He also said that the fire is believed to have been started by a space heater, but the cause is still officially under investigation.
“Space heater fires are common and one thing to take away from any type of heat or open flame is, ‘If it has heat,
Ho-ho-ho … still talking about trees
In respect for the holidays … and the fact that local government bodies have closed shop for the end of the year, I am using the excuse to look back at a previous end-of-theyear column and reflect on where we are now. Happy New Year! From December 2022
BEAUFORT
Last week we were focused on book bans; this week, let’s focus on trees.
The Port Royal Town Council came close to giving their tree-hugging citizens an early Christmas gift when they brought up for consideration a revision to the existing tree protection ordinance that would have tightened regulations. The ordinance was similar to the town of Hilton Head Island’s which is considered relatively restrictive in the world of tree protection.
Port Royal’s actions was prompted by the controversies this summer when a developer wanted to remove two significant oak trees from a tiny parcel on 12th Street to accommodate several townhouses. That activity followed on the footsteps of a permit earlier in the year when development plans threatened a 300-year-old tree that had already been designated landmark in South Carolina’s tree world.
Folks got upset and halted plans for the property off Paris Island Gateway and went to court to mediate the damage at the lot
SEE LOWDOWN PAGE A4
Beaufort Film Society announces selections for 19th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival Coming soon
By Delayna Earley The Island News
February in Beaufort means the Beaufort International Film Festival (BIFF), and the filmmakers who have been selected to participate in this year’s festival have been announced.
Judges have selected 54 films and five screenplays from the more than 500 submissions from 33 countries that were entered for consideration to be showcased in the 19th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival.
The selections span genres of documentaries, feature films, short films, student films, screenplays and animation.
The official selections for this year are:
FEATURES
Bound: Directed by Isaac Hirotsu Woofter, New York, NY
One Must Wash Eyes: Directed by Sepideh Yadegar, Vancouver, British Columbia
Seance: Directed by Vivian Kerr, Los Angeles, CA
Silent Life: The Story of the Lady
In Black: Directed by Vladislav Alex Kozlov, Los Angeles, CA
Where Were You: Directed by Phillip Abraham, Altadena, CA
DOCUMENTARY FEATURES
Echoes of Loss: Eight Days In Is-
rael: Directed by Rob Mor, Los Angeles, CA
Marcella: Directed by Peter Miller, New York, NY
Segal: Directed by Vernon Alfredo Davidson and Ryan Krayser, Calabasas, CA
DOCUMENTARY SHORTS
1001 Cuts: Directed by Sarah M. Temkin, Washington, DC
Breakfast in Beaufort: Journeys
Through Time: Directed by Ray Smith, Blythewood, SC
I'm Still Here: Directed by Stephen Stinson and Sam Miller, Birmingham, AL
SEE FILM PAGE A6
LOLITA HUCKABY
Anthony Grasso and Maggie Alexander pose for a photo just before the award ceremony at the Beaufort International Film Festival on Feb. 25, 2024, at USCB’s Center For The Arts. Amber Hewitt/File/The Island News
LOWCOUNTRY LIFE & NEWS
Habersham is growing by leaps and bounds. Not only has the number of residences doubled over the last decade, Habersham’s infrastructure has added facilities to attend to both the “body and soul” of its residents, locals and visiting tourists. Habersham’s Ron Callari snapped this photo of Earth Fit, on the left, a health club attracting more than 1200 members. And on the right — the Parish Church was “just” completed in a timely fashion for this year’s holiday season. 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 JAY KINSEY
American Legion Beaufort Post 207 brings you Beaufort’s Jay Kinsey, 64, who joined the United States Navy in Memphis in 1985 sometime after earning a BS in Secondary Education from Southeast Missouri State. After Boot Camp in Orlando, Fla., and Fire Controlman (control everything from radars, fire control systems and computer systems to the Navy’s most advanced missile systems) school in Great Lakes, Ill., he was assigned to
Dear readers,
Jay Kinsey
USS Radford (DD-968). He deployed all the way around South America. He then served as an instructor at Mare Island, Calif., before joining the pre-commission-
ing crew of USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74).
Once placed in service the Stennis sailed around the world eastward through the Mediterranean, the Suez Canal, the Persian Gulf, Bahrein, Australia including Tasmania, and Hawaii before reaching her home port of San Diego. He then served as an instructor in Dam Neck, Va., and when 9-11 happened he was sent to USS Teddy Roosevelt (CVN71), which was operating in the
Indian Ocean, followed by stops in Slovenia, Crete, France and Span while returning home. He retired in 2005 as a Chief Petty Officer. Since then he’s taught electronics, 4th and 5th grade boys, and worked in distribution for Perdue.
– Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207 For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.
We’ve been touched and amazed by your outpouring of generosity since we asked for your help a few weeks ago. Many of you answered the call, and we are so grateful! While we’re still exploring ways to make The Island News more sustainable, it means so much to know you value what we do. We will continue accepting donations at www.yourislandnews.com (and PO Box 550, Beaufort 29901), and we hope to be producing this free, homegrown newspaper – made by locals, for locals – for many years to come.
Many Thanks and Happy New Year,
Jeff and Margaret Evans
Publishers
ON THIS DATE
January 4
2023: John M. Trask, Jr. dies at age 87 at his home on St. Helena Island. During his lifetime, he worked in the family farming business on St. Helena Island, chartered First Carolina Bank and served as Associate Administrator for Finance and Investment in the Small Business Administration in the Carter Administration from 1977 to 1979. In 1971, he partnered with Marguerite Broz and Betty Waskiewicz to form the Beaufort County Open Land Trust.
– Compiled by Mike McCombs
PAL PETS OF THE WEEK
Cat Of The Week
’Twas the day before Christmas and all throughout PAL, every creature was stirring with the highest morale. It’s Christmas Eve. You can feel it in the air. Adopters are coming. Some are already there. The pets were all restless despite their warm beds, as visions of families danced in their heads. Guila dreams of a place where he won’t be alone. Because he knows that a shelter is not a real “home.”
Dog Of The Week On the 12th Day of Christmas, I
He takes time warming up to new people, but once he does, he's affectionate and loyal. With a low energy level, Peanut
enjoys lounging and soaking up the sun. He loves leisurely walks, sniffing around, and grazing on his food throughout the day. If you're looking for a sweet, independent companion who enjoys the simple things in life, Peanut might be the perfect match for you!
Adoption fees are waived for cats, kittens, and adult dogs through January 4 at Palmetto Animal League. Details at palmettoanimalleague.org/.
– Compiled by Lindsay Perry
saw this handsome mutt – who goes by the name of Peanut Peanut is looking for a quiet home where he can truly shine.
Scan Here to Donate
‘She never stopped looking out for us’
Beaufort Memorial honors nurse Nancy Morrison with DAISY Award
Staff reports
Independence Day is a day of celebration, cookouts and fireworks. Sparklers. Beach trips. Red, white and blue.
On the patriotic holiday this year, however, Mike Olmstead went into cardiac arrest, his wife Tammy said, at their home in Beaufort. She immediately began chest compressions, but it wasn’t long before she knew she couldn’t do it alone.
She ran to her next-door neighbor’s house, desperate for help.
That help came in the form of Beaufort Memorial cath lab nurse
Nancy Morrison, who had the day off and was enjoying the holiday.
“Her knowledge and experience took over,” Tammy recalled. “She never let up. She never stopped looking out for us.”
Nancy continued compressions, and her husband Marvin called 911. When the ambulance arrived, Tammy was in shock, and Morrison recognized the signs immediately, staying “calm, cool and collected” the entire time.
“They thought that was my last ride,” Mike said. “Nancy kept going and going and going until the paramedics got there. I can’t even fathom what was going through her head, but she did an amazing, amazing job.”
Afterward, Morrison helped Tammy gather her things to take to the hospital and drove her there herself.
Morrison, who has been a part of the Beaufort Memorial family for 18 years – working at the hospital’s Cochrane Heart Center for six – is
the charge nurse and preceptor to new nurses in the department.
Beaufort Memorial Cardiovascular/Pulmonary Services Director Sharon Shupe, MSN, RN, said that Morrison has a “great sense of humor” that she often uses to alleviate her patients’ anxieties.
“She is always kind, thoughtful and compassionate, and always determined to do what is best for the patient,” Sharon added. “She makes a difference in the lives of her patients and their families with her exceptional care and skills.”
Morrison received the prestigious DAISY Award in a small surprise ceremony at the Heart Center on Dec. 2, a “thank you” for her
unwavering commitment – on the clock or off – to lifesaving, compassionate care.
“For Nancy, nursing is more than a career,” Shupe said. “It is a lifestyle that doesn’t stop at the end of her shift.”
During the emotional award presentation, Morrison embraced Mike and Tammy as they thanked her once again.
“I would have done it anyway,” Morrison said, “I never expected this. Mike is a miracle; everything fell into the right place at the right time.”
With his near-death experience this summer, Mike says he has a new outlook and is approaching
every day like it could be his last.
“This taught me a lot of lessons about how to look at life and how to treat people,” he said. “Nancy just went so far above and beyond.
I can never thank her enough or repay her. I’m here because of what she did.”
Developed in 1999 by a Seattle couple to honor the nurses who took care of their dying son, the DAISY Award has since been adopted by health care facilities all over the world.
Anyone can nominate a Beaufort Memorial nurse for the honor. Applications are available throughout the hospital and at BeaufortMemorial.org/DAISY.
3 juveniles charged after shots fired day after Christmas
Staff reports
Three juveniles have been charged in connection with a shooting in the Grays Hill area the day after Christmas.
On Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024, around 8 p.m., a call came into the Beaufort County Communications Center reporting shots fired around Hampton Drive in the Grays Hill area. Deputies met with the victims and learned that their vehicle was shot multiple times but there were no injuries. Through the investigation, it was determined that three juveniles were responsible for the shooting. The juveniles were arrested, and two were charged with Attempted Murder and Possession of a Weapon During a Violent Crime, while the third was charged with Accessory Before the Fact. The juveniles were transported to the Department of Juvenile Justice. This is an ongoing investigation. If anyone has any information regarding this incident, contact Staff Sergeant Tunis 843-255-3426 or the non-emergency number 843-524-2777 For those wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be reported to Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County via the P3 Tips app, online at www.TIPSBFT.com, or by calling 1-844-TIPSBFT (1844-847-7238).
S aturday February 8, 2025
Nancy Morrison (center) pictured with Tammy Olmstead, Mike Olmstead and her husband Marvin. Photo courtesy of Beaufort Memorial Hospital
Board-certified physician joins BMH Lowcountry Medical Group Primary Care
Staff reports Beaufort Memorial has added a board-certified family medicine physician to the team at Lowcountry Medical Group Primary Care. Lenzy Stephenson, D.O., is bringing her wealth of experience in family practice, community health and holistic medicine to the Beaufort Memorial primary care team. A physician passionate about nutrition, Dr. Stephenson is committed to improving patient health through treatments that minimize reliance on medications
wherever possible.
“Dr. Stephenson brings a history of holistic and osteopathic care that deepens the breadth of primary care offered by Beaufort Memorial,” Beaufort Memorial President and CEO Russell Baxley said in a news release. “Her diverse experience and dedication to whole-body medicine makes her a great addition to our diverse team of commit-
ted primary care providers.”
Originally from North Carolina, Dr. Stephenson turned her attention to the medical field after watching her grandfather’s healthy lifestyle allow him to thrive into his 90s. Her interest in nutrition and culinary arts, as well as the impact of lifestyle changes on patient outcomes, has enhanced her career in holistic medicine.
Dr. Stephenson earned her medical degree from Lincoln Memorial University’s Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in Har-
rogate, Tenn., and completed her residency in family medicine in Savannah, Ga., at Memorial Health University Medical Center. She’s joining the Lowcountry Medical Group Primary Care team after living for several years in Northern California where she served as a family medicine physician for active-duty members and their families at the Travis Air Force Base, while later working as a physician serving a primarily Native American based population in Central California.
Celebrating Hanukkah
Lowdown
from page A1
on 12th street. But the movement had started and the need for more protection was obvious when considering the pending development
Port Royal faces with plans for the Battery Creek acres ripe for new home construction, not to mention other large parcels dotted with “for sale” signs.
Par for the course, a citizens committee was formed, worked quickly to craft an ordinance and get it to the Town Council as soon as possible. The first of two readings to pass the ordinance cleared council, a public hearing was held last week but…second and final reading (which means it becomes the law) was not to happen. That Christmas present was not to be delivered.
Council members were hesitant to give the ordinance a final blessing, although supporters pointed out it could be edited, over time, if “issues” were found. The Council did agree to impose a moratorium on any more tree removal permits until the proposed ordinance can be put into place.
It’s no diamond ring for those hoping for more but at least they’re still talking.
Port Royal Town Council did give “final blessing” to that tree ordinance at the first of 2023 and went a step further in 2024, doing what they promised to do – re-evaluate that ordinance – and opting to leave it as is, with a few tweaks, that means it remains one of the most protective in the state.
Trees were also on the Beaufort City Council’s final meeting of the year last week, the same meeting the elected officials welcomed a new member and announced a new city manager.
This time is was Dominion Energy with more plans for more
tree removal, all in the name of making sure the community doesn’t lose power when those storm winds blow.
At least the power company was giving future notice, unlike past massacres, aka, tree-trimmings, when the contract killers showed up and start whacking.
The company even provided a nice, color-coded map where the trimming will take place, available on the city’s webpage when time for the work to begin gets closer.
The city has a project director assigned to monitor the activity – the ever-steady Neil Pugliese –with a game plan all lined out on how citizens should be warned of the coming activity. The process is still going to be painful to watch but until those in charge figure out a way to pay for putting those lines underground, well, we apparently have to grin and bear it.
Neil Pugliese has retired and the new manager -- Scott Marshall – is running the show now, with the assistance of his able-bodied assistant JJ Sauve who was brought in this past year from Polk County, N.C. to help steer the ship of municipal Beaufort, which survived an election in November with all incumbents being returned to office and news that 2024 will be busy dealing with Safe Harbor, lease-holders of the city-owned Downtown Marina ... and the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park which has structural damage down below.
Then-Councilman Phil Cromer opted not to seek a third term on Council which opened the seat for Josh Scallate to win. Interestingly enough, Cromer was elected in 2023 in a special election to the Mayor’s office after Stephen Murray resigned and in 2024 when he had to run again, for a full term as mayor, he was challenged by Scallate.
