October 31 edition

Election day almost upon us

follows is a brief primer on this year’s General Election.

It’s politics front and center … or at least it will be after Halloween.

The roadside signs are up, major intersections are drawing groups of enthusiastic political supporters waving signs and here, in Beaufort county, 31 814 (as of Oct. 26), or 22 percent of the registered voters have cast their ballots prior to next week’s big day.

“They’re saying” … whoever they is … the presidential election results probably won’t be known for a day or two … maybe a month or two … maybe for the next four years. But here in Beaufort County, it’s pretty certain we’ll know the fate of the penny sales tax, and the Beaufort mayoral and council races before the sun comes up on Nov. 6

There have been candidate forums to give voters opportunities to learn more about the two mayoral candidates and four city council candidates who are running for two seats. Will the incumbents — current Mayor Phil Cromer and Council members Neil Lipsitz and Mitch Mitchell — take the day? Or the challengers — City Councilman Josh Scallate who wants to be mayor after two years on council, Josh Gibson and Julie Crenshaw — will take the

Island News

Reimagined

Reimagine Ribaut still unpopular

Ribaut Road Master Plan exposed to public

By Mike McCombs and Amber Hewitt The Island News

Beaufort County hosted an open house to review the status of the controversial Ribaut Road Master Plan, also known as Reimagine Ribaut on Friday night, Oct. 25, at Technical College of the Lowcountry.

According to Beaufort County, the stakeholders — Beaufort County, City of Beaufort, Town of Port Royal, and Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. — are all working together to create a master plan for improvements along the corridor.

The purpose of the open house was for citizens to review updat-

ed design alternatives and share their thoughts and concerns.

The name may be different, but the open house proved the “Ribaut Road Master Plan” remains a touchy subject.

Some attending Friday say the way the event was presented and SEE ROAD PAGE A7

LOLITA HUCKABY

Along with a representative from Stantec Consulting Services, Robert and Elizabeth Smith of Port Royal review the updated design alternatives for the Ribaut Road Master Plan project presented during the Beaufort Countyhosted open house on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, at Technical College of the Lowcountry. Amber Hewitt/ The

LOWCOUNTRY LIFE & NEWS

Alain Scepkowski of Lady's Island recently captured this photo of a recent sunrise at Hunting Island. 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

American Legion Beaufort Post 207 brings you Beaufort’s Stephen Bennett, 85, who joined the Maine Air National Guard in 1958 while in high school. In 1960, he attended Air Force Basic Training at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Texas. He then was assigned to Charleston AFB, working in aircraft instrumentation for C-121 Constellations and C124 Globemasters. In 1963 he transferred to Kadena AFB on Okinawa.

Returning Stateside, he was assigned to Myrtle Beach AFB servicing F100 Super Sabres for

LETTERS

Why we must vote Republican

three years and then at Otis AFB on Cape Cod, preparing special aircraft for deployment to Vietnam. He followed them west to Korat Royal Thai AFB before returning to Charleston AFB, assigned to a fighter squadron.

TO THE EDITOR

STEPHEN BENNETT

A lateral transfer next had him servicing C141 Starlifters, C130 Hercules and C-5 Galaxies before returning to Thailand at Udorn Thai AFB. He then separated from active duty to use the GI Bill to complete a theology degree at Baptist College of Charleston. For the next 10 years, he pastored in Maine while remaining in the Maine Air National Guard. In 1984 he returned to active duty at Charleston AFB in the C-141 instrument shop.

Next assigned at Pope AFB he taught instrument and autopilot

maintenance for six years during which he was promoted to Master Sergeant. His final active duty assignment was at Rhein Main, Germany, from which he retired in 1992. He returned to pastoring for 22 years in Maine and North Carolina before retiring again at age 70. He and his wife, Jean, moved to Beaufort in 2023

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

I am shocked on how [Democratically] biased this newspaper has become. Just another reason to not trust local news media here in Beaufort. And why me must vote Republican to get out of this media bias chaos.

– Gary Marino, Beaufort County Council has lost our trust

Everyone should read the S.C. Bill “Optional Methods For Financing Transportation Facilities,” Title 4 – Counties, Chapter 37 which became law in May 1995. It has been amended several times since then, one of the latest [amendments] being the addition of Mass Transit Systems and Greenbelts as possible capital improvement projects.

I must mention here that in 2022, our voters approved a 1% increase in their taxes to fund “greenbelt projects” to the tune of $100 000 000. Now the referendum scheduled for Nov. 5 includes another $50,000,000 for greenbelt projects. (LET THAT SINK IN!)

The law requires that each referendum must specify exactly what the project will be and where it will be located, as well as publicize for four consecutive weeks that information in a "newspaper of general circulation in the jurisdiction," which in Beaufort County would be the Beaufort Gazette/Island Packet and The Island News. Jasper County has followed the law and published quite succinctly their planned improvements, but I've seen

no such info published for Beaufort County to date.

It saddens me to say that you, County Council, and your staff have lost our trust and it didn't happen solely on the broken promises from the 2018 referendum. That's just the latest thing added to the list that goes back over many years. But you've made it stick in our craw by throwing in the $30 million for Lady's Island projects in 2018, for the purpose of getting us to vote for the referendum, which we did, but you haven't kept your word. You haven't even finished designing those projects or prioritized them on a "need most" basis to alleviate the congestion on Lady's Island.

We don't understand how you could attach a price tag to any of the projects when they weren't designed! And you're asking the taxpayers to allow you to do that again? Surely you, Council, understand why this proposal is being called the "Fool Me Twice" tax.

I understand that there's approximately $150 million left from the 2018 referendum due to the failure to implement the promised improvements, yet you'll need money from the new tax to help pay for those improvements we paid tax for two years to implement, even adding the $16 million extra dollars collected. And we're told that COVID and inflation caused the shortfall.

I say "putting the cart before the horse" caused the shortfall.

Please know that we're not going to vote for this referendum you've put on the ballot, and you won't regain our trust until you get the horse in front of the cart. By that I mean, “Do the proper planning, explain the proj-

ects to the people (as required by law), get estimates so you can realistically price the projects, and show us some real integrity and transparency.” Until then, we're voting “No!”

– Edie Rodgers, Beaufort. Rodgers is a former S.C. State Representative for District 124

Can we have some honesty?

DAYLO … I'm so proud of these kids standing up for American rights! When I was growing up I was encouraged by my grandparents, my mother and dad, and my school teachers to read anything I could get my hands on.

Now we have a few parents who object to certain books. OK I understand, it is your child. Please inform the school and the library to not allow the book for your kids. You have no right to deny books for the vast amount of parents, to tell them what their kids can read. Nazi Germany, anybody?

Vote “No” ... If I had asked anyone to pay more taxes and then complete four of 34 projects, I'd have been tarred and feathered. Yet now they're here again wanting more more money?

Game of the week — lies! I was naive when I was young. I'm 72 now. Republicans wouldn't know the truth if it slapped them in the face. For half of my life I voted Republican, then they went insane.

Instead of complain so much, I did Praise DAYLO. I know I live in a deep red state. But my gosh, can we have some honesty and civil conversations?

– Don Cass, Beaufort

November 3

1874: Beaufort’s Robert Smalls is elected to the South Carolina Legislature. November 5

1895: Annie Wigg Smith, second wife of Robert Smalls, dies.

2019: Joe DeVito is elected Mayor of the Town of Port Royal, defeating Mayor Pro-Temp Mary Beth Gray-Heyward by 22 points. – Compiled by Mike McCombs ON THIS DATE

PAL PETS OF THE WEEK

Dog Of The Week

Jolene is the good witch of Palmetto Animal League! She loves dog beds and snuggly things. If you give her something to play with, she’ll wave her magic tail and “poof” it’s gone (i.e. buried). She enjoys leisurely walks so she can smell the roses, explore, and sample the fine grasses of the Lowcountry. This beautiful sorceress of the south dreams of a forever home where she can be someone's one and only. She is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped.

her sister and the kittens have left the nest, it's Priya's turn to be adopted by someone who treasures her as much as we do. This darling is well-mannered, calm, good with other cats, and she loves to sunbathe. She is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped.

For more information on Jolene, Priya or any of our other pets, call PAL at 843-645-1725 or email Info@ PalmettoAnimalLeague.org.

–

Stephen Bennett

Compiled by Lindsay Perry

By Delayna Earley

Island News

The

Two men are dead, and a third victim was injured after a shooting in Beaufort on Wednesday, Oct. 23

Beaufort residents Ashi Mitchell and DaRhon Brooks, both 18 years old, were killed in the incident according to the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office. Both were em-

ployees of Walmart, according to posts made by family and friends on Facebook.

The third victim was treated for injuries but has not been identified and there is no additional information available about the victim’s condition.

The shooting occurred near the intersection of Parris Island Gateway and

Beaufort shooting, vehicle fire leaves 2 dead, a third injured Woods Bridge schedule could be changing permanently

By Delayna Earley The Island News

There may be some permanent changes to the hours that the Richard V. Woods Memorial Bridge would allow the swing bridge to remain open during a given day.

The U.S. Coast Guard has proposed that the swing bridge remain open to traffic during morning and afternoon drive times and the public is invited to provide feedback on the proposed change.

In the proposal, the swing bridge would not open to boat traffic from 6 a.m. to 9:29 a.m. and 3:31 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday with an exception for emergencies and other exceptions “granted by regulations.”

The hope is that this would make traffic flow more smoothly during this time as Wood Bridge connects downtown Beaufort to Lady’s Island and is one of only two bridges that drivers can use to

Trask Parkway around 10:20 p.m., according to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO).

The Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene after there were reports of gunfire, quickly followed by reports of a vehicle fire in the 800 block of Ribaut Road in Beaufort. It was determined that the driver crashed the car while heading to the hospital after fleeing the scene of the shooting.

All three of the victims were in the same vehicle and it caught fire with them inside. Beaufort/Port Royal Firefighters pulled the victims from the car and extinguished the fire. The coroner’s office said that both Mitchell and Brooks died because of their gunshot wounds.

The investigation into the shooting is being handled by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and is ongoing.

Members of the public who have information about the incident is asked to contact an investigator at 843255-3426 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Beaufort

get onto the island. From 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. the swing bridge can open once an hour on the half hour for boat traffic as needed, according to the release from the City of Beaufort. Otherwise, the swing bridge will

open on signal. The proposal would permanently instate the temporarily modified schedule with the same drive time provisions that began on March 25 2024, and is expected to continue through at least Nov. 30

“I thank the Coast Guard for moving this study forward and appreciate the collaboration of all levels of government working on our historic swing bridge opening schedule,” said S.C. Rep. Shannon Erickson. “I look forward to a ro-

WELCOMES

James Varner, PA-C, an experienced board-certified physician assistant, has joined Beaufort Memorial Lowcountry Medical Group Primary Care.

He brings a breadth of experience in both urgent and primary care to the practice, where he will provide primary health care, including prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses in adults.

The Pennsylvania native has served as a physician assistant at urgent care and family practice clinics in San Antonio since 2018, where he provided care for patients of all ages and conditions. Given the area’s high veteran, elderly, and obese populations, Varner gained specialized knowledge in treating patients who have multiple conditions and complex health issues.

