he reminded voters of putting money in their pockets through stimulus checks.

“Let’s get something straight: Trump talks about putting checks in pockets but in 2021, as soon as I came in office, I was the guy sending everybody $1,400 checks,” he said, adding that families also received up to $300 per child monthly through 2021. “That was thousands of dollars in pockets to get people through a real crisis.”

The final round of stimulus checks, approved by Congress in March 2021, provided $1,400 per person or $2,800 to married couples. It was the largest round, totaling $401.5 billion. The first two rounds of stimulus were signed by Trump and totaled $413 billion for both.

Prestine Alexander, a 70-year old retiree from St. Helana Island, acknowledged the drop in enthu-

ABOUT THE SOUTH CAROLINA DAILY GAZETTE

The South Carolina Daily Gazette is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news site covering state government and officials and how their decisions affect people across the Palmetto State. The site offers a free newsletter delivered to your inbox every weekday morning. To subscribe, visit https://scdailygazette.com/ subscribe/. The content is free both to readers and to other outlets, which can republish its work under the Creative Commons license.

The South Carolina Daily Gazette is an affiliate of States Newsroom, a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit supported by grants and a coalition of donors and readers. The Gazette retains full editorial independence. Its name comes from the state’s first successful newspaper, the SouthCarolina Gazette, first printed in 1732. Seven years later, it also became the first newspaper in colonial America edited and published by a woman.

siasm among young and Black voters. She attributes it to them thinking their vote doesn’t matter, which the Biden campaign’s push in South Carolina seeks to address.

“I think we’ve got a lot of work to do,” said Alexander, who’s active in the Beaufort County Democratic Party.

She’s supporting Biden, she said, because “he’s for all of us.

He’s not for white Americans. He’s not for Black Americans.”

The dinner marked Biden’s second visit to South Carolina this month. Earlier in January, he gave a campaign speech at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, where nine Black worshippers were gunned down by a white supremacist in 2015.

Vice President Kamala Harris has also been here twice this month.

And first lady Jill Biden attended two events Friday in Columbia.

Abraham Kenmore is a reporter covering elections, health care and more. He joins the SC Daily Gazette from The Augusta Chronicle, where he reported on Georgia legislators, military and housing issues.

In South Carolina, about a quarter of all registered voters are Black, although they generally make up more than half of the voters in the state’s Democratic primary.

Democrats propose requiring SC governor to sign onto summer grocery program for poor kids

By Skylar Laird SCDailyGazette.com COLUMBIA — Statehouse Democrats want to force Gov. Henry McMaster to participate in a federal program that gives poor families extra money to buy food over the summer when schools are closed.

South Carolina is among 15 states not participating in a program that provides poor families $40 a month per school-aged child for groceries over the summer. (The maximum is $120 per family monthly.) During a news conference last week, Democrats blasted McMaster for deciding to opt out.

Resolutions introduced Wednesday, Jan. 24 in the House and Senate would require the Republican governor to file an intention to participate with the U.S. Department of Agriculture within five days of both chambers approving the proposal.

But approval is unlikely.

B6

FEBRUARY 1–7, 2024

The House resolution has 12 co-sponsors. An identical resolution filed in the Senate has nine co-sponsors. All are Democrats in a Legislature dominated by Republicans.

And even if the legislation were to gain traction, the federal deadline for states to provide a notice of intent for this summer was Jan. 1.

Rep. Marvin Pendarvis, who’s leading the push in the House, said he hopes South Carolina could get a federal waiver from the deadlines, both the initial one missed almost four weeks ago and the upcoming Feb. 15 deadline for participating states to submit a detailed funding and management plan.

The North Charleston Democrat said he’s talking with members of South Carolina’s congressional delegation about making that happen should the resolution pass or McMaster change his mind.

“We’re asking for the gov-

ernor to go ahead and show he’s committed to feeding kids in South Carolina and asking Congress to get us a waiver to opt in,” Pendarvis told the S.C. Daily Gazette.

If the state can’t get an exception to the deadlines, the governor could enroll in the program for summer 2025.

The extra grocery money is fully funded by the federal government. Administrative costs are split, with participating states required to pay half.

House Minority Leader Todd Rutherford said McMaster needs to provide a better answer to the public as to why he refused to participate.