And Dominion Energy, they’ll be back, whacking more trees and making tree-lovers furious. The
Her passion is for holistic medicine, with clinical interest in the areas of preventative care, herbalism and spiritual health care. She said she’s “interested in natural treatments and empowering patients to take control of their own health.”
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Stephenson or any of the practice providers, call 843-7700404. For more information on Beaufort Memorial’s primary care providers, visit BeaufortMemorial. org/primary-care.
public call for underground wiring came up again when Hurricane Helene swept through the area in September although damage to power lines was relatively minimal compare to the damage in the astern part of the state.
Will Pine Island plans be the 2023 poster child for citizens’ angst?
BEAUFORT – Staying on the topic of trees versus development, talk last week of a proposed 500acre residential golfing community on St. Helena Island included concerns not just the removal of trees but the alteration of a historic rural community.
The Coastal Conservation League brought what has been discussed privately for quite some time, the proposed project into the public arena with a community meeting to discuss the Pine Island buyers’ plans to build a resort-like golfing community with fewer than 100 homes off Eddings Point Road.
Plans for the development which might require a change in area’s conservation district zoning have not been presented to the county yet but opposition is already in the works, including petitions which have drawn hundreds of signatures.
The issue of environment and development is, of course, not unlike what’s been playing out in Beaufort County for the last several decades. There was the fight over Bay Point Island, on the other end of St. Helena Island that tied up attorneys since the county zoning board rejected those development plans two years ago.
There is some hope that the special “Green Space” sales tax voters approved in November will be used to purchase some of these special undeveloped places targeted for new homes, shopping centers, car washes and storage units.
But it’s going to take some time for those dollars and the regula-
“Port Royal Town Council did give ‘final blessing’ to that tree ordinance at the first of 2023 and went a step further in 2024, doing what they promised to do –re-evaluate that ordinance – and opting to leave it as is, with a few tweaks, that means it remains one of the most protective in the state.”
tions on how those dollars will be spent, to be worked out. In the meantime, TIMBER….
Was it only two years ago we were just starting to hear about this rural spot on St. Helena called Pine Island? After hundreds of hours spent at public meetings debating the pros and cons of the proposed gated community with golf course, 2024 ended with the future of the project … in court. Efforts to push the proposal through the county’s zoning process failed, despite several months spent in closed court litigation. The merits of the case are now before the U.S. District Court. As a new year begin, it’s unfair to call the Pine Island plans a “poster child for citizens angst” since the public seems to have moved onto
other issues with their frustrations against the Beaufort County Council and its lack of transparency.
Some odds and ends BEAUFORT – A few other “news” items you might have missed, in the hurry-flurry of the season (again, this is 2022 column).
Beaufort County Council made it illegal to use storage containers as residences, even for those cute little “tiny homes” you might see on TV.
Port Royal Council made it illegal to dig holes at The Sands deeper than a foot while using a metal shovel. While you can use a plastic shovel, you still are required to fill the hole up so some innocent person won’t fall and break a hip. Unfortunately, some “bad apples” are ruining it for others who enjoy looking for sharks teeth at what used to be a “locals” spot.
PS. There’s a $500 fine for violators.
Across the street, in the county government center, good-byes were said to County Council members Paul Sommerville, Stu Rodman, Brian Flewelling and Chris Hervochon. The four provided a total of 47 years of service; Rodman and Sommerville started together in 2007, spending a lot of time brainstorming at that wooden dais.
The outgoing Council members were replaced by David Batholomew, Tab Tabernick, Paula Brown and Tom Reitz. They’ll be up for re-election in 2026
Lolita Huckaby Watson is a community volunteer and newspaper columnist. In her former role as a reporter with The Beaufort Gazette, The Savannah Morning News, Bluffton Today and Beaufort Today, she prided herself in trying to stay neutral and unbiased..
As a columnist, these are her opinions. Her goal is to be factual but opinionated, based on her own observations. Feel free to contact her at bftbay@gmail.com.
Dr. Lenzy Stephenson
Rabbi Mendel Hertz lights the menorah at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in downtown Beaufort on Thursday, Dec. 26, the second day of the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. This event marked the fourth consecutive year that the Chabad of Greater Hilton Head, based in Bluffton, held a public celebration of the eight-day Festival of Lights in the City of Beaufort. Asa Aarons Smith/The Island News
The Chabad of Greater Hilton Head in Bluffton hosted its fourth annual public Hanukkah celebration at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in downtown Beaufort on Thursday, Dec. 26. The event featured music, dancing, and traditional holiday foods like latkes and donuts. Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday that began on Dec. 25. Asa Aarons Smith/ The Island News
LOLITA HUCKABY, on Port Royal’s efforts to protect trees and preserve green spaces
Christmas Babies
and
Digital Corridor to lead SC chapter of Founder Institute
Program to support early-stage entrepreneurs and grow South Carolina’s tech ecosystem
Staff reports
The Beaufort Digital Corridor has been selected to lead the South Carolina chapter of the Founder Institute, the world's largest pre-seed accelerator. This program is designed to help early-stage entrepreneurs launch and scale tech companies and will now be available to South Carolina's startup community.
The initiative aims to strengthen South Carolina's entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing founders with access to global resources, expert mentorship, and a structured curriculum focused on building scalable business models.
"This is a transformative opportunity for our local entrepreneurs," Beaufort Digital Corridor Executive Director Jess O'Brien aid in a news release. "By partnering with the Founder Institute, we're equipping Beaufort’s founders with the tools and support they need to succeed and compete in a global market."
The Founder Institute operates in more than 90 countries and has helped launch more than 6,500 companies that have collectively raised over $1 85 billion in funding. Its structured 14week program helps early-stage founders validate their ideas, develop scalable products, and prepare for growth and fundraising.
Through this partnership, South Carolina entrepreneurs gain access to a global network of mentors and resources, positioning the state as a hub for innovation and high-growth startups.
Kickoff events announced
stars Startup Weekend
USCB Youth Concert Returns With Andy Armstrong and Friends
Be at the USCB Center for the Arts Saturday, January 11th at 3 for a 1-hour classical music adventure with internationally acclaimed artists. Andrew Armstrong’s grand piano will be joined by a trumpet, violin, and guitar. Renowned for his electrifying performances from New York’s Carnegie Hall to London’s Wigmore, Andy’s on a special mission: to bring the wonders of classical music to the youth in the South Carolina Lowcountry.
Kids get to ask questions, learn interesting facts about the instruments, and be amazed at how music can tell stories without a single word. The concert is a playful blend of music education and interactive entertainment.
Youth 5-18 are FREE; adults are $25.
For tickets or more information, www.uscbchambermusic.com | 843-208-8246
• Jan. 21, 2025, at 6 p.m. –Meet the South Carolina Startup Ecosystem
Participants will be introduced to South Carolina’s entrepreneurial landscape and key players in the ecosystem.
• Jan. 22, 2025, at 8 p.m.
– What is the DNA of an Entrepreneur? Insights from 15 Years of Research
Learn what makes successful entrepreneurs thrive, based on Founder Institute’s global research and data from more than 6 500 startups.
• Feb. 12, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. – Startup Funding in South Carolina, Featuring Venture South
This session will provide a deep dive into funding opportunities for startups, featuring insights from Venture South, one of the region’s leading angel investment groups.
• Feb. 25, 2025, at 6 p.m. – Speed Mentoring: Get Feedback and Network with Top South Carolina Mentors
Connect with experienced mentors for rapid, actionable feedback on your startup ideas and expand your network in the local entrepreneurial community.
Mar. 21-23, 2025 – Tech-
To celebrate the launch of the Founder Institute South Carolina chapter, the Beaufort Digital Corridor will host several events designed to engage entrepreneurs, investors, and community members:
Join a 54-hour immersive event where entrepreneurs, developers, and creatives collaborate to turn ideas into startups with guidance from experienced mentors.
Applications and Timeline
Applications for the first cohort of the Founder Institute South Carolina chapter will open in early 2025, with the program officially kicking off in April. Additional events and deadlines leading up to the launch include:
• Mar. 9, 2025 – Founder Institute Early Admissions Deadline Apr. 13, 2025 – Founder Institute Final Admissions Deadline Apr. 28, 2025 – Founder Institute Accelerator Kickoff
Building South Carolina's tech economy
The partnership with the Founder Institute offers South Carolina startups a unique opportunity to leverage a proven framework, connect with global networks, and gain the skills necessary to succeed in today’s competitive market. The program's focus on early-stage founders fills a critical gap in the state’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
For more information about the Founder Institute South Carolina chapter or to register for upcoming events, visit https://fi.co/ core.
DICK CHILDS
All was merry and bright at the Beaufort Memorial Collins Birthing Center on Christmas Day as the community welcomed two precious gifts, Allison and Maverick. Maverick (left), born to Beaufort parents Holly and Charles Nash, made his Christmas appearance at 2:18 a.m., weighing 8 pounds. Allison (right) came into this world at 12:27 a.m. at 7 pounds, 1 ounce to Francis Martinez and Fredis Gonzalez of Ridgeland. The holiday hats were crocheted by Victoria Mayo, RN,
the ornaments were crocheted by Sabrina Cooler. Sea Island Quilters made the holiday stockings and festive quilts. Photo by Charlotte Berkeley Photography
Deadline approaching to apply for FEMA assistance
Staff reports
If you have sustained damage or losses due to Hurricane Helene in South Carolina, it is important to act quickly as the deadline to apply for federal assistance is approaching. You have less than a week to apply for FEMA disaster assistance before the deadline of Jan. 7, 2025
Homeowners and renters in Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties and the Catawba Indian Nation can apply for federal assistance.
The quickest way to apply is to go online to DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also visit a Disaster Recovery Center, or apply using the FEMA App (https://bit. ly/4fCgfxa) for mobile devices or by calling toll-free 800-621-3362. The telephone line is open every day, and the help is available in many languages.
If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. For a video with American Sign Language, voiceover and open captions about how to apply for FEMA assistance, visit https://bit.ly/41NRavU.
FEMA programs are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.
from page A1
The Greatest Guy You Never Knew: Directed by Brian Russell, Fairfield, CT
Tides of Change: Directed by Justin Wheelon, Aiken, SC
Wakanyeja Kin Wana Ku Pi (The Children Are Coming Home): Directed by Andy Wakeman, Beaufort, SC
ANIMATION
112 Steps: Directed by James Sidletsky and Bryanna C. Cantrell, Beaufort SC (University of South Carolina Beaufort)
Indefinitely: Directed by Aloha Lee, Los Angeles, CA (University of Southern California)
Gleam: Directed by Anna Palmate, Cary, NC (Pratt Institute)
Love Photosynthesis: Directed by Alisa Zolonz, Kiev, Ukraine
There Can Only Be One: Directed by Britney Fan, Palo Alto, CA (University of Southern California)
STUDENT FILM
Belly of the Beast: Directed by Mary Louise Renegar, Winston-Salem, NC (University of North Carolina School of the Arts)
Jupiter: Directed by Amanda Mickwee, New York, NY (NYU Tisch)
Historic Beaufort Foundation awards
NEWS BRIEFS
County encourages recycling of live Christmas trees
Beaufort County residents who have decals are encouraged to bring live Christmas trees to any County Convenience Center during normal Center hours. Trees should be placed in the yard waste bins. For residents who do not have Convenience Center decals, Christmas trees can be brought to the Shanklin Road, Beaufort or Simmonsville Road, Bluffton locations only.
Please make sure all ornaments, lights, and other decorations are removed from the trees prior to recycling them. In anticipation of increased amounts of post-holiday waste and as a courtesy to other County residents, please remember to flatten all cardboard boxes before placing them in the appropriate dumpsters.
Bubble wrap and air pillows
Living On the Edge: Directed by Jishnu Nandanan, London, United Kingdom (Goldsmiths, University of London)
Lollie: Directed by Agnes Shinozaki, Los Angeles, CA (NY Film Academy)
Two Breaths: Directed by Kateryna Kurganska, West Hollywood, CA (University of Southern California)
DUTY & HONOR
A Final Landing On Iwo
Jima: Directed by Tim Gray, South Kingstown RI
BRCC Presents: The Siege at The Sanh: Directed by David Kniess, West Jordan, UT
Running Towards the Fire:
A War Correspondent's Story: Directed by Bernard McCoy, Lincoln, NE
SHORT FILMS
4th Dementia: Directed by Ian Wexler, Brooklyn, NY
Bastard: Directed by Monica Arsenault and Isabella
Jane Schiller, New York, NY
Burning the Old Man: Directed by Robert Kelly McAllister and Timothy McCracken, Denver, CO
Donor: Directed by Erin Doyle Cooper, Los Angeles, CA
Familiar: Directed by Rebecca Mlinek, Elizabeth City, NC
Five Thousand Stars: Directed by Paul Holbrook, Wheathampstead, Hertford-
can be recycled in the Plastic Bag & Film Collection bins at the Bluffton, Hilton Head, Shanklin and St. Helena Convenience Centers. Remember too, after the feast, recycle the grease. For more information about recycling household grease and other accepted recyclables at the Convenience Centers, visit https://bit.ly/3jtct1D.
For more information on locations and hours of Beaufort County Convenience Centers, please visit www.beaufortcountysc.gov/recycle or call 843-255-2736.
South Atlantic Bank opens Beaufort branch
South Atlantic Bank opened its new office in Beaufort earlier this month. The new branch is located at 37 Robert Smalls Parkway. The Beaufort branch offers a full range of personal and business fi-
shire, United Kingdom
Game Night: Directed by Rob Figueroa, Montclair, NJ
Heartless: Directed by Ann Allsopp, Denver CO
Higher Lows: Directed by Kent Belle, Richmond, VA
Inhale: Directed by Shannon Marie Sullivan, Brooklyn, NY
Involuntary: Directed by Dana E. White and Christopher Knoblock, Willoughby Hills, OH
Knead: Directed by Timothy Michael Cooper, Los Angeles, CA
Love Less Likely: Directed by David Liban, Centennial, CO
Lovesick: Directed by Alexander Saul, Charlottenlund, Denmark
Ms. Rossi 3: Ms. Rossi Meets the Mob: Directed by Pat Battistini, Santa Clarita, CA
My Friend Doubt: Directed by Mark Riccadonna, Ambler, PA
Neither Donkey Nor Horse: Directed by Robin Wang, Los Angeles, CA
On Paper: Directed by Arthur Helterbran Jr, Valley Village, CA
Silver Sizzle: Directed by Brian Russell, Fairfield, CT
Small Hours: Directed by Stacie Hirsch and Jack Hirsch, Santa Barbara, CA
Sixteen: Directed by Naomi Iwamoto, Los Angeles, CA
nancial products, services, lending solutions, and an ATM and drivethrough.