Varner earned a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant from Arcadia University in Glenside, Pa., where he was on the Graduate Dean’s Distinguished Honor list. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in health information management from the University of Pittsburgh.

bust round of public comment from our community and others so that the best outcomes can be derived.” According to the release, Erickson worked closely with Beaufort County and the City of Beaufort to make this change happen. The public is invited to comment on this rule change in the Federal Register at www.reguations.gov. Type USCG-2024-0198 in the search box and click “Search”. Next, look for this document in the Search Results column and click on it. Then click on the Comment option.

All public comments are encouraged to be made by Dec. 9 2024, according to the release.

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.

Dear Beaufort Residents,

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.

Carl Derrick, M.D.; Nicholas Dardes, D.O.; Nikki Newman, PA-C; Craig Floyd, M.D.; Erin R. Scott, ANP-BC and Jennifer Martin,

The Woods Memorial Bridge in Beaufort. Photo courtesy of SCDOT

Schiller & Hamilton Law Firm donated $10,000 to the Wardle Family YMCA as part of the Y’s annual capital campaign fundraiser, Boots & Bling. Submitted photo.

Schiller & Hamilton makes $10K donation to YMCA

Staff reports

The Wardle Family YMCA announced Tuesday, Oct. 22, it has received a generous $10 000 donation from Schiller & Hamilton Law Firm, expanding its commitment as presenting sponsor of the YMCA's annual capital campaign fundraiser, Boots & Bling.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to Schiller & Hamilton Law Firm for their generous contribution,” Branch Director of the Wardle Family YMCA Mike Trausch said in a news release. “Bennett Schiller has been a long-time supporter of our Y, having served on the board of directors for many years and always there to help when we need it. He embodies the spirit of community philanthropy."

Boots & Bling is a fundraising event featuring a live band, food, drinks, and a night of fun. The upcoming event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 16 2025, at Shellring Ale Works in Port Royal. Attendees can look forward to a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and a spectacular golf cart raffle.

The funds raised through Boots & Bling will go directly toward enhancing the YMCA's facilities.

For more information about the Wardle Family YMCA and its programs, as well as details on the upcoming Boots & Bling event, visit beaufort-jasperymca.org.

Anyone interested in donating an item to the silent auction or sponsoring the event should contact Mike Trausch at m.trausch@wardlefamilyymca.org.

LEGAL

Talley preliminary hearing

Harvest Festival returns to Fort Fremont

Staff reports The Friends of Fort Fremont will host the 2nd annual Fort Fremont Harvest Festival from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3, at the Fort Fremont Preserve at 1124

Land’s End Road, St. Helena Island, S.C.

Visitors are invited to step back in time to 1910 with period games for children and adults, music, food, crafts, and people dressed in era-appropriate costumes welcoming visitors to Edwardian Fort Fremont.

There is no admission fee.

Food and crafts will be available for purchase. Free shuttle service will be provided from Land’s End Woodlands Road, just one mile from the

NOTICES

IF THE COURT FINDS THAT THERE IS COMPLETE ABSENCE OF A JUSTIFIABLE ISSUE OF EITHER LAW OR FACT RAISED BY YOUR OBJECTIONS OR DEFENSES. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO CURE YOUR DEFAULT AT ANY TIME BEFORE THE SALE OF YOUR TIMESHARE ESTATE, BY PAYMENT OF ALL PAST DUE LOAN PAYMENTS OR ASSESSMENTS, ACCRUED INTEREST, LATE FEES, TAXES, AND ALL FEES AND COSTS INCURRED BY THE LIENHOLDER AND TRUSTEE, INCLUDING ATTORNEY’S FEES AND COSTS, IN CONNECTION WITH THE DEFAULT. Any response or inquiry should be made in writing to King Cunningham, LLC, Attn: Jeffrey W. King, Esq. who is serving as Trustee in this matter, at the following address: 1000 2nd Ave S, Ste 325, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582. EXHIBIT “A” Owner(s), Address, TS Interest, Interval Control No. (Unit, Week, OEB), Deed BK/PG, MTG BK/PG, Default Amount, Costs, Attorney Fee, Total Amount Due, Per Diem; THOMAS F. WILSON&KAREN WILSON, 311 MARSHALL ST, HAMPTON, VA 23669-3523, 0.0147723220820258%, U1608W48B, 3641/1861, 3641/1866, $10,553.31, $8.69, $450, $10,653.31, $3.42.; KELLY MARIE CARHART , 11 CHARDONNAY ST, NOONAN, NB E3A0A, 0.0073861610410129%, U2210W6E, 4155/2409, 4155/2414, $12,811.03, $9.64, $450, $12,911.03, $6.24.; GILBERT WILLIAM FOOTE&JANICE MARGARET FOOTE, 982 KING ARTHUR DR, MACON, GA 31220, 0.0073861610410129%, U1506-W1O, 4289/0790, 4289/795, $13,506.87, $9.64, $450, $13,606.87, $6.32.; STACIE MORGAN ROWLEY&WILLIAM K. ROWLEY, 2421 SAHALE FALLS CT, BRASELTON, GA 30517, 0.01477232 20820258,0.0147723220820258%, U1507W25B,U2109-W40B, 4261/2753, 4261/2759, $86,065.14, $9.64, $450, $86,165.14, $38.54.. TRUSTEE'S NOTICE OF SALE 95-17 Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. §§ 27-32-300, et. seq., NOTICE IS

GIVEN of the intent of the undersigned

Preserve.

This year’s event is bigger and better than last year. There will be more favorite local food vendors, more history displays from area nonprofits, including a demonstration on the Carolina rice culture, and more hands-on activities such as decorating your own hat and making corn husk dolls.

There may even be an appearance by the famous Fort Fremont baseball team.

Fort Fremont was constructed in 1898 during the Spanish-American War for coastal defense of the Port Royal Sound and the Naval Station at Parris Island.

The 2nd annual Fort Fremont Harvest Festival will feature local food vendors, history displays from area nonprofits, a demonstration on the Carolina rice culture, and more handson activities. Submitted photo

Beaufort County purchased 18 acres of the original fort for use as a passive park. The site encompasses mixed hardwood forest with walking trails, a picnic pavil-

ion, remains of historic batteries, and a History Center with a diorama and period artifacts.

The Preserve is open to the public free of charge, Monday through Sunday from dawn to dusk. The History Center exhibit hall is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and staffed by Friends of Fort Fremont volunteers. The Friends of Fort Fremont work with Beaufort County to preserve and promote Fort Fremont’s educational, historical, natural, and cultural resources and to interpret Fort Fremont’s history for visitors. For more information visit www.fortfremont.org.

undivided

common with the holders of

in and to the timeshare

as MBV VACATION SUITES, as established in that certain Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions and Vacation Ownership Instrument for MBV Vacation Suites, recorded at Book 3406, Pages 1312-1365, et seq., of the records of

R.O.D. Office for Beaufort County, South

as amended or supplemented (the “Declaration”), having Interval Control Number (SEE EXHIBIT "A"). The names and notice address of the obligor(s), record owner(s) of the timeshare estate (if different from the obligor(s), and junior interest or lienholder(s) (if applicable) (hereinafter referred to as “Obligors”) are identified in Exhibit “A”. The sale of the Properties is to satisfy the defaults in payment by the Obligors of the obligations secured by those certain Mortgages to HHI Development, LLC as recorded in the records of Beaufort County, South Carolina and detailed in Exhibit “A”. The amounts secured by the MORTGAGES, including accrued interest and late charges now owing along with a per diem amount to account for further accrual of interest and late charges are detailed in Exhibit “A”, together with any and all additional principal, interest, costs coming due and payable hereafter. The successful bidders shall be required to pay, in cash or certified funds, at the time of the bid, unless the successful bidder is the Creditor, which shall reserve a credit against its bid for the Total Owing as set forth in Exhibit “A”. The successful bidders shall also be required to pay for Deed Preparation, Documentary Stamps, or transfer fee, and Recording Costs. This sale is subject to all taxes, liens, easements,

No., MTG BK/PG, Default Amount, Trustee’s Fee, Interest, Total Amount Due, Per Diem- CECILE S. MORRIS&BEVOL G. MORRIS 426 PANARO LN, HAINES CITY, FL 33844-7761, 0.0147723220820258%, U1411-W3B, 4176/423, $28,718.29, $450, $219.33, $29,387.62, $13.59; DEBRA JEAN WOODRUFF 2555 CLAY POND DR, OAKLAND, TN 38060, 0.0147723220820258%, U1303-W29B, 3603/2304, $12,443.20, $450, $219.33, $13,112.53, $3.74; TARA KIM 1383 COUNTRY PLACE DR, HOUSTON, TX 77079-3125, 0.0147723220820258%, U1501-W24B, 4154/431, $40,205.04, $450, $219.33, $40,874.37, $12.64; ALANA BRITTNEY KEMBLE 540 BROUGHTON AVE, BLOOMFIELD, NJ 07003, 0.0073861610410129%, U2309-W5O, 4180/2383, $13,506.94, $450, $219.33, $14,176.27, $6.29; DENNIS JOE STORCH 405 VALE AVE, LUBBOCK, TX 79416-4932, 0.0147723220820258%, U1602-W26B, 3972/1803, $44,840.68, $450, $220.28, $45,510.96, $16.28; THOMAS JOSEPH SMITH&DANIELLE ULRICK SMITH 3515 W 112TH CIR, WESTMINSTER, CO 800317166, 0.0073861610410129%, U2408-W5E, 4234/554, $16,016.10, $450, $220.28, $16,686.38, $8.17; JALISSA R R BANNER MALACHI&DWIGHT LEEVAUGHN MALACHI 1969 GLENBURN DR, WINSTON SALEM, NC 27127-7648, 0.0073861610410129%, U2207-W49O, 4180/2374, $11,789.79, $450, $220.28, $12,460.07, $6.12; DARRYL A. JASPER 2345 ROYAL DR, FORT MITCHELL, KY 41017, 0.0073861610410129%, U2307-W50E, 4174/327, $12,617.38, $450, $220.28, $13,287.66, $5.59; ANDREA FELICIA KENDRICKS&DARREL DENARD WOODSON 3645 CLUB DR, ALBANY, GA 31721-2069, 0.0073861610410129%, U2407-W3E, 4252/2309, $13,685.28, $450, $220.28, $14,355.56, $7.23.

TRUSTEE'S NOTICE OF SALE 95-17

of

CUNNINGHAM,

Trustee

S.C.

Trustee and

W.