The Columbia Democrat said he was disappointed he didn’t hear one in McMaster’s State of the State address Wednesday night. McMaster talked a lot about his budget recommendations for the upcoming fiscal year but never mentioned what

S.C. Democrats are angered by Gov. Henry McMaster’s decision to not participate in a U.S. Department of Agriculture summer food assistance program for low-income families.

Jessica Holdman/S.C. Daily Gazette he chose not to do, Rutherford said.

He “just seemed to talk about how much money he wanted to spend, when he’s the same governor who denied food to hungry children,” Rutherford said. “I wanted to hear his take on that and why he did it and maybe he could convince

the general public that was a good idea.”

Democrats estimate the program would provide additional grocery money for at least 72,000 children in the state.

The $40 monthly per child would be added to food assistance debit cards known as EBT — the program that used

to be known as food stamps.

Asked earlier this month why he chose not to participate, McMaster called the program a “COVID-related benefit extra.” His office has declined to respond to Democrats’ complaints since.

“We’ve got to get back to doing normal business. We can’t continue that forever, but we’re continuing all the other programs we have,” he said in his only public statement on the decision.

The existing programs he referenced include summer meal programs for poor children overseen by the state Department of Education. Those provide prepared meals at participating schools, camps, nonprofits and community centers for children.

Skylar Laird covers the South Carolina Legislature and criminal justice issues. Originally from Missouri, she previously worked for The Post and Courier’s Columbia bureau.

STATE NEWS STATE OF STATE:

McMaster calls for heftier gun penalties, vows to fight organized labor

By Jessica Holdman SCDailyGazette.com COLUMBIA — Gov. Henry McMaster used his seventh State of the State address on Wednesday, Jan 24 to renew his request for South Carolina lawmakers to increase criminal penalties for felons caught illegally carrying guns in the state.

To make his point, he told the story of a Highway Patrol officer shot by a man with a lengthy criminal record.

The governor began his narrative in Bamberg County, where in the early morning of April 16, 2023, Lance Corporal B.A. Frazier pulled over a speeder in Bamberg County. As other officers arrived, the man Frazier stopped shot him in the face.

Officers returned fire as the man sped away. The man eventually crashed into a home in Branchville.

The gun used to shoot Frazier was stolen, according to the State Law Enforcement Division. The accused shooter was a 22-year-old with a long criminal history including convictions for robbery, assault, drugs and rape. At the time of the traffic stop, the shooter was out of jail on bond for charges he faced in Georgia.

“This career criminal should have been behind bars and not behind the wheel of a car in South Carolina,” McMaster said.

It’s difficult just to watch video from Frazier’s body and dash cameras, but thankfully he survived, the governor said before recognizing Frazier in the balcony. Legislators gave the officer two standing ovations.

Before nearly killing Frazier, the shooter had been charged seven other times

now so that her words don’t come true for South Carolina, he said: “You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.

They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.”

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster walks into House chambers to give his State of The State address Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, at the Statehouse in Columbia, S.C. Directly behind him to his left is Sen. Nikki Setzler, D-West Columbia.

To his right is Rep. Jay West, R-Belton. Giving two thumbs up in the background is McMaster’s Chief of Staff Trey Walker. Mary Ann Chastain/Special to the S.C. Daily Gazette for illegal possession of a firearm.

“How long are we going to let this happen?” the governor continued. “Law enforcement needs our help. They need stronger laws to keep illegal guns out of the hands of criminals and juveniles, and they need new laws to ‘close the revolving door’ and keep career criminals behind bars and not out on bond.”

While it’s a federal crime for felons to carry guns, there needs to be a corresponding state law for South Carolina’s state and local officers to make anything other than a misdemeanor charge.

McMaster’s call for increased state gun penalties continues his request from last year, when the session ended with the governor telling legislators they must pass a so-called felon-in-possession law to reduce violent crime. It’s been a top priority for law enforcement for years.

The problem is that the

gun penalties have been combined with a proposal allowing adults to carry a handgun openly or concealed without a permit.

Getting a permit through SLED requires a one-day class and a background check. It also requires being at least 21 years old.

Senators opened debate Wednesday on the bill, with Republicans divided on what advocates dub “constitutional carry.”

“Let’s call it what it is — permit-less carry,” said Senate Judiciary Chairman Luke Rankin, R-Myrtle Beach, who opposes the idea.

McMaster received eight standing ovations from the entire joint chamber during his one-hour speech. He even drew laughter as he recited the words of Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi” to request $33 million additional for conservation and preservation.