"We are very excited to move into our new location after opening in Beaufort in 2022. This new branch represents our commitment to supporting Beaufort’s growth and providing tailor-made financial solutions to our local customers,” Senior Vice President and Beaufort Market Executive Christian Kata said in a news release.
The new branch is one of 13 South Atlantic Bank offices located along the South Carolina coast.
County VA to offer End of Life Planning Seminars for veterans, families
Beaufort County Veterans Affairs is hosting End of Life Planning Seminars for veterans and their families.
These seminars address things veterans and their families can
The Long Walk Home: Directed by Jeremy Folmer, New York, NY
The Rug: Directed by Sean Cisterna, Ontario, Canada
Wabi-Sabi: Directed by Josephine Green Zhang, Los Angeles, CA
What I Am: Directed by Jackie Oudney, Wheathampstead, Hertsfordshire, United Kingdom
SCREENPLAYS
Crossed: Written by Peter Herman, Wesley Chapel, FL
Heroes From Heaven: Battle Ground Earth: Written by D. Scott Glenn, Philadelphia, PA
Poster Girls: Written by Christina Capra, Charlotte, NC
Pretty Ugly: Written by Robbie Robertson, Columbia, SC
The Lost Treasure of the Mayans: Written by Julius Galacki
BEST COMEDY NOMINATIONS
4 Dementia (Short)
Donor (Short)
Heartless (Short)
Ms. Rossi 3: Ms. Rossi Meets the Mob (Short)
My Friend Doubt (Short)
Small Hours (Short)
Silver Sizzle (Short)
Wabi-Sabi (Short)
BEST ACTOR NOMINATIONS
do today to ensure their personal effects are in order. They also discuss Veterans Affairs benefits that surviving spouses may be entitled to receive.
They will be offered at either 9 a.m. or 1 p.m., at convenient locations around Beaufort County: Tuesday, Feb. 18: Lobeco Branch Library, 1862 Trask Parkway, Seabrook.
• Tuesday, May 20: Hilton Head Branch Library, 11 Beach City Road.
• Tuesday, May 27: Beaufort Library, 311 Scott Street. RSVPs are required for space and resource purposes. Please contact Crystal at 843-255-6880 to reserve your seat. For questions and more information please contact Beaufort County Veterans Affairs at 843-255-6880
– Staff reports
BEST ENSEMBLE NOMINATIONS
Boyd Gaines, Silver Sizzle (Short)
Jack McGhee, Involuntary (Short)
Chris Pang, Neither Donkey Nor Horse (Short)
Jim Lau, Neither Donkey Nor Horse (Short)
Clint Ruben, Lovesick (Short)
Jilon VanOver, Seance (Feature)
BEST ACTRESS NOMINATIONS
Christine Bottomley, What I Am (Short)
Pegah Ghafoori, One Must Wash Eyes (Feature)
Alexandra Fay Sadeghian, Bound (Feature)
Jeanna Schweppe, My Friend Doubt (Short)
Shannon Marie Sullivan, Inhale (Short)
Scottie Thompson, Seance (Feature)
BEST DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS
Vivian Kerr, Seance (Feature)
Kateryna Kurganska, Two Breaths (Student)
Robin Wang, Neither Donkey Nor Horse (Short)
Isaac Hirotsu Woofter, Bound (Feature)
Sepedah Yadegar, One Must Wash Eyes (Feature)
Bound (Feature)
Game Night (Short)
Ms. Rossi 3: Ms. Rossi Meets the Mob (Short)
Neither Donkey Nor Horse (Short)
Seance (Feature)
Silver Sizzle (Short)
BEST SCORE NOMINATIONS
Belly of the Beast, Lucia Moreno & Flint Steppenrock (Student)
Bound, Ethan James Startzman (Feature)
Game Night, Louis Robert King (Short)
Neither Donkey Nor Horse, Brandon Jung, Nathan Wang (Short)
Seance, Eric Elterman, Alon Peretz and Arturo Rodriguez (Feature)
Silent Life: The Story of the Lady in Black, Greg Dombrowski (Feature)
The festival will take place from Feb. 18 through the 23 in Beaufort, S.C.
For more information about the festival, visit beaufortfilmfestival.com.
Delayna Earley, who joined The Island News in 2022, formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as
The Historic Beaufort Foundation presented its Honor Award and Director's Award for innovative archeological preservation to the Dataw Island Historic Foundation and its President Marilyn Peck on Monday Dec. 9 at the Dataw Historic Foundation Learning Center. Cynthia Jenkins, Executive Director of the Beaufort Historic Foundation, presented the two awards to Peck. Pictured from left are Woody Rutter, Rob Montgomery, Cynthia Jenkins, Marilyn Peck and Jack Brown. Photo courtesy of Historic Beaufort Foundation
Exhibit reveals family history to honor lives of the enslaved
Staff reports
USCB’s Center for the Arts will present “‘Payne-ful’ Business, Charleston’s Journey to Truth,” its first gallery show of the year.
Running Jan. 9 through Feb. 20, 2025, the exhibit is a collaboration between Charlestonian author Margaret Seidler and John W. Jones from Columbia. The public is invited to an artist reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 9
Featuring more than 40 paintings created by Jones using oils, acrylics and watercolors, the works in the exhibit are inspired by Seidler’s historical research into her family history, which revealed her relation to William Payne, her great-grandfather and domestic slave trading auctioneer. Jones drew inspiration from the Payne newspaper ads which promoted for
masons and dozens of other
talented enslaved people. He transformed their trade, skills, and labor into a compelling visual narrative of the pervasiveness and magnitude of the contributions of the enslaved. Each is accompanied by the textual images of the supporting newspaper advertisement, including its archival provenance.
Seidler’s book, “‘Payneful’ Business, Journey to Truth” (Evening Post Books, February 2024, evepostbooks.com), incorporates Jones’ compelling images in support of the historical interpretation of her recently discovered ancestors.
Conroy Center, DAYLO to launch Silent Book Club Beaufort
Staff reports
Silent Book Club Beaufort, a unique take on the traditional book club, will launch Saturday, Jan. 11, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center at 601 Bladen Street in Beaufort.
Designed to offer a relaxed and pressure-free space for readers of all types, this community gathering invites book lovers to enjoy their current reads in a welcoming and peaceful atmosphere.
The inaugural Silent Book Club Beaufort is co-sponsored by the Conroy Center and the student book club DAYLO (Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization), bringing together two organizations dedicated to fostering community connections and celebrating the love of literature.
Unlike traditional book clubs, Silent Book Club Beaufort has no assigned reading, no deadlines, and no discussions
required. Whether you prefer ebooks, audiobooks, comic books, textbooks, or paperbacks, readers are invited to bring their book of choice, settle in, and savor the joy of uninterrupted reading among like-minded individuals.
The casual meetups provide an excellent opportunity to discover new book recommendations, make friends, and reconnect with the love of reading. Whether you’re a lifelong bookworm or just getting back into reading, everyone is welcome.
Staff reports
Every year since 1987, The Friends of the Beaufort Library has hosted Books Sandwiched In, a lunchtime, multi-week series at which a community member talks about a book that has been meaningful to him or her, and the series will continue in 2025
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, these discussions are free and open to the public. Light refreshments are served and raffle items are available for bidding each week.
The two-hour sessions begin at noon each Monday from Jan. 27 through March 10 at the USCB Center for the Arts at 805 Carteret Street in Beaufort.
“Books Sandwiched In is a be-
“‘Payne-ful’
In addition to the exhibit, the CFA will host an opening reception with both Margaret Seidler and John Jones, an author’s talk and book signing co-sponsored with Books Sandwiched In, and a moderated discussion with the author and artist hosted along with USCB’s Osher Life-Long Learning Institute. For more information and details for each event, visit: https://www. uscbcenterforthearts.com/ cfa-gallery-exhibit.
Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar coming to USCB
Known for reimagining contemporary gospel and soul music, their dynamic energy and intricate vocal artistry blend messages of unity, hope, and inspiration, creating an unparalleled musical experience.
Participants can drop in late or leave early to fit their schedules, with the simple request to arrive five to 10 minutes early to avoid disruptions.
Silent Book Club Beaufort is free to attend and proudly supports local businesses and organizations. Additional dates and locations will be announced soon via the SBCB Instagram page at www.instagram.com/silentbookclubbeaufort.
loved community event where you can explore something new, maybe a new book, idea, or experience from a different speaker each week,” Program co-Chair Annette Baker said in a news release.
Staff reports The USCB Center for the Arts will host Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar, a renowned contemporary gospel ensemble celebrated for its electrifying harmonies and innovative arrangements, at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 17 for an unforgettable evening of soul and gospel that will leave you inspired and uplifted.
Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar have captivated audiences around the globe with their breathtaking vocal precision and heartfelt performances.
“We are honored to welcome Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar to Beaufort,” USCB Center for the Arts Director Bonnie Hargrove said in a news release. “Their extraordinary talent and passion promise a truly moving and memorable evening for our community.”
com or follow the USCB Center for the Arts on Facebook and Instagram.
they do in enhancing library services, an annual membership can be purchased at the door or on the Friends website at $25 per household or $15 per military household. For more information, please visit https://friendsofthebeaufortlibrary.com/ or contact Carter Hoyt at carterhoyt@comcast.net or 404-936-5695
Margaret Seidler.
Feb. 3: “The Open-Focus Brain” by Les Fehmi and Jim Robbins; Presented by Jane Caffrey.
Feb. 10: “Black Boy” by Richard Wright; Presented by Jeffrey Blount.
Feb. 17: “Teddy and Booker T.” by Brian Kilmeade; Presented by Pat Sculley.
“You don’t need to read the selected book in advance, just bring a friend or come and make a new one. Everyone is welcome.” For those interested in joining the Friends to support the work
2025 Books Sandwiched In Noon to 1 p.m., Mondays, Jan. 27 through March 10 USCB Center For The Arts, 805 Carteret Street, Beaufort. The event is free and open to the public.
Schedule Jan. 27: “Payne-ful Business” by Margaret Seidler; Presented by
Feb. 24: “The World Without Us” by Alan Weisman; Presented by Elaine Adams.
March 3: “Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead” by Tom Stoppard; Presented by Bruce Page.
March 10: “Books Promiscuously Read” by Heather White; Presented by Lauren Hoffer.
Trey McLaughlin & The Sounds of Zamar ar known for reimagining contemporary gospel and soul music. Photo courtesy of USCB Center For The Arts
Paper, plastic, metal: SC app shows what, where, how to recycle
glossary of common recyclables
By Skyler Laird SCDailyGazette.com
COLUMBIA — For anyone left with mountains of boxes and wrapping paper after opening their gifts, a staterun app can help sort out what’s recyclable and where to take it.
The app, Recycle Here SC, is meant to make recycling easier by helping people find nearby recycling drop-off centers and figure out what can go in the recycling bin versus the trash.
The app includes a map showing which of the state’s 530 recycling drop sites are closest to a person’s home or business.
A glossary of helpful terms lists common materials that can and can’t be recycled and says how to wash or prepare certain items before recycling. A calendar will show special collection events, where people can often recycle items such as hazardous waste, shredded paper and electronics.
As far as Christmas goes, wrapping paper depends on the type and what a person’s local centers accept, while cardboard boxes should go in the recycling bin, according to the app.
The groups behind the app — the state’s environmental agency, litter pickup group Palmetto Pride and the SC Beverage Association
— want to make sure people recycle what can be recycled and leave out everything else, reducing contamination that can send a whole load of material to the landfill.
“Having the right items in the right bin increases the value of the recyclables, lowers processing costs, and provides clean raw material to manufacturers for making new products,” said Department of Environmental Services Director Myra Reece in a statement.
Different recycling sites have different rules.
But some commonly recycled items that should never go in curbside recycling bins include greasy pizza boxes, Christmas lights (or any other rope-like item), scrap metal, batteries, and plastic bags (recycle the bags at your local grocery store instead), according to the state’s environmental agency. The state has a website with information on how to recycle. But the app, which launched in November, is meant to be more convenient for people looking for quick answers, Reece said in a statement.
Some counties also have their own apps, with which the statewide one is meant to act in conjunction, she added.
By increasing the amount of trash people recycle, state
officials also hope to reduce litter, which is often made up of recyclable materials, Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette said in a statement.
“With the launch of the Recycle Here SC app, we’re equipping South Carolinians with a powerful tool to make recycling more accessible and efficient,” Evette said in a statement.
In 2021, the state’s envi-
ronmental agency set a goal of recycling at least 50% or more of all trash by 2030 mirroring a federal goal set the year before. In the fiscal year that ended in June 2023, that rate was just under 21%, according to the agency’s annual report. (The 2024 report has not yet been released.)
That amounted to just over 1 1 million tons of recy-
cling, out of more than 5 4 million tons of waste generated, according to the report.
Only one county had met the state’s goal by the 2023 report. Chesterfield County residents recycled 65% of their trash, or about 9,000 tons, according to the report.
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. S.C. Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
“Citizens want to do the right thing but also want convenience,” PalmettoPride director Sarah Lyles said in a statement. “This mobile app provides user-friendly access to much-needed information.”
SC archaeologists searching for former slave quarters in public Hilton Head dig
Visitors will be able to tour the cultural preserve while researchers work
By Skyler Laird SCDailyGazette.com
HILTON HEAD ISLAND — Re-
searchers believe Green’s Shell
Enclosure Heritage Preserve was once a ceremonial spot for Native American tribes that inhabited the state’s Sea Islands. Centuries later, it was also part of a large plantation, according to South Carolina archaeologists.
As archaeologists dig, seeking to uncover the foundations of former slave quarters, along with more artifacts from the land’s Native American history, they’re opening the property up next month for members of the public to tour and observe their work.
From Jan. 7 through Jan. 16, archaeologists will lead three free tours daily to show interested visitors how they discover information about a piece of land. Each tour is limited to 15 people, so the Department of Natural Resources encourages registering for the event.
One advantage of public tours is people can see all the work archaeologists do and not just the pottery or other items displayed in museums, project manager Meg Gaillard told the S.C. Daily Gazette.
The tours have to remain small because the excavation will involve digging holes throughout the 3-acre property. To start, they will create a grid of 100 holes about 30
centimeters wide and 100 centimeters deep, which Gaillard calls “windows into the ground.”
