October 17 edition

Marshall, City of Beaufort at odds with local news website

Beaufort Insider also appears to have conflict of interest in city elections

By Delayna Earley

The Island News

Last week’s Beaufort City Coun-

cil meeting has put a spotlight on a local news organization and the future of its interactions with the city.

Shouldn’t storm cleanup include underground wires?

BEAUFORT

Considering the flood of information, and misinformation that’s surrounded our two most recent natural disasters — Helene and Milton — certain words of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) might have been lost in your news reading.

Shouldn’t we be thinking about placing power lines underground?

It’s certainly not a new idea, but when Graham made his comments, following a visit to the Aiken area to check on Hurricane Helene damage, he echoed thoughts that area tree-lovers have been saying every time Dominion cranks up their tree-cutting schedules and roar through residential neighborhoods, leaving maimed foliage in their wake.

It’s difficult to complain about the line-clearing procedures of the utility companies when thousands of residents in the Carolinas, Georgia and Florida are still without electricity, much of it because of fallen trees. When Graham SEE LOWDOWN PAGE A10

Beaufort’s City Manager Scott Marshall started his report to the Mayor and Council a little differently than he typically does during the Beaufort City Council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 8

Addressing council

He began his address with a statement to the city politicians and constituents explaining the events and reasoning that lead to his decision to direct the city staff to no longer interact with a recently formed news organization called the Beaufort Insider.

He said that Trask bullies others by “speaking half-truths and misinformation.”

In his statement, Marshall alleges that local developer Graham Trask has repeatedly “attacked” and called into question Marshall’s integrity.

Marshall also alleged that Trask, who has been vocal in his criticism of the city and has levied several lawsuits against the city to that effect, admitted to him while in his office one day that “baiting others on social media is a game to him.”

In the statement, Marshall proceeded to discuss several instanc-

“It’s not a game to me. It’s my integrity. It’s my reputation. It’s my livelihood. It’s my life’s work,” Marshall said. “I am here because I want to serve people in the place that has been my home longer than any other place in my adult life. I have no other agenda.”

may have looked

Ghosts take over Beaufort

Two more weekends of annual Ghost Tours remain

Staff reports

You still have time to make plans to take a haunted tour through downtown.

Ghostly spirits have taken over downtown Beaufort and there are two weeks left to catch one of CAPA and the Exchange Club’s 30th annual Ghost Tours.

Those looking for a thrill can sign up now to take a carriage ride or walking tour through Beaufort’s Historic District while listening to haunting tales of the area. Tours last about an hour and will run on

the evenings of October 18 through 20 and 25 through 27

All proceeds benefit the Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA) of Beaufort County.

Some of Beaufort’s oldest residents have shared stories from their childhood and CAPA and the Exchange Club of Beaufort brings these stories to life each October.

Costumed storytellers spellbind tour participants with the ghostly happenings while traveling the moss-lined streets of downtown.

The oldest ghost in America

is said to live in “the Castle,” a 19th-century renovated estate located on the river in downtown Beaufort. Beware, ghostly visions have been known to appear on past tours.

Walking tour tickets are $20 for all ages and carriage tours are $20 for children ages 3 to 11 and $30 for adults. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Reservations can be made online at www.capabeaufort.org or by calling 843-52-GHOST. Reservations are strongly recommended.

County Administrator

Ethics and stability

New Administrator Moore hopes he offers what Beaufort County needs

By Mike McCombs

The Island News

Selected by Beaufort County

Council in late May 2024, Michael Moore officially began working in his position as Beaufort County Administrator on July 1, almost a year after former County Administrator Eric Greenway was terminated from the position, giving way to Interim County Administrator John Robinson.

“Mr. Moore has been appointed by unanimous consent of Council to the position of Beaufort County Administrator,” County Council

Vice Chairman Larry McElynn said at the May 28 Council meeting. “He has the full confidence and full support of Council who wish him good luck and good fortune as he assumes the duties of the position of Beaufort County Administrator.”

LOLITA HUCKABY

Beaufort

Michael Moore officially started in his position on July 1. Photo courtesy of Beaufort County.

On Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, during the CAPA Ghost Tours sponsored by The Beaufort Charities, Garden Party attendees dance in the front yard of a home on the tour, portraying what a Garden party

like during Civil War times. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

LOWCOUNTRY LIFE & NEWS

On Friday, Oct. 4, 2024, Rose Ewing, the Community Education Manager for Hopeful Horizons, is seen arranging a display at the Port Royal Library that features a wedding gown. This display aims to raise awareness about the high rates of domestic violence in South Carolina. The gown bears the names of South Carolinians who lost their lives to domestic violence last year, alongside the Silent Witness Victims list. The Wedding Gown Project can be seen at public library branches in Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton and Colleton counties throughout October in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Amber Hewitt/ The Island News. 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 CARLY WILLING

Carly Willing

Beaufort’s Carley Willing, 41, joined the U.S. Air Force in Leesville, S.C., in 2003. After Basic Training at Lackland AFB, Texas, she trained at Shepherd AFB, Texas as a dental assistant. Her first assignment was in the dental clinic at Offutt AFB, Neb. Her follow-on assignment was in the clinic at Pope AFB near Fort Bragg, N.C. Thereafter she served in the dental clinics at Moody AFB, Ga., and McConnell AFB, Wichita,

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Recommending a contractor

We were very fortunate to find contractor AJ Constant to help us build our forever home. We had a fairly strict requirements and limited budget. Tony was very gracious, easy to work with and very accommodating. We had some major changes — adding a garage — a challenge not easy for him or any builder. He went above and beyond what many builders would do. We have a home that is very comfortable and meets all out needs.

If you are looking for a contractor. I highly recommend AJ Constant.

– Jim and Wendy Smiley, St Helena Island

Reject Transportation Sales Tax Referendum

The Beaufort Federation of Republican Men announced (Oct. 10) they will not be supporting the County’s Transportation Sales Tax Referendum and urges voters to vote ‘no’ on Ballot Question No. 1 (the TST) and also vote ‘no’ on Question No. 2 (the bond) on the upcoming November 5 ballot.

Scott Anderson, President of the organization stated “the Beaufort Federation of Republican Men (BFRM) cannot support an initiative lacking crucial detail and

ON THIS DATE

October 17

Kan., from which she separated in 2014 with 10 years of service.

While at McConnell AFB, she made deployments as part of Decontamination teams. Following separation, she continued to work at the dental clinic at McConnell AFB servicing active duty members before transferring to the VA dental clinic in Tulsa, Okla. She moved to Beau-

fort in 2021 and worked as a dental assistant at Marshland Family Dentistry. Today she works at the Piggly Wiggly supermarket on Ribaut Road.

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

specifics especially in light of the 2018 referendum in which only four of 34 proposed projects have been completed. While we fully support needed infrastructure improvements, we believe at this time the County is not ready to effectively take on additional projects and to ask voters to take on the additional tax burden.”

Jeff Johnson, head of the BFRM Issues Committee added “after extensive analysis and review, we’ve concluded that to avoid the mistakes made in the 2018 referendum, significant structural and management oversight processes would need to be put into place, similar to what the Board of Education has done delivering projects on-time and on-budget, before we could support future County infrastructure proposals.”

-- The Beaufort Federation of Republican Men (BFRM). Founded in 1985, the BFRM is a Conservative Republican organization focused on encouraging citizen involvement in local and state issues for the ultimate benefit of ALL citizens in the Lowcountry.

Murray not worth our public trust

At the City of Beaufort work session on Tuesday, Oct. 8, former mayor Stephen

2019: About 75 to 100 members of the groups Women For Trump and Engage The Right rallied peacefully against each other in front of the office of U.S. Rep. Joe Cunningham (SC1-D). The main topic of contention was the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump.

October 19

2019: Noted scientist, explorer and oceanographer Robert Ballard spoke at John Paul II Catholic School. Ballard is best known for discovering and exploring the wreckage of the RMS Titanic.

2019: Holy Trinity Classical Christian School swept the SCISA

PAL PETS OF THE WEEK

PAL-loween

PAL-loween continues with two new Pets of the Week in costume of course! If you love seeing PAL's adoptable cats and dogs in costume, check our Facebook page throughout October at https://www.facebook.com/ Palmettoanimalleague/.

Cat Of The Week

All hands on deck … Beare needs a home! This 6-monthold girl is all dressed up with nowhere to go. Me hearties,

if you’ve been considering adopting a pet, Beare is the treasure you’ve been waiting to find. She is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped.

Dog Of The Week

Sams is dressed up for Halloween and that’s no bull!

Sams is a gentle boy who really enjoys snuggles, pets, and attention. At 2 years old, Sams is ready to experience a lifetime of love in his very own home. He is neutered, up

Murray attacked current mayor Phil Cromer with an ill-mannered verbal tirade (See at the 1:31:45 mark at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=vF0VPORLd3c).

The angry speech had to do with Murray’s notion that the city somehow made a less than adequate response to tropical storm Helene. Murray’s prepared remarks were intended to undermine Cromer politically if possible.

When finished speaking, Murray made quite a scene as he bolted from the room with his family in tow just as Cromer was beginning to respond.

Murray refers to himself as a “retired” politician. In case one forgets, Murray resigned in disgrace last year in the aftermath of an incident with Historic Beaufort Foundation director Cynthia Jenkins.

I am writing this as an apology to Phil Cromer on behalf of myself and the many well-intentioned and fair-minded citizens of Beaufort who are appalled by Murray’s rude and uncalled-for behavior. I especially apologize to all citizens of Beaufort for my past support of Murray and for donating to his political campaign. What a colossal mistake on my part! I do not believe Murray is worth our public trust.

– Paul Trask, Beaufort

1-A boys and girls cross country championships at Heathwood Hall in Columbia. Collin Dunham won the boys individual championship.

October 23

1964: Joe Frazier defeated Germany’s Hans Huber with a broken left thumb by a 3-2 decision to win the gold medal in heavyweight boxing at the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo. He finished with an amateur record of 38-2

2023: The Beaufort Academy volleyball team defeated The King’s Academy, 3-1 (21-25 25-14 25-12 25-12) to win the SCISA Class 2A championship on at Wilson Hall in Sumter.

– Compiled by Mike McCombs

to date on vaccinations, and microchipped.

For more information on Beare, Sams, or any of our

other pets, call PAL at 843645-1725 or email Info@ PalmettoAnimalLeague.org.

– Compiled by Lindsay Perry

Beaufort County homeowners, renters now eligible for FEMA assistance

Staff reports

Homeowners and renters in Beaufort County who had uninsured damage or losses caused by Hurricane Helene are now eligible to apply for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster assistance.

FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs.

Beaufort County, along with Fairfield County, was added to the list of eligible South Carolina counties on Friday, Oct. 11, joining

Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Bamberg, Barnwell, Cherokee, Chester, Edgefield, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Jasper, Kershaw, Laurens, Lexington, McCormick, Newberry, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Union and York counties, as well as tribal members of the Catawba Indian Nation, previously authorized for assistance to households.

Homeowners and renters can apply for FEMA assistance in several ways: Go online to DisasterAssistance.gov.

Use the FEMA App. Call 800-621-3362. If you use a relay service, such as Video Relay Service (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service.

Visit any Disaster Recovery Center. To find locations and hours of operation, go to fema. gov/drc or text “DRC” and a Zip Code to 43362

A Disaster Recovery Center is open at the Freetown Community Center at 200 Alice Avenue in Greenville.

It is open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. to provide in-person assistance to Hurricane Helene survivors.

FEMA programs are accessible to survivors with disabilities and others with access and functional needs.

What You’ll Need When You Apply

A current phone number where you can be contacted. Your address at the time of the disaster and the address where you are now staying.

• Your Social Security number.

A general list of damage and losses.

Banking information if you choose direct deposit. If insured, the policy number or the agent and/or the company name.

If you have homeowners, renters’ or flood insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses covered by insurance. If your policy does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

For the latest information about South Carolina’s recovery, visit www.fema.gov/ disaster/4829

Follow FEMA on X at x.com/femaregion4 or on Facebook at facebook.com/ fema.

Veterans Affairs, Lowcountry Legal Volunteers offering free legal clinic

Staff reports Beaufort County Veterans Affairs is partnering with Lowcountry Legal Volunteers to offer a free clinic for area veterans who need help drawing up a will or power of attorney, according to a Beaufort County news release.

The clinic will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 18, at

AMVETS Post 70, 1831, Ribaut Road in Port Royal. This event is free of charge and open to all veterans and their dependents. Registration is required. Those interested may apply online at lowcountrylegalvolunteers.org or call Lowcountry Legal Volunteers at 843-815-1570

"We are excited and grateful for this opportunity to sponsor this clinic with Lowcountry Legal Volunteers," Veterans Affairs Director Caroline Fermin said in the release. "End of life planning is incredibly important. Being able to offer the service free of charge, answer any and all questions our veterans might have and knowing they will leave the clinic prepared with either a will or power of attorney, is one more service we are proud to offer our veteran population here in Beaufort County."

The Beaufort County Veterans Affairs Office assists veterans, their spouses and other dependents with access to government programs for which they are eligible. Veterans Affairs Counselors are available by appointment only by calling 843255-6880. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3CgzP1z. The Federal Benefits Handbook for Veterans, Dependents and Survivors is available at https://bit. ly/3zYm6On or by visiting www. va.gov.

Sands Beach boat landing closed due to Helene damage

By Delayna Earley The Island News

Beaufort County has an-

nounced that the Sands Beach boat landing has been closed until further notice due to damage caused by Tropical Storm Helene which hit Beaufort County on Sept. 27

The boat landing, which is owned by the town of Port Royal but managed by the county, has been closed since the tropical storm, but the announcement was made two weeks later as Beaufort County prepared for a second tropical storm, Milton.

Beaufort County Public Works Department is working with marine contractors

to figure out the extent of the damage to the boat landing so that they can begin to repair it as soon as possible.

The Henry Robinson Boardwalk, which is located next to the boat landing, also sustained significant damage during Tropical Storm Helene.

The boardwalk, which is both owned and managed by the town of Port Royal, will also remain closed to the public as the town puts out a request for bids to get the damaged section repaired, Town Manager Van Willis said.

Willis said that in the meantime, they are in contact with the insurance com-

pany so that as soon as the bidding process is complete, they will be able to move forward with the repairs as soon as possible. He said that he expects for the repairs to take roughly four to six weeks.

Sands Beach, which can be found on the other side of the boat landing, is currently open to the public even though the boat landing and boardwalk are not, according to Willis.

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

Former Beaufort mayor criticizes city’s response to Helene

By Delayna Earley

The Island News

During the City of Beaufort’s work session on Oct. 8, former Beaufort mayor Stephen Murray had a lot to say about the how the city handled Tropical Storm Helene.

In his sentiments to city council and the currently mayor, Murray alleged that they failed to communicate the severity of the storm with residents, focus on public safety instead of aesthetics in the

first stages of cleanup and stated that they could have worked better with pertinent local partners to end the power outages.

Murray said that when he spoke to Mayor Phil Cromer prior to speaking publicly he felt that Cromer dismissed his concerns by saying that the storm caught everyone, including the city by surprise.

Mayor Cromer responded by stating that he was in communication with City Manager Scott

Marshall as well as S.C. Governor Henry McMaster regarding the storm, but no one knew how bad it was going to hit Beaufort.

Helene brought sustained winds of up to 45 mph, and gusts hitting 75 mph, which were much higher than the 25 to 35 mph winds with gusts up to 60 mph that were originally forecast.

The strong winds and rainfall of between 2 to 5 inches caused downed trees that blocked roads and fell on electrical lines that re-

sulted in thousands of residents who were without electricity, in some places for several days. Storm surge caused boats to become beached in the marsh along Bay Street and resulted in structural and dock damage to Downtown Marina.

While both Marshall and Cromer said that with Helene the city suffered because the storm was worse than expected, it is to be noted that during the Tropical Storm warning from Hurricane

Milton two weeks after Helene hit the area, the city made a point to bolster their communications with their constituents, going as far as to publicize the cleanup schedule for clearing roads after a major storm passes through the area.