15840; or W. Joseph Cunningham, SC Bar # 72655, P.O. Box 4896, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29597, (843)-249-0777. EXHIBIT “A” –NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE Owner(s), Address, TS Interest, TS Interval Control No., MTG BK/PG, Default Amount, Trustee’s Fee, Interest, Total Amount Due, Per Diem- MARLENE ALMETER BAKER&BRISTO BAKER JR 989 BURLINGTON DR, AUGUSTA, GA 30909-9247, 0.0073861610410129%, U1303-W7O, 3972/3371, $9,567.45, $450, $259.33, $10,276.78, $4.13; MANUEL GUY REID&SABRENA S. REID 13111 VISTA DRIVE, COVINGTON, GA 30014, 0.0073861610410129%, U2106-W7O, 4208/1327, $16,999.89, $450, $259.33, $17,709.22, $8.13; DANIELLE JANEAU COURY&JAMES WILLIAM DOWNES 12016 SUELLEN CIRCLE, WELLINGTON, FL 33414, 0.0073861610410129%, U2509-W4O, 4230/6, $15,156.26, $450, $259.33, $15,865.59, $7.36; MONIQUE RIAS 3510 HAZEL LN, HAZEL CREST, IL 60429-1614, 0.0073861610410129%, U2310-W3E, 4199/636, $17,068.24, $450, $259.33, $17,777.57, $8.15; ALAINA GENEAN BROOKS-LEWIS&JAMES EARLINGTON LEWIS JR. 238 STAFFORD AVE, BRUNSWICK, GA 31525-2392, 0.0073861610410129%, U1501W6O, 3632/398, $7,486.15, $450, $259.33, $8,195.48, $2.94; MICHAEL BARTON RICHARDS JR. 937 N HOMESTEAD RD, PICKENS, SC 29671-9315, 0.0147723220820258%, U1201W2B, 3772/601, $17,507.81, $450, $259.33, $18,217.14, $7.59; CATHY STREETER MANGUM 901 BALLAST DR., KNIGHTDALE, NC 27545, 0.0073861610410129%, U2303-W3O, 4208/18, $12,735.07, $450, $259.33, $13,444.40, $6.23; BENJAMIN LEE HAWKS&CHERYL LYNN HAWKS 820 WINDSOR, GRAYSON, GA 300174943, 0.0147723220820258%, U2507-W20B, 3710/1532, $8,663.53, $450, $259.33, $9,372.86, $2.48; LORI ANNE CROUSE 207 WASHINGTON PLACE DR, PERRY, GA 31069, 0.0147723220820258%, U1605-W8B, 4088/91, $37,000.18, $450, $259.33, $37,709.51, $13.79; SHEILA OAKLEY HIGGINS 3915 CARNEGIE AVE UNIT 324, MYRTLE BEACH, SC 29588, 0.0147723220820258%, U1303-W52B, 3593/2189, $16,573.67, $450, $259.33, $17,283.00, $6.97;SYDNEY RENEE SHORTER&JASON L. SHORTER 3035 ZERMATT WAY, SNELLVILLE, GA 30078-6678, 0.0147723220820258%, U2107-W50B, 4229/3381, $21,444.76, $450, $259.33, $22,154.09, $8.61;THOMAS JERRY HOGGE&BARBARA GALLIMORE HOGGE 5313 CALYPSO CT, HOPE MILLS, NC 283489245, 0.0073861610410129%, U2503-W6E, 4163/2465, $13,537.51, $450, $259.33, $14,246.84, $5.56;THOMAS JOSEPH CESTRONI 893 SAINT JAMES AVE, SPRINGFIELD, MA 01104, 0.0147723220820258%, U2206W21B,U2410-W20B, 4263/1764, $93,283.52, $450, $259.33, $93,992.85, $44.85;YOLANDA Y. BARKER&NATALIE NICOLE LARKIN 9259 S LAFLIN ST, CHICAGO, IL 60620, 0.0073861610410129%, U1104-W2O, 4208/1408, $15,394.77, $450, $259.33, $16,104.10, $6.17;RICHARD WERNER MEYER&ERLINDA HERNANDEZ

by

for HHI

S.C. State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Lt. Jade Roy, at right, testifies on Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, at the preliminary hearing for Guy Talley III, far left, who faces multiple charges related to the human trafficking of a minor and harboring an escaped convict. Roy testified in place of SLED Special Agent Logan Fey, who could not be present. Talley was bound over for trial by Beaufort County Magistrate Nancy Sadler. Amber Hewitt/ The Island News

By Mike McCombs

The Island News

Annual Friends of Beaufort Library book sale kicks off Friday

It’s that time of year again. The Friends of the Beaufort Library 2024 Annual Book Sale is here.

The sale runs from Friday, Nov. 1 through Sunday, Nov. 3 and will be held at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park Pavilion, rain or shine. Throughout the weekend, hundreds of book lovers will make their way through the tables full of books looking for that book missing from their collection … or maybe just that book that piques their interest.

Funds raised at the book sale allow us The Friends of the Beaufort Library to support a variety of activities in the Beaufort libraries.

Lowdown

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oath of office in December?

The sale starts with early bird hours from 9 to 11 a.m. on Friday for Friends of the Beaufort Library members only. Membership can be purchased at the door or online for $25 per household, $15 per military household. The regular hours begin, from 11 a.m. through 8 p.m. on Friday. The sale opens at 9 a.m. Saturday and runs until 6 p.m. Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Do the majority of Beaufort city voters want a change in leadership or are they confident those holding office now are the best candidates to serve this growing municipality? Or will it be a combination of “old” and “new” with the rants on social media playing a heavy role in swaying voters, especially those who haven’t been watching the operations of city government closely and rely on “what they hear?”

And what about the fate of the penny Transportation Sales Tax referendum designed to last 10 years or when $950 million is generated? The sales tax which would finance not just road improvement projects but more sidewalks and bike paths, more dirt roads paved, improved mass transportation, buried power lines. General opinion seems to be the tax referendum is not expected to pass especially since the county Republican Tea Party jumped in early with a “fool us once, shame on you. Fool us twice, shame on us” campaign.

(For the record, the 2018 sales tax referendum passed by 56 8 percent.)

Despite the efforts of the county engineering department’s efforts to provide a wealth of information

NEWS BRIEFS

Woods Memorial Bridge to close temporarily

November 2

The prices are affordable – $2 for hardbacks, $1 for paperbacks and $2 for audiobooks. Childrens books are two for $1. Rare finds and collectibles are priced as marked. For more information, visit friendsofthebeaufortlibrary. com.

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

Thirty-two ambassadors of the Beaufort County Youth Conference and their sponsors were recognized Monday night by the Beaufort County Council. The students from local senior and junior high schools participated in the 32nd annual conference earlier this month. Lolita Huckaby/For The Island News

about the proposed sales tax and reasons why the 2018 10-year or $950 million sales tax referendum didn’t cover projects as promised, the opposition has come on strong, primarily using social media and some print ads. Even the County Council members have reluctantly gotten on board the campaign by scheduling individual community meetings to provide information about the tax.

The municipal city councils, which stand to receive large portions of the tax revenues, have also reluctantly embraced the tax referendum, using the excuse state law prohibits elected officials from spending tax money on referendums.

Jasper County voters, on the other hand, have their own penny

The Woods Memorial Bridge will be closed to marine navigation, including tugs and tugs with tows, as well as vehicular traffic, on Saturday, Nov. 2 2024 from 7:15 to 9:45 a.m. The closure is planned for the Holy Trinity Classic Christian School Swing Bridge Run.

Bauer, Harriott named County Director of Engineering, Public Works Director, respectively Beaufort County Administrator Michael Moore has announced that Frederick "Bryan" Bauer has been named Director of Engineering and John "Bradley" Harriott has been named Director of Public Works.

Raised in Beaufort, Bauer attended Clemson University where he received a degree in Civil Engineering. Bauer resides in Burton with wife, Dana, and 2-year old son, Beau. He is a registered professional engineer in South Carolina and has been a County employee for 2½ years, first as Transportation Construction Manager, and then as Interim Director of Engineering.

Harriot is a native to Beaufort County and has spent most of his life in the Lowcountry. Before being appointed Public Works Direc-

sales tax for road improvements and land conservation to vote on. And word is, their referendum question looks like it will pass. Our neighbor will be considering a sales tax designed to raise $470 million over a 15-year period.

And while the fates of these two referendums look divided one week before the actual vote, some of road projects on both ballots address joint problem areas – the intersection of U.S. 278, S.C. 170 and Argent Boulevard (referred to as “the Triangle”) and S.C. 46 Jasper County may have the sales tax money to contribute to the improvement projects, Beaufort County’s gonna have to rely on state and federal funds to help deal with those bottlenecks.

Who knows what the voters

tor, Harriott began his career with Beaufort County in the Stormwater Department as a foreman, then was promoted to Assistant Public Works Director-Operations.

Public Test of Ballot

Tabulating Machines

A public test of the Central Count Scanners (Ballot Tabulating Machines) for the Nov. 5, 2024, statewide General Election will begin on Friday, Nov. 1 2024 at 3 p.m. at the Board of Voter Registration and Elections of Beaufort County office, located at 15 John Galt Road, Beaufort, S.C. 29906

For more information, call 843-255-6900

County receives Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting

Beaufort County has received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for FY 2023

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to Beaufort County for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023

The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the

will decide, at least not until next week.

Bluff boats update BEAUFORT – While some folks are still cleaning up debris from Helene five weeks ago, city officials are keeping an eye on the boats that were blown from their moorings in the Beaufort River onto the Bay Street bluff. Nine boats were pushed beyond the high tide mark into the marsh and as of this week, five remain. Four were able to get pulled off in last week’s king high tides but officials have collect boat owner information on the remaining vessels. Next step will be to contact the owners to find out their plans for removal. There’s also the state Department of Natural Resources

program, which includes demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report.

Lady’s Island Garden Club hosting Bake Sale

Lady’s Island Garden Club will host its Fall Fundraiser Bake Sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 9, at Grayco Hardware on Sea Island Parkway on Lady’s Island.

The group will be offering homemade cakes, cookies, pies, breads, candies and snack mixes, as well as gluten-free selections, doggie biscuits, and flower arrangements. Many items will be appropriately wrapped for gift giving.

The Lady’s Island Garden Club is a 501(c) (3) organization.

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

removal procedure but everyone’s hoping it gets resolved before that action must occur.

Lastly, but not about voting BEAUFORT – The “fire” on Bay Street last Wednesday, which caused the closure of Bay Street for an hour, was, luckily, not a fire at all. It was the smell of “something burning” from a vent in the “Mr.” retail store, former site of Harvey’s Barber Shop. The Harvey boys left Bay Street in 2020, after 86 years in that location, but they’re still cutting hair on Lady’s Island. And speaking of long-time businesses, an adios to John and Jeni Feeser who transferred the ownership of Lowcountry Bikes to new folks last week.

The business has serviced the cycling needs of Lowcountry riders for 37 years, first on Port Republic Street as a neighbor to the also-gone Emily’s restaurant, and then on Lady’s Island. Thirty-seven years, no easy feat these days. But they did it, with the help of their friends, and now they can enjoy retirement.

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.

City Road: 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, 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

A construction reminder

IPW Construction Group will continue to perform shoulder closures and temporary lane closures the entire length of Laurel Bay Road in Beaufort. Closures will take place between the hours of 6 a.m. and 8 p.m., Monday to Saturday, until the end of the year. During this time, please prepare for and expect minor delays in traffic. Drivers traveling through the area are asked to please be mindful of our traffic control team and the crews working within the area. In addition, the ramp coming off U.S. 21 onto Laurel Bay Road is permanently closed.

– Staff reports

Then 3-year-old Lillian Veronecherard seems to show an interest in John MacDonald’s mystery novel “A Tan and Sandy Silence” during the annual Friends of Beaufort County Library Book Sale on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Bob Sofaly/File

Beaufort man admits to rape, unrelated killing

Staff reports

A Beaufort man standing trial for the rape of an acquaintance’s girlfriend in her Paris Island Gateway home relented shortly after the victim testified Tuesday.