The archaeologists will then use what they find to decide where to expand their dig, looking for artifacts that could date back as far as 1335 A.D., around the same time as the Renaissance in Europe.
“I would encourage people to come and visit us a couple times during the field season, because they’re going to see a little bit of a different take on archaeology in the different weeks,” Gaillard said.
Green’s Shell Enclosure is named for an enclosure made of oyster and other shells that snakes through part of the property. The ridge,
which measures from 20 to 30 feet wide at the base and 4 feet tall at its highest points, was built by Native Americans during a period known as the Irene phase, according to DNR. The period is named after an excavation at Irene Plantation near Savannah, Ga.
The inhabitants of Green’s Shell were farmers who lived in large villages. They used shells to make pendants, called gorgets, as well as masks and beads.
Archaeologists believe the enclosure could have been a ceremonial site, according to DNR. Artifacts, including remnants of pottery, could give researchers a better picture of what people did there, Gail-
lard said.
Researchers are hoping to uncover some more recent history as well.
The enclosure at one point was located on the western section of the 1,000-acre Fairfield Plantation, also known as Stoney’s Place. About 150 enslaved people were thought to have lived on the plantation in the 1800s, according to DNR.
An excavation in the 1980s found the remains of a chimney on the preserve, in the same place where historical documents indicated slave quarters existed. Archaeologists hope to uncover foundations for the quarters, whether that includes relics or simply changes in the soil that indicate a building once stood there.
The state took over the site in 1991.
Researchers frequently study the state’s 18 cultural preserves, which are meant to preserve culturally significant places, but major excavations like this happen less often.
Archaeologists try to strike a balance between what they dig up and what they leave for future researchers with more advanced technology to uncover, Gaillard said.
Because the archaeologists studying the property in the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s left parts of it untouched, current researchers were
able to use newer ground-penetrating radar to discover the potential remnants of the slave quarters on the old plantation, Gaillard said.
Archaeologists will do the same thing this time around, excavating about 17% of the property to leave some mysteries for future researchers to solve, she said.
“In 20 years, there might be another excavation there for the next generation that’s going to disclose a whole bunch more about the past, so it’s very exciting,” Gaillard said. While artifacts are often what people picture when thinking about excavations, other details in the land that are not as easily displayed can offer just as much, and sometimes more, information, Gaillard said.
“To an archaeologist, there’s so much more to that research than just the things and the objects that we bring out of the ground,” Gaillard said. “Sometimes, the dirt itself tells an amazing story that we can analyze for people that come and visit us.”
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. S.C. Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
From left, Kathryn Wylie, lobbyist with the S.C. Beverage Association; Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette; Myra Reece, environmental services director; PalmettoPride Director Sarah Lyles; and state Recycle Right Coordinator Grace Anne Martin talk about the Recycle Here SC app at the Statehouse on Nov. 15, 2024. Photo courtesy of SC Department of Environmental Services
Green’s Shell Enclosure Heritage Preserve, where archaeologists will conduct a public dig in January. Photo courtesy of Larry Lane/SCDNR
SC wrapped: The top statewide news of 2024
By Jack O’Toole StatehouseReport.com
Referring to the ideological conflicts that occasionally roiled his administration, President Ronald Reagan once winkingly noted that "sometimes our right hand doesn't know what our far-right hand is doing."
In 2024, Republican leaders in the South Carolina Statehouse could have offered much the same observation, as they struggled to find party unity on major legislation involving taxes, guns, hate crimes and more.
And it’s with those legislative hits and misses — some surprising, all controversial — that we begin our wrap-up of S.C.’s biggest statewide stories of 2024
What passed in the S.C. Statehouse — and what didn’t
After a bit of pushing and shoving between the two chambers, the General Assembly in June passed a $14 5 billion state budget. The plan cut income taxes, invested in roads and bridges, raised teacher pay, froze college tuition and fully funded a new medical school building at the University of South Carolina and a veterinary college at Clemson University.
Also becoming law in 2024 were a ban on the use of state dollars for gender transitions, broa expansion of the right to carry a handgun without a permit, new limits on bail for repeat violent of-
fenders and minor changes to the state’s judicial selection system.
On the other side of the ledger, the state Senate allowed a Housepassed hate crimes bill to die without a vote for the second session in a row. At the time, critics noted Senate leaders opted to allow a single member’s hold on the bill to stand rather than forcing an override vote to bring it to the floor. As a result, South Carolina remains one of only two states in the nation without a hate crimes law.
Other major failures in 2024 included liquor liability reform, limited medical marijuana legalization, health agency consolidation and a utility-friendly energy bill that would have incentivized increased fossil fuel production.
With more than 800 bills already prefiled in advance of the 2025 session, members will return for new business in January.
The return of the death penalty
For the first time in more than a decade, the state of South Carolina took a human life in 2024. In fact, it took two.
On Sept. 20, Freddie Owens was executed by lethal injection for the 1997 murder of Greenville convenience store clerk Irene Graves.
And on Nov. 1, Richard Moore was put to death in the same manner for the murder of Spartanburg gas station employee James Mahoney in 2001
The long suspension of Palmet-
to State executions began in 2011 after drug companies refused to continue providing the drugs required for lethal injection. Ultimately, the state overcame this barrier by passing laws to add firing squads and electric chairs as legal means of execution and guaranteeing the confidentiality of companies providing the needed drugs.
There are currently 30 men on S.C.’s death row, with four already scheduled to die in 2025
Another major accounting scandal
State taxpayers could be forgiven for thinking S.C.’s accounting problems were over in 2023 after former Comptroller Richard Eckstrom resigned for falsely inflating the state’s cash reserves by $3 5 billion for more than a decade.
But as it turned out, Palmetto State numbers crunchers had more bad news to reveal in 2024 — namely, the discovery of a state bank account that appeared to contain $1 8 billion in unidentified and unallocated funds. What’s worse, no one could even say for sure whether the mystery money really existed.
Fireworks ensued at an April Senate Finance Committee hearing, as a visibly angry state Treasurer Curtis Loftis snapped at panel members and tried to pin blame on the already-disgraced Eckstrom. A later committee report
found no criminal wrongdoing, but held Loftis personally responsible for the mess.
A forensic accounting firm is currently working with state officials to confirm the funds and determine where they belong. Loftis has said he won’t seek reelection in 2026
Vouchers, book bans and charges of indoctrination
Under the avowedly conservative leadership of state Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver, the S.C. Department of Education spent most of 2024 in the headlines.
A strong supporter of what advocates call “school choice,” Weaver lobbied hard to get private school vouchers passed in the Statehouse and fought to protect them in the S.C. Supreme Court. But in the end, the justices struck down the law anyway, sending voucher proponents back to the legislative drawing board.
More successful were Weaver’s efforts to impose state control over local school materials, which opponents called a book ban, and her unilateral move to push conservative videos from PragerU into public school classrooms.
In brief The devastating Upstate impacts of Hurricane Helene left state officials scrambling to reopen roads, deliver emer-
gency services and get the lights back on for more than 1 2 million residents who lost power. Katrina Shealy, Sandy Senn and Penry Gustafson — the three Republican “sister senators” who opposed their party’s efforts to impose a total abortion ban and shared a “Profile in Courage” award — lost their reelection primaries in June.
Democrats and Republicans came together to support a Robert Smalls monument — the first such tribute to a Black man on the Statehouse grounds.
Cell phones were banned in S.C. schools. And finally, as the year drew to a close, two Democratic icons from what many call a more civilized era passed from the scene. Civil rights pioneer Kay Patterson, who served for more than 30 years in the state legislature he once cleaned as a janitor, died at 93 on Dec. 13
And John Spratt, an Upstate congressman for 28 years and a leader on national defense and budget issues, died on Dec. 14. He was 82
Published in coordination with StatehouseReport.com with assistance from the S.C. Institute for Independent Journalism.
SC woman sues over ‘racial quota’ for minority affairs board
By Jessica Holdman SCDailyGazette.com
A Myrtle Beach-area woman of Chinese and Cuban heritage is suing to get a spot on South Carolina’s Commission for Minority Affairs, claiming state law treats her as the wrong kind of minority.
The lawsuit, filed by Sandy Chiong in federal court Wednesday, Dec. 11, challenges the 1993 state law that created the agency, which requires a majority-Black governing board.
The specification that most of the board’s nine members “must be African American” violates the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, the lawsuit claims.
“In America, government positions are supposed to be open to all citizens — not restricted to members of favored groups,” Chiong’s lawyers wrote in court documents. “A racial quota prevents her from being considered for a position on an equal basis with other candidates.” The suit names Gov. Henry McMaster, since the law tasks the governor with appointing members of the commission, with the Senate’s confirmation. The governor’s office has not yet been notified by the court of the lawsuit and declined Fri-
day to comment.
A spokesperson for the minority affairs agency also said the agency had no comment on the lawsuit and did not answer questions from the S.C. Daily Gazette about the history of the commission and what it does.
The commission’s governing board is made up of one person from each of South Carolina’s seven congressional districts, as well as two at-large seats.
“This means that at least five of the nine Commission slots are prohibited from going to Americans of any other racial background — whether white, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native American, multiracial, or other,” the lawyers argue in court documents. “The statute offers no justification whatsoever for this categorical
race-based restriction.”
When the Legislature established the Commission for Minority Affairs, the agency focused on addressing “inequities impacting African American communities,” hence the legislative mandate that its membership reflect the population it was formed to serve. In 2003, its scope was broadened to include Asian Americans, Hispanic and Latino Americans, and Native Americans, according to agency documents, but the language governing board makeup remained in place.
Black residents are the largest racial minority in South Carolina, at 26% of the state population according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
Hispanic residents make up 7 5% of the population, followed by 2% Asian and less
than 1% Native American.
Chiong is the daughter of Cuban immigrants and is of Chinese, Cuban, and Spanish descent.
Both Chiong’s maternal and paternal grandfather immigrated from China to Cuba.
“Years later, her parents left Cuba for a better life in America, instilling in her an appreciation for constitutional rights,” according to a statement from the Pacific Legal Foundation, a conservative, California-based public interest law firm representing Chiong. “Sandy’s immigrant background and Chinese Cuban ancestry made the Commission an ideal choice, but she’s disadvantaged for consideration because she’s not African American.”
Currently, seats for the 3rd and 4th Congressional districts, as well as one atlarge member, are vacant. Two members are serving past the expiration of their term in what’s known as holdover status, including the member representing the 7th District where Chiong lives.
That means only four members of the commission are serving active terms. Three of them have terms expiring next July, according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit is part of a larger, conservative-led movement against these types of policies across the country meant to increase minority representation, as well as those involving concepts of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Chiong has ties to Republican politics, serving as a South Carolina delegate to the Republican National Convention in 2016 She was briefly affiliated with South Carolina Parents Involved in Education, a conservative group that has opposed changes to education standards for decades. In 2014, Chiong was among people listed with the group publicly objecting to changes in Advanced Placement U.S. history standards, according to State Board of Education meeting minutes. However, Pacific Legal Foundation says she attended the group’s meetings for only a few months and did not become a member.
Chiong did not respond before deadline to any questions from the S.C. Daily Gazette, including what prompted her to seek appointment to the commission.
Chiong’s case marks the Pacific Legal Foundation’s seventh active case involving race or gender-based
government board membership requirements, though most of the other boards being challenged are related to a licensed profession, according to her attorney Caleb Trotter. Trotter said his organization already has been successful in getting gender-based rules overturned for a board in Iowa that recommends judicial appointeesand race-based rules for the board that licenses social workers in Arkansas. Pacific Legal Foundation’s cases rely on similar arguments to those made in the 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision rolling back affirmative action in college admissions. Trotter said while that decision is “directly relevant” to this case, it was not the organization’s impetus for filing this and similar lawsuits around the country. Other states where the group is part of these types of lawsuits include Tennessee, Minnesota, Montana, Alabama, Louisiana and North Carolina.
Jessica Holdman writes about the economy, workforce and higher education. Before joining the S.C. Daily Gazette, she was a business reporter for The Post and Courier. S.C. Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest statefocused nonprofit news organization.
Matthew J. Perry Jr. U.S. Courthouse in Columbia. Abraham Kenmore/S.C. Daily Gazette
Flu season? Watch out for these 10 other illnesses
No one likes being sick, but if it’s winter, it’s flu season. We all tend to spend more time indoors, where viruses and bacterial infections are more likely to spread. Beware Influenza Season. When coming down with the flu, most people will just experience several days of symptoms, including aches, fever, coughing and congestion. However, young children, senior citizens and people with compromised immune systems who get the flu can develop serious flu-related complications, such as pneumonia, and may become ill enough to need hospitalization.
10 Other Winter Illnesses
Acute bronchitis. Usually caused by viral infections, this causes chest pain and coughing for about three weeks.
Common cold. Coughing, sneezing, runny nose and a low-grade fever are all symptoms of a common cold — which, like the flu, is a virus that cannot be treated with antibiotics.
COVID-19. COVID-19 causes a range of symptoms from aches and pains to digestive issues and loss of taste and smell. If you are vaccinated against COVID-19, you may only experience mild symptoms. Unvaccinated people may
develop more severe illness and potentially need to be hospitalized.
Croup. This infection mostly occurs in children younger than 5 and causes a barking cough and a hoarse voice.
Laryngitis. “Losing your voice” is usually caused by an upper respiratory infection.
Pneumonia. This infection can affect one or both lungs, causing them to fill with fluid, while also causing fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). In adults, RSV usually presents as a mild cold, but in infants and senior citizens, it can lead to pneumonia. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Sure, it might not make you cough or sneeze, but lack of sunlight can negatively affect your mood.
Sinus infections. Dry air, allergies or lingering symptoms from past illnesses can lead to infected sinuses with painful headaches.
Stomach flu (norovirus). This contagious virus spreads through contaminated surfaces or contact with an infected person and causes serious vomiting and diarrhea.
Flu Shots and Other
Seasonal Vaccines
While it’s impossible to prevent contracting all types of winter illnesses, the flu, COVID-19 and pneumonia have highly effective
vaccines that can prevent illness. Even if you get sick despite being vaccinated, your symptoms will be far less severe. Talk to your primary care doctor about the recommended vaccinations for these winter illnesses.
Other Ways to Prevent Winter Illnesses
To prevent illness, practice the following common sense safety measures: Disinfect surfaces you touch regularly, such as doorknobs and phones.