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

The Henry Robinson Boardwalk in Port Royal is closed because of damage suffered during Tropical Storm Helene. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

By Scott Graber

The Island News

Legislators ditch Beaufort, County’s picks for BJWSA board

For most of its 60 year history, the Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewer Authority (BJWSA) has enjoyed a large degree of anonymity. Its 18-mile-long canal to the Savannah River is hidden from view; its massive pipes are buried; its wastewater infrastructure is often located behind coastal pine forests.

But that anonymity is fading as its role in the future of Beaufort and Jasper counties becomes more defined and more controversial.

Recently the City of Beaufort reappointed Andy Kinghorn to BJWSA’s Board. Kinghorn had been on the board for six years and had become a key actor in the re-writing of its rules as they relate to developers seeking water and wastewater services from the Authority.

When, however, Beaufort’s unanimously-endorsed reappointment went to the Beaufort County Legislative Delegation in September, Kinghorn was rejected and an architect, Grady Wood, was substituted.

At the same September meeting, Beaufort County’s unanimously endorsed Rob McFee was likewise rejected by the Legislative Delegation.

These rejections appear, at first glance, to be squarely within the prerogatives of the Legis -

lative Delegation — a group of legislators deciding that Kinghorn and McFee needed to be replaced. But the rejection of Kinghorn “shocked”

Beaufort Mayor Phil Cromer, who told The Island News that this decision “appears to be political and personal.”

‘Political and personal’

In 1964 , when the BJWSA was created, the Authority’s charter provided that the governing board would be made up of people chosen by the Beaufort County Council, Jasper County Council, City of Beaufort and the towns of Port Royal and Ridgeland. Furthermore, these selections would be signed-off on by Beaufort County’s representatives in the General Assembly.

At that point, these governmental entities were “customers,” and it was believed they should have representation on the newly formed board. Eventually the Authority acquired new “customers” —Bluffton, Hardeeville, Hilton Head Island — who also got seats around its boardroom table.

In years past, these “customer appointments” were routinely rubber-stamped by the Legisla-

tive Delegation and then a prospective board member got his or her suitable-for-framing certificate signed by the Governor.

Six years ago

the City of Beaufort appointed Andy Kinghorn to represent the City’s interests on the Board. Kinghorn’s appointment seemed ideal because he was trained as an engineer and had been formerly employed by the Water and Sewer Authority. But when Kinghorn arrived there was a problem.

For some years BJWSA had been dealing with developers who came to the Authority seeking water and wastewater “capacity” in the existing plants. Attaching to the Authority’s pipes involved meeting certain standards and the process was thought to be cumbersome and inconsistent. For some time prior to Kinghorn’s arrival there had been an in-house effort to correct this problem resulting in a re-written manual in February of 2023

But that rewrite met with push back from the development community and, in July 2023, Andy Kinghorn, Dave Strange and Jeff Ackerman were designated by the Board to seek further input from developers regarding the trou-

bled application process. This group asked for and got immediate feedback from the development community in the form of 195 “comments.”

‘Betterment’ of the system

During 2023, Kinghorn, Strange and Ackerman met every month; going through the manual, line by line, and making changes. One issue, for example, dealt with was the notion that developers (when they attached themselves to the system) make the entire system better, and therefore are entitled to some credit for their “betterment” of the system.

At the end of the process the committee found that 185 of the 195 suggestions had merit, including the “betterment” argument, and the Development Policy and Planning Manuel was changed for reflect those comments.

After this extended process the Authority Board hired an engineering consultant, Black and Beach, to look at “capacity fees” that were then being charged developers for “capacity” in both the water and wastewater systems. This inquiry into fees also included dozens of developers and their concerns about the “cost of service.”

At the end of this investigation, Black and Beach advised the Board that they would be justified in charging $16 700 per

unit of water and wastewater capacity. The Board — with advice and input from the developers — decided to raise fees from about $7 000 per unit, to $15 000 per unit over a period of three years starting in February 2025. It was also decided that $7,000 would be due up front, and the remainder when the meter went in.

It is not certain if Kinghorn’s and McFee’s rejection is connected to the increase in capacity fees — but it is hard to imagine any other reason for their forced retirement.

The Island News reached out to State Sen. Tom Davis (R-Beaufort), who said the Delegation’s new appointments would be placed on hold; he would seek an explanation for Kennedy’s and McFee’s removal and a public hearing on this matter might be appropriate.

On Monday, Oct. 14, Beaufort County Council, after an executive session to discuss "appointments," came out and made a motion to ask the Legislative Delegation to reconsider their recent actions and to explain their rationale for those actions.

That motion passed, 7-2, with Councilmen Logan Cunningham and Gerald Lawson voting against it.

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

Andy Kinghorn

Rob McFee

Civitas Awards honor best of Beaufort community

Staff reports

The Civitas Awards, hosted by the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce, are an annual tradition to honor outstanding community leaders, businesses, and organizations. This year’s reception was was held Thursday, Oct. 10 at Tabby Place in downtown Beaufort.

Here are the 2024 winners and finalists for each category.

2024 Business/Organization Award Finalists

The Cornerstone Award for Small Business Excellence, presented by Ameris Bank, was awarded to the Berman Property Group. Other finalists included Capstone Insurance and Power Washing Man.

The Torchbearer Award for Regional Economic Impact, presented by Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation, was awarded to the Gay Fish Company. Other finalists include Beaufort Construction and Davis & Floyd.

The Trailblazer Award for

from page A1

es in which he feels Trask has attacked him and his commitment to do his job for the City of Beaufort.

Firstly, he said that Trask intentionally tried to drive a wedge between Marshall and members of City Council by posting that a “fatal flaw in [his] demeanor” caused the council to take notice.

He also mentioned when Trask allegedly called his leadership abilities into question when he declined “a conditional offer of financial assistance from a resident that the city could not legally accept” when discussing drainage issues and possible solutions in The Point neighborhood in downtown Beaufort.

His last example was to say that Trask “insinuated under [his] leadership [that] the police department mismanaged an investigation into allegations of missing evidence.”

In response during an interview with The Island News, Trask said that he thinks that Marshall’s statement in the council meeting goes to prove his point that he is not fit for the role of city manager because of his “apparent lack of emotional intelligence.”

“Clearly I’ve gotten under his skin,” Trask said. “I stand by every accusation I have made as fact.”

Marshall said that as a member of the local government, his freedom of speech is limited, but “critics in the private sector have no such obligation to the truth and no restrictions on the claims they make.”

This is what, in his opinion, the Beaufort Insider has been taking advantage of “in a deliberate and concerted effort to discredit and disparage city council and staff.”

Free Enterprise Investment, presented by The University of South Carolina Beaufort was awarded to Higgins Family Brands. Other finalists included Camelot Farms Equestrian Center and Coastal Waste & Recycling.

• The Caretaker Award for Outstanding Nonprofits, presented by United Way of the Lowcountry, was awarded to Operation Patriots FOB. Other finalists include Freedman Arts District and The Helianthus Project.

2024 Individual Award Finalists The Sentinel Award for Military Citizenship. The other finalist was Staff Sgt. Marco Cruz. The Buzzworthy Award for Outstanding Young Professional, presented by 303 Associates, was awarded to Ashlee Houck, President and CEO of the Beaufort Area Hospitality Association. Other finalists included Ashton Viterbo and Josh Ward. The Pillar Award for Com-

It was this, according to Marshall, that played heavily in his decision to instruct city staff to no longer engage with the Beaufort Insider outside of their legal obligations under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

What is the Beaufort Insider?

The Beaufort Insider is an online publication managed by editor Carrie Chappell that was established in early summer 2024

Its first article, a letter addressed to the Beaufort community outlining its mission as a new online publication dedicated to “fact-based news,” was published on June 14

On its website, the Insider says it is “dedicated to delivering accurate news that empowers citizens to make informed decisions and engage with our community.”

While only two people are listed as working for the website – Chappell, a Beaufort County School District employee and owner of Changing Tides Digital Marketing in Beaufort, is listed as the editor and Rachel Carper is listed as a contributor – the Beaufort Insider also invites members of the public to participate and contribute as well.

Rumors on social media have sparked members of the community to question if the Beaufort Insider is owned by Graham Trask and not Carrie Chappell, but in interviews with The Island News both Chappell and Trask deny that he has had any involvement with the organization beyond offering advice when it is solicited and being a fan in sharing its postings on social media.

“When I had the idea for the Beaufort Insider, I spoke to Graham to get his thoughts as I did in speaking to lots of different people,” Chappell said. The Beaufort Insider’s

On Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce President Megan Morris, and Chamber Chair Nick Messenburg present Cpl. Madison Minner with the Sentinel Award at the annual Civitas Reception, hosted by the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce. This award highlights her dedication and commitment to the community. Amber Hewitt/ The Island News

munity Leadership by an Individual, presented by Alliance Consulting Services, was awarded to Christina Wilson, Director of CAPA Beaufort. Other finalists included Cherimie Weatherford and Rita Wilson. The Chairman’s Award for exceptional support of the Chamber and community, presented by Sparklight, was awarded to Beaufort Memorial Hospital.

articles and editorials to date have mostly centered around politics in the City of Beaufort, while on occasion branching out to cover or comment on county politics.

As mentioned, in addition to Chappell’s work with the Beaufort Insider and the BCSD, she also runs a digital marketing company called Changing Tides Digital Marketing. It is through this company that she is being paid to work on campaigns for local candidates Josh Gibson and Julie Crenshaw, two of the four people who are currently running for the two open positions on Beaufort City Council.

And Chappell has been involved with a third candidate running for City office in this election.

Mayor Phil Cromer previously utilized Chappell’s services to help with his 2023 campaign in the special election for the mayoral seat after former Mayor Stephen Murray resigned, but he said he did not hire her back to work on this campaign because she was already working on two others, so instead he hired Carper.

“The things that I put out in [the] Beaufort Insider are fact based. I put links to all the documents [in the story] that back up what I'm saying,” said Chappell, who said she hasn’t covered the election much. “… If I produce an opinion piece, I make it very clear that it's an opinion piece. I am aware of people's concern about a conflict of interest and I am diligent about avoiding that conflict of interest with what I put out.”

Under almost any circumstances, a journalist reporting on an election in which he or she was working with one or more of the candidates would be considered a clear conflict of interest.

“People are gonna think

what they're gonna think,” Chappell said.

Gibson said in speaking with The Island News that he is running his own campaign, and she is providing assistance with things like signs and his website.

“My message is entirely my own,” Gibson said.

The Beaufort Insider recently had to cancel a political forum scheduled to be held at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in downtown Beaufort on Wednesday, Oct. 16, due to four of the six candidates running for a City of Beaufort political office declining to attend.

Mayoral candidates Josh Scallate, who currently sits on City Council, and Cromer both stated that they were not going to participate because they felt it could be a conflict of interest considering Chappell’s work on two of the candidates’ campaigns.

Cromer also expressed concern that the forum might have been unnecessarily antagonistic in nature given the demeanor of some of the articles that the Beaufort Insider has posted.

“I first ran to try and calm or cool down the temperature of politics in the city,” Cromer said. “But right now with this campaign, everything’s ramped back up and people are taking sides and their taking shots. I just don’t think that’s appropriate.”

The other two candidates declining to participate were current City Council members Neil Lipsitz and Mitch Mitchell, both of whom told The Island News that they had a prior engagement to participate in a panel at the University of South Carolina Beaufort.

Ultimately, a post was made on the Beaufort Insider’s site on Monday, Oct. 14 stating that the forum would be canceled due to lack of

On Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce President, Megan Morris announces the kick off of the program during the annual Civitas Reception, hosted by the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

participation from several candidates, specifically naming Scallate, Lipsitz and Mitchell.

Chappell said in an interview that the point of the forum for her was to get all six candidates together on one stage so they could participate in a true public forum, and she was disappointed that it was not going to happen.

Gibson said he didn’t necessarily have a problem with the Beaufort Insider hosting the forum.

“We're going back to more of a time where advocacy journalism is more, [or] as least as prominent as what we would call neutral journalism,” Gibson said.

Crenshaw did not respond to a request for comment.

Moving forward

As of now, the City of Beaufort employees have been instructed by Marshall to not engage with the Beaufort Insider.

Marshall said his statement that he is not concerned with the Beaufort Insider writing critical articles about the city, but that he made his decision “because of the unprofessional actions and blogs consistently demonstrating inability to distinguish between fact and fiction and the false accusations made by incorrectly connecting dots.”

While Marshall said that his decision to speak out was made in part because he felt his integrity and livelihood were being attacked, Chappell said that she has chosen to not respond publicly as she is not looking to make anything personal.

“I stand behind everything that I have published in Beaufort Insider,” Chappell said.

By law, the city will continue to respond appropriately to requests made under FOIA, but they will not be answering questions

levied by those working for the online publication, according to Marshall. Not all of the members of City Council agree with this approach, but they can see why he made the statement.

“I’m for open government and transparency,” Cromer said. “So, my feeling or take on any of this, and I spoke with Scott about this, is that regardless of who it is, you may or may not like the person, but if they request something we have to give it to them. We are a public body and its public information. Just give it to them and let the chips fall where they may.”

That said, Cromer did say he understood why Scott addressed council and he sympathized with him.

“I think he felt like his reputation had been besmirched,” Cromer said. But if somebody had done that to me, I think I would have just kept quiet.”

Other members of council and candidates hoping to be elected to Council in November shared similar sentiments by saying they understand both sides of it, but at the end of the day, they believe every citizen should be able to ask a question of the local government and get an answer.

Trask said he sees it as a violation of the freedom of the press, but South Carolina Press Association lawyer Jay Bender said that while governments are required to respond to requests for information pursuant to FOIA, they are under no obligation to make comments to the press.

But he did say that was not advisable.

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

Lifetime Achievement Award The Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by past Lifetime Achievement winners, was awarded to S.C. State Representative Edie Rodgers.

BMH holds annual Employee Service Awards

Staff reports

Beaufort Memorial honored 227 employees at their annual Employee Service Awards on Thursday, Oct. 10, celebrating a combined total of more than 2 500 years of compassionate dedication to the organization.

Thursday’s batch of 227 honorees included employees celebrating five, 10 15 20 25 30 and 35 years of service to Beaufort Memorial, as well as two 45-year veterans topping the list.

“That is hard to find,” Beaufort Memorial President and CEO Russell Baxley said about the group of honorees – one of the largest groups the hospital has celebrated yet. “We work in a unique and very difficult industry. Com-

mitment to this industry shows passion, dedication and perseverance.”

The event, held at the Port Royal Sound Foundation Pavilion in Okatie, brought families, friends and coworkers together for a night of laughter, celebration and camaraderie.

In total, the honorees Thursday evening shared a whopping 2 545 years of service with Beaufort Memorial. The organization honored 95 employees for five years of service, 67 employees for 10 years, 19 employees for 15 years, 23 employees for 20 years, 15 for 25 years, four for 30 years, and two each for 35 and 45 years.

The two employees celebrating the longest tenure

NEWS BRIEFS

Upcoming candidate

events

From 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17, the Old Commons Neighborhood Association (OCNA) will host its Ice Cream Social along with “Meet The Candidates Night” for City of Beaufort Mayor, County Council District 3, and S.C. House District 124 candidates at the Wesley United Methodist Church Education Building. The four City Council candidates have been invited, as well.

On Monday, Oct. 21, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce will host

with the health care organization were cardiopulmonary assistant Kathleen Jolly and Vice President of Patient Care Karen Carroll, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, who both began with the organization 45 years ago.

Jolly said that she loves her job because of the people she works with, and she even has several family members who work with Beaufort Memorial, too.

“It’s a family affair,” she laughed.

Carroll addressed reception attendees after being honored for her 45 years, calling her time at Beaufort Memorial “an absolutely wonderful experience.”