Erick Malik Darien, 28, not only pleaded to the 2022 sexual assault and three other related offenses in Beaufort County, but also to a 2016 homicide in Jasper County. Darien entered an “Alford plea,” in which a defendant maintains their innocence but admits that the prosecution's evidence would likely result in a guilty verdict if brought to trial. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

“The victim in this sexual assault case endured hours of physical and psychological agony,” said Trasi Campbell of the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, who prosecuted both cases. “Fortunately, she kept her wits, and her actions were pivotal to Eric Darien’s arrest and conviction. In the end, it also brought closure for another victim, in another crime.

“This was a whirlwind day, but I hope these pleas bring comfort

and healing to all of the defendant’s victims.”

Darien

Darien pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal sexual conduct, kidnapping, possession of a weapon during commission of a violent crime and possession of a machine gun in connection to the sexual assault in June 2022. He also pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the 2018 shooting death of Davonte Freeman in downtown Ridgeland. He received 20 years each for the sexual assault, kidnapping and voluntary manslaughter charges. He received 10 years for possession of a machine gun and five for possession during a violent crime.

The sentences are to be served concurrently.

In June 2022, Darien traveled with the victim and her boyfriend to Jacksonville, Fla. A dispute broke out between them, and the victim’s boyfriend ordered her to drive Darien back to the Beaufort area in her car. During the trip,

Darien, who was armed with a Glock handgun, made numerous lewd and threatening statements to the woman. He told her he had already killed someone and would kill her, too, before taking the woman’s phone.

Arriving in Beaufort, Darien asked to be taken to Lady’s Island. The woman refused, fearing Darien planned to take her to an unfamiliar place and harm her. She agreed instead to let him wait at her home while he called a friend for a ride. However, once inside, Darien sexually assaulted her.

Afterward, Darien ordered the woman to take a shower. She went to the bathroom but only pretended to wash herself. When Darien fell asleep, the woman considered running away but was fearful she would awaken her captor and that he would kill her.

However, she retrieved her phone from Darien’s pants and texted her mother, landlord and boyfriend to tell them she had been raped and needed help.

The woman’s mother alerted authorities and at her daughter’s

urging, warned them Darien was armed. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office arrived to find Darien still asleep. The handgun, which was modified so that it would fire automatically, was at his side.

“This survivor is remarkable,” said 14th Circuit Solicitor Duffie Stone. “She not only prevented the escalation of violence, she took steps to preserve evidence that led to her attacker’s conviction.”

Initially, Darien denied having intercourse with the woman but changed his story after a forensic nurse examiner at the Medical University of South Carolina recovered his semen from the woman’s body and the Beaufort County Sheriff’ Office forensics lab confirmed that it matched Darien’s DNA.

Darien then admitted to investigators he had sex with her but said it was consensual, a claim undermined by the victim’s text messages. Data extracted from the woman’s phone also corroborated details she provided to investigators regarding her whereabouts in the hours preceding the attack.

Campbell called nine witnesses

during two days of testimony at the Beaufort County Courthouse. Darien decided to change his plea after the victim left the stand and just before the lead investigator on the case was to testify.

He also decided to plead guilty to voluntary manslaughter in Freeman’s 2016 death. Darien and co-defendant Aneisha Young ambushed Freeman and a companion on Adams Street in Ridgeland. Freeman was shot in the back of the head with a .22-caliber pistol. In 2018, a Jasper County jury found Young guilty of murder, attempted murder and possession of a weapon during commission of a violent crime. She received a 40-year sentence.

Circuit Court Judge Brian M. Gibbons handed down Tuesday’s sentences against Darien.

Darien’s criminal history includes convictions for forgery and public disorderly conduct.

Campbell is a member of the Solicitor’s Office Career Criminal Unit, which prosecutes the circuit’s most violent and habitual offenders.

United Way’s Women United names Cooley 2024 Woman of the Year

Staff reports

United Way of the Lowcountry’s Women United named Maureen Cooley its 2024 Woman of the Year during its Fall Luncheon held Tuesday, Oct. 22, at The Culinary Institute of the South in Bluffton. The award recognizes women in the Lowcountry who have made significant contributions to their communities through volunteerism and serve as role models for others. Cooley was selected from a group of four finalists, also including Feneshiae Greene, founder of Heart of God Outreach Ministry; Meredith Keene, owner of Meredith A Keene CPA LLC; and Tameka Walker, a holistic doula and founder of Energy Evolution. The Women United Woman of the Year Award, established in 2014, celebrates philanthropic-minded women who invest their time, energy, and passion into making the Lowcountry a better place to live.

drives. These efforts result in hundreds of carloads of care packages and gift bags containing food, clothing, toys, baby supplies, and personal items for organizations such as Hopeful Horizons, St. Francis Center, the Keyserling Cancer Institute, the Salvation Army and the Beaufort County Animal Shelter.

“Maureen exemplifies everything that Women United and this award represent. Through her tireless dedication to helping those in need,

she has touched countless lives and created lasting change in our community,” last year’s Woman of the Year recipient Claudia Aller said in a news release. “She is a true advocate for the most vulnerable among us, organizing care drives and de-

Burton Fire extinguishes car fire

livering essential items like food, clothing, toys and baby supplies to local nonprofits. Maureen is an inspiration to us all.”

Described as a formidable community champion, Cooley advocates for those in need by organizing donation

In addition to honoring Cooley, Women United celebrated the largest class of Women United Scholarship Fund Award recipients to date. These six extraordinary women are pursuing their educational goals with the support of the Women United Scholarship Fund:

• Geobana Alvarez – Accounting, Technical College of the Lowcountry

• Alyssa Robert – Elementary Education, University of South Carolina Beaufort

• Kayla Townsend – El-

ementary Education, University of South Carolina Beaufort Paul Madrid – Nursing, Technical College of the Lowcountry Tymeca Sawyer – Nursing, Technical College of the Lowcountry Angela Thomas – Business Administration/ Management, Technical College of the Lowcountry Since its establishment in 2020, the Women United Scholarship Fund has empowered non-traditional female students in Beaufort and Jasper Counties to achieve their academic dreams and advance in their careers. To qualify, scholarship recipients must maintain a minimum GPA of 3 0 and demonstrate community involvement through volunteerism.

SLED hosting concealed weapons permit classes

Staff reports The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) now hosts a free Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) instructional program mandated by the legislature as part of the Constitutional Carry Bill H. 3594, which is now state law.

The statute requires two free CWP courses to be taught in each county of the state every month by SLED, a certified CWP Instructor, or local law enforcement in that county. SLED partnered with certified instructors and select law enforcement agencies across the state to provide these classes free of charge to the citizens of South Carolina.

Requirements You must have a South Carolina driver’s license or own real property in South Carolina to be eligible to take a course.

You must bring a handgun and 25 rounds of ammunition for the shooting portion of the class. You may make arrangements with the instructor ahead of time to rent a handgun to use during the course. You do not have to attend in the County you live in. You must be at least 18 years old to attend the course. This program does not replace or change existing classes currently being taught by instructors across the state; it is the same CWP program only free for the instructional part of the course.

To register Visit SLED’s website at www.sled.sc.gov/ cwp_courses. Select the County you wish to attend the course in and press

the “Find Class Date” button. Submit your request to be added to the class by entering the date of one of the classes available on the schedule. Seven days before the class, you will be emailed class details and instructor information confirming your attendance. Students will receive at least four hours of instruction on basic firearms safety, fundamentals, nomenclature, the law of self-defense, and laws related to carrying a firearm safely and legally in South Carolina. There is a 50-question, multiple-choice test and a 25-round qualification course of fire at the end of the course which must be passed with a 70% score or better to pass the course. Students with questions can email cwptraining@ sled.sc.gov.

The 2024 Women United Woman of the Year Maureen Cooley (in pink) is surrounded by award finalists, from left, Feneshiae Greene, Meredith Keene and Tameka Walker. Photo courtesy of United Way of the Lowcountry

On Friday morning, Oct. 25, Burton Fire District firefighters extinguished a vehicle fire at the Shell Food Mart at the intersection of Trask Parkway and Clarendon Road. Photo courtesy of Burton Fire District

Staff reports Just after 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 25, Burton Fire District firefighters responded to a reported vehicle fire in Grays Hill at the Shell Food Mart on Trask Parkway at the intersection of Clarendon Road. Fire crews from the nearby Grays Hill fire station on Bruce K. Smalls Road arrived in minutes and

Burton man returned to prison

Previously convicted drug dealer pleads guilty to drug charges, sentenced to 22 years

Staff reports

A Burton man who previously served a 20-year prison sentence for trafficking cocaine is again in prison.

Nathaniel Alexander Mims, 53 of Roseida Road, pleaded guilty Thursday, Oct. 24, to trafficking crack; trafficking cocaine; trafficking methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute crack; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession of marijuana; possession

of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime; resisting arrest; possession of a firearm by a violent felon; and failure to stop for blue light. Mims was sentenced to 22 years in prison.

“It didn’t take long for this defendant to go back to his old ways after being behind bars for nearly two decades,” said Monica

Main of the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, who prosecuted the case. “We can’t have this sort of behavior on our streets, poisoning our community. We will be safer with this defendant once again incarcerated.” On Jan. 14 2023, Mims was spotted by Beaufort County Sheriff’s deputies driving 62 mph in a 35-mph zone along Pine Grove and Joe Frazier roads. Deputies reported that Mims shut off his lights and sped away, eventually

Union troops returning to downtown Beaufort

The Beaufort History Museum

The Beaufort History Museum will present its popular annual Living History Encampment from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 2 in the Arsenal courtyard on Craven Street. Craven Street will be closed to traffic for the duration of the encampment.

Union troops that occupied Beaufort during the Civil War after the Battle of Port Royal Sound (Nov. 7, 1861) will be brought to life by reenactors arriving from several states.

The Beaufort History Museum will host the encampment of the 79th New York Highlander Regiment in a reenactment of events that forever changed Beaufort in 1861 The reenactors will encamp in The Arsenal Courtyard (713 Craven Street) and present live presentations of Civil War-era camp life, educational discussions, drills, marching, bugle calls, and interactive activities for the entire family. Included in the presentations are discussions and live demonstrations of the importance of music and bugle calls during the War, the variety and use of weapons including cannon, how medical support was deployed in the field, the role of women, camp dining and cooking and other relevant topics.

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SAT. NOV 2

Attendees will be able to interact with the soldiers to learn firsthand how life was lived in Beaufort during the Civil War years.

Admission is free to the Encampment in the Arsenal courtyard, and donations to support the Museum are much appreciated.

Melinda Henrickson (Democrat).

14th Circuit Solicitor: Isaac M. “Duffie” Stone, III (Republican –incumbent).

Beaufort County polling places are listed at https://bit.ly/3NIlH5Y.

Local races Races on the ballot in northern Beaufort County, including races for those candidates running unopposed, include: Mayor of Beaufort: Phil Cromer (incumbent), Josh Scallate. Beaufort City Council: Julie Crenshaw, Josh Gibson, Neil Lipsitz, Mitch Mitchell.