Stay home from work and keep your children home from school when sick. Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds frequently and use hand sanitizer if a sink is not readily available.
James Varner, MMS, PA-C is a board-certified physician assistant that sees patients at Beaufort Memorial Lowcountry Medical Group Primary Care, where he provides primary health care, preventative care, and the treatment of acute and chronic illnesses in adults.
COVID-19 at-home tests and expiration dates
By Deb Balzer
Respiratory illnesses, like COVID-19, flu, strep throat and RSV, are common in the fall and winter. Because COVID-19, influenza and RSV symptoms can overlap, it's not always easy to tell them apart.
Taking a home antigen test for COVID-19 is a simple first step if you feel unwell or were exposed to the virus. But what about those COVID-19 tests you've stored away for the last year? Are they still good? Dr. Matthew Binnicker, director of the Clinical Virology Laboratory at Mayo Clinic, offers some guidance about COVID-19 testing.
The flu, RSV and COVID-19 are caused by different viruses with similar early symptoms.
"Such as sore throat, some
body aches, a cough, runny nose. And taking that COVID-19 antigen test is a good first step," says Dr. Binnicker.
If you have a stack of COVID-19 at-home tests, Dr. Binnicker says check the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) website, FDA. gov.
"I know there's been concern about some antigen tests expiring, and what you can do is you can go on to a website that's publicly available," he says.
Many COVID-19 tests have extended expiration dates, so they may still be usable.
He says prevention remains one of the most important tools.
"It's really important to get the updated COVID-19 vaccine that's based off of
more recent strain to help reduce the chance that you can be infected and, most importantly, come down with a severe case," says Dr. Binnicker.
If your COVID-19 test comes back positive, Dr. Binnicker has this advice. "It's very likely that you've got COVID-19, and you should stay at home,
stay away from others, and if you have to get out, wear a mask. That is a crucial step to help prevent transmission," he says. Not feeling well but your
test came back negative? Dr. Binnicker says it's important to play it safe to protect family, friends, and co-workers.
COVID-19 tests
Find out if your COVID-19 antigen test has an extended expiration date at this FDA website: www.fda.gov/ medical-devices/coronavirus-covid- 19 -and-medical-device/home-otc-covid19-diagnostic-tests#list. In the U.S., each household is eligible to order four free at-home tests. You can find the link for more information at https://special. usps.com/testkits.
If your child just got a new cellphone for the holidays, or you're planning to get them one, you may want to set some ground rules. A pediatrician explains why.
Whether it’s a new video game, tablet or cellphone, electronics are always a popular gift for kids during the holidays. However, re-
search continues to show how addictive they can be.
That’s why Adam Keating, MD, pediatrician with Cleveland Clinic Children’s, recommends setting limits on screentime.
“The American Academy of
Pediatrics recommends less than two hours of screen time per day, and I'd say for preschoolers that should be even less,” said Dr. Keating. “As far as cell phones and when kids should get those, I think that ends up being a family decision.”
Dr. Keating said if you do decide your child should have a cellphone, you may want to set some ground rules. For example, how often can they be on it? Are they allowed to access the internet? Can they use social media?
If those are concerns, you could opt for a cellphone or smartwatch that’s kid-friendly and offers parental controls.
Flip phones are another option since they are more basic.
He said he can understand why parents are tempted to get their child a cellphone given the benefits.
However, there are disadvantages to consider too.
“They are showing a significant amount of distraction and decrease in learning, as well as decreasing the ability for kids
to have face-to-face interaction where they learn about how to socially interact with each other,” he said. “It's certainly not the only reason why we're having some of our increases in loneliness, anxiety, and depression among kids, but cell phones are certainly a contributing factor.”
Dr. Keating said many districts are now banning the use of cellphones during school hours.
Healthcare trends that will transform medicine in 2025
By Bernard Marr
Healthcare has evolved dramatically in recent years, with technology driving countless new opportunities, just as demographic and societal factors have created new challenges.
This trajectory will continue into 2025, as advancements in AI, remote medicine, and biotechnology continue to reshape healthcare planning and delivery.
From a big-picture perspective, we’ll continue to see a shift towards predictive measures as systems adapt to cope with aging demographics, population booms in the developing world and financial challenges caused by economic uncertainty.
Here are some of the most important and impactful trends in healthcare over the next year.
The personalized healthcare revolution
In 2025, personalized healthcare means more than just precision medicine—it’s about tapping into the power of AI and data to address every aspect of a patient’s unique needs. Think tailored wellness plans and communication strategies aimed at encouraging hard-to-reach demographic groups to engage with healthcare providers. This personal touch will help push health provision away from reactive to preventative measures—reducing the burden to society caused by rising healthcare costs while also improving patient outcomes—a win-win scenario.
Future-proofing healthcare
AI will continue to transform the way that health-
care systems plan for and respond to large-scale challenges, ranging from future pandemics to health crises caused by war, famine, and climate change. In 2025 decision-makers will have more data and tools at their fingertips than ever before, and it will all be essential when it comes to understanding global trends impacting human health. This will include addressing the needs of aging populations in developed countries, and the growing healthcare demands of growing populations in developing parts of the world.
Technology In mental wellness
A new generation of technological solutions will revolutionize the delivery of mental healthcare services. This will include virtual healthcare sessions delivered remotely in VR or
Over-the-counter options range from syrups to pills, lozenges to menthol rubs — but medication isn’t always the best treatment
When you have a cough that won’t quit, you know the hunt for relief is on. Full force. And when your search leads you to the overthe-counter (OTC) cough medicine aisle, you investigate your options. There’s no shortage of them. But what’s the best OTC cough medicine? Will anything give your lungs a break?
Does OTC cough medicine really work? Cleveland Clinic family medicine physician Matthew Goldman, MD, about the kinds of cough meds out there and what really works. Whether cough medicine really does the trick is up for some debate.
“There are differing opinions regarding the value of OTC cough medicines,” Dr. Goldman reports. “Some experts suggest letting a cough resolve naturally, as coughing helps clear irritants and mucus. Others recommend using medications to relieve symptoms, especially if the cough disrupts sleep or daily activities.”
AR environment by human therapists. There will be a growing use of chatbots that can provide instantaneous 24/7 support. These technologies will help mental healthcare service providers overcome a number of challenges, including availability of resources, and stigma sometimes associated with seeking help for mental health problems. As this field of healthcare increasingly becomes a priority for service providers, these technological solutions will enable greater accessibility and more timely interventions.
Wearables 2 0 –BCIs and implants
Implantable devices such as brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) represent the next generation of wearable health-tech devices. Even if you’re not quite ready to start plugging chips into
OTC
Types of cough medicine
A visit to your local pharmacy reveals row after row of syrups, pills, lozenges, rubs, patches, and other products promising to calm that nagging cough.
And in addition to coming in different forms, they come also with different ingredients. Some are better for some uses. Others for other needs. And often, cough medicine may not be your best answer at all. More on that in a bit. Be sure to read medication labels thoroughly. Many cough medicine products combine multiple ingredients into a single product. That can include things like: Decongestants Antihistamines • Fever-reducers
Sleep aids
Pain relievers
Dr. Goldman recommends caution when using cough medicine products containing more than one active ingredient. Take only as directed and beware of taking additional medications at the same time to avoid overdosing.
Coughs typically wax and wane naturally throughout the day and over the course of an illness. So, what some people may chalk up to the medicine working may be nothing more than the cough running its course.
What’s more, some cough medicine keeps your body from doing what it naturally wants to—kick
your cerebral cortex, you can expect to see growing discussion, excitement, and hype around the topic in 2025. From chronic pain management to epilepsy and paralysis, this technology is showing promise for solving a number of healthcare challenges that negatively impact the lives of millions of people. However, it also raises many ethical questions – such as who owns the data generated by our brains?
Genomics – Decoding the secrets of life?
Genomics and gene editing are perhaps some of the most exciting and also ethically challenging areas of healthcare innovation. Technologies like CRISPR are increasingly moving from laboratory to real-world clinical application, enabling the development of targeted treatments for many genetic
conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, Huntington’s disease and muscular dystrophy that were once thought incurable. In 2025 we will see continuing research into its implications for cancer and cardiovascular disease, thanks to the ability of this breakthrough technology to treat these life-threatening conditions at a molecular level.
The health data dilemma
The explosion in the volume of health data—from our medical records to genomic information, and data collected from wearables—is leading to rapid advances in the science of healthcare. However, it’s a double-edged sword. The more organizations and agencies we allow to access our highly valuable and sensitive information, the greater the risk of it being stolen or misused. Our health data is a hugely valuable target for cybercriminals and many problems could be caused by it falling into the wrong hands—from identity theft today, to future issues that can’t even be foreseen tomorrow. The financial risk alone is enough to prompt the healthcare industry to take action—according to the World Economic Forum, health data is the sector that suffers most heavily from the impact of data breaches, with the average breach costing close to $11 million. Developing strategies for securing our information and protecting society from this looming threat will be a critical priority for the healthcare industry in 2025
medicines:
Solving healthcare’s tech skills crisis
All of this potential for game-changing, AI-driven, precision-targeted diagnoses and drug discovery will be thwarted if there aren’t enough skilled people to make it happen. A recent survey into digital transformation challenges in healthcare found that a lack of specific skills and talent are the biggest obstacles to benefitting from opportunities created by new technology. In 2025, we’ll see the healthcare industry and health service providers attempting to tackle this by investing in training, re-skilling and partnering with the tech industry. All of this will be essential if the huge benefits of AI and biotechnology are to be realized.
In 2025, healthcare stands at a pivotal moment of transformation, where technological innovation offers unprecedented opportunities to improve patient outcomes and healthcare delivery. The future of healthcare isn't just about developing new technologies—it's about creating a sustainable ecosystem where innovation, security, and human expertise work in harmony to deliver better healthcare for all.
Bernard Marr is a world-renowned futurist, influencer and thought leader in the fields of business and technology, with a passion for using technology for the good of humanity. He is a best-selling author of over 20 books, writes a regular column for Forbes and advises and coaches many of the world’s best-known organizations. Connect with him via Facebook, Instagram, Podcast or YouTube.
Here’s a quick look at some of the most common cough medicine ingredients and their best uses:
Ingredient Common brand names Pros Cons
Dextromethorphan Robitussin® and Delsym® Best for dry May cause drowsiness (nonproductive) coughs or dizziness
Guaifenesin Mucinex® Helps loosen mucus to May increase coughing make coughs more initially, and not productive recommended for nighttime use
Pseudoephedrine
Diphenhydramine
Menthol
Sudafed® Reduces nasal Can cause jitters or congestion insomnia
Benadryl® Can be helpful at night May cause drowsiness and dry mouth
Vicks® products, Not medicated, few side Relief is usually multiple brands of effects and generally safe temporary cough drops and lozenges
out the mucus, irritants and germs that are making you sick. So, when you’re suppressing your body’s natural germ-eviction system, you’re not really fixing the problem. Just masking the (irritating and stare-inducing) effects.
Additionally, even if cough medicine makes it a little easier to get some sleep and go about your day, it can mask an illness that deserves medical attention. Like a bacterial infection, asthma, whopping cough, or pneumonia.
Research on the effectiveness of OTC cough medicines is mixed. Some suggest that cough medicine is no better than a placebo.
Alternatives to cough medicine
When cough medicine isn’t the
best route for your symptoms, other solutions help you feel better.
Products containing menthol can be an effective substitute for medications. You can also try other home remedies, like:
Drinking peppermint tea
Using a neti pot
Running a humidifier
Adding honey to warm water or tea
Spending time in a steamy room, like a steamed-up bathroom or sauna
Getting enough rest (try lying on an incline when staying flat leads to coughing fits)
Drinking plenty of water
How long is too long to deal with a cough?
Dr. Goldman recommends see-
ing a healthcare provider if your cough lasts more than three weeks or if you have symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath or fever. And know that cough medicine shouldn’t be used in children under 4. Consult a healthcare provider about whether your child’s cough would benefit from medication.
The bottom line?
Using cough medicines may be beneficial if the cough is nonproductive and interferes with sleep or daily activities. However, productive coughs, which help expel mucus, are often best left untreated.
Source: Excerpted from an article at https://health.clevelandclinic.org/coughsyrup-cough-drops-menthol-rub-whatsbest-for-my-cough?
SPORTS&RECREATION
Mulligan declares for NFL draft
By Justin Jarrett LowcoSports.com
For just about as long as anyone who knows him can remember, Irvin Mulligan has dreamed of playing in the National Football League.
Now he’s banging on the door.
After capping his college career with a sensational season and a Celebration Bowl title at Jackson State, Mulligan announced on social media that he will declare for the 2025 NFL Draft.
In the announcement, Mulligan gave thanks to his family, his coaches and teammates at Whale Branch, Wofford, and Jackson State, and his fans, “who gave me a
sense of family by being there no matter the conditions of the game and for each and every team member.”
But certainly, they’re all just as grateful for his exploits on their behalf.
Mulligan rushed for nearly 4,000 yards in his Whale Branch career and was on his way to a third consecutive season with 1 400-plus yards before a season-ending injury in his senior season in 2018
The injury limited the ceiling on his recruitment, but Mulligan landed at Wofford and worked his
way up the depth chart over his first two seasons with the Terriers before rushing for 848 yards and eight touchdowns in 2022 With his undergraduate degree in hand, he and former Whale Branch teammate Jaheem Hazel transferred from Wofford to Jackson State as graduate transfers ahead of the 2023 season.
Mulligan was leading the Southwestern Athletic Conference when he injured his ankle against Alabama State in October 2023, and he missed spring practice, fall camp, and the first two games of the season while working his way back to full strength.
Once he got up to speed, Mulli-
gan was tough to stop, rushing for 1 239 yards and 13 touchdowns while averaging 6 1 yards per carry. He was named one of 10 finalists for the Urban Edge Network's inaugural HBCU+ National Player of the Year award and one of the 35 finalists for the Walter Payton Award, which goes to the national offensive player of the year in NCAA Division I FCS college football.
“First, I would like to thank God for the gift he has given me and the passion I have for the game of football,” Mulligan said in a post. “I thank all of the people who have stood side by side with me throughout this journey.”
HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL
Best at the Bobcat
JPII girls, Bluffton boys conquer Classic
By Justin Jarrett LowcoSports.com
The brackets didn’t include every team in the area, but there were enough heavy hitters to declare last week’s Bobcat Classic a de facto Lowco championship, and the John Paul II girls and Bluffton boys wore the crowns Saturday night.