“The hospital has been a family to me,” she said. “It’s a great place to work.”

a candidate forum at the USC Beaufort Center For The Arts at 805 Carteret Street. There will be seperate forums for County candidates, City Council candidates and Mayor candidates. And finally, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 24, the NWQNA will host City of Beaufort City Council Candidates Night at the Charles Lind Brown Community Center at 1001 Hamar Street.

Gibson hosting meet and greets

Josh Gibson, a candidate for the Beaufort City Council, is hosting

Labor and delivery nurse

Cheryl Savel and cardiopulmonary rehab nurse Kim Raines rang in 35 years of service, and the folks celebrating 30 years were Laura Cole (pharmacy), Nadeen Singleton (food and nutrition), Vickie “Starr” Spearman (cardiopulmonary rehab) and Robin Stoltz (cath lab).

Baxley lauded honorees for their commitment to not just Beaufort Memorial, but to the hospital’s greater mission of compassionate, innovative care as well.

“You guys do it with grace, you do it with honor and you do it with kindness,” he said. “I appreciate that, the patients appreciate that, and the community appreciates that.”

Meet the Candidate events in different neighborhoods each Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon.

On Oct. 19, Gibson will be at the Herban Market and Washington Street Park. On Oct. 26, he’ll be at Pigeon Point Park. On Nov. 2, he’ll be at a site to be determined in Mossy Oaks.

Beaufort County Assessor hosting community events

Beaufort County Assessor Ebony Sanders is hosting multiple community events at County Library Branches to allow the public

an opportunity to meet with her staff and share questions and concerns regarding real property.

Each community event will be from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

The dates are as follows: Hilton Head Branch Library, 11 Beach City Road: Tuesday, Oct. 29 – SCRoom; Tuesday, Nov. 19 –SCRoom.

St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road: Tuesday, Nov. 5 – Small Conference Room; Tuesday, Dec. 3 Large Meeting Room.

Bluffton Branch Library, 120 Palmetto Way: Thursday, Oct.

17 – Large Meeting Room; Thursday, Nov. 7 – Large Meeting Room; Thursday, Dec. 5 – Large Meeting Room.

Lobeco Branch Library, 1862 Trask Parkway: Monday, Nov. 25; Monday, Dec. 16

In the event of an unforeseeable change in the date, time, or location, the Assessor’s Office webpage will be updated to reflect rescheduling. If you have any questions, please contact Liz Rigg, Appeal/BAA Coordinator at BAA@bcgov.net or 843-255-2404

– Staff reports

Julie Hussey

C Senate 43

Charity Owens

Gwyneth Saunders

Rep Michael Rivers

V.P. Kamala Harris & Gov. Tim Walz President & Vice President of the United States

Senator Margie Bright Matthews

C Senate 45

Audrey Hopkins Williams

Beaufort Memorial cardiopulmonary assistant Kathleen Jolly (left) and vice-president of Patient Care Karen Carroll (right) were honored last Thursday for their 45 years of service to the organization. Photo courtesy of Beaufort Memorial Hospital

Council Member

Howard to host meeting on 2024 Sales Tax Referendum

Staff reports

County Council Member

Alice Howard (District 4) will host a district meeting to discuss the 2024 Sales Tax Referendum at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 22 in Council Chambers at the Beaufort County, Administration Building at 100 Ribaut Road in Beaufort.

Interim Engineering Director, Bryan Bauer will be present to provide additional information and answer questions. For questions and more information please contact Council Member Howard at ahoward@bdgov.net or 843-986-7403

Ethics

from page A1

Moore had been serving as the Assistant County Manager in York County, S.C. He is a 27-year veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served as a commissioned officer and an aviator prior to his retirement and entry into local government.

On Tuesday, Oct. 1 Moore spoke with The Island News about his decision to come to Beaufort County and some of the challenges ahead.

Why Beaufort County?

First of all, why Beaufort County?

“First off, I'm a veteran.

… And it’s a good military community here. I mean, I've been in the state for about three-and-a-half years. I was up in York County after I retired. We like the state. … I've been in local government for the threeand-a-half years. And I aspired to move up in local government, if you will.

“So this opportunity presented itself. But not only that, I have some extended family that live in the area here. So that was a good thing. Obviously, being a Navy person, we lived on the coast. So we like the coast. So from a perspective of quality of life, it's a great place.

“The opportunity was here to be the administrator. So that's part of what brought me here. And I think the community here is great.

The military, a lot of retirees, which I can identify with. A lot of people would say, ‘local government’ and want to know how much brain function you've lost. Yeah. I can understand that. But I think on the other hand, local government matters.”

Moore had experience running a base in the Navy

Port Royal swears in new top cop

— Naval Support Activity

Souda Bay, on the island of Crete in Greece — as well as spending time as a Chief of Staff, and said those experiences helped prepare him for a career in local government.

“Being the chief of staff, I ran a lot of the day-to-day functions of, like, you know, security, fire, emergency, public works, all those type of things. So that's what kind of got me into the business. Obviously, that experience helps.”

He also learned about what made a job in local government quite different than his military career.

“In the military, you're dealing with ... officials, but you're not dealing, like, with, you know, the Council, with an elected body. You know, that's one difference. I think economic development, there's some components of what the military does that's different. So, like, you know, some of the functions here are different. You know, the planning and zoning. A lot of those things you don't do in the military. So there's functions at local governments that we don't necessarily have in the military. Obviously, in the military, there's functions we don't have in local government.”

A troubled destination

Moore comes to the Lowcountry at a time when it’s fair to say the Beaufort County government has been troubled, to say the least. Over the past year alone, the County Administrator, an Assistant County Administrator and the Parks and Recreation Director have all been fired and there have been at least eight ethics investigations opened into members of the Beaufort County administration.

The County has recently settled one lawsuit, filed in 2020, with Treasurer Maria Walls, while a second is still

Sunday Morning Worship at 8:30 & 10:30 81 Lady’s Island Drive

Pastor Steve Keeler • (843) 525-0696 seaislandpresbyterian.org

pending. Those lawsuits are related to the actions of former Auditor Jim Beckert, a man twice sued by the County to force him to actually do his job.

And in September, it became known that a South Carolina grand jury has issued a series of subpoenas requesting that Beaufort County supply financial records related to possible contract, purchasing and procurement misconduct.

Did Moore know what he was walking into?

“I think I had a good lay of the land for the most part. I think in terms of, you know, what happened to the previous administrator. Obviously, being in the state, you know, the stories were out there of what had happened and so forth. And I think in working, you know, when I was going through the process with the Council, you know, they were pretty up front about they wanted change. You know, they had been through – I mean, was it seven administrators the past eight years, something like that?

“And so, the sense I got from them is they wanted some stability. That was probably the first thing they said is, ‘We would like some stability here.’ And I offered that. And, you know, I offered that, you know, I came from the military. I believe in ethics in terms of how we do business. And that's important. And the Council, in the interview process, acknowledged that and accepted that as part of the process.

“There's always things you learn that you don't know 100% coming in. I probably knew 70%. There's always things you find out [and say], ‘Wow, … if I'd have known that, would it have changed my mind?’ You know, maybe. But I still think it's an opportunity. As I said before, I still think it's a great community.

“I think the citizens de-

serve good government. And I will do my best to provide that. That's kind of my goal. And that's the way I want to do business.”

Moore said that Beaufort County has had its share of issues, but it's not the only local government that's had its share of issues.

“Just go look at New York City. That's a real nightmare scenario.”

Moore said he reached out to professional contacts who knew things about the situation in Beaufort and those sources were fairly accurate, so he wasn’t walking into the situation totally blind.

Transparency as a goal

What may be as troubling as the County government’s legal and ethical issues is the way it has handled them –with very little transparency.

As a result of investigations into Greenway’s actions as County Administrator, the Council ordered an independent audit of the County’s procurement processes and employees’ use of P-Cards.

The County Council long refused to release the results of the audit (outside of a summary), received this past spring, to the public, the media, or even law enforcement, despite the fact it is a public document.

(The Council ultimately voted in late August to release the results to law enforcement — Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner and the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office — while continuing to ignore numerous Freedom of Information Act requests. The Council’s acquiescence and release of the audit came too late, however to prevent the empanelling of a S.C. grand jury, which subpoenaed the audit results, a request the Council could not refuse.)

While the release of the audit falls on the County Council, Moore addressed the issue, under direction of

the County Council, by tightening the County’s procurement rules. The toughened rules were released to the public in July.

“I think you have to be a person who's willing to say, ‘no’ at times. I think you have to be somebody who, just because we did it this way before, doesn't mean we need to do this way again. And I think, [like] what we've done [with] the new procurement code. So I think instilling that process in staff, [saying] ‘This is the process. This is how we're going to do business. ...’ And you have to sometimes be unpopular to say, ‘... this is not how we're going to do business.’ And if it gets to a point at which you feel like you can't get to where you need to go, then you've got some decisions to make, right?”

In the end, Moore said, it’s about the taxpayers and making sure the county is getting the best value for its dollar.

“I think at the end of the day, that's my goal, … the taxpayer. I pay taxes. I'm a resident now, so I've got my own personal skin in the game. I own a house. So, being a taxpayer, you know, I want value for my dollar, too.”

In the end, he said, transparency, going forward, is about “setting the tone up front and holding yourself accountable to that standard. Because I think if leadership's not willing to do that, you're never going to get change.”

The next challenge

Another upcoming challenge for Moore is on the ballot for November’s General Election.

Beaufort County voters will again vote on a continuation of a "Beaufort Penny" on the local sales tax. If approved, the tax would continue for 10 more years and $950 million, which ever comes first. The revenue

would be used only for transportation improvements in Beaufort County. The problem for the County is that it seems impossible for voters to differentiate between this renewal of the “Beaufort Penny” and the 2018 referendum that created the tax. Only a small number of the several dozen projects that were supposed to benefit from that tax have actually been undertaken by the County.

“I think all we can do is educate the public, you know, and tell them, these are the projects, this is where we are today, and this is how we got to where we are. If you look at each one of the projects, there's a number of factors that play into that. And I think, you know, the public just needs to understand that.

“… You had a number of projects that weren't complete, a number of projects went over budget. And I think if you look at what's happened in the time with COVID, ... there's no question costs have gone up. And a lot of the affordability of these projects that we budgeted three or four years ago, those budgets have changed. So, you know, I think all we can really do is educate the public and demonstrate to them that, you know, and it's, it's a challenge because, you know, people are going to say, well, you know, why should I put my faith in you all? Because you haven't delivered on these projects.

“But, you know, I think the key is to, you know, just show here's the projects we're going to, that are on the ballot. Here's what you're going to vote on. And, you know, let the voters make the decision. Is it, is it worth another one cent or is it not?”

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

Alice Howard

New Port Royal Police Chief Jeff Myers, who was sworn in on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, during the Port Royal Town Council meeting, poses for a photo with the Town Council. Pictured from left are Councilman Jorge Guerrero, Councilwoman and Mayor Pro Tempore Mary Beth Heyward, Mayor Kevin Phillips, Myers, Councilman Jerry Ashmore, and Councilman Darryl Owens. Amber Hewitt/ The Island News

Celebrating 150 years

Councilman Lipsitz appointed to MASC Legislative Committee

Staff reports

Beaufort City Councilman Neil Lipsitz has been appointed to the Municipal Association of South Carolina’s Legislative Committee, according to a media release from the City of Beaufort. Lipsitz joins 11 other members on the committee, who represent such diverse cities as Myrtle Beach, North Charleston, Aiken, and Rock Hill.

The Legislative Committee is responsible for making recommendations to the MASC Board of Directors about the direction of MASC’s advocacy initiatives for 2025-2026. A new legislative session starts in January, which makes the timing of the recommendations very relevant. “I’m honored to be a member of this committee. Our initial meeting on Oct. 9

was very productive,” Lipsitz said in the release. “Among the items we discussed and advocated for was a statewide hate crimes bill, reducing the liquor liability burden on small businesses, and protecting the right of cities and towns to regulate short-term rentals. We have a number of other initiatives as well.”

The committee will meet as needed, Lipsitz said.

PROJECT 2025 IS ALREADY AT

Implemented the 6-week abortion ban (Co-sponsor H 3020)

Diverted taxpayer money to private schools instead of our public education system (Primary Sponsor H.5164)

Banned gender affirming care for minors in the state - one of the most extreme bills in the nation (Co-sponsor H.4624)

Fought to remove Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) training in our state colleges and universities (Co-sponsor H 4289)

State Representative Shannon Erickson (R-124) presents a State Proclamation to the Town of Port Royal honoring the town for its 150 anniversary on Wednesday, Oct. 9, 2024, during the Port Royal Town Council meeting. Amber Hewitt/ The Island News

On the Way!

Cooling the Lowcountry

No matter where you are in Beaufort, Carolina Air is ready to provide quick and reliable service. As a factory authorized Carrier Dealer with NATE-certified technicians, we’ve made a commitment to be the best. Whether you need a new system or help keeping your existing system running efficiently, we’ll keep you cool and comfortable all year long.

Pick your pumpkin

The Thornhill sisters — 6-year-old Sage and 8-year-old Mairin of Beaufort — check out pumpkins at the annual Pumpkin Patch at Carteret Street United Methodist Church at 408 Carteret Street in Beaufort. The Patch will be open from noon to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Saturdays; and noon to 6 p.m., Sundays through the month of October. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Lowdown from page A1

visited Aiken, the number, just in S.C. was more than one million citizens waiting for their lights to come back on.

Graham, and other municipal politicians interviewed in a report by the Charleston Post and Courier, said as the rebuilding of electrical systems is taking place because of storm repair, the time is now, as they said, to do it right.

“If we can put men and women on the moon and look at going to Mars, we can bury electric cables underground, economically,” said one Spartanburg County Council member. "In 2024, we’re better than this."

Yes, the costs of burying lines underground is expensive. Some reports calculate it’s three times more expensive to put the lines underground than run them overhead. But those costs could be shared by local, state, and federal sources, with Graham stating he would work to get money from Washington for the effort.

Places like Rock Hill began working with their utility companies to bury lines underground more than a decade go after expe-

riencing a harsh ice storm.

Indeed, the City of Beaufort and Beaufort County already require new residential developments to place their utility lines underground, as part of their infrastructure costs.

City officials worked with Dominion, or S.C. Electric & Gas (SCE&G) at the time, to place the power lines underground when Boundary Street was redeveloped back in 2018

And yes, underground wires are no guarantee the lights will stay on in cases of hurricanes. But it’s a start and like Graham said, the time is now.

‘Blame game’ works its way into local elections

BEAUFORT – In case you missed it, there’s been a certain amount of “blame game” brought into the already contentious presidential election with the right wing folks accusing the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or more specifically the person who’s in charge, aka President Biden, of not being responsive and the left wing accusing the other side with calling out the crazies, aka, mountain militia who are reportedly, as of Monday’s news loop, “hunting” for FEMA workers.

As if the victims of Helene and Milton, and the officials trying to help them,

Dear Beaufort Residents,

don’t have enough to focus on.

In the past week, the “blame game” was brought into the Beaufort mayoral election by none other than former Mayor Stephen Murray who had been to the mountains along with City Councilman Josh Scallate to deliver supplies and came back with a personal blast to current Mayor Phil Cromer for not doing enough to protect the local community. It happened at last week’s City Council workshop when Murray rose to speak about the local outpouring of supplies and the volunteers’ trip to western N.C. to deliver more than 100 pallets. But then Murray accused Cromer of complacency and a failure of duty. Cromer, who is facing opposition from Scallate, denied the former mayor’s criticism, but it was a subtle example of the “blame game” being played right here at home.

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.

My name is Josh Scallate, and I am honored to introduce myself as a candidate for Mayor of Beaufort. I am running for this position because I believe our beautiful city deserves leadership that listens, acts, and builds a stronger community for all of us. Beaufort is a special place, full of history, charm, and beauty, and I am committed to preserving our unique character while fostering opportunity for all residents. I’m a native Beaufortonian, and I’m blessed to be raising my family here with my beautiful wife, Ryan. I have been dedicated to serving our community and understanding the needs of its people through my work as a Lieutenant with the Lady's Island – St. Helena Fire District, as a small business owner, and active non-profit volunteer.