Legislators need to act

Union bashing But part of his speech was unusually combative, as he pledged to fight a force that’s largely nonexistent in South Carolina.

“One thing we do not need is more labor unions in South Carolina,” the governor said.

South Carolina is a “rightto-work state,” which means workers covered by a union contract can’t be required to join and pay dues to the union. The state has the lowest percentage of union membership in the nation, at 2.3% as of 2023, according to U.S. Department of Labor statistics.

In 2021, the International Longshoremen’s Association sued maritime shipping carriers that called on the Port of Charleston, which employed non-union workers. The legal battle has gone all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

“We will not allow the Biden administration’s prounion policies to chip away at South Carolina’s sovereign interests.

“We will fight all the way to the gates of hell. And we will win this battle,” McMaster said to a standing ovation from Republicans only.

It was the only time during the joint assembly that there was a clear partisan divide.

Rep. Wendell Gilliard, a former union organizer, shook his head throughout that part of the speech, saying “No!” several times, though not loud enough to

interrupt the governor.

After the speech, the Charleston Democrat said he was offended personally and for all union workers.

“He has to realize to degrade hard-working union workers is disrespectful,” Gilliard told the S.C. Daily Gazette. “That’s a freakin’ insult.”

He said he hopes McMaster’s words boomerang and galvanize union organization in the state.

Much of the rest of McMaster’s address echoed his budget recommendations for the financial year starting July 1.

The governor highlighted South Carolina’s place in the automotive industry’s shift to electric vehicles.

South Carolina is home to four major electric vehicle manufacturers — BMW, Mercedes-Benz Vans, Volvo Cars, and Scout Motors — battery makers and the nation’s largest EV battery recycling facility. These companies will need nearly 20,000 workers over the next several years.

To help fill those jobs, McMaster has asked budget writers to include $50 million for specialized training centers at the state’s technical colleges to train workers for EV-related jobs.

Democrats respond In response to McMaster’s remarks, House Assistant Minority Leader Roger Kirby congratulated the governor on the $9.21 billion in investment by companies locating in South Carolina as a result of the state’s economic development efforts and the more than 14,000 jobs that investment will bring. He also commended the governor

for working with Democrats to give teachers raises.

What the governor didn’t address in his speech, the Lake City Democrat said, was healthcare access, food programs and the unemployment and underemployed of rural residents.

Kirby chided the governor for choosing not to enroll the state in a U.S. Department of Agriculture program to give low-income families up to $120 a month in federal funding — $40 per eligible school-aged child — to buy groceries on their food assistance debit cards, known as EBT. Fourteen South Carolina counties are also without obstetricians, Kirby added.

“Even with these glaring statistics, Republicans have decided to further restrict healthcare for women,” he said, referring to the law passed last year banning abortions at roughly the sixth week of pregnancy, with limited exceptions.

And South Carolina remains one of two states nationwide without a law that creates a separate hate crime, Kirby said.

“In conclusion, we celebrate our many successes in economic development and economic growth heralded in the governor’s address,” Kirby said. “Yet we face many daunting challenges which will require Democrats and Republicans working with unity of purpose.”

Editor Seanna Adcox contributed to this report.

Jessica Holdman writes about the economy, workforce and higher education. Before joining the SC Daily Gazette, she was a business reporter for The Post and Courier.

Pandemic-era program helping SC families pay for internet may end

Gov. McMaster says it should, despite his advocacy for making the connections available

By Seanna Adcox and Alixel Cabrera SCDailyGazette.com & utahnewsdispatch.com COLUMBIA — A COVID-era program that’s helping hundreds of thousands of South Carolinians pay for high-speed internet may end this spring without congressional action.

Gov. Henry McMaster, who’s called connecting all South Carolinians vital to the state’s future, believes it should. The Republican governor says it’s another example of an emergency initiative that needs to go away after the emergency.

“At some point, the pandemic programs need to end once the pandemic is over, and it’s been over for some time now,” he told reporters Monday.

Nationwide, the Affordable Connectivity Program has helped 22.5 million poor families afford to get online by reducing their internet bills by $30 to $75 monthly. It also provides a one-time discount on the purchase of a laptop, desktop or tablet computer.

In South Carolina, nearly 425,500 households are enrolled in the program. That’s roughly one of every five homes.

South Carolina families are saving about $11.6 million monthly with the discounts, for a collective total so far of $204.6 million, according to the White House.