JPII’s girls rallied to survive a firstround threat from May River before easing away from Bluffton in the semifinals and outlasting Courtney Campbell and Hilton Head Prep in a 63-51 victory in the championship game, while the host Bobcat boys blew out a pair of Savannah foes in Bethesda Academy and Islands High before earning a hard-fought 59-47 win over Hilton Head Prep for the title. The Golden Warriors (10-1) looked like the favorite to win the tournament going in, but they lost guard Dominique Jones to a knee injury late in the first half of their first-round game against May River and found themselves down by four going to the fourth quarter before rallying for a
32-29 win behind 15 points from Lily Termini. JPII raced out to a quick lead against Bluffton and held the Bobcats at bay, as Ellie Heathcott put up 13 points and tournament MVP Lauren Majorkiewicz added 10 in a relatively stress-free semifinal.
The championship game was a different story, as Campbell poured in 37 points — including 28 in the first half — and had the Dolphins on top for much of the first half. The Golden Warriors rallied for a 34-32 halftime lead and pulled away after the break, with five JPII players scoring in double digits led by 14 each from Heathcott and Savannah Washington, while Washington and Savannah Trott each collected double-doubles.
Bluffton’s boys put on a show for the home crowd with some high-flying dunks while blowing by Bethesda and Islands to earn a rematch with Hilton Head Prep. The Dolphins handed the Bobcats their only loss of the season thus far — a 12-point defeat in Sea Pines on Dec. 7 — and Saturday’s matchup was deadlocked
at 23 at halftime until Harry Skinner took over.
Skinner scored nine of his 15 points in the third quarter, and the Bobcats’ defense pounced on a Prep team showing signs of tired legs. The Dolphins were playing their sixth game in nine days and down big man Jake Sheahan, and Bluffton took advantage, especially late. Isaiah Gadson feasted in the post down the stretch, and Carnell Warren and Jamari Stewart-Manning hit big shots to help the Bobcats pull away for a 12-point win.
The boys from Battery Creek and Bridges Prep both finished 1-2 in the event. The Bucs dropped a tough opener to Islands to put them in the consolation bracket, then held off Bethesda before falling to Region 5-2A rival Hampton County in the fifth-place game. The Dolphins lost to May River and Hampton County before getting back on track with a 68-53 win over Bethesda for seventh place. Battery Creek’s girls went 0-2, falling to Hilton Head Prep and Bluffton.
And what a journey it has been.
From tiny Seabrook and Whale Branch Early College High School, where he was a dominant force running the ball, to Wofford and then Jackson State, where he ended his college career with an HBCU national championship.
Next stop: The NFL?
Why not? Nothing has stopped this train yet.
Justin Jarrett is the sports editor of The Island News and the founder of LowcoSports.com. He was the sports editor of the Island Packet and the Beaufort Gazette for 6½ years. He has a passion for sports and community journalism and a questionable sense of humor.
John Paul II’s Lily Termini goes to the basket against Hilton Head Prep’s Merritt Risher during the second half of the Bobcat Classic championship game on Saturday at Bluffton High School. The Golden Warriors pulled away in the second half for a 63-51 win. Justin Jarrett/LowcoSports.com
Irvin Mulligan
John Paul II’s Lily Termini goes to the basket against Hilton Head Prep’s Merritt Risher during the second half of the Bobcat Classic championship game on Saturday at Bluffton High School. The Golden Warriors pulled away in the second half for a 63-51 win. Justin Jarrett/LowcoSports.com
Lawmakers need to rethink the state’s priorities
About this time every year since 2009
we implore state lawmakers to look at South Carolina’s big picture and do the work that will make life better for most people – those whose taxes pay the government’s bills.
We’ve suggested 10 or 12 annual policy initiatives, or Palmetto Priorities. We urge elected officials to use them as a basis to do more than pass an annual budget and make bureaucratic changes that seem little more than moving the deck chairs of state government. Through the years, we’ve cut two priorities after legislators boosted the state’s cigarette tax to curb smoking and after they made changes to boost voter registration. But too often, they failed to develop and pass common-sense policies on everything from improving
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Get used to it
Since the election of Donald Trump, there has been much wringing of hands and gnashing of teeth as the new administration takes shape. Alarm bells have been sounded over Trump's picks for cabinet secretaries, ambassadors, and many other government officials.
A good example is the choice of Kristi Noem for head of the Department of Homeland Security. You know, the one who shot her dog. Trump is rewarding friends, relatives, FOX TV commentators and particularly those who support The Big Lie that he won the 2020 election.
Here's the point: The American people (along with the Electoral College) elected Trump. They will expect him to keep his promises. They don't seem overly concerned about the demise of the Constitution, our democratic form of government or anything else that has historically defined the United States.
Well, that is what the Trumpers have bought and paid for. The rest of us will just have to wait and go along for the ride.
– Terry Gibson, Beaufort
education to making the taxing system fairer. Rather, they played culture wars. They spouted conservative talking points. They squabbled over abortion, guns, vouchers and the interests of special interests. So for 2025, let’s update our annual Palmetto Priorities with a few new thoughts, particularly on education, climate and taxes.
Education
Spend $1 billion in new money by 2030 to build more schools and offer
more scholarships. This year, the state is looking to make starting salaries for public school teachers to be $50,000. That’s solid, but is it enough to fix education? Are there enough scholarships to make sure there are a sufficient number of new teachers in the pipeline?
Are there facilities where teachers can do what they’re trained for and get the most out of their students?
Climate
Require state economic development investments to be linked to reducing carbon emissions. If a business wants to move into South Carolina and receive special tax breaks or any government help, it should have a low-carbon footprint. The state needs to develop significant climate strategies, from planting more trees and boosting al-
ternative energy sources to limiting new infrastructure for businesses to concentrated areas.
Gun reform
Close the “Charleston loophole.” South Carolinians continue to wait for legislators to do their job to make reasonable gun reform after the 2015 massacre at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston. They must extend the waiting period for purchasing a gun to at least five days to allow federal examiners more time for background checks. Failure to act has been just plain embarrassing. It’s time to get this job done to help reduce gun violence that is killing almost 1,000 South Carolinians a year. Lax gun laws are one reason why the state has the sixth-highest rate of gun violence in the nation.
Poverty
Develop a broad anti-poverty agenda. Legislators should use budgets in new ways to fund reduction of endemic poverty in South Carolina, with strategies that include developing more jobs, applying more workforce training, improving education and making health care more accessible. One in five South Carolinians lives in poverty. We can do better by them.
Tax reform
Overhaul the state’s antiquated tax structure. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if South Carolina modernized its tax structure so sales taxes could go down, use taxes could be broader and the state could recover hundreds of millions of dollars in lost taxes due to special-interest sales tax exemptions? Lawmakers should stop being
scared of broadening the base and lowering rates.
Politics Innovate away from structures that encourage political gamesmanship. We’ve got to get rid of gerrymandering and one-party rule, both of which are continuing recipes for disaster. There’s so much more that state lawmakers can do –from expanding Medicaid to offer access to health care to tens of thousands to focusing more on small businesses instead of trying to land big whales for jobs. Maybe we can celebrate next year if state legislators think broader and act bigger in 2025
Andy Brack is editor and publisher of the Charleston City Paper and Statehouse Report. Have a comment? Send it to feedback@ statehousereport.com.
Maybe they wanted to keep me
In 1966, I was involved in a car wreck on I- 95 just north of Emporia, Va. I was with another Citadel cadet, and we survived that wreck, just barely, and thereafter, I was hospitalized at the Medical College in Richmond.
After abdominal surgery and two weeks in the hospital, I was advised to go home for another six months. Then, after my recovery, I would return to the military college. I didn’t like that plan.
I wanted to “graduate with my class,” and that meant going back to the barracks in Charleston. It meant daily drill and Saturday Morning Inspections (SMI) and a rigor entirely unknown in other academic landscapes.
When I returned I was put into a room with two senior cadets, one a senior private named Reinhardt (“Mouse”) Griffin, Class of 1966. I was perplexed by this arrangement.
“Mouse” was, in fact, a small, thin man who was regarded with a kind of awe that worked in my favor. Which is to say our barracks room was seldom inspected. And if there was an unexpected, late night visit there were never any demerits or confinements attached to those inspections. It was as if Mouse Griffin had some sort of immunity.
Mouse was The Citadel’s mascot, and at every football game he climbed into bulldog
SCOTT GRABER
garb and assumed the reckless, take-no-prisoners personality of your abused, underfed, stakedin-the-yard bulldog, sometimes “capturing” a cheerleader from the visiting team and delivering that astonished, disoriented woman to the massed cadets on our side of the stadium.
After the game, Mouse would change into the costume and mentality of James Brown — “the hardest working man in show business.” He knew Brown’s lyrics, had the musician’s steps, his vocal range and shared Brown’s obvious contempt for convention.
Sometimes Mouse would perform during the week. This involved somehow sneaking past the Officer of the Day, over (or under) the 8 -foot-high fence that surrounded the campus and then returning to a sleeping campus just before dawn.
And so, in this way, I came to know the James Brown playlist as interpreted by Reinhardt Griffin. He would listen to Brown constantly; imitating the twist -
ing and the twirling and then Brown’s famous on-stage “collapse” complete with the terrified assistant running onstage and covering-up Brown’s quivering, jerking, seized-up body with a cape. All of which brings me, naturally, to Augusta, Ga.
Earlier today, Susan and I toured the James Brown Wing of the Augusta History Museum, stopping and studying the plexiglas case that contains Brown’s famous, all-white cape.
In addition to the cape there are a half dozen other cases containing Brown’s on-stage garb. There are also posters, photographs, album covers and videos where one might see James Brown and Pavarotti teaming up for a duet in Italy.
The exhibit largely ignores the alleged abuse of Tammy Terrell; the multiple marriages and the “extramarital children.” I can almost hear the museum’s curators saying; “I don’t care about the jail time and the circus that surrounded his Last Will and Testament. I only know this wizard emerged from the same God-forsaken pine barrens (in Elko, S.C.) that I came from. And that, by God, is a miracle in itself.”
After a three hour visit to Augusta’s museum—there is also a smaller exhibit on the life and times of Brenda Lee — Susan
and I walked along their rebuilt, re-imagined waterfront levee that runs for a couple of miles parallel to the Savannah River. Eventually we found a bar where they were grilling hamburgers in the window.
“I would like a glass of your Pinot Noir.” Susan said to the young, curly-headed bartender.
“We don’t have wine of any kind,” he replied. “Actually we discourage the drinking of wine.”
“What kind of vegetables can I get with my burger?” she asked.
“Actually the fried onion rings are the only vegetable on our menu,” he said.
“I’ll never know why—when I got back from the hospital in Richmond, they put me into a room with Griffin,” I said to Susan trying to get her mind away from the bar’s limited offerings. “He was certifiably crazy by any standards.”
“Maybe they wanted to protect you,” she replied. “Maybe your classmates knew you were too broken up. That you couldn’t make it on your own. Maybe they thought Griffin would protect you from the inspections and the physical stuff. Maybe they wanted to keep you ...”
Scott Graber is a lawyer, novelist, veteran columnist and longtime resident of Port Royal. He can be reached at cscottgraber@gmail.com.
ANDY BRACK
A good Christmas for critters: Vet school elicits paws applause
On the eighth day, after taking a day off, God realized human beings fell a little shy of expectations, so He created dogs. And God saw that they were good. They were perfect.
That muffled sound you hear is thousands of furry paws applauding in unison.
It’s a happy Christmas for South Carolina’s dogs, cats, and other domestic critters.
Our state’s first veterinarian school will become a reality in fall 2026 at Clemson University. Students can apply in 2025
The Clemson College of Veterinary Medicine will offer great opportunities for South Carolina’s young people, help alleviate the shortage of veterinarians in our state, and perhaps bring down the cost of veterinary care while also raising standards for animal welfare statewide.
With so much negativity in the news and anger in the atmosphere this Christmas, this initiative is something worth celebrating.
(Here I should note, for full disclosure, that I once worked for Clemson in an unrelated discipline.)
South Carolina lawmakers have provided solid support for this project, investing $125 million this year after previously allocating $103 million for a new state-of-the-art veterinary campus at Clemson.
That’s a bold forward-thinking commitment from a Legislature that’s not always known for acting boldly.
But it makes perfect sense.
Veterinary care is a huge growth industry, far outpacing such fields as engineering, accounting and
Iweb developing.
Veterinarian jobs nationwide are expected to grow by 19% over the next 10 years, much faster than the 4% growth rate of jobs overall, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
About 4 300 openings for veterinarians are projected each year, on average, over the next decade. These are high-paying jobs, of course, with the median wages for veterinarians currently at $119,100 and growing.
Clemson has hitched its wagon to a rising star.
Fur babies are family
The growth in veterinary jobs is easy to explain.
Once upon a time, dogs and cats were merely pets. Over the past few decades, however, fur babies became family.
About 97% of pet owners consider dogs, cats and other domestic critters part of their families.
Most Americans (62%) own a pet, including about a third (35%) who have more than one.
Almost two-thirds of pet owners report that they take more photos of their dogs than of family members. (I plead guilty.)
Americans have more dogs than children and we spend generously on our companion animals.
U.S. households, by one estimate, spent an average of $1 733 on pets in 2024. That sounds like a lot, but for me it hits close to home. Shall I show you the dentistry bill for my dog Boswell? (Yes, there’s such a thing as a veterinary dentist.) Is it worth it? Just look at that smile!
Americans spent $150 6 billion on their pets in 2024. That’s up from $136 8 billion in 2022
In South Carolina, however, there’s a significant veterinarian shortage for both small and large animals.
A study last year found that South Carolina ranked No. 10 among states that have the biggest veterinarian shortage.
A 2022-23 survey found that 33% of South Carolina counties have fewer than five veterinarians while almost half of the counties have fewer than 10 veterinarians. That shortage makes veterinary care less affordable and accessible in South Carolina. On the other hand, it creates great opportunities for young people who want to become veterinarians.
The school’s first Doctor of Veterinary Medicine class is expected to have 80 students, training new vets over four years for both companion animals like Boswell and agricultural animals like cows, pigs and chickens.
To create the program, Clemson hired Steven Marks, the longtime associate dean and director of veterinary medical services at the highly respected vet school at North Carolina State University.
Dollars and sense
The vet school will offer a huge benefit to South Carolina and its
communities. Because we currently have no veterinary medical college in the state, South Carolina currently spends $8 million per year for 46 students to pursue veterinary education in other states.