As your mayor, I will work tirelessly to ensure transparent government, responsible development, and enhanced recreational activities for our youth and young at heart. My goal is to make sure Beaufort continues to thrive for future generations, while ensuring that we remain a vibrant, welcoming community for everyone who is lucky enough to call our remarkable city home.

I am humbly asking for your support and your vote in this upcoming election on November 5th. Together, we can create a future that reflects the best of what Beaufort has to offer. Please call me, 843-812-7194 if you’d like to hear more about my vision for our hometown, or if you’d like to share your thoughts on how the city can serve you better.

- Josh Scallate

VOTE NOVEMBER 5, 2024

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

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.

Eric’s Karaoke Krew

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

Karaoke with Melissa

7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Fridays, R Bar & Grill, 70 Pennington 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.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

HIGHWAY 21 DRIVE-IN

The movies scheduled for this week (Friday, Oct. 18 through Thursday, Oct. 24) at the Highway 21 Drive-In are Beetlejuice (PG, 7:30 p.m.) and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (PG-13, 7:30 p.m.) on Screen 1; The Nightmare Before Christmas (PG, 7:30 p.m.) and HocusPocus (PG, 9 p.m.) on Screen 2; Smile2 (R, 7:45 p.m.) and Terrifier (NR, 10:05 p.m.) on Screen 3.

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

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

Upcoming movies include Here (November) and Venom: The Last Dance (October).

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 ReadAloud

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.

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.

GOLF

Boy Scouts of America

LowCountry Classic

11 a.m., Monday, Oct. 28, The Cat Island Club. Hosted by the Boy Scouts of America Lowcountry District. $150 per golfer or $500 for foursome. 9 a.m. registration; 1 p.m. lunch; 5 p.m. cocktails/awards. Each player hits from the tee; team selects tee shot they wish to play from; each player may then place their ball within one club length, no nearer the hole and in the same condition (rough, bunker, etc.), and play his/her own ball from that point until holed; 2 lowest net scores will count towards teams total. Each player shall receive 75% of their published handicap; maximum handicap is 24. Proceeds benefit Scouting programs in the Lowcountry District of the Coastal Carolina Council, Boy Scouts of America. All the information for players and potential sponsors can be found at https:// birdease.com/BSACharityGolfEvent or contact Dave Soloman for more information at d.c.solomon@att.net.

HALLOWEEN

Highway 21 Drive-In

Trunk Or Treat

2 to 5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19, Hwy. 21 Drive-In. Entry fee is $1. Unlimited bouncy houses and games for $10. Face painting for $10. Nightmare Before Christmas and Hocus Pocus will be showing that night.

Uptown Trunk or Treat — Kids, Cops, Cars, and Candy

3 to 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 26, Charles Lind Brown Center, Beaufort. Hosted by the Great Grand Family Foundation. A fun and safe afternoon filled with classic cars, police vehicles, and plenty of candy! It's a fantastic opportunity for children to have positive interactions with law enforcement, explore some amazing cars, and enjoy a memorable trick-

or-treat experience in a safe environment. Support via donations of candy for the event are welcome and appreciated — reach out to Previs Walker at perviswalker17@gmail.com.

Port Royal’s

Haunted Hallows

3 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 26, Naval Heritage Park, Port Royal. A free event featuring food trucks, a vendor market, aerialists, City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department

Touch A Truck, games, treats and spooky destinations to fill your passport!! Commemorative Festival T-shirts are available for purchase. Proceeds go to Help of Beaufort.

Port Royal Trunk or Treat

3 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 27, Paris Avenue, between 9th and 12th streets, Downtown Port Royal. A safe trick-or-treating experience for all ages. Bring your vehicle and be part of the fun. Folks with vehicles and goodies to hand out or games for the kids are needed to make this fun for the kids. Sign up at lowcountryjaycees@ gmail.com. No pets allowed.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Rooted Beaufort

Yoga classes

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

BEMER Circulation Therapy

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

HISTORY

Beaufort History Museum at the Arsenal

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

The Historic Port Royal Museum

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

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

Plant Swap

2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Take a plant – leave a plant. Bring your divided perennials, extra clip-

pings, and plant propagations to share with others. Visit us at beaufortcountylibrary.org.

“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 843-255-6458.

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- 9177082. For more information on EAI visit www.emotionsanonymous.org.

Rotary Club of the Lowcountry 7:30 a.m., Fridays, Sea Island Presbyterian Church, Sea Island Parkway, Lady’s Island. A light breakfast is provided before the program. For further information and upcoming speakers, please visit our website at www.lowcountryrotary. org or contact our President, Bob Bible at reconmc@aol. com or 843-252-8535.

Deas Guyz

MUSIC

7 p.m., Fridays, Nov. 1, Nov. 29; Willie's Bar and Grill, 7 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Saint Helena Island. $35. Doors open at 6 p.m. For more information and tickets, visit www.GullahLove.com.

Habersham Third Fridays

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

OUTDOORS

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

Tours of Hunting Island Every Tuesday, Hunting Island State Park, 2555 Sea Island Pkwy. Free, park entry fees apply. Sponsored by Friends of Hunting Island Keeper Ted and his team. For more information call the Hunting Island Nature Center at 843-838-7437. The next Tuesday is August 1.

SEWING/QUILTING

American Needlepoint

Guild Meeting

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

Embroidery Guild of America Meeting

Second Tuesday of every month, Palmetto Electric Community Room, Hardeeville. The Lowcountry Chapter of the Embroidery Guild of America welcomes anyone, beginner or experienced stitcher, who is interested in any type of embroidery including needlepoint, cross-stitch, surface and beaded embroidery, hardanger, bargello, 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.

Reasons for Faith

Something Out of Nothing?

What Caused the Universe?

A firework explodes, brilliant in the night sky. Without thinking about it, we assume that there is a reason for the loud sounds and colorful lights we perceive. An empty sky wouldn’t explode into these bright, purposeful patterns on its own. There must be a cause of this explosion.

The universe didn’t always exist; it had a beginning. In the 1920s, scientists discovered that galaxies are moving away from each another at incredible speeds. Further discoveries led scientists to conclude that the universe began expanding outwards from a single point about 13.7 billion years ago. At this moment, all matter and energy came into existence, as well as time and space. But since science is limited to observations within time and space, it cannot explain how or why the universe came into existence out of nothing.

There must be a cause for the universe’s existence.

Different thinkers throughout history have used logical reasoning to explore how the universe could have come into existence. One famous argument goes like this: 1) Everything that begins to exist has a cause for its existence. 2) The universe began to exist. 3) The universe must therefore have a cause for its existence. Like the firework exploding in the sky, the universe cannot have begun to exist unless it had a cause beyond itself.

What kind of cause could have created the universe?

As we use logical reasoning to examine what could have created the universe, certain truths about this “First Cause” become clear. This First Cause must transcend time and space, for neither existed until it created the universe. Since it is timeless, it is eternal, without beginning or end. Since it transcends space, it is non-physical, or immaterial. Since it can create a universe out of nothing, there must be no limits to its power; it is all-powerful.

This First Cause must have chosen to create the universe.

If the First Cause is immaterial, timeless, and all-powerful, it cannot have created the universe out of necessity; it must have chosen to do so. Therefore, it is not a mindless force, but a personal being that freely chose to create the universe. In other words, the First Cause is not a something but a someone.

The First Cause is what Christians refer to as God.

God is traditionally understood as an eternal, immaterial, and all-powerful being who freely chose to create the universe. While these reflections do not tell us everything about him, and they cannot be verified in a laboratory, they nonetheless carry weight. They help us see that belief in God is reasonable and compatible with our scientific understanding of the universe.

Reasons for Faith Message 2 of 8

SPORTS&RECREATION

OCTOBER 17–23, 2024

JPII routs HHP for first win

LowcoSports.com

The losses were mounting for John Paul II’s football team, and with tough matchups against perennial powers looming in the final three weeks of the regular season, opportunities to find the win column were growing scarce.

The Golden Warriors made sure they didn’t miss another one.

JPII’s ground game broke out in a big way and the defense dominated from start to finish as the Golden Warriors left no doubt Friday evening in Sea Pines, routing Hilton Head Prep 40-0 for their first win of the season and snapping a 10-game losing streak dating to last season.

Bryant Jolley led the powerful ground game with 218 yards on

26 carries and found the end zone four times, while Alan Wolf added 79 yards and a touchdown on the ground and went 6-for-12 for 69 yards through the air. Jolley had big holes to run through all evening thanks to a stellar showing from JPII’s offensive line.

The Golden Warriors’ defense was equally impressive, racking up seven tackles for loss and three takeaways en route to a shutout. Sebastian Slush had a team-high eight tackles, including two for loss, and Lukas Yackley recorded three sacks to lead the charge.

JPII (1-6) hosts Thomas Heyward in a non-region matchup Friday night at City Hall in Hardeeville.

for

Flying Frog 5K

More than 50 people took off early Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Beaufort County Executive Airport for the 2024 Flying Frog 5K. The fast, flat USA Track & Field-certified course took participants around the hangars, down the runway, and up the taxiway. Asa Aarons/The Island News

Stephen Durham of Lady's Island was the first to cross the finish line of the Flying Frog 5K on Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Beaufort County Executive Airport. The 54-year-old set the overall race record with a time of 19:51.5 and a 6:24 pace. Asa Aarons/The Island News

By Tim Alonso LowcoSports.com

Abby Bosier, 18, of Greenville, showed the medal she earned for completing the the Flying Frog 5K on Saturday, Oct. 12, at the Beaufort County Executive Airport in 33:08.8 to her nephew, Bryce Bosier. Everyone who participated received a medal. Asa Aarons/The Island News

Warriors hang on for region win

up with big plays was crucial in preventing Edisto from gaining any real offensive rhythm. Whale Branch's defensive line was especially dominant, winning battles in the trenches and con-

trolling the run game, while the secondary kept the passing attack mostly quiet. This victory gives Whale Branch a much-needed confidence boost heading into the final stretch of the season, proving that the earlier losses were just a bump in the road. With their ability to dominate on the ground, Whale Branch remains a formidable opponent in their division and will be a team to watch in the upcoming weeks with

opportunities to knock off highly ranked Hampton County and Barnwell upcoming.

This game served as a reminder at just how potent Whale Branch's run game can be when it's clicking. The offense seems to be on a roll now, and it looks like the rest of the team will follow suit. The Warriors hope to continue to build momentum when they host Lake Marion for another region matchup Friday.

John Paul II’s Jackson Reilley drives Hilton Head Prep’s Aiven Lorenz to the ground during the Golden Warriors’ 40-0 rout in Sea Pines on Friday

JPII’s first win of the season. Ali Daly/Special to LowcoSports

Staff reports

Beaufort County schools improve slightly on SCDE report cards

Beaufort County saw a slight improvement on the 2024 S.C. Report Cards for schools released by the S.C. Department of Education (SCDE) and the S.C. Education Oversight Committee (EOC).

The S.C. Report Cards, available at www.screportcards.com, reflect data elements and student performance information from the 2023-24 school year. These state-issued report cards are required by a federal education law called the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

All South Carolina public schools receive overall report card ratings based on a 100-point scale. Schools also receive ratings on various indicators such as academic achievement, student progress, college and career readiness, and graduation rate. The ratings follow terms outlined in state law: Excellent, Good, Average, Below Average, and Unsatisfactory.

From 2023 to 2024, the number of Beaufort Coun-

ty schools rated as “Excellent” remained the same at six. The number of “Good” schools increased from 9 to 12. “Average” schools decreased from 16 to 13, a change accounted for in the increase of “Good” schools.

“Below Average” schools increased from one to 3, as the number of Beaufort County schools rated as “Unsatisfactory” dropped from two to zero.

An Excellent rating is defined as school performance that substantially exceeds the criteria to ensure all students meet the Profile of a South Carolina Graduate. District schools at the elementary level that received this rating are Coosa, Okatie, and Pritchardville. At the middle school level Riverview Charter (Grades 6 through 8) received this top rating. Two district high schools earned an excellent rating, Bluffton and May River. A Good rating is defined as school performance that exceeds the criteria to en-

sure all students meet the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. District schools at the elementary level that received this rating are Bluffton, Hilton Head Island, Hilton Head Island School for the Creative Arts, Lady’s Island, Red Cedar, Riverview Charter (grades K-5), and River Ridge Academy (grades K-5). Schools rated as Good at the middle school level were Beaufort, Bluffton, and River Ridge Academy (grades 6-8). Hilton Head Island and Whale Branch high schools were also designated with a Good rating.

Joseph Shanklin Elementary, Whale Branch Elementary, Hilton Head Island School for the Creative Arts, Beaufort Middle School, and Robert Smalls Leadership Academy (K-5) have each increased by two ranking levels over the past two to three years.

Joseph Shanklin Elementary School rose two levels from Unsatisfactory to Average.

“Our improved rating on

the school report card is a true team effort from everyone at our school — teachers, staff, students, families, and community members,”

Principal Liz Rivera said in a news release. “This week, we will be celebrating together, and we can't wait to see even more progress as we keep focusing on providing high-quality teaching and learning,” further emphasizing that there’s “more great things to come from Joseph Shanklin Elementary.”

Statewide, 44% of schools earned a rating of Good or Excellent. Here in Beaufort County, 53% of BCSD schools earned a rating of Good or Excellent -- an improvement over 44% last year. Eight out of nine Beaufort County School District (BCSD) middle schools improved their rating or held steady. And, for the first time since 2018, no BCSD school has been ranked as unsatisfactory.

“This is a testament to Dr. Rodriguez’s steadfast leadership,” Chief Instructional Services Officer Mary Stra-

tos said. “Progress takes time and our superintendent’s commitment to our educators and students is making it happen.”

BCSD increased its scores and outperformed the state in both English Language Arts and Mathematics. Specifically, 55 6% of 3rd through 8th Graders scored Meets or Exceeds Expectations on SC READY ELA in comparison to 54% at the state level. For mathematics 44 9% of BCSD students scored Meets or Exceeds Expectations in comparison to 42 8% at the state level.

“The progress made is a reflection of our educators, students, administrators, parents, staff, and community members,” Superintendent Frank Rodriguez said.

“This progress serves as a catalyst to the work we have ahead of us in reaching our five-year strategic plan goal of 75-75-92 for Math, English Language Arts, and Graduation rate respectively.”

State Superintendent of Education Superintendent

Weaver echoed these sentiments, celebrating the successes of S.C. public schools while emphasizing the work ahead.

“As we continue to strive towards at least 75% of students performing at or above grade level, the school report cards allow us to shine a light on the successes of schools across South Carolina,” Weaver said.

BCSD’s report card indicates that 82 8 percent of Beaufort County high school seniors were “College- or Career-Ready.” The graduation rate in the report card is measured by the percentage of students who complete high school “on time” and earn a diploma in four years.

BCSD’s graduation rate for the class of 2023 reflects 88 6 percent of students completing “on time,” an increase of 1 4% from 2023, the highest state reported rate in district history. For more statewide information, please see the SCDE’s Report Card release at https://bit.ly/3zW7QG1

Report: Skipping school helps explain SC students’ dismal test scores

1 in 5 SC students were considered chronically absent in 2022-23

By Skylar Laird SCDailyGazette.com

COLUMBIA — It’s probably not surprising that students who are chronically absent from class tend to perform poorly on end-of-year tests. It’s the extent of the problem in South Carolina that seemed to stun lawmakers.

An analysis found that 1 of every 5 South Carolina students missed at least 10% of their school days during the 2022-23 school year, according to a presentation Monday to the Education Oversight Committee, an independent oversight group that evaluates K-12 achievement.

“One out of five? That’s a lot of kids,” said Rep. Terry Alexander, D-Florence, who’s among legislators on the committee. He repeated himself, drawing out one word for emphasis: “That’s a lot of kids.”