S.C. District 1, U.S. House of Representatives: Nancy Mace (Republican – incumbent), Michael B. Moore (Democrat).

District 43, S.C. Senate: Chip Campsen (Republican -- incumbent, Julie Hussey (Democrat).

District 45, S.C. Senate: Margie Bright Matthews (Democrat –incumbent).

District 46, S.C. Senate: Tom Davis (Republican – incumbent), Gwyneth J. Saunders (Democrat).

District 121, S.C. House of Representatives: Michael F. Rivers Sr. (Democrat – incumbent), Shelley Gay Yuhas (Republican).

District 122, S.C. House of Representatives: Bill Hager (Republican – incumbent), Audrey Hopkins Williams (Democrat).

District 124, S.C. House of Representatives: Shannon Erickson (Republican – incumbent),

Beaufort County Clerk of Court: Jerri Roseneau (incumbent)

Beaufort County Coroner: Deborah Ann Youmans (Republican)

District 1, Beaufort County Council: Adam Biery (Republican), Gerald Dawson (Democrat – incumbent), Jevona Armstrong (write-in)

District 3, Beaufort County Council: York Glover (Democrat –incumbent).

Soil and Water District Commission: Dense M. Parsick.

District 1, Beaufort County Board of Education: Isaac Gordon III; Tradd Corinthian Williams.

Beaufort County Special Sales and Use Tax

Also on the ballot is the Beaufort County 2024 Transportation Sales &Use Tax Referendum.

The tax will be voted on in two questions. The first question is the tax itself, which is a 1% sales tax levied on most retail purchases for 10 years or until $950 million is raised, whichever comes first.

Of the money raised, 95% or $900 million will go toward transportation projects; 5% or $50 million to land and water protection purposes.

The seconds seeks the approval to bond $515 million of the funds to potentially complete some proj-

running off the side of Joe Frazier Road into a tree.

Deputies captured Mims but only after he resisted arrest and refused to be handcuffed. Inside the vehicle Mims was driving, officers found ammunition, more than 100 methamphetamine pills, 11 grams of crack, 18 grams of cocaine and gun magazines.

Mims’ criminal history includes convictions for receiving stolen goods (1989); petit larceny, shoplifting, assault and battery, disor-

derly conduct (1990); two counts of possession with intent to distribute crack (1994); three counts of resisting arrest (1997); trafficking cocaine and simple possession of marijuana (2002); driving without a license and driving an uninsured motor vehicle (2021).

Circuit Court Judge Brian M. Gibbons handed down Thursday’s sentence. Main primarily prosecutes cases in Beaufort County. She has been with the Solicitor’s Office since 2023

Candidates Night

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handled was a “disaster.”

There was little personal presentation, and no way to know who was in charge or who could answer questions. Nobody wore anything to identify who was who. They provided blue stickers to “put on the design you like the best.”

“There are lot of alternatives, but ultimately it’s still really difficult,”

ects sooner.

Here’s how the questions will read on the ballot:

Question 1

I approve a special sales and use tax in the amount of one percent (1%) to be imposed in Beaufort County for not more than ten (10) years, or until a total of $950,000,000 in resulting revenue has been collected, whichever occurs first, to fund the following projects:

Project (1) For financing the costs of highways, roads, streets, bridges, and other transportation-related projects facilities related thereto including, but not limited to, drainage facilities relating to the highways, roads, streets, bridges, and other transportation-related projects; and mass transit systems operated by Beaufort County or jointly operated by the County and other governmental entities

$900 000 000

Project (2) For financing the costs of greenbelt initiatives

$50,000,000

Instructions to Voters: All qualified electors desiring to vote in favor of levying the special sales and use tax shall vote “YES” and All qualified electors opposed to levying the special sales and use tax shall vote “NO.”

_____ Yes, In favor of the question

_____ No, Opposed to the question

Question 2

I approve the issuance of not exceeding $515 000 000 of general

said Robert and Elizabeth Smith of Port Royal, … “especially Bay to Boundary [streets] is really hard to fix and keep residential.”

Stacey Shoemaker said, “The fact they started with Reimagine Ribaut and changed the name without bringing it to the community tells [me] that they will change it to whatever they want because they don’t give two craps about the people it’s affecting.”

According to the County, the Ribaut Road Master Plan aims to enhance the 5 5-mile corridor from

obligation bonds of Beaufort County, maturing over a period not to exceed ten (10) years and payable from the special sales and use tax described in Question 1 above, to fund completion of projects from among the categories described in Question 1 above.

Instructions to Voters: All qualified electors desiring to vote in favor of levying the special sales and use tax shall vote “YES” and All qualified electors opposed to levying the special sales and use tax shall vote “NO.”

_____ Yes, In favor of the question

_____ No, Opposed to the question

Sample ballots

To view your sample ballot, go to scvotes.gov.

Ballot question

According to SCDailyGazette. com, there is one constitutional question on the ballot. The ballot measure asks if the state constitution’s guaranteed right to vote should change from “every” to “only a” citizen who’s at least 18 and properly registered. In South Carolina, only the Legislature can put a question on general election ballots.

Supporters of the change say it will prevent any future court ruling allowing non-citizens to vote in local elections in South Carolina. They acknowledge that no local governments in the state have tried to let noncitizens vote or even asked for the ability, but they contend the amendment will

Boundary Street to the Russell Bell Bridge. By working together, the County says, citizens and stakeholders can help shape the future of this vital corridor and create a better community for everyone. There are expected to be more events where citizens can give their input. Citizens who have questions or persons requiring additional assistance due to language barriers can contact the Beaufort County Engineering Department at 843-255-2700

make sure they do not in future. Democrats called it completely unnecessary, though most voted for it anyway.

The question as it will appear on the ballot:

Must Section 4, Article II of the Constitution of this State, relating to voter qualifications, be amended so as to provide that only a citizen of the United States and of this State of the age of eighteen and upwards who is properly registered is entitled to vote as provided by law?

This Measure Would

A "yes" vote supports changing the state constitutional voter qualification from “every” to “only a” citizen

A "no" vote would oppose any changes to the state constitutional voter qualifications

Problems or concerns

Any issues or complaints should be brought to the attention of the poll manager, but if the issue does not get resolved, voters can contact the Beaufort County elections office as soon as possible.

The phone number is 843-2556900 and the address to visit is 15 John Galt Road.

Election fraud allegations can be reported to the State Law Enforcement (SLED) hotline at 843-4SCVOTE or by emailing any supporting documents and complaints to 4SCVote@sled.sc.gov.

For more information about precincts go to beaufortcountysc.gov or scVOTES.gov.

Mims

With a full room of residents, City of Beaufort Mayor Phil Cromer, left, and mayoral candidate Josh Scallate, right, respond to audience questions during the City Council Candidates Night hosted by the Northwest Quadrant Neighborhood Association at the Charles Lind Brown Center on Thursday Oct. 24, 2024. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Editor’s Note:

PHIL CROMER

What is the issue facing the city of Beaufort that is closest to your heart and how would you address it?

The issue facing the city that is closest to my heart would be addressing the rapid growth and development in our area that brings challenges related to planning, infrastructure, and preserving our historic character, charm, natural environment, and quality of life. Most of this growth is occurring along the Highway 170 corridor where many existing development agreements have been in place. To address this growth, we need to revisit and update our development code and Comprehensive Plan to prioritize smart growth strategies that support sustainable development, resilience, tree canopy, and natural spaces by encouraging development in areas with minimal environmental impact. In addition, infrastructure and public transportation options including bikeways and pathways need to be explored to alleviate traffic congestion. This will require public input and regional collaboration to achieve these goals. Balancing development while preserving what is special about Beaufort will ensure that our community remains authentic, vibrant, and resilient for future generations.

In addition, what are the three biggest issues facing the city that you hope to address in some way, if elected?

Infrastructure: The most immediate issue is the replacement/repair of the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. It is our “crown jewel” and vital to our community and economy. An engineering consultant is being engaged to study all options and the associated costs with each. Once an option is chosen, Federal and state funding will be sought. As a coastal city, Beaufort is vulnerable to flooding, particularly with sea level rise and frequent storms. Currently, the city is addressing flooding issues through stormwater projects in various stages of engineering with hopes of construction beginning in the new year on Bayard, Charles/Craven, Port Republic/Carteret, and King Streets. Other future projects include Battery Shores, Duke Street, Calhoun Street and Pigeon Point. The city is committed to addressing these infrastructure challenges through engagement with effected residents.

Affordable housing: In my opinion, the most challenging issue and one that impacts our entire region. Like many growing areas, Beaufort faces challenges providing affordable housing options for residents, particularly as property values continue to increase. The city is a partner with the Beaufort/Jasper Housing Trust to help address the issue in our region. We are also partnering to set up a neighborhood revitalization program aimed at assisting financially challenged residents with necessary home repairs so they can remain in their homes. Economic development: Another priority issue to be addressed. Supporting local businesses, diversifying our economy, and attracting compatible industry that benefits our residents is the goal. Beaufort is heavily dependent on the military and tourism, so diversifying our economy is crucial for long term economic stability and job creation. The city has taken the step to invest in innovation and technology through the Beaufort Digital Corridor and South Coast Cyber Center and have partnered with TCL and USCB in this effort. The city also partners with the Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation in bringing compatible industry to our Commerce Park.

Why should voters ultimately choose you on Tuesday, November 5? I would encourage voters to look at my record and how I have voted on issues. I believe you will see that I consistently put the interests of Beaufort first. One of my core concerns is balancing the rapid growth in our area with preserving what is special about our community, our character, charm, natural environment, and quality of life. As our city continues to grow and evolve, it is crucial we manage this growth responsibly. There are several issues facing our city requiring full attention, and I have the time and willingness to devote to the office of mayor. Fiscal responsibility and public engagement are also priorities that I hold dear, and I will be committed to transparency and inclusiveness. I have always strived to provide focused, thoughtful, and trustworthy leadership and look forward to moving Beaufort forward together.

JOSH SCALLATE

What is the issue facing the City of Beaufort that is closest to your heart and how would you address it? The issue nearest to my heart is creating a resilient, sustainable community that allows young families to not only afford to live in Beaufort but also thrive in a close-knit environment. I envision a safe place where neighbors support one another and foster a sense of civility and connection.

In addition, what are the three biggest issues facing the City that you hope to address in some way if elected?

Waterfront Park: A study from 2016 and another from 2019 revealed very similar concerns as the one we most recently received in June of 2024. My concern is that this was not a priority years ago and should have been. Some on council claimed to be "shocked" by the recent report. It concerns me that surprise is the reaction after reading similar reports for the past 8 years. My hopes are that moving forward we can be better prepared than this, and as Mayor I will ensure we are. Conversations with OCRM and Army Corps of Engineers have begun and we hope that Federal and State funding will be accessible to help us meet our needs.

Responsible growth: A quick review of both our Development Code and our Comprehensive Plan will reveal that the 2 are not aligned. Our

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code is confusing and leads to an unpredictable process. Adjustments to promote minimum requirements for tree canopy coverage, greenspace and pathways inside each development opposed to the current exemptions for the like would prove beneficial in building a city we can be proud of. This would help foster a multi-model transportation community which has been identified as a common priority for our residents. In addition a clear understanding regarding our utility capacity is important to our environmental resiliency. As you Mayor this will be a priority for me! Resiliency: It’s a priority for me to develop a maintenance plan for our infrastructure that enhances our resilience. This plan would extend the lifespan of our roadways, stormwater systems, and more, ensuring their efficient use. By doing this, we can better understand our development limitations, promoting responsible growth in our community.