Broken down by congressional district, the 7th District in South Carolina’s northeast corner has the highest number (81,856) and

percentage of households enrolled (an estimated 28%). The district anchored in the GOP stronghold of Horry County and the Grand Strand also includes rural Pee Dee counties. A spokeswoman for U.S. Rep. Russell Fry of Surfside Beach did not immediately respond to the S.C. Daily Gazette’s request for comment.

Since the pandemic started, South Carolina legislators have approved spending roughly half a billion dollars to expand highspeed internet across South Carolina — at McMaster’s urging. The bulk of the designations came from federal COVID aid packages, as lawmakers across the political spectrum said the pandemic showed just how essential internet access is for education, health care and job opportunities statewide.

U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn, who’s championed the effort in Congress, has even publicly thanked McMaster repeatedly for urging legislators to spend federal aid on broadband expansion — as they stood side by side to tout the progress. The Legislature approved the largest chunk, $400 million, in May 2022.

The initiative to bridge the digital divide continues, as that federal aid is still being spent to connect rural pockets across the state.

McMaster praised the progress again Monday, even as he opposed continuing the program that helps families afford what may be newly available in their neighborhood.

“We’re moving very, very fast”

toward broadband being available to all South Carolinians, he said. “I think we’ll get to where we want to be and have that availability for all our people much sooner than anyplace else.”

But, like the COVID-era additional grocery benefits over the summer for poor families that he opposes continuing, the internet discount program should end with the pandemic, he said.

“That’s another one of these programs that was passed from an emergency situation. We’re not in an emergency situation,” he said to explain his opposition to both.

“The state has various programs to see that food gets out to people who need it. At some point, you can’t just keep passing things of an emergency nature and then keep them on and keep them on and keep them on.”

Democrats have blasted McMaster’s decision to opt out of this summer’s grocery benefits program, which add $40 per child monthly to families’ food benefit debit cards.

That decision was entirely his.

However, Statehouse Democrats were in Washington, D.C. on Monday advocating for a waiver from the participation deadlines, in case McMaster changes his mind or the Legislature overrides him.

Whether the internet discount program continues is up to Congress.

The White House has asked Congress for $6 billion to maintain it through December 2024 and listed it among critical need

AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM S.C. participants by congressional district • 1st District (Rep. Nancy Mace): 24,378 households enrolled, estimated 8% of all homes in the district • 2nd District (Joe Wilson): 52,244; 18% • 3rd District (Jeff Duncan): 61,122; 21% • 4th District (William Timmons): 65,946; 23% • 5th District (Ralph Norman): 51,145; 17% • 6th District (Jim Clyburn): 78,681; 27% • 7th District (Russell Fry): 81,856, 28% Source: White House

requests. Without an infusion, the Federal Communications Commission will stop enrolling new participants February 7. Money already allocated is expected to run out this spring.

Internet providers have already sent a notice to customers warning them about the program’s potential end, as the FCC requested, said Ariane Schaffer, a spokesperson for Google Fiber.

“It has helped so many people, so many families across the country,” Schaffer said in urging Congress to continue the program and make it permanent.

“This is allowing folks to engage with society, engage with their communities, through school, jobs, all of these benefits,” she continued. “We really see broadband connectivity as leveling the

playing field and really promoting education for everyone.”

The discount works like a voucher program. Families eligible include veterans, people whose income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty line, and those enrolled in other assistance programs including Medicaid and grocery benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — what used to be known as food stamps.

The initiative was launched in 2020 as part of the Emergency Broadband Benefits under then-President Donald Trump. It was then restructured as part of the Biden administration’s Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed in November 2021.

S.C. Daily Gazette reporter Skylar Laird contributed to this report, which may be updated. Check back for developments.

Like the S.C. Daily Gazette, Utah News Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Utah News Dispatch maintains editorial independence.

Seanna Adcox is a South Carolina native with three decades of reporting experience. She joined States Newsroom in September 2023 after covering the S.C. Legislature and state politics for 18 years.

Her previous employers include The Post and Courier and The Associated Press.

Alixel Cabrera covers the status of diverse Utah communities, growth, infrastructure and education for Utah News Dispatch.