Among those chronically absent students, fewer than a quarter could do math as expected, and less than half could read on grade level, committee researcher Matthew Lavery found.

“My data point is a very simple one,” Lavery said: “Chronic absenteeism hurts achievement — kind of a lot.”

On average, fewer than half of South Carolina’s third- through eighth-grade students meet math expectations, and barely over half can read well for their grade, according to scores on end-of-year standardized tests taken in the spring. State report cards being released Tuesday grade elementary and middle schools based on how well their students performed on those tests.

Contributing to those dismal results are students simply not being in class for much of the school year, said Lavery, the oversight agency’s deputy director. By law, the school year must include at least 180 days of instruction. The data analyzed absences over 115 school days, leaving out the weeks at the beginning and the end, so as not to count students who moved into or out of the state partway through a semester. But

it did include those who switched schools within the state, Lavery said.

A student who skips 10% or more of their school days, including half days, is considered chronically absent. For the study, that meant students missed at least 12 days’ worth of classes.

The numbers More students missed out as they got older, Lavery said.

In third, fourth and fifth grades, 15% of students missed 10% of the year or more. By eighth and ninth grades, that was up to 22%. And in 12th grade, 37% of students qualified as chronically absent, according to the data Lavery presented.

That could be because older students have more freedom. Parents usually put their younger children on the bus and see them off. But high schoolers who drive or have another way of getting to school might find it easier to cut class, said Sen. Kevin Johnson, a former school board member in Clarendon County.

“These higher grades, these students may not be going to school, and parents may not even be aware of it,” the Manning Democrat said.

Nationally, more students have been absent since the years of virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the 2019-20 school year, 13% of students were chronically absent. In the 2021-22 school year, that spiked to 28%, and in 2022-23, it was 26% nationally, according to data presented to the committee.

That could be because of a shift in attitudes toward virtual learning as opposed to classroom instruction, committee members said.

“A lot of the time, if you’re working from home, you think your child can do the same thing,” said Dana Yow, director of the oversight agency.

But the more a student misses school, the more likely they are to fail the benchmark tests the state uses to gauge achievement, according to the report.

For instance, 23% of students

who missed at least 12 school days got a passing score on the end-ofyear math test, compared to 47% of those who missed fewer days.

The same pattern was true for reading, with 40% of chronically absent students getting a passing grade for English language arts, compared to 60% of other students.

And 26% of chronically absent students received a passing science score, compared to 49% who were not chronically absent, according to the presentation.

Test scores worsened the more often a student was absent.

Among middle school students considered “extremely chronically absent,” meaning they missed 20% of the school year or more, 8% met math expectations.

In high school, 12% of extremely chronically absent students could do math at grade level, according to committee data.

“This impact is big for being chronically absent at all, but it’s severe when you’re extremely chronically absent,” Lavery said.

Changing schools can also affect a child’s performance.

Regardless of absences, 22% of students who switched schools partway through the year could do math and 34% could read on grade level. Among those who didn’t switch, 42% could do math as expected, and 57% could read, according to the data.

“To me, the takeaway here is go to school. Go to the same school. Stay there. Learn,” Lavery said. Why students are absent What causes a student to be frequently absent can vary.

The committee did not have data on the reasons. But member Melissa Pender said she had heard from students who worked long hours at night to help pay bills, which made them too tired to come to school the next day. Other long absences are due to families going on long vacations in the middle of the semester.

“We’re battling (absences) across all socioeconomic” groups, said Pender, principal at Coosa Elemen-

tary School in Beaufort County and a former teacher of the year. In other cases, it could just be that students and parents don’t understand why their child needs to go to school, said Melanie Barton, the governor’s education adviser.

“I am fearful that this is now a cultural shift for all kids, that they just don’t see the value, and parents don’t see the value anymore,” said Barton, the agency’s former director.

That’s especially true among high school juniors and seniors who may be considering going into a field that doesn’t require a high school diploma or college degree.

When Sen. Dwight Loftis worked as an insurance agent, students would sometimes shadow him and tell him they were considering dropping out because they didn’t need to finish school, the Greenville Republican said.

“I’ve heard some other talk from other students who begin to think about what they want to do career-wise: What is the incentive to stay in school that they don’t see?” Loftis said. “They don’t get it.”

What to do

By law, school officials and parents are supposed to jointly figure out how to get those students back in class.

After three consecutive absences or five total absences unapproved by administrators, state law requires school officials to develop a plan alongside the absent student and their parents. If a child continues not to show up to school, district officials can then refer them to family court, according to the state Department of Education.

Making a change could be a matter of making sure schools enforce that rule, said Rep. Neal Collins.

“State law already contemplates this question, and it’s not enforced,” the Easley Republican said. “Locally, statewide — it’s just not enforced.”

Or, state education officials and local school leaders might need to do more to hammer home just how important it is for students

to go to school and what children are losing by missing classes, Lavery said.

“If the student doesn’t understand the benefit of being here, it’s definitely going to be more challenging to get them to be here,” Lavery said. “And it might suggest that we could do a better job of narrating that, to make it clear to students what they stand to gain and, if they are not seeing the

efit, then changing our

or changing our approach so they can find that benefit.”

DAYLO to host Freedom to Read Event

Staff reports

On Saturday, Oct. 19, the students of DAYLO will participate in the national Freedom to Read Community Day of Action from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Witness Tree Park on the corner of King and Bladen streets in Beaufort, across from the Pat Conroy Literary Center.

Free and open to the public, the afternoon event will feature an open-mic-style banned books read out. Attendees are encouraged to bring a favorite banned book to briefly read from (for up to three minutes). The afternoon will also include a community art project; a postcard station to write in support of librarians, educators, and students; and an opportunity to learn more about the South Carolina Association of School Librarians.

The students of DAYLO will participate in the national Freedom to Read Community Day of Action on Saturday, Oct. 19.

Submitted photo

DAYLO, or Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization, is a student-led book club and community literacy service group fostering empathy and understanding through the power of story, with a growing number of chapters across South Carolina.

DAYLO was first established at Beaufort High School in 2021 by Holland Perryman, then a high school junior, inspired by literary and social justice community programs she experienced

The national Freedom to Read Community Day of Action on October 19 is organized by Unite Against Book Bans, an initiative of the American Library Association. Across the country, libraries, bookstores, readers, and other partners are hosting rallies, read-alouds, and community events to unite against book bans and demonstrate a shared commitment to this fundamental democratic freedom.

as an intern of the nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center.

During the 2022-2023 school year, six DAYLO students from Beaufort High, Beaufort Academy, and Battery Creek High School spoke out in public comments at Beaufort County School Board meetings in response to challenges against 97 books in district school libraries. The advocacy of DAYLO students led to additional opportunities regionally and nationally, and has since empowered the creation of new DAYLO chapters across South Carolina.

BFS Shorts @ High Noon continues

Staff reports The 2024 Shorts @ High Noon, presented by the Beaufort Film Society (BFS) continues next week.

Every Wednesday at noon through November 13, BFS will screen short film selections from the 2024 Beaufort International Film Festival (BIFF) at the Technical College of the Lowcountry Auditorium at 921 Ribaut Road, Building 12, in Beaufort. Check-in begins at 11:30 a.m. Screenings last approximately an hour. Admission is free.

Wednesday, Oct. 23 schedule

Ivy’s Dream (18 minutes, Short): After a tragedy that she struggles to understand, a wife and mother falls into alcoholism, unable to cope. Her confused husband, fed up with her dangerous behavior in front of their children, is torn between hopefully waiting for her to recover, or breaking up their family. Their home becomes the scene for a confrontation long overdue.

Stalking The Bogeyman (10 minutes, Short): The true story of investigative journalist David Holthouse who plots to kill the man who sexually abused him when he was 7 years old. A reconstruction of the intended murder and outcome, blending live-action, animation, and documentary elements.

Estela, Is It You (22 minutes, Short): A grieving woman communicates with her dead husband through her car radio.

Wednesday, Oct. 30 schedule

Purgy’s (17 minutes, Short): At a magical bar, spirits from the other side are able to take the form of another human and interact with those in their past who need closure and re-connection.

Us, Together, Alone (12 minutes,

Short): Milo and Ollie, half brothers, realize that loyalty and devotion can have horrendous results.

Infraction (22 minutes, Short): When a prison guard is murdered on the job, his replacement and an inmate form an unlikely relationship with life-altering ramifications. This film is based on the real life story of Philadelphia native Terrance Lewis who served 21 years in prison for a murder he did not commit.

Wednesday, Nov. 6 schedule

In Search Of (13 minutes, Short): Detective Angelica Lang questions Tina Burnett, a suburban mom, after her daughter goes missing only to discover she has become a victim of one of the largest child trafficking rings.

That’s Not My Mother (16 minutes, Short): Sarah, a precise and measured art gallery director, struggles with the duality of her emotional response over the death of her estranged mother.

Spray Away (20 minutes, Short): An unlucky man’s problems immediately dissolve when he gets a bottle of “Spray Away” – that is, until he becomes a lead suspect in multiple disappearances.

Wednesday, Nov. 13 schedule

Rough Draft (4 minutes, Short): A writer struggles to write a scene, but some progress just can't be deleted.

Night Voices (24 minutes, Short): A jaded talk radio host in a cycle of hopeless and demoralizing monotony makes a life-altering decision while on-air.

Hedgehog (18 minutes, Short): As the war starts in Ukraine, six years old Nina is sent to her grandma’s remote village. In the shack outside, Nina discovers a badly wounded Russian soldier.

Brewer Band playing

Listen On The Lawn series

Staff reports The Brewer Band will perform at 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 20 on the lawn at 801 Carteret Street in Beaufort as part of the USC Beaufort Listen On The Lawn series. The event is free and open to the public. Just come prepared to enjoy a beautiful evening on the lawn under the oaks. Bring a chair, a blanket, a picnic or your own snacks and

The event is rain or shine. It will move indoors in case of precipitation.

What to know about computer eye strain

Excessive screen time can lead to a condition called computer eye strain. This is sometimes known as computer vision syndrome, or digital eye strain. It occurs because our eyes have to work hard when viewing screens.

Many people spend long periods of time looking at their phones, tablets, computer monitors, and televisions. After all, modern jobs often require people to focus on screens for several hours per day.

On top of this, many people rely on digital media or TV to relax after work. Therefore, there is little respite for the eyes.

Keep reading to learn more about the main causes and symptoms of computer eye strain, as well as some exercises and treatment options for relieving it.

Causes:

Viewing digital screens for long periods of time can make a person’s eyes work harder than usual. This can put the eyes under strain, which may lead to the development of vision problems.

As the American Optometric Association explain, the eyes are under greater strain when we view screens versus when we read printed words on a page.

This is partly because the letters on many screens are not as sharply defined as printed letters. It is also because many screens have less contrast than the printed page, and because they are affected by reflection and glare.

All of this can make a person’s eyes work extra hard when reading words on a screen.

Other factors also can contribute to computer eye strain. For ex-

ample, some people view screens from inappropriate distances and angles. This can lead to the adoption of uncomfortable and tense postures, especially if the person has underlying vision problems. Additionally, one review notes that people’s blinking rate drops dramatically when viewing screens. However, blinking is an important biological function that keeps the surface of the eyes clean and lubricated. This reduction in blinking may also explain some of the symptoms of computer eye strain.

Symptoms:

The following are some of the most common symptoms of computer eye strain: tired and strained eyes eye discomfort dry, irritated, or burning eyes blurred vision when viewing

screens or looking into the distance difficulty refocusing the eyes sensitivity to bright lights headaches neck and shoulder pain

Exercises:

Certain exercises may help with the prevention and management of computer eye strain.

For example, the American Optometric Association recommend that people follow the 20-20-20 rule. Following this rule means looking at something that is 20 feet away for 20 seconds after every 20 minutes spent looking at a screen. It might also be helpful to spend a little time each day on some other eye focus exercises. For example, try slowly alternating between focusing on something far away and something nearby.

Another exercise is the figure eight. This involves looking at an area of floor that is 8 feet away. Then, a person should slowly move their eyes in a figure eight shape for 30 seconds in one direction, then 30 seconds in the other.

There is some evidence to suggest that these exercises could help with computer eye strain. For example, one study has found that looking at distant objects during breaks from work can significantly reduce the symptoms of computer vision syndrome.

Some scientists have also suggested that blinking exercises may be useful in dealing with computer eye strain. For instance, some people may find that recovering a normal blinking rate when looking at screens helps alleviate some of their symptoms.

Other treatments:

Other factors may help prevent and manage computer eye strain.

For instance, trusted sources suggest that making environmental modifications could be useful.

The study authors note that controlling light intensity can help reduce glare.

Additionally, different people require different light intensities to work with. For example, people over the age of 50 years may require twice the amount of light as those in their 20s.

It’s also recommended to optimize workstation arrangements.

For instance, an individual’s eyes should be around 35–40 inches (in) from their computer screen.

Additionally, the screen should be about 5–6 in below eye level.

When to see a doctor:

Anybody whose computer eye strain symptoms are causing them significant discomfort or impairment should consider seeing a doctor or undergoing an eye exam. Additionally, it may be worth seeking some information about local vision therapists. Vision therapists can help by providing exercises and training that may help with computer eye strain. These include focus exercises and blinking training.

Glasses:

Some symptoms of computer eye strain can develop or worsen due to an underlying vision problem. Certain people may not be aware of these problems. This may be the case if they developed later in life.

If a person suspects an underlying vision problem, however, it is important that they see an eye specialist. An eye specialist can test an individual’s eyesight. This can help them determine the kinds of glasses or corrective lenses that are appropriate to the person’s needs.

In summary, computer eye strain is a condition that is likely to become more common in the future, as more and more jobs require extended periods of screen time. Perhaps the only certainty about computer eye strain is that reducing screen time is likely to help.

Medically reviewed by Ann Marie Griff, O.D. — adapted from an article by Mathieu Rees on October 8 2020

Sources: Sources: https://www. medicalnewstoday.com/articles/computereye-strain#summary

When to go to the Emergency Department vs. Urgent Care

When should you go to the emergency department versus an urgent care? It all comes down to the type of symptoms you're experiencing, and how serious they are.

If you attach the word severe to whatever your symptoms are, you probably should seek care at the emergency department. Basically, anything that affects ABCD: Airway, Breathing, Circulation and Disability, explains urgent care physician Allan Capin, MD, with Cleveland Clinic Florida.

Dr. Capin said the emergency department (ER/ED) is for emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, head injuries, severe cuts or burns as well as broken bones.

When it comes to symptoms, go to the ER for anything that’s debilitating or if you’re experiencing things like chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, one-sided weakness and numbness, prolonged severe vomiting, non-stop bleeding, a serious head wound or loss of consciousness.

These are medical issues that may require hospitalization or surgery, and the emergency department has more resources to address them.

On the other hand, urgent care is for issues that need to be addressed but aren’t life-threatening, like a sprain, sinus infection as well as minor cuts and minor burns.

If you’re still not sure where to go, Dr. Capin said the best thing you can do is promptly seek care regardless, you’ll be rerouted as

needed.

I don't want the patient to worry about if they’re in the wrong place. Our job is to care for you and direct you to the appropriate treatment, Dr. Capin said. Above all, if you think you’re experiencing a medical emergency, Dr. Capin stressed it’s important to immediately call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Source: Cleveland Clinic News Service, ccnewsservice@ccf.org

Tips for having a ghostly good time this Halloween

Halloween may not be until the end of the month, but many parents are already on the hunt for or have purchased their child’s costume.

And whether it’s cute, scary or funny, Gina Robinson, MD, pediatrician for Cleveland Clinic Children’s said it should also be safe.

“I would recommend thinking about how your child is going to move in the costume, if it has a lot of hanging parts—things that could be tripped over, adjust the length. Make sure your child is wearing sturdy and comfortable footwear. Is there a mask? Is that something that could slip and cover their eyes so they cannot see safely?