Why should voters ultimately choose you on Tuesday, Nov. 5? As a native of Beaufort, I have a unique perspective shaped by my experiences as a first responder, Realtor, and a parent raising a young family here. I deeply understand the intersection of leadership, development, and the preservation of the sense of place that I have cherished throughout my life in Beaufort. Unfortunately, irresponsible actions of the past have contributed to a struggling economy that is increasingly unaffordable for working-class families. Additionally, our resources have been stretched thin. I am committed to working tirelessly to correct our course and create a community where families can thrive for generations to come.

BEAUFORT CITY COUNCIL

JULIE CRENSHAW

What is the issue facing the City of Beaufort that is closest to your heart and how would you address it?

The issue closest to my heart is managing Beaufort’s growth while preserving the character and charm that make our community unique. Having worked as a realtor, I’ve seen firsthand how rapid development can impact neighborhoods, infrastructure, and the overall feel of our town. Growth is inevitable, but it must be managed carefully so that it enhances our quality of life rather than detracts from it. If elected, I will focus on ensuring that growth is balanced with preservation. This means updating our zoning laws and working with developers to create sustainable projects that respect the history and landscape of Beaufort. I will advocate for smart growth that prioritizes the needs of our residents and ensures that our infrastructure and services keeps pace with development. Community input will be essential to my decision-making, as I believe the people of Beaufort should have a say in how our city evolves. Together, we can grow responsibly and protect the heritage that makes Beaufort a wonderful place to live.

In addition, what are the three biggest issues facing the City of Beaufort that you hope to address in some way if elected?

Infrastructure: The Waterfront Park is vital to our community and to tourism, the city's primary economic driver. Repairing and maintaining the park has to be a top priority. Our infrastructure throughout the city must be inspected, maintained, and repaired on an ongoing basis.

Stewardship of taxpayer money: It's crucial that our local government spends taxpayer money responsibly. I will push for more transparency in the budgeting process and work to eliminate unnecessary spending, ensuring that public funds are used for essential services and infrastructure.

Public safety: As our community grows, so does the need for effective public safety measures. I will support our local law enforcement and first responders by advocating for resources that enhance their ability to keep Beaufort safe.

Why should voters ultimately choose you on Tuesday, Nov. 5?

Voters should choose me because I offer a fresh perspective and a genuine commitment to the future of Beaufort. I’m running for City Council because I believe that we can manage growth responsibly, preserve our city’s unique character, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely. My experience has given me a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities that come with development, while my time as a community volunteer has kept me connected to the everyday concerns of Beaufort’s residents.

I’m not a career politician; I’m a neighbor who wants to see our community thrive. I will listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to find practical solutions that benefit all residents. My approach is rooted in transparency, collaboration, and a deep love for Beaufort. If you’re looking for someone who will bring new energy, a clear vision, and a commitment to preserving what makes Beaufort special, I’m asking for your vote on Nov. 5. Together, we can build a stronger, brighter future for our city.

JOSH GIBSON

What is the issue facing the City of Beaufort that is closest to your heart and how would you address it?

The issue closest to my heart is getting a handle on growth in front of us, before we turn into Bluffton or Mt. Pleasant. Just 20 to 30 years ago, both those were charming historical cities with reasonably affordable housing and a beautiful Lowcounty lifestyle. Now they’re both basically a low-speed parking lot for commuters passing through. We can’t let that happen to Beaufort. There are already 2,431 apartment buildings permitted that haven’t even started construction inside the city. We can put a short term pause on new apartment permits while we figure out what we can do to to rewrite a code that better paces development with the city’s ability to keep up. We’re at a tipping point and the current members of city council have been too slow to react, de-

spite the warning signs.

Aside from the previously discussed issue, what are the three biggest issues facing the City that you hope to address in some way if elected?

Cost of living/taxes: The cost of being a Beaufortonian is exploding. There are several reasons that this happening. The one most important thing the city actually has control over are taxes. The city’s portion as has been increasing at 2-3 times the rate of inflation, which by itself is already too high. The one cost the city could do something about is your property taxes, but the incumbents continue to deny that they’re responsible for the budgets they vote for.

Wisdom: We’ve got to do a better job of connecting the wisdom of the voters to the policy of our government. The best example of a failure here is the pump station project on The Point, that the people of the neighborhood never asked for and never wanted. The city was literally picking out windows and paint colors for the pump station before they bothered to ask the citizens if they wanted it. They were ready to write a check for $10 million dollars just for the sake of spending the money, regardless of need. That needs to get fixed.

Neighborhood outreach: The city needs to do a better job of treating all of the different neighborhoods equally and reaching out to communicate with the ones who aren’t getting the attention the deserve.. Some of the smaller, wealthier neighborhoods have a bigger voice at the table because of their active neighborhood associations. I love those groups and their engagement, but not everyone has the time to organize and set up these meetings, because they’re just too busy trying to make a living and keep their heads above water. The city needs to start creating outreach meetings within those underserved neighborhoods to get those conversations going. It would make the city leadership more effective in representing them and more able to address the needs of those neighborhoods before they get to the point where there is a crisis.

Why should voters ultimately choose you on Tuesday, Nov. 5?

I think the voters should vote for me, because I will always put what’s better for Beaufort ahead of what’s better for me. That will always be my priority. I’m not running for City Council because I need to pad my resume or seek the approval of others. I’m running because I feel an obligation to make sure that we don’t lose the city we love. The city that made me who I am. The city that we will never be able to replace if we lose it, and the city that I owe not just to my own children, but the entire next generation of Beaufortonains. That’s what will drive every decision I make if I am elected.

NEIL LIPSITZ

What is the issue facing the City of Beaufort that is closest to your heart and how would you address it?

Henry Chambers Waterfront Park is the jewel of our historic Downtown, and its protection and maintenance are a top priority. The news of its structural problems came as a shock, but we must face the problem, get an expert assessment, and proceed with a resolution to the problem . Using my experience and relationships I have built as a Council member, I will pursue state and federal assistance with the cost.

In addition, what are the three biggest issues facing the City that you hope to address in some way if elected?

Safe Harbour lease: It’s clear now that the Safe Harbor lease was mishandled years ago, but finger-pointing solves nothing. The City and Safe Harbor should begin good-faith negotiations for a new lease agreement that respects the City’s interests while giving our community a chance to tell us what they want in a marina. I will not accept anything less.

Pigeon Point Dock: We are evaluating options to replace the damaged Pigeon Point Dock, which is currently closed for a year to boaters and pedestrians. It is an important community amenity.

Smart growth: We must manage Beaufort’s growth to keep our community livable. We cannot prevent people from moving here, or revoke previous approvals for development, but we can and should carefully manage new construction, reduce bureaucracy to supply more affordable housing ( while also working with the Beaufort Housing Trust)require adequate streets and parking, and think more creatively about traffic management. Narrowing busy arteries like Ribaut Road would be a step backward.

Why should voters ultimately choose you on Tuesday, Nov. 5? I listen to people. I’m not afraid to say “HELL NO” to protect our city. I have a proven track record. I am asking to be rehired for a second term based on my accomplishments: I’ve worked to improve healthcare access; led the effort to develop Southside Park; and defended neighborhoods. I have risen to leadership positions in our local civic groups and in state municipal associations, sharpening my awareness of issues and solutions. There is so much more I want to do for my hometown: We must protect our salt marshes, forge stronger collaborations with with TCL and USCB; and position Beaufort as a center for cyber technology, Marine Science and attract good jobs, to keep our young people here and keep our economy strong. Beaufort is my heart, my home.

What is the issue facing the City of Beaufort that is closest to your heart and how would you address it?

The most critical concern facing our city today is the preservation of Chambers Waterfront Park. The timeline for response to the city’s RFQ has expired and our city manager and staff are reviewing the proposals. I anticipate staff’s update to council at our Nov. 12 meeting. In the mean-

time, our local, state, and national elected representatives are aware of this concern and are ready to render assistance in every way necessary.

In addition, what are the three biggest issues facing the City that you hope to address in some way if elected?

Other Immediate Priorities include the completion of our storm water projects and establishing a plan/agreement for the Management and main-

per pound due to unfair competition from foreign markets dumping shrimp here. This bill addresses these problems head-on, targeting illegal fishing, forced labor, dumping, and predatory pricing. We are committed to protecting our Lowcountry fishing industry, not only for the commerce, but for the culture. Shrimping is vital to Beaufort County’s identity. Conservation is also extremely important, as our district is particularly vulnerable to natural disasters as well as the massive growth we’ve seen in recent years. This is why I recently introduced legislation to redirect FEMA funding from undocumented immigrants to support hurricane victims. I have sponsored and cosponsored a long list of legislation designed to protect local businesses by preserving the Lowcountry’s coastlines and natural beauty.

In addition, what are the three biggest issues facing your district or the State of S.C. that you hope to address in some way if elected? Safeguarding women's rights, inflation, border security, crime, mass violence and reducing taxes continue to be the key issues Lowcountry voters care the most about.

We have a portfolio of legislation on all of these issues, including our most recent bill passing the House: our bipartisan Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act which was supported by over 50 democrats. As a survivor of domestic violence and abuse, and a rape survivor, women’s issues are not political; they’re personal. I’m the most vocal Republican in Congress for women. The reason South Carolina has exceptions for rape and incest is because I shared my story of being raped as a teenager. Know you have a friend and advocate in me. I have never voted to raise state or federal taxes, and have a plan to balance the federal budget. Additionally, I know Parris Island is the beating heart of the Lowcountry, and I am committed to keeping it here. I sponsored the Parris Island Protection Act for this very reason. We need to prioritize our brave men and women in uniform

MITCH MITCHELL

These accomplishments reflect my commitment to keeping my promises to the Lowcountry. I promise to always tell the truth to Lowcountry voters, as your trust is important to me – even if we don’t always see eye to eye. Visit Nancymace. org/Beaufort to learn more.

MICHAEL B. MOORE DEMOCRAT

What is the issue facing S.C.’s 1st Congressional District that is closest to your heart and how would you address it?

Protecting women’s reproductive freedom and keeping the government out of the doctor’s office. The fallout from the Dobbs decision has been catastrophic for women in our district. Once elected to Congress, I will do what my opponent refuses to do: vote to codify Roe v. Wade. Nancy Mace voted against the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would have done so. She also voted against the Violence Against Women Act and doesn’t support the Equal Rights Amendment, which would guarantee women equal pay for equal work. With my endorsement from the Planned Parenthood Action Fund, my campaign’s Equal Rights Amendment Certification from the ERA Coalition, and the enthusiastic support of women throughout the Lowcountry, I believe I am the only truly “pro-woman” candidate on the ballot this year in the first Congressional district.

In addition, what are the three biggest issues facing your district that you hope to address in some way if elected?