FEBRUARY 1–7, 2024

B7

LOCAL MILITARY

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, 2 February 2024 Recruit Training Regiment • Commanding Officer, Colonel C. B. McArthur 1st Recruit Training Battalion • Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel K. R. Sile Commander of Troops, Captain R. S. Jordan • Parade Adjutant, First Lieutenant J. T. Peer Company “A”, 1st Recruit Training Battalion • Commanding Officer, Captain R. S. Jordan Drill Masters • Gunnery Sergeant E. B. Owery, Staff Sergeant I. D. ColonDominguez PLATOON 1000

PLATOON 1001

Senior Drill Instructor GySgt J. F. Flores Perez

PLATOON 1002

Senior Drill Instructor SSgt E. R. Martineau

PLATOON 1004

Senior Drill Instructor SSgt A. A. Alshimmari

PLATOON 1005

Senior Drill Instructor SSgt G. A. Agustin

Senior Drill Instructor SSgt J. A. Kolb

PFC

Brockwell, C. A.

Pvt

AlfaroPavia, C. A.

PFC

Aldana, D. A.

PFC

BenitezMartinez, A.

Pvt

Ali, Y. Y.

Pvt

Bronfield, E. D.

Pvt

Aplogan, K. A.

Pvt

Almansob, M. M.

PFC

Borut, D. E.

Pvt

Arentz, A. J.

PFC

Cain Jr., D. A.*

Pvt

Aucaquizhpi, A. P.

Pvt

Aten, A. M.

Pvt

Bourn, H. G.

Pvt

Arnold, B. J.

PFC

Camarco, E. R.

Pvt

Azcona, L.

PFC

Caraballo, E. A.

Pvt

Burlingame, G. E.

Pvt

Aulenbach, J. J.

Pvt

Campbell, K. W.

Pvt

Betz, A. M.

Pvt

Carter, J. A.

Pvt

Carter III, D. L.

Pvt

Beckley, T. J.

Pvt

Campbell, M. L.

PFC

Blankenship, T. J.

PFC

Cepeda, M. A.

Pvt

Cobbs, K. S.

Pvt

Bell, J. R.

Pvt

Christian, N.

PFC

Bornman, J. H.

Pvt

Chase, P. C.

PFC

Cochran, L. D.*

Pvt

Bero, P. L.

Pvt

Clark, S. A.

Pvt

BorreCorrea, M.

Pvt

Cook, B. A.

Pvt

Cohen, M. I.

Pvt

Camp, J. R.

LCpl

Clay, D. T.

PFC

Dealmeida, P. V.

Pvt

Colon, T.

Carsten, W. T.

Clayberger, H. G.

Bottomlee, B.*

Pvt

PFC

PFC

Pvt

Feith, J. J.

Pvt

Cummings, L. J.

CastilloCordero, B. S.*

Coln, E. R.

Brown, S. D.

PFC

PFC

Pvt

Pvt

Garcia Jr., S.

PFC

Doyle, B. J.

Catindig, B. A.

Craig, J. W.

Caceres, D. A.

PFC

Pvt

Pvt

Pvt

GonzalezLopez, S. I.

Pvt

EscuderoColina, G. A.

Chaffee, C. A.

Daniel Jr., M. T.

Camp, D. B.

Pvt

PFC

Pvt

Pvt

Henry, J.

PFC

Fair, A. C.

Davila, J. J.

Daniel, D. Q.

Chambers, C. K.

Pvt

Pvt

Pvt

Pvt

Donegan, K. T.

Pvt

Cijka, J. M.

Pvt

Humphrey, B. A.

Pvt

Ford, D. M.

Pvt

Dorsey, C. A.

PFC

Cragle, J. J.

PFC

James, T. D.

PFC

Frankin III, R.

Pvt

Downer, L. R.

Pvt

Dass, J. A.

Pvt

Deberardino, M. J.

Pvt

Dominguez, D. K.

Pvt

Ellis, J. M.

PFC

Johnson, M. T.

Pvt

Garmon Jr., J. L.

Pvt

Farley, A. I.

PFC

Espinoza, X. D.

PFC

FrancoMorales, J. L.

Pvt

Kang, H. E.

Pvt

Hall, L. R.

Pvt

Foley, K. M.

Pvt

Gabrielson, D. A.

Pvt

GalvisTorres, S. F.

Pvt

Key, B. R.

Pvt

Hickman, B. J.

PFC

Frizzelle, K. M.*

Pvt

GarciaZamudio, H. A.

PFC

Giannoulakis, E. C.

Pvt

Kobus, P.

Pvt

Lesperance Jr., J.

Pvt

Gadway, M. B.