Also think about the weather.

Dr. Robinson said some costumes are made of thin material, so if it’s cold or rainy where you live, your

child may need extra layers.

It’s not just the temperature that cools off during this time of year, the sun starts to set earlier too. Be sure to keep that in mind if your little one’s costume is darker in color. It could be harder to see – especially while crossing the street.

A way to make their costume more visible is to add reflective tape, give them “glow” necklaces and bracelets, or have them carry a flashlight.

As for older kids, you may want to think twice about letting them buy any of those Halloween-themed contact lenses. Every year, there are reports of eye injuries and infections.

“One thing that you always want

to be careful with when you're putting something in your eye is the risk of injuring your cornea, scratching your cornea, causing an irritation,” said Dr. Robinson said. “So, when we're looking at things that we buy for a costume, there are lots of different levels of quality and safety checking.” Another tip to consider is using face paint instead of a mask for your child’s costume. Then they don’t have to worry about the mask blocking their vision or becoming hot and uncomfortable.

Source: https://newsroom.clevelandclinic. org/2024/10/04/tips-for-having-aghostly-good-time-this-halloween

Too much coffee, soda may raise stroke risk, while tea may

Beverages many of us drink in our daily lives can increase the risk of having a first ischemic stroke, or intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), according to a pair of new analyses from an international team of researchers. The analyses implicate carbonated beverages, fruit juices and fruit drinks, and more than four cups of coffee per day, significantly increase the risk of stroke or ICH.

The data upon which the analyses were based was the large, international INTERSTROKE case study whose results were first published in 2016

According to the analyses:

Carbonated drinks, both sugar- and artificially sweetened, such as sodas, were associated with an increased likelihood of a first stroke or ICH by 22%

• Fruit juice and fruit drinks raise the risk of ICH by 37%, with women at a higher risk than men. Two such drinks a day triples this risk. The researchers suggest this may be due to sugar and oth-

er ingredients added to fruit-based drinks that overwhelm their healthy properties.

Drinking more than four cups of coffee per day raises one’s chances of having a first stroke by 37%

Moderate daily consumption of coffee—less than four cups—was not associated with an increased risk of stroke.

The researchers also found that drinking more than seven cups (56 oz.) of water per day reduced the risk of stroke by 18%

The study of carbonated beverages and fruit juices and drinks is published in the Journal of Stroke, and the coffee and tea study was published in the International Journal of Stroke

Fizzy drinks and fruit drinks:

The conclusion that carbonated beverages—most of which are sodas—may not be healthy is not especially surprising. The high sugar content in regular carbonated drinks can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and hyper-

tension, all of which are major risk factors for ischemic stroke and ICH.

The sugar additives to fruit drinks can cause rapid spikes of blood sugar and insulin levels, which can promote inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. As for artificially sweetened drinks, artificial sugars can negatively impact vascular health, blood vessel function, and even contribute to inflammation, thereby increasing the risk of stroke.

A 2019 study in the journal Stroke that found people who consumed two or more artificially sweetened beverages a day had a greater risk of stroke than those who consumed less, or zero, daily.

How coffee, tea, and water compare:

Moderation, as always, is the key. While the caffeine in coffee can cause an increase in blood pressure, increasing stroke risk, coffee also contains beneficial polyphenols Polyphenols have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can reduce atherosclerosis and improve vascular function.

Researchers note the cof-

fee data is all over the place, but the tea data has been more reproducible and consistent. Specifically, green and black teas have been shown to reduce the risk of stroke.

In regions where tea was found to lower risk, different teas had slightly different effects. Three to four cups of black tea a day—such as Earl Grey or breakfast tea—

lowered the risk of stroke by 29%. The same number of cups of green tea lowered the risk by 27%. This effect is thought to be due to the rich amount of antioxidants found in tea.

However, it’s been suggested that adding milk to tea reduced its beneficial effect against stroke, perhaps due to its inhibition of antioxidant effects.

The bottom line is to stay hydrated—and drinking water works best for that.

Source: https://www. medicalnewstoday.com/articles/toomuch-coffee-soda-may-raise-strokerisk-tea-may-reduce

Adapted from an article written by Robby Berman on October 5 2024 Fact checked by Jennifer Chesak, MSJ

This November, Beaufort County will be asked to decide on an important question: do you want to fund infrastructure and road safety projects with a 1% Transportation Sales Tax?

Before I get into any of the specifics, let me iterate that South Carolina state law prohibits elected officials from advocating — either for or against — referendum questions. I will present the facts only and encourage the citizens to make their own educated choice.

The County maintains a website for its Transportation Referendums at www.beaufortcountypenny. com. This site includes educational information, an informational presentation, meeting dates, and more. Included also is a presentation that was given at the Public Facilities and Safety Committee meeting on August 19 to give a detailed update on project status and what has happened since the passage of the sales tax referendum in 2018. This is a must-read for those who have concerns about the status of projects that were underfunded or incomplete from the 2018 referendum.

Why a referendum on transportation in November?

Why did Council put a Referendum on the ballot?

The Lowcountry Council of Governments (LCOG) representing Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper counties completed a traffic study covering the period between January 2017 and October 2023

The study found that on our region’s roadways there were:

400-plus fatalities

13,000-plus injuries

43 000-plus crashes

450-plus Bicycle/ Pedestrian crashes

370-plus Bicycle/ Pedestrian injuries

70-plus Bicycle/ Pedestrian fatalities

These statistics, to me, are frightening, and leave all of us with a critical question: how will we accommodate for the impacts of growth on our area and infrastructure when our roads are already

experiencing this number of accidents?

According to Census data, South Carolina is currently the fastest-growing state in the nation.

Beaufort County’s neighbor, Jasper County, is the fastest growing county in our state. The growth is not coming, or headed our way, it is here. What affects our region affects all of us.

What are the involved projects?

The goal of the proposed 2024 Sales and Use Tax Referendum is to address current and anticipated infrastructure needs for Beaufort County through the completion of transportation and mobility projects amidst this historic growth in our region. To view the full list of projects, cost estimates, and more please visit www.beaufortcountypenny. com. There are 16 projects listed, incorporating greenbelts, dirt-road paving, municipal projects, and our major corridors.

Some of the largest, and most critical road projects included in this referendum are:

• The Triangle – Capacity and safety improvements along the sections of S.C.

170, U.S. 278, and Argent Blvd. that form a triangle. This project would be developed in collaboration with Jasper County.

• SC 46 Improvements – Capacity and safety upgrades along S.C. 46 from S.C. 170 to Jasper County. Additional safety measures, such as turn lanes at intersections, would be added along S.C. 46 from S.C. 170 to Buckwalter Parkway. All improvements will be designed to preserve the South Carolina Scenic Byway designation.

• U.S. 278 Corridor –Capacity and safety enhancements along U.S. 278 from Moss Creek Drive to Spanish Wells Road. This funding will supplement the monies approved in the 2018 Transportation Sales Tax.

Being good stewards of our beautiful Lowcountry environment is a critical issue to many of us. This referendum includes $50 million for Greenbelt conservation initiatives, which can enhance our efforts toward preserving this special area.

How does this affect the future of our area?

I believe that “the essential and unique role of county council is to envision the future and to provide direction toward that future.”

By implementing 1% sales and use tax, both residents and visitors will contribute to the improvements to our infrastructure, rather than asking our residents to shoulder the cost of improvements alone.

This tax, if approved by the electorate, would begin in May 2025 and would replace the current 1% Greenspace tax. The sales and use tax is not charged on basic necessities like medication and groceries.

Beaufort County Council envisions a future with safe and efficient road systems. We envision a future where neighboring counties and the entire region can also benefit from these improvements (Jasper County has also placed a referendum on the ballot this November). We envision a future of sustainable and responsible growth that does not outpace our infrastructure. We envision a future where all who live, work, and play in the area can be assured that the roads they travel are reliable and safe.

“...the

essential and unique role of county council is to envision the future and to provide direction toward that future.”

JOE

I hope this missive has helped to inform on the reasons why a Transportation Sales Tax has been placed on the ballot this November, and you are encouraged to view the data at ww.beaufortcountypenny.com.

Early voting begins Monday, Oct. 21, and election day is Tuesday, Nov. 5

Joe Passiment is the Chair of the Beaufort County Council.

Hurricane Helene

The Charleston City Paper

As millions of our fellow countrymen got about the grim business of survival in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene – praying for rescue, finding food and water, grieving the dead – Georgia Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene shared her thoughts on the tragedy.

“Yes, they can control the weather,” Greene wrote in an Oct. 3 social media post, after noting Helene had devastated mostly Republican areas. “It’s ridiculous for anyone to lie and say it can’t be done.” Seriously. That’s what she said. Not “our hearts go out to the victims.” Not “here’s what we’re doing to help.” Not even a bland

but inoffensive offer of “thoughts and prayers.”

Just more of the same conspiracy-mongering partisan bile.

But as awful as that was, we probably wouldn’t be discussing it if Greene were the only one trying to tear the country apart with lies and damned lies in the wake of Helene’s onslaught. After all, this is the same congresswoman who once warned America of the dangers of Jewish space lasers.

In the parlance of mental health professionals, she’s a loon.

But sadly, she’s not the only one whipping up conspiracy theories about Helene. In fact, former President Donald Trump gleefully spread a few of his own at an Oct. 3 Michigan rally when he untruthfully accused his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala

Harris, of misusing relief money.

“Kamala spent all her FEMA money, billions of dollars, on housing for illegal migrants,” Trump said, somehow managing to squeeze at least three lies into a single short sentence.

But the hurricane conspiracies don’t stop there. Indeed, the problem has gotten so out of control in the far-right fever swamps of social media that state and local GOP officials are practically begging their own supporters to stand down before the cyclone of misinformation gets somebody killed.

“Friends, can I ask a small favor?” N.C. Republican State Sen. Kevin Corbin wrote in a Facebook post. “Will you all help STOP this conspiracy theory junk that is floating all over Facebook

and the internet about the floods in WNC? …. PLEASE help stop this junk. It is just a distraction to people trying to do their job.”

Here in South Carolina, a clearly frustrated Gov. Henry McMaster added, “We ask people not to listen to rumors. … Don’t get your information from these unofficial sources, because 99% of the time, they’re wrong.”

And federal emergency officials have grown so concerned about the damage these lies can do to response and recovery efforts that they’ve created a Helene Rumor Response page on the FEMA website.

anyone’s property. And no, White people aren’t being denied benefits on the basis of their skin color.

To combat the hurricane hogwash, FEMA recommends that citizens carefully identify trustworthy sources of news – like the old-fashioned traditional media that vets information – and only share from those outlets.

Our advice would be even simpler: Get back to trusting the trained professionals who ask tough questions and sort through complicated information to spread the truth – not the yahoos, domestic and foreign, who want to

Charleston City Paper is an award-winning weekly newspaper in Charleston, S.C.

JOE PASSIMENT

PASSIMENT, Chair of the Beaufort County Council, on the importance of the

Vote ‘no:’ We can’t trust them!

This month, on Monday, Oct. 21, early voting begins in South Carolina. Much is at stake on this ballot, for the nation, the state of South Carolina and in Beaufort County. This election, Beaufort County Council is placing two referendums on the ballot. They encompass more than $1 billion in taxpayer liability.

Let’s look at the first referendum.

County Council is asking you to trust them with $950 Million for a 2024 Transportation Sales and Use Tax (TST) that will last 10 years, starting next May. They call it a “penny tax,” but it is a 1% sales tax on all taxable goods and services countywide. What is different? Previous Transportation Sales Tax Referendums, dating back to 1998 were limited in scope, did not exceed $152 Million, or six years in length. This referendum fails to meet the previous standards.

In 2018, we passed a Transportation Sales Tax, for $120 Million over four years containing 34 projects. To date, only four of the 34 projects are completed. The vast majority of those remaining are in the “pre-design” or “design” stages.

Council told the public, inflation and cost over-runs were a reason for projects not moving forward and projects were slowed down due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. This doesn’t seem to jive. Protocol requires multiple

contract bids and adherence to the contracts cost packages. Why weren’t contractors held to their bids?

The COVID lockdowns were another excuse to fail to move forward on the projects. This is hard to understand with the number of projects still in “pre-design” or “design” stages. With COVID lockdowns, there was extensive use of off-site work teams, using ZOOM, Skype and other internet apps. Government entities and businesses were able to maintain work flow continuity. Why didn’t this happen with the 2018 TST projects?

According to the Beaufort County Penny Tax website 2024 Financial Statement, approximately $150 million remains from the 2018 TST. So, this begs to question, why isn’t County Council moving forward on completing the 2018 TST projects before asking for additional money for new projects? Worse, Council has included the unfinished 2018 TST projects in with the projected 2024 TST projects. We call that “double dipping.”

What drew the taxpayers’ criti-

cal eye to the 2024 TST Referendum was the original price tag of $1 65 billion over 15 years. During the January and February 2024 County Council public meetings, where the Ordinance Referendum for the 2024 TST was read and discussed, the public expressed disapproval with the referendum. They despised the amount and the life span of the referendum. The demand from the public, is that the 2018 projects should be completed, before Council places a new TST referendum on the ballot.

What is different about the 2024 referendum and the previous three referendums? Those projects were clearly defined. The 2024 referendum contains projects that are vague, not clearly defined. The referendum also contains slush funds for wish lists by Council and project administrators.

The best surprise for the voters is that the second referendum did not appear until the final reading of the ordinance. In the three previous public council meetings, when the ordinance was read, only the 2024 Transportation Sales and Use Tax Referendum was read. All public discussion dealt with only the 2024 TST Referendum.

Suddenly, in the final reading on June 24th, was a second referendum in the ordinance for a $515 Million General Obligation Bonds Issuance. In that reading was the only time the public was

notified of any bond referendum. It was placed on the ballot, without the mandatory three readings and public discussion.

According to South Carolina Code, Council is required to present three public readings and discussions of an ordinance, with a vote before it can be placed on the ballot. While council may have followed the letter of the law, they did not follow it’s intent. By not placing information before the public in Council Public Meetings, Information Sessions and on county web sites, that promoted and informed about the Ordinance containing a “Penny Tax Referendum” to include a second referendum for a Bond Issuance, they neglected to adhere to it’s intent.

Council and County Assistant Administrator Jared Fralix made numerous presentations about the ordinance, always presenting only the 2024 TST Referendum.

A search of the websites, including the BeaufortCountyPenny. com page does not have any reference to the Bond Referendum. Fralix could not provide a reason or explanation for this omission.

Omitting a $515 Million General Obligation Bond Referendum from public presentations, county websites and County Council public meetings is one heck of a mistake. Or is it?

Now, it’s up to you, the voter. You must decide if you can trust County Council with both referendums? Can you trust this County

Council after they withheld, for nine months, from Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner, 14th Circuit Solicitor Duffy Stone and S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson a report of possible criminal actions. It detailed the investigation into complaints of malfeasance and misconduct by county officials and employees involving county funds and county services.

When Wilson had to convene a grand jury to issue subpoenas to County Council in reference to this misconduct, can you trust this county to responsibly administer the sales tax and bonds issuance?

When you step up to the voting machine and scroll down ballot to the Local Issues, on Referendums 1 and 2, ask yourself, what has County Council hidden from us and why? Before we give them one more penny of our money, let’s demand they earn back our trust. Tell them by voting no! Tell them to finish the 2018 projects first, then come back with a new referendum for new projects, for less money and a shorter time period. Demand they first clean house and give us responsible and a transparent government. No trust, no tax! They fooled us once before.

Vote “No” on the “Fool Me Twice Tax!”

Ann Ubelis is a retired business owner and manager. She is co-founder and Chair of the Beaufort TEA Party and hosts a weekly podcast, Southern Sense Talk.

Game of the week: Which is the robot?