Clemson’s veterinary school could bring many of those dollars home. Plus, more veterinarians in the state could hold down the growing cost of veterinary care.
The state also needs more vets to sustain the state’s $51 8 agricultural and livestock industry.
Because the school will operate on an apprentice model, student vets will be sent out into communities to assist professionals. Other vet schools have created walk-in pet clinics and grief counseling services.
I can’t help but think that the influence of Clemson’s veterinary school will lead to better animal
welfare standards in the state as well, including the lack of doggie day care rules recently explored in the S.C. Daily Gazette.
The school could inspire greater love and respect for companion animals in South Carolina. Research, of course, has shown that pets in the household offer numerous physical and emotional benefits.
But who needs a study for that?
Just ask any dog owner.
Paul Hyde is a longtime journalist and teacher in the Upstate. He worked 18 years for the Greenville News as a columnist, editorial writer, education reporter and arts writer. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from Clemson and Harvard universities. He has written for the Houston Chronicle, Dallas Morning News and USA Today, among other publications. He currently is a regular contributor to the Greenville Journal, Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Classical Voice North America.
Clippings to share in the New Year
sn’t it amazing what you discover when you clean out a closet, a drawer, or a tool shed? I’m an article clipper, and on occasion I’ll pen something for publication, so when I filed my latest shared musings, I found two folders bulging with articles that had appealed to me at some point, and I thought I’d share portions of them with you as my greeting for the new year.
Beaufort’s charming Renee Levin, 95, was featured in The Island News, Health & Wellness, in the November 28, 2024, issue.
“For Renee Levin, exercise is the ‘name of the game.’” Being a diehard exerciser, I thought the interview might inspire those who either don’t do anything physical, or plan to get on a program but procrastinate, or jot down an exercise goal as a new year’s resolution and then wait for inspiration. Never-exercisers, read on for that inspiration part.
Renee goes to Beaufort Memorial Hospital’s LifeFit Wellness Center several times a week to get her heart and lungs pumping, but she also knows other ways to satisfy her drive.
After Hurricane Helene blew through in September and left lawns strewn with tree debris, Renee gathered sticks, twigs, pine cones, and Spanish moss in a wheelbarrow and dumped the detritus into a pile.
“I think if you sit on the couch and don’t move, you become a blob,” Renee said. “If you don’t get up and ex-
ercise, you lose everything. Things become negative rather than positive.” Take it from Renee. Get out there, move, make positive changes; don’t become a blob.
I grew up in Atlanta where the name J. B. Fuqua was well known. An Atlanta Journal-Constitution article, “Fuqua family taking stock after latest sale” by Maria Saporta was dated Jan. 14 1998 Fuqua and his son, Rex, had sold Fuqua Enterprises for $217 4 million. At the time of the interview, Fuqua was 79 years old. He said he was “taking stock of his life” and he planned to “devote even more of his efforts to philanthropy.” In one reflection, he said, “I worked so hard that I never learned to play. It was a huge mistake.”
You can take that statement to the bank, folks, and let it accrue interest. Never, ever, forget to play, and I’ll toss in another. Laugh. Laugh often. When something irritating happens, turn the situation around and find where lies that one small grain of humor and use it.
Another inspiration came from Martha Ez-
zard, who wrote columns Saturdays and Mondays in the Wall Street Journal. In “Grapevines offer a lesson in reliability,” probably written around 1997, she wrote about Appalachian Christmas on her Rabun County Georgia farm.
“Christmas is about reliability – things remembered, constant, believed.”
Her husband had learned to prune the grapevines, and to leave only the canes that would bear fruit.
Ezzard said, “Get rid of the superfluous. Simplify. Grow a little each season, not like your neighbor, but in your own right.”
Her final thought hit home. Grow in your own right.
In the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Monday, Dec. 29 1997 edition, the city’s beloved Celestine Sibley, a syndicated columnist, newspaper reporter, and novelist in Atlanta for about 60 years, wrote “Rescued from the doldrums by good mail.”
She began, “They come to you before Christmas, those twinges of loneliness, a sort of homesickness for times that were and people you love.”
She shared a letter “from an old correspondent, Robert T. Henderson of Savannah, that really perked up my spirits.”
He signed the letter Semper fidelis, “a fine Latin inscription like that … Always faithful.”
Henderson enclosed a copy of a story from the Old Breed News, published by the First Marine Asso-
ciation. He had written to Celeste in years past about the Last Man Bottle, “a flagon of spirits saved to be drunk by the last living member of the division as a toast to his departed comrades.”
The column she wrote that followed Mr. Henderson’s last bottle correspondence received many letters to the Editor.
Celestine concluded with, “Meanwhile, I can’t mourn for what is gone when there are “semper fidelis” letters in the mail.”
Being a resident of Beaufort, how could I not include this clipping?
I’ll end with this jewel, again from the AJC; award-winning, nationally syndicated columnist Rheta Grimsley Johnson retired from the Atlanta paper in 2017 after three decades. Her column “Inventor’s life was bursting with sweet success” made me smile, as I’m sure it did when I clipped it years ago.
Little Prince by Antoine St. Exupery, “defined ‘matters of consequence’ as the things in life that really matter, like taking care of a single flower.”
Rheta said she thought of that fairy tale when she read the New York Times obituary of W. E. “Walter” Diemer who died at the age of 93. Who was this man, and how did his obituary rate an appearance in the New York Times?
Bubble gum.
Backstory: 70 years prior to his death, Walter was an accountant for Fleer Chewing Gum Company
“You can take that statement to the bank, folks, and let it accrue interest. Never, ever, forget to play, and I’ll toss in another. Laugh. Laugh often. When something irritating happens, turn the situation around and find where lies that one small grain of humor and use it.”
M. Z. THWAITE, on the importance of humor, laughter, and never forgetting to play
in Philadelphia. He had a curiosity about the gum base that makes chewing gum chewy. In 1928, Walter created a chewier batch of gum, and pink was the only color on hand. He took a sample of his pink gum to a Philly grocer, and it sold out immediately.
The Fleer Company saw the potential, took over, and called the new pink concoction Double Bubble.
After he retired, Walter “rode around town on a big tricycle and invited children to his house for bubble-blowing contests.”
He was never paid royalties. Rheta said.
“In our world of instant-but fleeting celebrity status, it’s hard to say who deserves a Times death notice. Heroes are here today, gone to prison tomorrow. But if a person makes children smile, or writes a song that the postman whistles along his route, or comes up with the idea to advertise an aftershave in poetry posted roadside in an installment plan – if a person deals with true matters of consequence in his life, then his death deserves notice.” Bravo, Rheta. She completed the column with this quote from Mr. Bubblegum, who said, “I was doing something else and ended up with something with bubbles.” Imagine inventing bubble gum. Holy smoke. I guess this is why I clip articles. Some speak to me, and I hope one of these spoke to you. This new year, go and do something. Don’t hold back. Laugh, and make your wildest dreams come to life with the fearless enthusiasm of a child. Even the plant that froze over the winter has roots that know what they’re supposed to do come Spring.
Explore. Expand. Grow. Live. Play. And laugh.
M.Z. Thwaite lives in Beaufort. She wears her maiden name hat when she writes, but she also answers to Martha Weeks. Her novels are sold locally and on Amazon. She can be reached at mzthwaite@gmail.com and found at https://bit.ly/MZT.
PAUL HYDE
The Clemson vet school has received the official “Boswell” seal of approval. Paul Hyde/Special to the S.C. Daily Gazette
M. Z. THWAITE
ART
Budding Artist After-School
Art Club
4 to 5 p.m., or 5:15 to 6:15 p.m., Mondays/Wednesdays or Tuesday/Thursdays, Happy Art Studio, 10 Sam’s Point Way, Beaufort. Ages 8 to 13. Painting, drawing, clay or crafts. Visit www.happyartstudio.net.
CALENDAR
Tides To Tables Restaurant Week
Thursday, Jan. 9 to Sunday, Jan. 19, Beaufort. Tides to Tables Restaurant Week kicks off the Beaufort Oyster Festival featuring local restaurants and their cuisine.
Beaufort Oyster Festival
10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 18 & 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday Jan. 19, Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, Beaufort. Hosted by the Beaufort Area Hospitality Association. Free Admission. Live music. Cornhole tournament at 1 p.m., Sunday. Oysters provided are all locally farmed or harvested. Oysters will be available steamed, raw, roasted or fried. Other food options will be available as well. More than 15 local educational organizations will take part.
50th Beaufort Charities Festival Friday & Saturday, Feb. 28 & March 1, Live Oaks Park, Port Royal. Live entertainment Friday and Saturday nights. Oyster roast all day Saturday.
Lowcountry Food Truck Festival
11 a.m., Saturday, April 5, 1404 Paris Avenue, Port Royal.
MCAS Beaufort Airshow Saturday, April 12 and Sunday, April 13, MCAS Beaufort. Celebrate 250 years of the Marine Corps with us. From the U.S. Navy Blue Angels to unforgettable aerial thrills, it’s a weekend you don’t want to miss. Tickets are free for general admission but required! Reserve yours now to secure your spot. Go to beaufortairshow. com to reserve your tickets.
Karaoke with Melissa
8 p.m. to midnight, Tuesdays, Highway 21 Bar, 3436 Trask Pkwy, Beaufort. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.
Karaoke with Melissa
7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Beaufort Moose Lodge, 350 Broad River Blvd, Beaufort. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
9:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke with either Parker or Eric.
Trivia with Tom –Bricks On Boundary
7 p.m., Every Thursday, Bricks on Boundary, 1422 Boundary St, Beaufort. Free. Team trivia event, win house cash and Beer Bucket prizes! For more information, visit https://rb.gy/o9nhwe.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
7 p.m., Thursdays, Amvets Post 70, 1831 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Free. Public is welcome. Enjoy Karaoke. Dinner will be available.
Karaoke at Willie’s
8 p.m., Thursdays, Willie's Bar and Grill, 7 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Saint Helena Island. Come and showcase your singing talents or just enjoy the performances. For more information, visit www.GullahLove.com.
Bluffton Night Bazaar — a Lowcountry Made Market
5 to 8 p.m., first Thursday of each month, Burnt Church Distillery, 120 Bluffton Road. A highly curated selection of accessories, clothing, home goods, custom gifts and more by local artists and makers.
Habersham Farmers Market
3 to 6 p.m., Fridays, Habersham Marketplace. Vendor roster includes B&E Farm, Cottonwood Soap, Flower Power Treats, Hardee Greens, Megs Sweet Treats, Vitamin Bee, Lady’s Island Oyster Company, Pet Wants.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
9 p.m., Fridays, Highway 21 Bar, 3436 Trask Pkwy, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy Karaoke with Lt. Dan.
7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Fridays, R Bar & Grill, 70 Pennington Dr, Bluffton. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.
Port Royal Farmers Market
9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, year round, Naval Heritage Park, 1615 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Rain or shine. You will find fresh, local, seasonal produce, shrimp, oysters, poultry, beef, pork, eggs, bread and cheese, as well as plants, ferns, camellias, azaleas, citrus trees and beautiful, fresh cut flower bouquets. There are prepared food vendors serving barbecue, dumplings, she crab soup, crab cakes, paella, coffee, baked goods, bagels and breakfast sandwiches. No pets allowed. For more information, visit http://www.portroyalfarmersmarket. com/, visit @portroyalfarmersmarket on Facebook or call 843-295-0058.
Slip and Splash Saturdays
10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturdays, Battery Creek Pool, 1 Blue Dolphin Drive, Beaufort, and Bluffton Pool, 55 Pritchard Street, Bluffton. $5 per person. Stay busy for hours climbing on our inflatable challenge track.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
7 p.m., Saturdays, The Beaufort Moose Lodge, 350 Broad River Blvd., Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke with Lt. Dan. Come early at 6 p.m. for Steak Night.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
9:30 p.m., Saturdays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke with Eric.
Teddy Bear Picnic Read-Aloud
9 a.m. to noon, 1st Saturday each month, Port Royal Farmer’s Market, Corner of Ribaut Road & Pinckney Blvd, Port Royal. Free. DAYLO Students and other volunteers will read to young children, who are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animals.
Karaoke with Melissa
8 p.m. to 12 a.m., 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month, Peaceful Henry’s Cigar Bar, 181 Bluffton Rd, Bluffton. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.
CLASS REUNION
Beaufort High School Class of 1975
Oct. 17 through Oct. 19, 2025, Beaufort. 50th Class Reunion Celebration. Request that graduates of this class contact the class Community Outreach Representative Barbara Gardner Hunter at 347-497-9326 or email gardnerbarbara991@gmail.com to provide current contact information.
DANCE
The Beaufort Shag Club
6:30 to 9 p.m., Wednesdays, AmVets Club, 1831 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Free lessons for members from 6 to 6:30 p.m. We also host a dance the second Saturday of each month from 7 to 10 p.m. Lessons will run September through May only. Visit our FaceBook page (beaufortshagclub) for current events.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Rooted Beaufort Yoga classes
5:30 to 6:45 p.m., Thursdays, Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal; 9 to 10:15 a.m., Whitehall Park or Pigeon Point Park. Rooted Beaufort is a collective of local Yoga teachers who host outdoor yoga classes and donation-based events with proceeds being donated locally on a rotating basis.
BEMER Circulation Therapy 10 to 11 a.m., Fridays via Zoom. Already own a BEMER? Never heard of it but curious? Join to ask any questions about this leading-edge German technology that enhances blood flow 30% in 8 minutes. Sessions are designed to support those who have their own unit but everyone is welcome. Brought to you by BEMER Specialist -- Human & Equine, Elizabeth Bergmann. Text 410212-1468 to get the Zoom link. Free.
HISTORY
Beaufort History Museum at the Arsenal
10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays, 713 Craven St, Beaufort. General Admission for Adults $8, Seniors $7, Active Duty Military and College Students with ID $5. Children/Teens younger than 18 Free. Explore and experience more
than 500 years of Beaufort History with knowledgeable docent guided tours.
The Historic Port Royal Museum 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or upon request, Thursdays through Sundays, The Historic Port Royal Museum, 1634 Paris Ave.
The museum features the turn-of-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.