Pvt

Garrison, S. P.

Pvt

Guzzo, M. A.

Pvt

Leija, J.

Pvt

Mackenzie, J. M.

Pvt

GonzalezAcosta, L. A.

Pvt

Hidalgo, E. A.

Pvt

Hawkins, D. J.

Pvt

LittleJohn, K. L.

Pvt

Mangaoy, H.

Pvt

Harris, D. L.

Pvt

Higgason, W. P.

PFC

Herbert, A. T.

Pvt

Lowe, C.

Pvt

Mathis, J. M.

Pvt

Hearn, D. R.

PFC

Horvath, A. C.

Pvt

Hernandez, O. J.

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McCalla, J. H.

PFC

Merchant, N. A.

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Helms, T. M.

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Ilnitskiy, N. T.*

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Huffstatler Jr., J. D.

PFC

Millender, L. A.

PFC

Mitchell Jr., D. T.

PFC

HernandezPoncedele, O.

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Ivey Jr., J. T.

Pvt

Kandel, G. M.

Pvt

Mills, C. P.

Pvt

Morrow, D. J.

PFC

Jordan, M. M.

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JacoboMartinez, J. E.

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Lamar, A. M.*

Pvt

Morgan, M. L.

PFC

Mundy, J. D.*

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Kent, C. A.

Pvt

Kennington, N. B.

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Lazarus, I. D.

Pvt

Nguyen, A. J.

PFC

Murphy, J. N.*

PFC

Kohn, O.

Pvt

Kiley, C. A.

Pvt

Masood, M. A.

Pvt

NguyenSantos, J. U.

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Nash, M. A.

Pvt

Kovach, J. E.

Pvt

Kulczewski, G. K.

PFC

Nicasioubaldo, M.

Pvt

Nuncio, P. A.

Kuzniatsou, I.

Leipold, P. M.

MatiasPenalver, A. J.

PFC

Pvt

Pvt

Pvt

Nunn, L. A.

Pvt

Penamieses, P. A.

Ladnier Jr., G. M.

MaldonadoRivera, A.

MattheuJames, C. F.

Pvt

Pvt

Pvt

PFC

Perez, D. J.

Pvt

Pesantezu, K. E.

LatorreFigueroa, C. M.*

Mason, C. G.

MatusSalinas, K. O.

PFC

Pvt

Pvt

Pvt

Pierre, J.

Pvt

Pirie, L. E.

Leisher, R. S.

McKinney, T. Z.

McClary, I. C.

Pvt

Pvt

Pvt

Pvt

Pugh, D. L.

PFC

Range, L. J.

Lyon, T. J.

Mech, A. H.

Mcquirt, M. A.

Pvt

Pvt

Pvt

PFC

Massey, R. J.

PFC

Oforah, C. E.

PFC

Reyes, E. S.

PFC

Ripperger, J. M.

PFC

Massi, R. G.

Pvt

Pawley, A. M.

Pvt

Robinson, D. R.

PFC

RiveraEchevarria, D. E.

Pvt

McClelland, Z. T.

PFC

Miles, J.

PFC

Muthana, A. A.

Pvt

Nikitas, N.

Pvt

Pfeiffer, D. A.

Pvt

RobleroGutier, C. A.

PFC

Rosales, R. J.

Pvt

McKenzie, D. M.

Pvt

Olvera, A. L.

Pvt

Pintor, E. S.

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RodriguezRamos, J. L.*

Pvt

Schenk, H. L.

PFC

Mejia, B. I.

PFC

Pewee, S. D.

PFC

Rahman, F.

Pvt

Rowe Jr., S. A.

Pvt

Senecal Jr., S. E.

PFC

Melzer, A. R.*

Pvt

Pitcher, J. L.

Pvt

Romero, J. S.

Pvt

Sanders, D. T.

PFC

Suarez, D.

Pvt

MercedesUrena, J. C.

Pvt

Rasku, S. D.

Pvt

Salomaerazo, F. E.

PFC

Schweitzer II, G. W.*

PFC

Thacker, A. T.*

Pvt

Milbert, J. R.

Pvt

Reed, J. A.

PFC

Sanchez, M. A.

Pvt

Seamands, G. M.

Pvt

Torres, L. C.

PFC

Muma, A. M.

Pvt

Sanders, R. J.

Pvt

Santiago, E.

Pvt

Sims, J. J.