We live in an American era now when the little white lies that people tell are exploding everyday into big colorful tall tales. You can see outright lies daily in political discourse in Congress. On television. In the media. And recently, lies soared as some people tried to take political advantage of storm tragedies when spreading filth that federal disaster aid was being provided in a partisan manner. It just isn’t, according to mainstream Republicans and Democrats. There’s no single reason for the extra doses of lies, disinformation, misinformation, falsehoods and downright lies that assault us everyday. But the answer more than likely lies (no pun intended) at the intersection of a culture moving too fast, easy access to information that can be corrupted, immoral people using the internet to cause division, and a current political envi-

ronment in which lying has become more common.

So when a pretty smart high school student lamented about how peers often use ChatGPT to generate human-like responses for assignments, we saw yet another instance about how too many students now seem to think it’s acceptable to turn in work that’s not their own. (We call that plagiarism.)

If you want to see how easy it is to use an automated tool to do your work for you, we asked this of ChatGPT: “Write a 200word commentary for a South Carolina newspaper on why it is bad to lie.”

Promote your Church Services in The Island News and increase membership! Contact us today! Amanda Hanna amanda@lcweekly.com Hope Falls ads.theislandnews@gmail.com

Read both options and then figure out which a human wrote.

Option 1: Lying erodes trust and undermines S.C. Lying, regardless of intent, erodes trust and undermines the very foundation of our relationships and communities. In South Carolina, where our values are steeped in integrity and respect, dishonesty can have far-reaching consequences. When we lie, we not only deceive others but also create a cycle of mistrust that can lead to isolation and conflict.

In personal relationships, honesty fosters open communication and understanding. When lies are uncovered, they can lead to heartbreak, resentment, and a breakdown of connection. In professional settings, integrity is crucial; a culture of dishonesty can stifle collaboration and innovation, ultimately harming productivity and morale.

Moreover, lies can have societal implications. They can distort public opinion, fuel division, and erode confidence in institutions. In a time when misinformation spreads rapidly, the responsibility to uphold the truth becomes even more critical.

South Carolinians pride ourselves on our sense of community and shared values. By committing to honesty, we strengthen our bonds and create an environment where trust can flourish. Embracing transparency not only benefits individual relationships but also cultivates a more cohesive society. In a world that often feels divided, let us choose truth as our guiding principle.

Option 2: Lying hurts society and is a moral wrong

For our society to function, people need to be able to trust what others say. In South Carolina, which has

a centuries-old tradition of seeking to follow the Ten Commandments, people are reminded at churches that they should follow these commandments, the ninth of which is about lying when it says, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.”

Lying hurts social order and fosters its breakdown because people have a more difficult time in knowing what’s real and what’s not. That can lead to the destruction of interpersonal relationships and impact how people interact with each other.

Some might argue that it's OK to tell small lies to make some difficult situations easier. For example, a child of an elderly parent might tell people that he or she passed away peacefully when in fact the person went through great pain and stress. But many psychologists say that telling these “white lies”

cause small breakdowns in our society. For a civil society with democratic institutions, South Carolinians deserve honest interactions at work and school and with neighbors, employers and employees. If we succumb to dishonesty, we cause erosion of institutions in Palmetto State South Carolina. We must choose truth over lies.

If you picked Option 2 as the one written by a human, you’d be correct. (Note, however, that a couple of mistakes were added intentionally to make it look like ChatGPT!)

Bottom line: Candidates, students and people meeting for coffee need to stick to the truth and their own work. It’s what makes our democracy strong.

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

ANN UBELIS

ANDY BRACK

LOCAL MILITARY

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, 18 October 2024

Recruit Training Regiment • Commanding Officer, Colonel C. B. McArthur 2nd Recruit Training Battalion • Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel A. Yang Commander of Troops, Captain S. A. Toll • Parade Adjutant, Captain M. N. McGrath Company “E”, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion • Captain S. A. Toll Drill Masters • Gunnery Sergeant M. Moreno, Staff Sergeant J. M. Kivett

PLATOON 2064

Senior Drill Instructor

SSgt P. J. Simonson

Pvt Allums, M. S.

Pvt Bermudez, S.

Pvt Brigman, G. D.

Pvt Brown, J. J.

Pvt Brox, T. J.

PFC Butler, J. P.

Pvt Byrne, L. A.

Pvt Cabrera, C. J.

PFC Carter, J. M. *

PFC Colligan, J. T.

Pvt Couch, B. M.

Pvt Cruzdepaz, K.

Pvt Dunson, J. C.

PFC Elfahla, A. A.

PFC Ezzard, J. A. *

Pvt Farmer, I. S.

PFC Francis Jr, D. C.

Pvt Frazier, E. P.

Pvt Gao, B.

PFC Generette, C. Z.

Pvt Gonzalez, D. R.

PFC Goveajuarez, J. C.

PFC Grant, B. X.

PFC Griffin, D. M.

PFC Griswold, W. G.

PFC Guzmancabrera, C. A.

Pvt Hernandezescobedo, J. M.

PFC Jacobs, N. M. *

PFC Janssen, C. M.

Pvt Jimenezvaquero, C.

PFC Johnson, B. E. *

PFC Jones, A. I.

PFC Justice, Z. C.

Pvt King, A. M.

PFC Ksor, R.

PFC Lewis, C. T.

PFC Livingston, G. A.

Pvt Lloyd, R. A.

Pvt Lopezelias, U. D.

Pvt Lynch, M. A.

Pvt Mackinlay, A. R.

PFC Marohl Jr, M. R.

Pvt Mason, S. M.

PFC Meraz, J. A.

Pvt Merritt, T. J.

PFC Mitchell V, M. L.

Pvt Mobley, K. L.

Pvt Ndukwe, R. C.

PFC Newcomb, N. W.

PFC Nievesvazquez, Y. J.

Pvt Nteziyaremye, I.

PFC Perez, C. A.

PFC Pierce, C. S.

Pvt Pyatte, C. J.

Pvt Resendizcervantes, J.

Pvt Rivera, A. M.

Pvt Roberts, C. L.

Pvt Rodriguez, D. A.

Pvt Rosario, F. J.

Pvt Ruiztorres, E. G.

Pvt Sagredomenas, P.

PFC Schwenker, A. C.

PFC Seyl, D. A.

PFC Shaffer, C. R.

PFC Simpson, C. K. *

PFC Stokes, D. B.

Pvt Taylor, B. A.

Pvt Toothman, M. C.

Pvt Torreshernandez, E. A.

Pvt Villalobos, R. C.

Pvt Wade, S. A.

PFC Walker, R. R.

PLATOON 2065

Senior Drill Instructor

SSgt E. D. Rocha

PFC Adames, L. M.

Pvt Alfred, G. J. PFC Alvarezrivera, J. G. * PFC Aston, E. F. Pvt Batiste, P. M. PFC Bell, G. M. PFC Burgess, B. L.

Pvt Burnham, M. M.

Pvt Butler, P. R. PFC Calcagno, E. Pvt Camposrodriguez, B. Pvt Carrerobaez, Y.

PFC Castro, H. A. PFC Castrogrande, M. A. * PFC Clavijobernal, L. J. PFC Cyler, D. O. Pvt Dawson, D. D. PFC Deloeraramos, E. Pvt Derby, N. PFC Elorza, G. M. PFC Ferriell, A. S. Pvt Fleurimond, B. S. PFC Flynn, B. M. PFC Franklin, K. E.

Pvt Freeman, A. J. PFC Garciaparamo, J. Pvt Gould, R. T. PFC Guerrero, J. K. PFC Henrriquez, D. N. PFC Hernandezsantillan, K. PFC Hudnell, E. G. Pvt Jones, D. N. PFC Karlov, N. M. * PFC Laureanorosas, D. L. Pvt Leon, J. I. Pvt Lopezchilel, S. J. Pvt Lopezrizo, N. G. PFC Lufungulo, J. Pvt Maldonado, J. A. Pvt Manfredo, R. A. PFC Marrerosepulveda, V. J. PFC Marsh, A. R. Pvt Maynor, T. A. Pvt Mayweather, M. J. Pvt Mcnair, D. K. Pvt Mendez, A. Y. PFC Mendezvalencia, C. A. PFC Moldenhauer, G. F. Pvt Morgan, S. L. PFC Nimscarara, F. T. PFC Pacatte, R. E. Pvt Pachucki, O. R. PFC Palacios, F. Y. Pvt Palma, K. J. PFC Pittman, E. Z. PFC Quintero, S. Pvt Ramirez, M. R. PFC Reyes, J. D. PFC Reynoso, J. Pvt Ricupero, I. R. PFC Rodriguez, S. L. Pvt Shields, C. T.

PFC Skillin, R. A.

Pvt Sotoabreu, G.

Pvt Suarez, J. M.

Pvt Tulumbamarquez, A. D.

PFC Taverasnunez, Y. PFC Thomas, S. A.

PFC Tonato, M. N.

PFC Torresrodriguez, P. N. *

PFC Valverderamirez, A. *

Pvt Vinskey, M. F.

Pvt Ward, M. N.

Pvt Washington, A. L.

Pvt Wheeler, G. E.

Pvt Walker, R. H.

Pvt Yanezmejia, A. E.

PLATOON 2066

Senior Drill Instructor

SSgt C. Garcia

Pvt Allinson Jr, J. D.

Pvt Anderson, J. R.

PFC Applegate, B. R.

Pvt Ates, J. B.

PFC Balderas, Y. T.

PFC Barfield, S. A.

Pvt Barnes, D. M.

PFC Bator, B. G.

Pvt Benedetti, A. L.

Pvt Bracho, I. F.

PFC Britt, J. T. *

PFC Brown, D. E.

Pvt Brunson, D. L.

PFC Burris, Z. I.

PFC Camarillo, D. O.

Pvt Carrillo, A.

Pvt Carter, J. L.

PFC Cendan, B. E.

Pvt Cleveland Jr, B. D.

Pvt Cockrell, C. S.

Pvt Collins, T. M.

Pvt Cowzer, N. A.

Pvt Curry, M. D.

Pvt Daniel, C. J.

Pvt Donohue, J. A.

PFC Dyer, T. A.

Pvt Edwards Jr, G. L.

PFC Fields, T. H. *

PFC Flower, A. J.

Pvt Foore, J. A.

Pvt Frederick, B. S.

Pvt Giraldo, B. A.

Pvt Gonzalez, J.

PFC Grant, D. A.

PFC Griffith, A. A.

Pvt Herrin, I. W.

Pvt Hogue, D. R.

Pvt Hollum, G. J.

PFC Hunter III, E. W.

Pvt Jimenezlopez, N. A.

PFC Keenan, J. P. *

Pvt Kimbrel, C. W.

Pvt Laplante Jr, E. P.

PFC Lundy, C. A.

PFC Mcbride Jr, K. C. *

Pvt Mcclarty, K. D.

Pvt Mcclure, M. K.

PFC Mcqueen Jr, M. E.

PFC Miner, C. D.

PFC Morin, J. G.

Pvt Newby, L. A.

Pvt Ngo, B. N.

PFC Parks, C.

PFC Patrick, C. A.

Pvt Pearson, J. T.

PFC Porter, R. B.

Pvt Pritchett, L. J.

Pvt Reevescasas, D. R.

PFC Reillykrapish, D. M.

Pvt Riosortiz, A. G.

PFC Sankey Jr, L. D. *

PFC Saurel, R.

Pvt Sebralla, P. D.

Pvt Sifuentez, L. R.

Pvt Spratley, T. M.

PFC Stone, D. E.

PFC Strew, C. W.

PFC Terrazas, J.

Pvt Torres, A. S.

Pvt Trujillo, E. M.

Pvt Uffendell, J. S.

PFC Wells, C. L.

PFC Wheatley Jr, S. A.

Pvt Williams, G. L.

Pvt Williams, J. M.

PFC Woodard, L. L.

PFC Wooten, L. A.

Pvt Wright, C. B.

PLATOON

2068

Senior Drill Instructor SSgt J. Nie

Pvt Albert, B.

Pvt Alexander, D. M.

Pvt Amaro, R. A.

Pvt Ayalasilva, Y. Y.

Pvt Ayugho, A. H.

Pvt Ba, A. I.

Pvt Berdeciarivera, J. Y.

PFC Blake, G. A. *

Pvt Bohannon IV, B. G.

Pvt Bolduc, S. J.

PFC Brass, J. M.*

Pvt Brennan, M. A.

Pvt Camilleri, E. J.

Pvt Cardozo, F. J.

Pvt Castellanos, Y. J.

PFC Chase, T. J.

Pvt Chatte, S. K.

PFC Cherry, D. T.

Pvt Cortes, I.

Pvt Crucey, C. M.

PFC Dallaire, A. P.

Pvt Daza, C. S.

Pvt Diaz, O. E.

PFC Donald, T. J.*

PFC Edwards, C. P.

Pvt Engelmann, T. J.

PFC Feetham, R. J.*

PFC Fernandez, J. J.

PFC Flint, T. E.

Pvt Fofana, I. J.

PFC Garciacos, E. H.

Pvt Garlotte, A. B.

Pvt Gowda, S.

Pvt Gutierreznieves, J. I.

Pvt Hendrickson, D. R.

PFC Herrera, R. A.

Pvt Kaminski, A.

Pvt Lele, H. T.

Pvt Martin, A. B.

Pvt Martinez, R. A.

Pvt Martinezpavia, A. A.

PFC Mccabe, E. J.

Pvt Mejialeon, J. A.

Pvt Melanson, D. W.

Pvt Mezaaparicio, K. B.

Pvt Mocarsky, M. J.

Pvt Moralessosa, G.

Pvt Morenoiraheta, H. J.

PFC Norris Jr, P. A.

Pvt Nunez, A. D.

Pvt Nunez, S. A.

PFC Oatneal, J. S.

Pvt Oliva, D. A.

Pvt Oliver, J. C.

Pvt Oregan, C. P.

Pvt Orsi, B. T.

Pvt Osoriovelasco, D. D.

Pvt Panfiloramirez, K. E.

Pvt Patel, D. P.

Pvt Plazasandoval, S.

PFC Ramos, S. R.

Pvt Reigelsperger, C. W.

Pvt Remache, R. J.

Pvt Reyes, D. S.

Pvt Roberts, C. R.

Pvt Rodriguezdionisio, R.

Pvt Ruedagomez, C. A.

Pvt Sanchezroig, R.

Pvt Sandoval, R. C.

Pvt Sequenbenitez, J.

Pvt Sosavasquez, J. F.

Pvt Soto, A. L.

PFC Statovci, L.*

Pvt Thompson, E. R.

PFC Tucker, M. T.

Pvt Valdez, B. F.

Pvt Valdez III, N. A.

Pvt Vargascruz, D. J.

Pvt Vazquez, T. C.

Pvt Woodward, R. E.

PLATOON 2069

Senior Drill Instructor

SSgt B. M. Ogas

Pvt Ames, J. N.

PFC Amidon II, A. D. *

Pvt Anteshoran, T. A.

Pvt Avila, Z. N.

Pvt Awusu, E.

Pvt Baker, K. G.

Pvt Baley, D. E.

PFC Banek, T. S.

Pvt Barzallomorocho, G. R.

PFC Bautistavasquez, D.

Pvt Bayonamorales, E A.

Pvt Betancesbarreras, E

Pvt Blaine Jr, B. K. *

Pvt Boladolicor, B.

Pvt Bolden, C. M.

PFC Borgholthaus, T. S. *

PFC Bradfield, C. N.

PFC Brown, A. J.

PFC Cabrejoquispesivana, A. A.

PFC Cawley, H. C.

Pvt Chuclopez, K. M.

Pvt Collins, J. R.

Pvt Colon, M. J.

Pvt Crow, C. D.

PFC Cruzreyes, C.

Pvt Delehoy, A. K.

PFC Diazreynoso, H. A.

Pvt Dickens, E. G.

Pvt Domingodiaz, J.

Pvt Farnsworth, A. T.

Pvt Ferminpayano, J. C.

PFC French, J. S. PFC Gamerogomez, E. S.

Pvt Gent Jr, C. W.

Pvt Gorski, N. M.

Pvt Harrington, M. W.