Climate: First, I will work to combat the climate crisis while bringing innovation, opportunity and green jobs to S.C. We’ve seen the stark reality of extreme weather in recent weeks with Hurricanes Helene and Milton. With our changing climate, extreme weather only becomes more volatile, and our counties are at the forefront of this crisis. Right here in the Lowcountry, Beaufort County and Colleton County are the first and fourth most climate-threatened counties in the U.S. Our leaders need to address this by working across the aisle on legislation that strengthens our economy and our climate resilience.

Gun violence: Second, we need to implement commonsense gun policies to protect our communities. I wholeheartedly believe in the 2nd amendment, and recognize the need for us to do more for our communities on gun violence. The leading cause of death for children in America is gun violence, and the Lowcountry saw firsthand the horrors of lax gun policy following the Mother Emanuel massacre. Since then, over 20 states have moved to close the “Charleston Loophole”, while Nancy Mace voted against it. The majority of Americans agree red flag laws, closing careless loopholes, and restricting high-capacity magazines can protect our communities without infringing on our 2nd Amendment rights.

Health care: Third, I believe access to quality, affordable healthcare and keeping social security intact are critical to support families and seniors. Voters here should always be able to trust that their elected officials will protect access to Medicaid and lower their costs for prescription drugs. Similarly, people across the Lowcountry deserve to know that they will receive a return on their investment with social security, which many have paid into since their first paycheck as a teenager.

Why should voters ultimately choose you on Tuesday, Nov. 5?

Nancy Mace refuses to debate me because she doesn’t want to be held accountable for nearly 4 years of doing nothing for the Lowcountry. I’ll enter Congress with the deep reverence for this office that it deserves. I’m looking forward to returning the Lowcountry to a common-sense district whose leader votes with their constituents and not their ideology.

DISTRICT 43, STATE SENATE

CHIP CAMPSEN REPUBLICAN

What is the issue facing your district or the State of S.C. that is closest to your heart and how would you address it?

South Carolina is among the fastest growing states in the nation, particularly along our coast where nuisance flooding and storm surge are acute. The most crucial issue facing District 43 is the need to preserve its quality of life and natural resources in the face of rapid development and increasing flood events.

To address these challenges, I created the South Carolina Conservation Bank that has protected 400,000 acres including Lemon Island, St. Helena Estuary and Gregorie Neck. Protected properties are valuable for conservation and absorb floodwater, mitigating damage.

I shepherded a bill through the Senate creating the Office of Resilience that has provided hundreds of millions of federal dollars for flood mitigation and land conservation.

Representative Shannon Erickson and I fought to protect Bay Point Island from development. When Russ Point Landing at Hunting Island was slated for permanent closure due to storm damage, we persuaded SCPRT to re-open the landing, make it more resilient, and secured $5M to do so. I authored sustainable harvest laws for coastal resources including blue crabs, redfish, flounder, trout and tarpon. I created the Southern Cobia Management Zone to protect the genetically distinct cobia that spawn in the Broad River each May.

In addition, what are the three biggest issues facing your district or the State of S.C. that you hope to address in some way if elected?

A: Pass my constitutional amendments that make the offices of Comptroller General and Treasurer appointed by the Governor rather than elected. As of the close of fiscal year 202324, these offices had not properly accounted for $5.3B of state dollars. Electing these ministerial positions is a vestige of the Ben Tillman-era 1895 Constitution designed to weaken the Office of Governor. It should be reversed. B: Craft an Electric Utility Energy Bill that al-

ELECTION 2024

locates costs of new generating capacity among classes of ratepayers in a fair and equitable manner. I serve on the Energy Bill Special Committee of senior senators, and as it currently stands, the bill is eerily reminiscent of the 2007 Base Load Review Act (BLRA) that left South Carolina ratepayers with $5.9B of debt to pay, and nothing to show for it. Read why I was the only Senator to vote against the BLRA at: https://bit.ly/4f19ZQ4.

C: Pass my South Carolina Waterways Protection Act and Beach Restoration and Improvement Trust Fund Act so as to establish dedicated funding sources for the removal of abandoned boats in our waterways, and renourishment of our beaches.

Why should voters ultimately choose you on Tuesday, Nov. 5? I am proud of the bipartisan bills I have passed dealing with election law, constitutional law, conservation, government restructuring and natural resources. My election law bill creating early voting and implementing ballot security measures passed the General Assembly unanimously. State chairmen of the Republican and Democratic parties both celebrated the bill at the Governor’s signing ceremony. That is probably a first in the entire nation! I am a member of the majority party with 20 years of service. I will be at least 10 th in seniority if reelected to the Senate. Seniority and majority party membership are key factors in committee assignments, chairmanships, influence and budget requests. District 43 benefits from that seniority. Without my seniority, it is unlikely I would have been able to secure over the last two fiscal years: (a) $2.3 M for renovation of the Penn Center; (b) $1 M for a Gullah-Geechee Performing Arts Center in Frogmore; or (c) persuade SCPRT to re-open Russ Point Landing at Hunting Island. I respectfully ask the citizens of District 43 to return me to the South Carolina Senate. It’s the most beautiful district in the nation, and I’m fighting hard to keep it that way!

What is the issue facing your district or the State of S.C. that is closest to your heart and how would you address it?

S.C. needs to address our state’s failing maternal health and infant mortality statistics. Rather than ignoring testimonies from mothers, doctors, and families across this state, we need to learn from their lives and experiences, especially black women who are 4.2 times more likely to die from pregnancy than white women. Many of the abortion numbers used to justify our state’s poorly written, 6-week abortion ban were not caused by “loose hussies” in need of state control but by pregnant people who were experiencing the consequences of these terrible maternal health and infant mortality rates. Unless voters send all of the women running across S.C. to the statehouse, a repeal of the state’s 6-week abortion ban is unlikely. Bills have already been filed to limit contraception and IVF. As long as male Republican legislators are inserting the state into our private healthcare decisions, doctors and pregnant people must have more straightforward guidelines for miscarriage management. We cannot be turning patients away when they need help the most. Similarly, when mental health is the leading cause of pregnancy-related death, it is simply cruel to keep mental and emotional needs from being considered as exceptions.

In addition, what are the three biggest issues facing your district or the State of S.C. that you hope to address in some way if elected?

Climate and cultural resiliency: Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton dramatically demonstrated the power of wind, water, and heat. As a state senator, I will do everything I can to support local and county resiliency plans and priorities, connect them with the state’s resiliency efforts, and continually look for ways to unlock state and federal funding. As home to so many resilient Gullah Geechee community members, District 43 can lead the way in sharing their lessons and protecting people across this state who are experiencing the loss of land and culture.

Invest in S.C.’s Future: Good things are happening to grow our state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, but more can be done. As a state senator, I will work to map our state’s start-up capital assets, mitigate risks such as rising insurance costs, and make the most of the resources brought to our state by its retirees and more mature companies. I also see interesting connections between this ecosystem and access to quality child care: not only are there business opportunities in childcare and brain development research, but early childhood is where humans evolve, practice risk-taking, and build grit.

Build connections: The division in our country is literally killing us. Not only are we missing the conversations necessary to find middle-ground solutions, we are seeing rising rates of loneliness, depression, and anger. While Columbia may be the place for voting on policies, the solutions to inform those decisions are abundant in this brilliant district. I will commit to spending time meeting constituents where you live and regularly connecting you with what is happening in Columbia. It is also time for S.C. to join 48 other states and Washington, DC in the passage of a state hate crimes bill.

Why should voters ultimately choose you on Tuesday, Nov. 5? In S.C., gerrymandering rewards continual incumbency. Under the leadership of this district’s incumbent, many districts have been drawn to be so unbalanced that partisan primaries determine the outcomes for all of us. As a result, legislators such as the “Sister Senators” who built a bipartisan coalition to speak up for more than half of this state’s population are punished by a small minority of citizens. Voters are frustrated and feel ignored. Any advantage in having a 25+ career politician in the room is severely diminished if that politician does not take the time to regularly visit constituents within the district, will not stand up against far-right partisan agendas, and expects endorsements from the municipal leaders who need a funding partner not a gatekeeper. This resource-rich, beautiful, and environmentally sensitive district deserves to be represented by a leader who cares about you as much as about its wildlife habitats, who is more interested in listening to rather than lecturing you, and who will work every day to forge alliances, open doors, and deliver state, federal, non-profit, and for-profit funding. It is time to send Julie Cofer Hussey to the S.C. Senate.

DISTRICT 46, STATE SENATE

TOM DAVIS REPUBLICAN

What is the issue facing your district or the State of S.C. that is closest to your heart and how would you address it?

Overdevelopment. In recent years have watched with increasing alarm as thousands of acres were clearcut to make way for new residences. I met with county officials in August 2022 and learned that, if development densities already approved came to fruition, the number of rooftops in the southern part of the county would double. That would overwhelm our already congested roads and destroy our area’s unique quality of life, so I resolved to do something about it. In January 2021 I wrote the “County Greenspace Act” to allow a county, with voter approval, to impose a penny sales tax to raise funds to purchase and permanently prevent land from being developed.

In May 2022, my bill was finally enacted into law, and later that November, Beaufort County voters approved a penny sales tax, for two years, to raise $100 million for greenspace purchases – with 35 percent coming from tourists. This program, now ongoing, has been a big success.

In addition, what are the three biggest issues facing your district or the State of S.C. that you hope to address in some way if elected?

Traffic: The deteriorating traffic situation in southern Beaufort County. Here I’ve worked with highway officials to design and fund plans to widen, redesign, signalize, and/or repave: a) U.S. 278 from I-95 to S.C. 170; b) S.C. 170, Argent Boulevard, and U.S. 278, a/k/a, the Triangle; c) the intersection of U.S. 278 and S.C. 170; and d) the intersection of S.C. 170 and . .462. Skyrocketing homeowner insurance premiums: Severe weather events, inflation, rising homebuilding costs, lower federal FEMA subsidies – each has contributed to the recent spike in home insurance premiums. And as a senior member of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, I have ideas on how to provide relief to homeowners.

Healthcare access and affordability: As chairman of the state senate’s Healthcare Markets Subcommittee, I’ve learned that the quality of and access to healthcare in South Carolina is negatively affected by 1) not having enough healthcare providers, 2) non-physician providers not being allowed to practice to their full scope of competency, 3) capital investment in healthcare being restricted by state law, and 4) underutilization of new healthcare technologies.

Why should voters ultimately choose you on Tuesday, Nov. 5?

Before I was elected to the state senate, the taxpayers of Beaufort County were paying tens of millions of dollars to the state treasury in Columbia but getting very little from the state in return. That’s changed. For example, in 2012, our county’s university, USCB, received only 38% of the statewide average per-pupil appropriation. However, as I gained in influence and sharpened my advocacy for my constituents, that percentage of the statewide average grew to 64%, then to 84%, and then finally to 100%, where it has been for the past four years. This same move from unfair to fair treatment in state appropriations has also taken place in other areas – the Technical College of the Lowcountry, preK-12, roads and bridges, hospitals and healthcare facilities, law enforcement – the list goes on and on. Beaufort County is now on par with sister counties like Charleston and Greenville – as it should be, given the taxes its people pay.

GWYNETH SAUNDERS DEMOCRAT

What is the issue facing your district or the State of S.C. that is closest to your heart and how would you address it?