PFC

Trirudolf, J. C.

Pvt

Nelson, C. J.

PFC

Spain, J. V.*

Pvt

Shatzer, A. M.

Pvt

Sorto, C. G.

PFC

Usher, A. L.

Pvt

Nevulis, B. J.

PFC

Stalvey, E. N.

PFC

Simmons, J. F.*

Pvt

Teano, B. C.

PFC

Vasquez, D. M.

Pvt

Proctor, L. E.

PFC

Stump, B. E.

Pvt

Sutraban, N. D.

PFC

Vanoy, B. R.

Pvt

VictorinoSantana, J. A.

Pvt

Reyes, K. A.

Pvt

Umanzor, G.

Pvt

Travis, T. L.

PFC

Wheeler, I. D.*

PFC

Walters, J. L.

Pvt

Villa, A.

PFC

White, J. X.*

Pvt

VanegasMayorga, C. A.

Pvt

Whitehead, K. C.

Pvt

Watts II, R. A.

Pvt

Waltz, B. K.

Pvt

Williams, L. G.

Pvt

Williams, L. A.

Pvt

Whitlow, C. M.

Pvt

Weingartner, C. T.

Pvt

Wells, D. S.

Pvt

Woodberry, T. A.

Pvt

Zhang, J.

Pvt

Woolum, E. C.

Pvt

Wilson, J. L.

Pvt

Wood, D. R.

Pvt

Wright, K. A.

*Denotes Meritorious Promotion

E-Edition

Digital Newspaper

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TODAY

A customer favorite! Enjoy the classic newspaper format in a digital environment. Published every Thursday, the E-Edition is a digital replica of the print newspaper, with all of the same news issuu.com/theislandnews and advertising content, on your computer, tablet or smartphone.

B8

FEBRUARY 1–7, 2024

LOCAL MILITARY

Taking care of business

Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) 2nd Class Jayden Whitehead, a native of Beaufort, S.C., operates valves in a catapult room January 16 aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). Vinson, flagship of Carrier Strike Group ONE, is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Emily Claire Bennett/U.S. Navy

O

Veterans’ Health Customer Service (Patient Advocates)

ne of my duties as a volunteer Patient Adviser and a member of the Stake Holders’ Council at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and Healthcare System (RHJVAMC&HCS) is to find problems that veterans have and help the veterans get to the right VA Office to get their problem solved.

My job is also to help the RHJVAMC&HCS to continuously improve and to get every veteran and every family member to: • Understand what their VA benefits are and apply for those benefits.

• Use a Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to help them understand their benefits and claim those benefits.

• If eligible, enroll in and take advantage of Veterans Healthcare.

• Tell their doctor, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, registered nurse, and social worker if they are dissatisfied with any VA healthcare service.

• Fill out VA Health Surveys.

• Submit suggestions for improvement in VA healthcare through surveys and the RHJVAMC&HCS Suggestion Card system.

• Make complaints to the RHJVAMC&HCS Patient Advocate's Office when they cannot get satisfaction through other avenues.

The Ralph H. Johnson VA is great but not perfect.

I have to work hard to find a veteran who has a problem

LARRY DANDRIDGE

with our Lowcountry VA Medical System. However, I do occasionally get a call, email, or in-person contact telling me that the veteran is not happy with the service they got from one of the Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) Medical Centers or CBOCs. When I do get such a call, email, or in-person complaint, I immediately tell them: • VA patients can 99% of the time quickly solve any problems concerning medical care at the VA through their Primary Care Team, Specialty Care Physician or Nurse, or Social Worker.

• If a VA healthcare patient or family member cannot get a satisfactory solution to their problems from their VA Healthcare Team, they should contact the “Patient Advocate Team” at their local VA Medical Center.

• The RHJVAMC&HCS webpage at https://bit. ly/3Ygr548 states, “The patient advocates at VA Charleston health care are specially trained to help veterans resolve issues with the care.”

• The RHJVAMC&HCS

Patient Advocate Team’s main phone number is 843-7896066. The Former Prisoner of War Patient Advocate's phone number is 843-789-7415.

• Veterans can also contact the RHJVAMC&HCS Patient Advocates Office through the VA’s National Inquiry Routing & Information System (IRIS or ASK VA) at https://ask.va.gov.

Veterans may complain verbally or in writing, without fear of retaliation.