Pvt Hernandez, M. I.

Pvt Heuer, S. B.

Pvt Hinds, G. J.

Pvt Horton, T. D.

Pvt Hosler, C. J.

Pvt Hounhoui, P. I.

Pvt Huertas, K. M.

Pvt Hunter, M. B. Pvt Jolly III, P. C.

PFC Laviscount, K. E.

PFC Lazzaro, J. A.

Pvt Locadia, M. J.

PFC Maliszewski, H.

Pvt Marutz, N. G.

Pvt Merly, C. PFC Nguyen, P. D.

Pvt Nkwocha, C. P.

Pvt North, J. D.

Pvt Novoabecerra, K.

Pvt Odonnell, E. R.

Pvt Ortiz, J. R.

Pvt Osier, A. D.

Pvt Peabody, T. J.

PFC Pelletier, A. J.

Pvt Petrunic, E. W.

Pvt Pomalesvaldivieso, J. E.

PFC Quintanaparedes, C. S.

Pvt Ramirezrivera, M. A.

PFC Reyestorres, J.

Pvt Rodriguezburr, J. A.

Pvt Rodriguezcolon, J. A.

Pvt Salado, B. E.

Pvt Sanchez, B. G.

PFC Schlotzhauer, T. A.

PFC Sims, T. A. *

PFC Sossoman, I. C. *

PFC Thornburg, W. M.

PFC Vargas, J. G.

PFC Wallace, C. R.

Pvt Wilson, J. R.

Pvt Winter, T. M.

Pvt Wood, T. R.

Pvt Wright, E. N.

PLATOON 2070

Senior Drill Instructor

SSgt

J. J. Legault

PFC Aguilar, A. A.

PFC Andrew, J. M.

PFC Baez, D.

Pvt Batistaliriano, E. S.

PFC Bermudez, M. Y.

Pvt Brown, B. L.

Pvt Broz, D. T.

PFC Burns, T. A.

Pvt Caceresreyes, D.

PFC Campbell, J. K. *

PFC Cardamone, D. N. *

Pvt Cohron, K. D.

Pvt Davis, T. C.

PFC Delafosse, A.

Pvt Dineros, N. J.

Pvt Feliu, J. T.

Pvt Ferrebee, J. I.

PFC Foster, N. A.

PFC Ganz, C. D.

Pvt Gray, T. J.

Pvt Guzman, S. A.

Pvt Hoffman, E. J.

Pvt Horn, J. I.

Pvt James, J. L. PFC Jimenezmartinez, B. O.

PFC Kalmanek, M. J.

PFC Kissel, S. E.

PFC Lenson, D. D.

PFC Linarossis, I. A.

Pvt Long, J. S.

Pvt Lopez, J. L.

Pvt Lysne, R. A.

Pvt Martin, R. C.

PFC Masa, R.

Pvt Mauer Jr, J. E.

PFC Miller, T. A.

Pvt Mollineda, S.

Pvt Moralesvega, A.

Pvt Morgan, B. T.

Pvt Mota, M. J.

Pvt Murray, K. C.

Pvt Nasadoski, W. S. PFC Nipper Jr, J. A.

Pvt Noeun, S. V.

PFC Nunez, A. PFC Nunezmaldonado, R. O.

PFC Pahl, T. N. PFC Palafox, E. D.

Pvt Pappion, A. J.

PFC Partin, J. M. * Pvt Patino, J. Pvt Perkins, D. R. Pvt Peterson, K. J. Pvt Ramey, T. A. Pvt Reed, E. J. Pvt Reese Jr, J. M. Pvt Riverafigueroa, E. F. PFC Rodriguez, Y. Pvt Rotoni, E. N. Pvt Rowley, A. C. PFC Runyon, L. M. * Pvt Sanchezmieses, J. A. Pvt Shultz, B. P. Pvt Smith, S. M.

Pvt Smith, T. L.

Pvt Smith, Z. T.

PFC Stewart, B. W. *

Pvt Terry, C. S.

Pvt Thomas, T. S.

Pvt Thomas III, K.

Pvt Udegbunam, C.

Pvt Ulloalopez, E. J.

Pvt Ungaro, D. A.

Pvt Vaysman, A. A.

Pvt Velezcruz, R. L.

Pvt Villedrouin, R.

Pvt Walker, M. T.

PFC Webb, J. P.

Pvt Wigger, M. C.

Pvt Wostmann Jr, J. C.

Pvt Zahler, G. Pvt Zayas Jr, A. I.

*Denotes meritorious promotions

VMFA-533 first operational

F-35 squadron at MCAS Beaufort to receive aircraft

By 2nd Lt. John Graham

2nd

Marine

Aircraft Wing Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 533, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 31, 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW), received its first F-35B Lightning II jet on Friday, Oct. 11 aboard Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort.

VMFA-533 will be the Marine Corps’ second East Coast operational F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter squadron, and the first aboard MCAS Beaufort.

Prior to today, the only F-35 aircraft stationed aboard MCAS Beaufort were assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, who is tasked with conducting core introduction fighter/attack training for prospective F-35 pilots.

The arrival of the aircraft marks the beginning of F-35 deliveries to MCAS Beaufort’s operational squadrons, defined as units whose primary purpose is supporting Marine Corps and Department of Defense operations. Today’s arrival continues 2nd MAW’s operational transition from legacy fixedwing tactical aircraft to the F-35

The F-35 is a fifth-generation fighter jet with ad-

vanced stealth, agility and maneuverability, sensor and information fusion, and provides the pilot with real-time access to battlespace information. It is designed to meet an advanced threat while improving lethality, survivability, and supportability. The F-35B Lightning II is the short-takeoff and vertical-landing (STOVL) F-35 variant. This capability allows the aircraft to operate from amphibious assault ships and expeditionary airstrips less than 2 000 feet long.

“The delivery of VMFA-533's first Block 4 F-35B starts another chapter in the storied history of the squadron that began almost 81 years ago to date, and is a major steppingstone to increasing the lethality of MAG-31 and our ability to contribute to the Marine AirGround Task Force and joint force,” MAG-31 commanding officer Col. Michael Cassidy said in a news release. “Transitioning a squadron is no small feat, and significant preparation by VMFA-533's Marines and sailors has occurred over the past year to get them to this point. I'm excited about what the future holds for VMFA-533 as they take this significant step

U.S. Marines with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 533 pose for a photo with an F-35B lightning II jet at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024. VMFA-533 received its first F-35B Lightning II jet, marking the transition from the F/A-18 Hornet to the F-35B. Lance Cpl. Nathan Saucier/USMC

in their history, and I very much look forward to their contribution to the sound of freedom at MCAS Beaufort.” Block 4 upgrades provide an advancement of several capabilities for the F-35, including upgraded weapons carriage capability, added advanced non-kinetic electronic warfare capabilities, and improved target recognition. Technology Refresh-3 (TR-3), which enables Block 4, introduces open mission systems architecture, greater

computing power, enhancements to the panoramic cockpit display, and a larger memory unit.

VMFA(AW)-533, colloquially known as “America’s Squadron” among squadrons assigned to MCAS Beaufort due to its red, white, and blue insignia, redesignated to VMFA-533 during a ceremony on September 28 2023. The squadron’s redesignation concluded its 31 years as a F/A-18 Hornet squadron. The squadron

then began preparing for its transition to the F-35 and is currently going through the process of aircraft acceptance and working towards receiving its Safe for Flight certification.

“This arrival marks the new era in the Marine Corps’ employment of the F-35. The year-long process of preparing for our first Block 4 F-35 demonstrates the patience and perseverance of the Marines in this squadron,” VMFA-533

commanding officer Lt. Col. Zachary Hartnett said. “I’m truly proud of the exceptional professionalism and dedication that every Marine in America’s Squadron has shown over the last year, and I’m excited to see their hard work rewarded with the long-awaited delivery of an F-35 to call our own.” VMFA-533 is a subordinate unit of 2nd MAW, the aviation combat element of II Marine Expeditionary Force.

Remember Veterans Day is November 11

Holiday a day about sacrifice of veterans, their families; Teachers get Veterans Day Teachers Resource Guide

The purpose of this article is threefold:

First, to remind citizens of Lowcountry, it's our duty to remember and honor our veterans – on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2024. On Veterans Day, we should all take the opportunity to express our gratitude to our military members, veterans, and their families for their selfless and courageous service to our nation.

Second, to provide a few of the Lowcountry Veterans Day Events on and around November 11 2024

Third, to inspire principals and teachers at Lowcountry schools to actively educate students about Veterans Day. By obtaining a copy of the VA and Veterans Day National Committee “Veterans Day Teachers Resource Guide” at https://department.va.gov/veterans-day/veterans-day-teachers-resource-guide/ and using it to develop a Veterans Day event, you can instill a deep respect for the “Loyalty, Sacrifice, Selfless, and Brave Service” of our veterans and their families.

Celebrate veterans

Please join the The Island News and this writer in celebrating “Veterans Day” on Monday, Nov. 11 2024, at one of the many planned ceremonies in Beaufort County and surrounding Lowcountry and Georgia counties. A few of the planned Lowcountry Veterans Day events include:

• The Beaufort County’s Veterans Day Parade. The Parade begins at 10 a.m. at the Beaufort National Cemetery. Parade Route: Adventure Street to Boundary Street to Carteret

Street to Bay Street – ending on Bladen Street and at the Beaufort National Cemetery, 1601 Boundary Street, Beaufort. For more information, visit www.beaufortcountysc. gov/veterans-affairs.

The Colleton County Veterans Day Parade. Lineup begins at 2 p.m. at the Colleton Civic Center, 494 Hampton Street, Walterboro. The parade route is from Hampton Street, turn right onto Jefferies Boulevard, East on Washington Street, Memorial Avenue, and end at the Civic Center. Contact the County Veterans Affairs office at 843-908-2123 Entry forms are available at www.colletoncounty.org/veterns-affairs-office.

Jasper County Events. A Lowcountry Boil is planned for Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Ridgeland. For a list of Veterans Day events in Jasper County, contact the Jasper County Veterans Affairs Office at 8430726-7727, 843-368-5970 or ajenkins@jaspercountysc.gov.

• Charleston, SC Veterans Day Parade. The parade begins at 1 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m. on November 3 2024. The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center sponsors the parade. The VA parade begins at Concord and Market Streets, turns left down East Bay Street, makes a right on Broad Street, and ends at Colonial Lake. Dwight Kress, at 843-789-6011, is the

point of contact.

Dorchester County Veterans Day Celebration. The 2024 Veterans Day will be celebrated with a brunch starting at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 9 2024, at the Kings Grant Community Center, Kings Grant subdivision, 222 Farrington Drive., Summerville, 843-8756816. The ceremony will end at 11 a.m. No reservations are required.

Hampton County events. For a list of Veterans Day events in Hampton County, contact the Hampton County Veterans Affairs Office at 803-914-2085 or 803-914-2087

Contact your S.C. or GA county veterans’ affairs office to find out what Veterans Day events are happening in your county. S.C. County Veterans Affairs Office contact information is at https:// scdva.sc.gov/county-veterans-affairs-offices.

Veterans Day Teachers Resource Guide

If you are a Lowcountry or Georgia elementary school or high school teacher or a member of a Veterans Service Organization or patriotic organization (i.e., USMC League, Lowcountry Leathernecks, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Association of the US Army, American Legion, Military Officers Association of America, Jewish War Veterans, American Veterans, Navy League, Disabled Americans of America (DAV), etc.), you should be preparing for Veterans Day 2024

The best way to prepare for November 11, 2024, is to download the VA’s 28-page “Veterans Day Teachers Resource Guide” at https://department.va.gov/veterans-day/veterans-day-teachers-resource-guide/. This free infor-

mative guide includes Veterans Day Information on Veterans Day Speeches, the History of Veterans Day, Veterans Day Facts and Information, the Veterans Day National Committee, an America’s Wars fact sheet, Veterans Day by Branch of Service, and more.

18 million living veterans

About 18 million veterans live among us, in every state and territory, and from every walk of life. Many of the students in each teacher’s class may be the son, daughter, cousin, or other relative of a veteran or current service member. By discussing these crucial members of our society, students will better appreciate our freedoms because of the men and women who have served in defense of the United States.

Spread the word

Please share this article, the Veterans Day Teachers Resource Guide, and the Veterans Day Poster Gallery of 44 beautiful posters at https://www.flickr. com/photos/veteransaffairs/albums/72177720300172803/ with Veterans Service Organizations, school principals, school teachers, and educational organizations. As Veterans Day approaches, The Island News hopes this will help your students connect with veterans and service members currently on active duty.

The story of Veterans Day Veterans Day is intended to thank and honor all who served honorably in the military, living and dead, whether in wartime or peace. Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and underscore that all those who serve have sacrificed and done

their duty.

While Veterans Day is often confused with Memorial Day, the two observances serve different purposes and have different histories. Memorial Day, which has its roots in the post-Civil War effort to “memorialize” all those who died in that war, has become a modern holiday to remember those from all wars and conflicts who gave their lives in service to the country.

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, 1918, fighting in WWI officially stopped after Germany signed an armistice agreement with the Allies earlier in the day. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation changing the federal holiday's name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. Thus, Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11 each year.

The Veterans Day National Ceremony

The Veterans Day National Ceremony is held each year on November 11 at Arlington National Cemetery. It is nationally televised and commences precisely at 11 a.m., with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The ceremony continues inside the Memorial Amphitheater with a parade of colors and remarks from dignitaries.

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 DANDRIDGE

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

E-Edition Digital Newspaper

CLASSIFIEDS & GAMES

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DONATE YOUR CAR TO KIDS. Your donation helps fund the search for missing children. Accepting Trucks, Motorcycles & RV’s , too! Fast Free Pickup – Running or Not – 24 Hour Response – Maximum Tax Donation –Call (888) 515-3810

Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material – steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off installation + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-855-900-1261

Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 833-230-8692

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400 plus procedures. Real dental insurance – NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-397-7030 www.dental50plus.com/60 #6258 Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-877-852-0368

AUCTIONS

PUBLIC AUCTION! Sat., Oct. 19 at 9:30 AM. 510 Stoller Rd., Bamberg, SC (Hwy 301). Selling for City of Bamberg, consignments, much more! Ford 555D Backhoe, pickups to include 2500 SERIES and 1500 Chevy, tractors, trailers, cars, boats, tools, syrup kettle, farm implements, lawn mowers, Bat wing bush hog, caterpillar generator, air compressors and much more! Call now to consign! 803-860-0712. www.cogburnauction.com

ADVERTISE YOUR AUCTION in 80 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your 25word classified ad will reach more than 1 5 million readers. Call Randall Savely at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 803750-9561

HELP WANTED – DRIVERS

ADVERTISE YOUR DRIVER JOBS in 80 S.C. newspapers for only $375 Your 25-word classified ad will reach more than 1 5 million readers. Call Randall Savely at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 803-750-9561

MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE

Prepare for power outages with Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect(TM) standby generators – the most powerful home

standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty of 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-855-212-3281

Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-844-775-0366 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. Offer ends 9/30/24.) Call 1-877-582-0113

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-875-2449

TELEVISION & INTERNET SERVICES

DIRECTV OVER INTERNET – Get your favorite live TV, sports and local channels. 99% signal reliability! CHOICE Package, $84 99/mo for 12 months. HBO Max and Premium Channels included for 3 mos (w/CHOICE Package or higher.) No annual contract, no hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-855-237-9741

DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Directv and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84 99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-844-624-1107 Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80 000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-877-542-0759

VACATION RENTALS

ADVERTISE YOUR VACATION

PROPERTY FOR RENT OR SALE to more than 1 5 million S.C. newspaper readers. Your 25-word classified ad will appear in 80 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Call Randall Savely at the South Carolina Newspaper Network, 803-750-9561

YOUR AD HERE

Looking to advertise your business, announce a yard sale, or share other classifieds? Contact Amanda Hanna today at amanda@lcweekly.com to secure your spot and get your ad featured in our upcoming issue!