Tour Historic Fort Fremont Dawn to dusk, Monday through Sunday, The Fort Fremont Preserve, 1124 Land’s End Road, St. Helena Island. Free and open to the public. The History Center is open Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Visitors can learn about the fort’s history during the Spanish-American War through interpretive signs, self-guided walking tours with a smart phone, exhibits in the history center, and docent-led tours. For more information visit www.fortfremont.org or contact Passive Parks Manager Stefanie Nagid at snagid@bcgov. net.
LIBRARY ACTIVITIES
“Lego” With Lego 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., every Tuesday, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Free and open to the public. Ages 5 and up. No registration required. Come see our new and improved Lego Club. Choose one of our new Lego kits and get going. Call 843-255-6540 for more information.
Career Navigator
11 a.m. to 1 p.m., every Tuesday, Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort. Free one-on-one resume writing and job application assistance with a Career Navigator from Palmetto Goodwill. No appointments necessary. For more information call 843-255-6458.
Bridge Club 11 a.m., Wednesdays, Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort. Beginning September 18. The first session is for beginners new to the game, and following sessions will provide some instruction and we will learn as we play. Join us if you want to learn a new game, practice your skills, or need more players. Call the Beaufort Branch Library at 843-255-6458 for more information.
Mahjong Club
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fridays, Beaufort Library, 311 Scott Street. All levels of players are welcome. Feel free to bring your own mahjong sets. Plan to meet every week. For more information, call the Beaufort Branch Library at 843-2556458.
MEETINGS
Zonta Club of Beaufort
6 p.m., 4th Tuesday of each month, Smokehouse, Port Royal.
Rotary Club of Sea Island lunch meeting
12:15 p.m., 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, Sea Island Presbyterian Church, 81 Lady’s Island Drive, Lady’s Island. Social gathering every 3rd Tuesday at 5:30 pm, locations vary and posted on our website. For more information, visit www.seaislandrotary.org.
Rotary Club of Sea Island
social gathering
5:30 p.m., 3rd Tuesday of each month, locations vary and posted on our website. For more information, visit www. seaislandrotary.org.
Beaufort Rotary Club Noon, Wednesdays, Sea Island Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 81 Lady’s Island Drive, Lady’s Island. Catered buffet lunch, followed by a guest speaker. Prospective members welcome. For further information and upcoming speakers, please visit website www. beaufortrotaryclub.org.
The Beaufort Trailblazers –A Volunteer Group
8 a.m., first Thursday each month, Herban Marketplace, Beaufort. Anyone interested in supporting or building offroad/dirt/wilderness mountain biking/ jogging/walking trails near is encouraged to attend. For more information, call 843-575-0021 or email universitybicycles@hotmail.com.
Emotions Anonymous International local group meeting 4 p.m, Thursdays, via Zoom. Emotions Anonymous International, (EAI), is a nonprofit program designed to help people with emotional difficulties. It has a chapter in the Lowcountry and members want others who feel the need to know they are welcome to participate. There is no charge to participate. They are based on the 12 steps and 12 traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous and follow a specific format designed to provide the support and tools for navigating life’s painful difficulties. All are welcome. Anyone interested in participating may contact the group via email at EALowcountry@gmail.com or call or text Laurie at 252- 917-7082. For more information on EAI visit www.emotionsanonymous. org.
Rotary Club of the Lowcountry 7:30 a.m., Fridays, Sea Island Presbyterian Church, 81 Lady's Island Dr., Ladys' Island. Catered breakfast from local chef. Speakers weekly. Occasional social events replace Friday mornings, but will be announced on our website, www.rotaryclubofthelowcountrybeaufort.org.
MUSIC
Habersham Third Fridays
Music on Market 5 to 8 p.m., third Friday of the month, Habersham Marketplace.
OUTDOORS/NATURE
The Beaufort Tree Walk Lady’s Island Garden Club invites you to take a meandering walk through the Historic “Old Point” and enjoy some unique and noteworthy trees. The “Walk” takes about an hour, is a little over a mile starting at the corner of Craven & Carteret streets in Morrall Park and concluding in Waterfront Park. Booklets with map and information about each tree are available free at the Visitors Center in the historic Arsenal on Craven Street.
Tours of Hunting Island
Every Tuesday, Hunting Island State Park, 2555 Sea Island Pkwy. Free, park entry fees apply. Sponsored by Friends of Hunting Island Keeper Ted and his team. For more information call the Hunting Island Nature Center at 843838-7437.
Guild Meeting 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1st Tuesday each month. The Hilton Head Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild welcomes anyone, beginner or experienced stitcher, who is interested in needlepoint to join us for stitching, learning and fellowship. For more information, please contact us at hiltonheadislandchapter@ needlepoint.org.
Embroidery Guild of America Meeting Second Tuesday of every month, Palmetto Electric Community Room, Hardeeville. The Lowcountry Chapter of the Embroidery Guild of America welcomes anyone, beginner or experienced stitcher, who is interested in any type of embroidery including needlepoint, cross-stitch, surface and beaded embroidery, hardanger, bargello, sashiko, etc., to join us for stitching, learning and fellowship. For more information, please contact us at lowcountrychapter@egacarolinas.org.
SPORTS/GAMES
ACBL Duplicate Bridge Club 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Carteret St. Events will be held weekly. Contact Director and Club Manager Susan DeFoe at 843-597-2541 for location.
Bridge Club 11 a.m., Wednesdays, Beaufort Branch Library. The first session is for beginners new to the game, and following sessions will provide some instruction and we will learn as we play. Join us if you want to learn a new game, practice your skills, or need more players. Call the Beaufort Branch Library at 843-255-6458 for more information.
Beaufort Masters Swim Team 6 to 7 a.m., Monday through Friday, Wardle Family Port Royal YMCA. Coached practices. Ages 18 & older, all skill & speed levels, no prior swim team experience needed. Visit lowcountryswimming.com for more information.
Spreading Holiday Cheer
On Friday, Dec. 13, 2024, the sailors at Naval Hospital Beaufort dressed up in their ugliest Christmas sweaters to spread some holiday cheer. Lindsay Schreiber/ Naval Hospital Beaufort
Navy makes it 5 in a row
VA benefits for elderly veterans
This is the fifth and final article in a series of five on elderly veterans' VA benefits. The first four articles and all past articles by Larry Dandridge on veterans and military benefits can be found in The Island News archives at https://www.yourislandnews.com; click on Military.
Enroll in VA Healthcare
Young and elderly veterans are encouraged to enroll in VA Healthcare and write down who their VA Patient Aligned (Primary Care) Care Team (PACT) members are. A VA PACT Team uses a team-based approach to providing healthcare.
VA PACT Teams include a VA Primary Care Provider (Doctor, PA, or NP), Nurse Manager (RN), Clinical Associate, Administrative Clerk, and the veteran’s family members and caregivers. Veterans should enroll even if they currently use other healthcare services (Medicare, Tricare for Life, Civilian Healthcare, etc.).
Learn how to enroll (by phone, by mail, in person at a VA Medical Center or CBOC, or with the help of a Veterans Service Officer)in VA healthcare by following the instructions at https://bit.ly/3B7x5Dz.
Know your social worker
Veterans are also encouraged to know who their VA Social Worker is and to visit their VA Primary Care Provider at least once every year. Elderly veterans and their families and caregivers need to know who the veteran’s VA Social Worker is because their VA Social Worker is the expert on helping veterans understand their VA benefits and how to apply for them. Learn more by reading
The Island News article dated Oct. 23, 2024, titled “Veterans Must Know Their VA Social Worker” at https://bit.ly/3VllutR.
Benefit 20 of 23 — Palliative Care
This care uses comfort care, focusing on relieving suffering and controlling symptoms so that the veteran can carry out day-to-day activities and continue to do what is most important to him or her. Palliative care aims to improve the veteran’s quality of life — mind, body, and spirit.
Palliative Care can be combined with treatment to cure or control a veteran’s illness. It can be started at the time of the veteran’s diagnosis and may be provided throughout the illness.
Learn more at https://bit. ly/3ZXFjIV and by talking with your VA Social Worker.
Benefit 21 of 23 — Hospice Care
Hospice Care is comfort care provided to veterans and their families if the veteran has a terminal condition, with less than six months to live (if the disease takes its normal course), and is no longer seeking treatment other than palliative care. Hospice Care can be provided at home, in an outpatient clinic, or in an inpatient setting.
Veterans can receive curative treatment while in hospice for any
condition that is curable. Veterans can and will receive treatment to prevent and control pain and discomfort. For veterans interested in receiving inpatient hospice services at a Community Living Center (VA Nursing Home), check out the “Survey Scores for Hospice Care” at https://bit.ly/3ZUpjYs, which may help you or your family when faced with the task of choosing a nursing home setting for hospice care.
Learn more at https://bit. ly/3ZXMxwv, and the four The Island News articles on the VA and Ralph H. Johnson VA Hospice program published in June 2021 Go to https://www.yourislandnews. com and click on Military. Learn more about VA hospice by talking with your VA Social Worker.
Benefit 22 of 23 — Disability
Compensation
Disability Compensation is a tax-free monetary benefit paid to veterans (young and old) with disabilities who have suffered a disease or injury incurred or aggravated during active military service. Compensation may also be paid for post-service disabilities that are considered related or secondary to disabilities occurring in service and for disabilities presumed to be related to circumstances of military service, even though they may arise after service.
Generally, the degrees of disability specified are also designed to compensate for considerable loss of working time from exacerbations or illnesses. Learn more about Disability Compensation, Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and Special Monthly Compensation (SMC) at https://bit.ly/3DNaEqg. Contact the VA at 1-877-294-6380 or ask
your Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to explain your benefits.
Benefit 23 of 23 — Pension
The VA's pension program (Regular Pension and enhanced benefits of Aid & Attendance and Housebound) provides monthly benefit payments to certain wartime veterans and their survivors who have financial needs. Learn more by watching the VA YouTube video titled “Enhanced Pension Benefits (Aid & Attendance and Housebound Benefits)” at https:// bit.ly/4fXRlJ8 and by reading the information at https://bit. ly/4fU1hmp. Contact the VA at 1-877-294-6380 or ask your VSO to explain your benefits.
How to Apply for VA Benefits
The specific VA benefit or program web page will provide tailored information about how to apply for a particular benefit or program. Generally, servicemembers, veterans, and families can apply for VA benefits using one of the methods below.
The bottom line Use a VA-accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to help you understand your state and federal (VA) benefits. No one, two, or five articles can explain all a veteran and his or her family needs to know about federal and state veterans’ benefits. Use a VA-accredited VSO to help enroll in VA healthcare. Use a VSO to help you apply for all the VA and state benefits you are eligible for. Read all the available information at https://www.va.gov; state veterans websites (for example, for S.C., Ga., and N.C., go to https://scdva.sc.gov, https://veterans.georgia.gov, and https://www.milvets.nc.gov), and The Island News’ past articles on veterans benefits.
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
Ask your local Veterans Service officer (VSO) to help you file your claim and represent you to the VA. Apply online using https://www.va.gov OR Work with an accredited representative or agent (see https://bit.ly/3TcLOoK), OR Go to a VA regional office and have a VA employee assist you. You can find your regional office on our Facility Locator page (see https:// www.va.gov/landing2_locations.htm). File your claim using an Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits (VA Form 21-526EZ). Print the form, fill it out, and send it to: Department of Veterans Affairs, Claims Intake Center, P.O. Box 4444, Janesville, Wis. 53547-4444
LARRY DANDRIDGE
The annual Lowcountry flag football game between Winn Army Community Hospital and Naval Hospital Beaufort was held Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, and Naval Hospital Beaufort took the win for the fifth year in a row. The Marines and Sailors from the Tri Command worked hard to keep the championship title in Beaufort. Lindsay Schreiber/Naval Hospital Beaufort
SERVICE DIRECTORY
ATTORNEY
Christopher J. Geier
Attorney at Law, LLC
Criminal Defense & Civil Litigation
16 Professional Village Circle, Lady's Island Office: 843-986-9449 • Fax: 843-986-9450
chris@bftsclaw.com • www.geierlaw.com
AUDIOLOGY & HEARING
Beaufort Audiology & Hearing Care
Monica Wiser, M.A. CCC-A
Licensed Audiologist
38 Professional Village West, Lady's Island monica@beauforthearing.com www.beauforthearing.com | 843-521-3007
Hear the Beauty that Surrounds You
The Beaufort Sound Hearing and Balance Center
Dr. Larry Bridge, AU.D./CCC-A 206 Sea Island Parkway, Suite 31, Beaufort thebeaufortsound@gmail.com www.thebeaufortsound.com | 843-522-0655
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Preparing the Way
Adam and Eve had a life we can only dream about.
They had a perfect harmony within themselves. Their intellects and wills were aligned perfectly to goodness and truth, as were their imaginations, feelings, and physical desires. A life of goodness and truth came naturally to them. They enjoyed a perfect union with God and a complete trust in one another as husband and wife.
Into this harmony of the garden, Satan enters.
Like us, the angels were created with free will and called to freely love God. Satan was one of the greatest of the angels, and in his pride he chose not to love and serve God. This separation from God causes him untold misery, and he sees in Adam and Eve a way to strike back at God by turning them away from the love of their creator. He enters the garden to tempt Adam and Eve. (Genesis 3)
Can Adam and Eve really trust God?
God had clearly commanded that our original parents must not eat from one of the trees in the garden, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Satan enters into conversation with Eve and creates doubt in her mind, telling her that when she eats from it, “You will be like God!” (Gen 3:5) She and Adam give in to this temptation.
This is more than just the eating of a fruit.
Instead of trusting God and his desire for their happiness, Adam and Eve have chosen to disobey God and separate themselves from him For the first time, they have sinned.
Sin greatly damages Adam and Eve’s inner harmony. They find that their souls have become like a broken mirror, damaged in every way by sin. Their intellects are now easily deceived; it is difficult to distinguish between truth and falsehood. Their wills have been weakened; it no longer comes naturally to love selflessly and to do what is good. Their imaginations, feelings, and physical desires are often at odds with goodness and truth.
Their harmony with God and with each other is also lost.
Adam and Eve experience shame and feel a need to cover their nakedness in front of each other. When God comes, they hide from him. These details show how their harmony with each other has been wounded, as has their perfect union with God. They will now experience suffering and physical death, but the most serious consequence is their spiritual separation from God.
The wounds of sin affect the entire human race.
The entire human family has inherited Adam and Eve’s state of spiritual brokenness; we all experience their lack of internal harmony and their attraction to sin. God created us to be united with him, but unless he repairs the separation caused by sin, we will never be able to enjoy union with him here or in heaven. How will he save us and restore the human family to union with him?