The VA promises to give veterans and their family members understandable information about the complaint process in their preferred language.

tion about your rights as a patient, talk with your VA treatment team members or, if necessary, a Patient Advocate. Patient Rights and Responsibilities are posted in outpatient and inpatient areas. If you have not received a copy of your Rights and Responsibilities, contact the Patient Advocate or you may download a copy online at the following two sites: • https://www.va.gov/ health/rights/patientrights.asp • https://www.va.gov/ health/rights/familyrights.asp

Ralph H. Johnson VA Patient Advocates According to the RHJVAHCS PATIENT ADVOCATE webpage at https:// How to find a VA Medical bit.ly/3Ygr548, the patient Center or Other Facility advocates at VA Charleston Veterans can find their Healthcare offer help with nearest VA Medical Center patient concerns with the at the VA’s facility locator at care team and they advohttps://www.va.gov/find-lo- cate for patients and family cations/. rights.

Complaints, suggestions, The following RHJand compliments are gold VAHCS Patient Advocates mines to the VA. This colare available: umnist has encouraged the 1. Hannah P. McCoy, VA to “listen to the voices RHJVAHCS Patient of their customers.” As a Advocate Supervivolunteer Patient Adviser at sor, VA Charleston the VA, I know that the emHealthcare, ployees and leaders there 843-789-6066. look at every complaint as 2. Traviell Hartsfield, an opportunity to improve a Patient Advocate, process, find the root causes 843-789-6066. of problems, and develop 3. Traciee M. Prioleau, countermeasures, thus Patient Advocate, preventing the same kind of 843-789-6066. problems in the future.

4. Tiffany M. Hadaway, VA employees must rePatient Advocate, spect the rights of patients 843-789-6066. and family members. If you 5. Valeria Edwards, would like more informaPatient Advocate,

843-789-6066.

6. Lakiesha Long, Patient Advocate, 843-789-6066.

7. Lorenzo Moses Chaplain, VA Charleston, Former Prisoner of War Patient Advocate, 843-789-7415.

Non-former POWs should NOT call this number for Patient Advocate assistance.

The patient Advocate line 843-789-6066 is attended by all six advocates plus one assistant. There are times when all advocates are busy and customers can leave a message.

Voicemails are pulled three times a day and customers will get a return call no later than the end of the next business day.

Survey of healthcare experience of patients After your visit, you may receive a confidential questionnaire in the mail asking you about your most recent treatment at your medical center. Please use the survey to let the Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care Team know of any concerns, complaints, suggestions, or questions you have about your care so that they can resolve them.

Learn more at the VHA’s Patient Advocate web page at https://www.va.gov/ HEALTH/patientadvocate/.

Patient Advocate Training VA training is customer service oriented, teaches de-escalation skills, and skip-thinking (skipping over the negative reaction to criticism and focusing on getting the continuous improvement benefits in every complaint and suggestion).

The bottom line Every complaint, suggestion, compliment, and survey completed is the best way to help the VA improve. Help yourself, your family, other veterans, and the VA to continuously improve by completing all VA surveys and returning them quickly and by writing down your complaints and suggestions and submitting them through your healthcare team, surveys, and the Everyday Hero/Room for Improvement Cards.

Everyday Hero/Room for Improvement Card Program The RHJVA Medical Center has suggestion boxes and preprinted cards for submitting suggestions, compliments, and complaints throughout the hospital. Those cards are collected weekly and scanned, and compliments are shared with staff and supervisors, while concerns and complaints are handled by the Patient Advocates.

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 VP for Veteran Affairs for the local Army Association Chapter. Larry is the author of the award-winning book Blades of Thunder and a contributing freelance writer with The Island News. Contact him at LDandridge@earthlink.net or 843-276-7164.

See Into The Future . . . . . . read Opinion, Arts, Culture, Lifestyle, Homes, Cuisine

Discover What You’re Going To Do Next More coverage and content at LowcountryWeekly.com FEBRUARY 1–7, 2024

B9

SERVICE DIRECTORY ACUPUNCTURE

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B10

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Connect with our dedicated marketing team: Amanda Hanna – amanda@lcweekly.com Sandy Schepis – sandyschepis@gmail.com

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2. Alight, past tense 3. Boat mooring spot, e.g.

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12. *____ zone 15. Bad blood 20. Post-it user 22. Not miss 24. Street opening 25. *Half-time show entertainer 26. Compass point 27. In spite of the fact, arch.

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FEBRUARY 1–7, 2024

B11

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