There are numerous issues that impact this district and South Carolina, but the loss of women’s reproductive rights is one that is the most personal to me. It’s representative of the state legislature’s attitude toward women who are more than half the population of our state.

In the spring of 2023, my opponent spent weeks giving interviews to the press and leading constituents, concerned citizens like you and me, to believe he would vote against one of the most extreme abortion bans in the country. Ultimately, it was Republican Tom Davis who cast the deciding vote to end the debate and pass the ban that is now South Carolina law. Davis said, “At some point in time, the right of the state to see the unborn child born does take precedent over the woman’s right to her body.”

Voters deserve a Senator who they can trust to be honest about important issues, but more importantly, they deserve a Senator who trusts them to make their own decisions. I hope to earn the votes and the trust of the people, and work toward restoring reproductive rights in South Carolina.

In addition, what are the three biggest issues facing your district or the State of S.C. that you hope to address in some way if elected?

Environmental Preservation: According to climate scientists and analysts, Beaufort County, SC has the highest compounding climate risk in the country over the next 15 to 30 years. It means that our region is under threat from multiple dangers as a result of a changing climate, and we can’t afford to wait to act on climate change. Beaufort County, as well as neighboring Colleton and Jasper Counties, face “compounding calamities” of higher temperatures and humidity, rising sea levels, lower crop yields and greater economic impacts that when taken together, threaten our local ecosystem, economy, and our way of life. We need to work together with local, state and federal leaders to find meaningful solutions to this critical issue.

Public education: We need to invest in our future by investing in public education, and that starts by ensuring that your tax dollars stay in public schools and trusting teachers to teach. The unconstitutional school voucher program passed last year, and the widespread effort to ban books

in our state not only wastes taxpayer money, but it takes our attention away from real solutions. By investing fully in our public schools we can increase teacher pay, expand vocational programs to ensure our students are well prepared for the jobs of the future, and provide rigorous academic programs for college bound students. The educa-

we enhance access to vocational training in high schools, leading to jobs that start at $60,000 and beyond— enough to support a family and break the cycle of generational poverty. Moreover, opportunity flourishes when we invest in infrastructure to attract industries that offer well-paying jobs. In our district, “jobs” is a crucial four-letter word that can change lives.

In addition, what are the three biggest issues facing your district or the State of S.C. that you hope to address in some way if elected?

Economy: I will work toward reducing government waste and maximizing the potential of every tax dollar, therefore reducing taxes at every opportunity. My experience managing a small business equips me to review budgets, find waste, and maximize potential for our tax dollars. For all of us, I believe that poverty can be broken in one generation, and having that hope and working toward that goal is where we start. Safety: Crime in the rural areas of Beaufort is on the rise. While not the only reason, I believe this is a direct result of fewer recreational options, particularly in rural areas. St. Helena and Sheldon have been asking for better facilities for years, and I will help represent them at the state level and work with county government to secure funding for better rec centers, like those we see south of the Broad. I also support our Lowcountry law enforcement and want to increase their presence in these areas, while

JULIE HUSSEY DEMOCRAT

United Way, residents on St. Helena, residents in Sheldon, and a retired law enforcement investigator. We have a wealth of resources here in Beaufort, and I’ll work to bring people together to protect families, preserve land, waterways and our cultural heritage and promote unity, smart growth and education. I won’t just fill a seat, I’ll work hard to serve children and families, continuing my dedication to the community, being a voice for the people of District 121 in Columbia.

DISTRICT

122, SC HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

BILL HAGER REPUBLICAN

Editor’s Note: Candidate Bill Hager did not return a questionnaire in time for inclusion in this week’s edition.

AUDREY HOPKINS WILLIAMS DEMOCRAT

What is the issue facing your district or the State of S.C. that is closest to your heart and how would you address it?

Expanding access to quality healthcare, especially in rural areas, is the issue closest to my heart. Our community deserves the security of reliable, affordable healthcare. I will work to secure funding for our healthcare facilities to improve infrastructure, expand medical services, and increase the availability of mental health support, particularly for underserved populations. My plan includes collaborating with healthcare providers and local governments to develop mobile clinics that can reach more remote areas in our district. Additionally, I am committed to exploring partnerships with organizations that can provide telehealth services, making it easier for people to get the care they need without long travel times. By addressing these challenges, we can create a healthcare system that serves everyone equitably.

In addition, what are the three biggest issues facing your district or the State of S.C. that you hope to address in some way if elected?

Economic Empowerment: I will focus on creating pathways for small businesses, especially minority-owned ones, by advocating for grants, low-interest loans, and technical training. This will help create a thriving local economy that supports entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses. Education Reform: Improving our schools is essential for our community’s future. I will advocate for increased funding for public schools, support for teachers, and modern educational resources that ensure our students have access to the technology and tools they need to succeed. Environmental Protection: I am committed to promoting sustainable practices and clean energy initiatives in our district. By supporting policies that preserve natural resources, we can protect our environment and ensure a healthy, beautiful community for future generations.

Why should voters ultimately choose you on Tuesday, Nov. 5?

Voters should choose me because I am deeply committed to the well-being and progress of District 122, the community where I was born and raised. My platform is focused on the issues that matter most to our community—quality healthcare, economic empowerment, education, and environmental sustainability. With my experience in local business at Gordon Logging Company and as an entrepreneur, I understand the challenges our community faces. As a community leader

ELECTION 2024

medical care. It is imperative that Beaufort County maintain a legislative delegation with seniority and leadership ability to bring needed resources back to our county and region.

In addition, what are the three biggest issues facing your district or the State of S.C. that you hope to address in some way if elected?

South Carolina must continue to lower taxes and promote more accountable government: I will keep pushing for lower individual and small business taxes, fewer state regulations and professional and trade fees so everyone can keep more of their hard-earned paychecks. I will continue to search out and repair fragmented services for our citizens.

Education: South Carolina must continue to grow and support all educational options and choices for all ages and stages of students to build a world class job-ready workforce. With our state's nationally acclaimed 4K "CRDEP" program and our Collegiate S.C. Hope, Life, Palmetto Fellows, Lottery Tuition Assistance and S.C. Needbased Grants for collegiate scholarships covering both the early education and higher education needs of South Carolina students, we must now increase choice options for the K-12 grades as well.

Energy and Infrastructure: They must be key components of the next legislative session. In order to maintain our "Business Ready South Carolina" status, we must prioritize diverse, efficient and clean energy options for our region and state.

We must also keep up our targeted road, bridge and other infrastructure funding and support to maintain safety, grow commerce and support tourism. For many years, Beaufort County has not gotten our fair share from Columba, we must continue to maintain a more senior delegation that can continue to fight successfully for our needs.

Why should voters ultimately choose you on Tuesday, Nov. 5?

For 17 years, voters of SC House 124 have elected me to serve in the General Assembly. Each election, I have sworn to serve "to the best of my ability and to preserve, protect and defend the constitution of South Carolina and of the United States. So help me God." I take that oath very seriously. I have never run for office to become a politician but to be a citizen who brings Beaufort's needs to its state government and be a voice for our beloved lowcountry. I have worked hard to build positive and productive relationships and maintain my integrity and honesty. Domestic Violence Reform and Veteran’s Military Training counting as Tech College credits, happen because I am known, trusted and dependable. I get things done like increased public education funding ($0 to $75 million), increased teacher's salaries ($20K in 4 years) and implementation of "The Science of Reading". I have secured funding for our needs like the new Harbor Island Bridge, Hunting Island & Russ Point, the Port Royal Shrimp Dock, the Spanish Moss Trail and the upcoming I-95 resurfacing and widening project. I have sponsored and passed the largest income tax cut in state history and cut red tape and passed law to require regulations be transparent. I have safeguarded our local government home rule policy and championed our military bases and Veterans. I serve because I care – deeply.

What is the issue facing your district or the State of S.C. that is closest to your heart and how would you address it?

In 2023, South Carolina legislators, including co-sponsor Shannon Erickson, took away the rights of women across the state to make decisions about their own bodies. Since then, we’ve seen rising rates of infant and maternal mortality, a growing number of medical professionals leaving the state, and women and girls forced to give birth against their will.

We all deserve the freedom to chart our own paths in life. But true freedom is impossible without the ability to make decisions about our own bodies, lives, and futures. Regardless of how we may feel personally about abortion, we should all agree that the government has no place interfering in private healthcare decisions.

We must protect the essential relationship between a patient and their doctor, free from government overreach. This includes safeguarding access to abortion, IVF, and birth control. Restoring reproductive freedom for women is my top priority.

bodies my commitment to ensuring every voice is heard and valued. I believe that our diverse backgrounds make us stronger, and together we can create a community where everyone feels respected and supported.

As your representative, I will work tirelessly to improve access to quality healthcare, strengthen our public schools, and foster thriving local businesses. Each of these elements is vital for building a prosperous future for our families and neighbors. By investing in education, we equip our children for success; by supporting local businesses, we create jobs and stimulate our economy; and by advocating for better healthcare, we ensure that everyone can live healthy, fulfilling lives. Together, we can forge a brighter future where the Lowcountry truly feels like home for everyone. I ask for your vote, not just for me, but for a vision of community where we all belong. Let’s work together to create lasting change and opportunity for all in our beautiful Lowcountry.

DISTRICT 1, COUNTY COUNCIL

JEVONA ARMSTRONG WRITE-IN

What is the issue facing your district or the State of S.C. that is closest to your heart and how would you address it?

The recent shootings in Beaufort County weigh heavily on my heart, especially as I have personal connections to the victims and their families. Our community is grieving together, and it’s clear that we need urgent action to address this crisis.

To make a real impact, we must initiate open dialogues between county and city councils and the sheriff’s department. Implementing a curfew and increasing patrols in high-crime areas are essential steps to enhance safety. Additionally, we should encourage our community leaders and residents to take a more active role in crime prevention. Programs like gun buyback initiatives could help reduce the number of firearms on our streets, while forming neighborhood crime watch groups could create a sense of solidarity and vigilance among residents. We need to adopt radical approaches, as the current measures are not sufficient. The loss of another child is too high a price to pay.

Aside from the previously discussed issue, what are the three biggest issues facing the County that you hope to address in some way if elected?

One pressing issue in Beaufort County is the lack of activities for families and youth. With the closure of our movie theaters, skating rinks, and bowling alleys, there are few entertainment options left. In District One, where our communities are closely knit, the absence of decent parks and community centers limits safe spaces for our children to play and socialize. This lack of engagement contributes to rising crime rates—an idle mind truly is a devil’s workshop. Affordable housing is another critical challenge. Without it, we struggle to retain teachers and provide the labor force necessary for the new businesses opening in our area. Young people especially find it increasingly difficult to work and live here, which stifles our community’s growth.

Finally, transparency and accountability from our current council are sorely lacking. There are concerns about mismanagement of tax dollars and inequitable allocation of funding across districts. It’s essential that we have an open dialogue with constituents to rebuild trust and ensure that our community’s needs are met fairly.

Why should voters ultimately choose you on Tuesday, Nov. 5?

Voters should choose me on Tuesday, Nov. 5, because I am someone who is dedicated to our community all year round, not just during the election season. When I see a need, I take action to create solutions that benefit our families.

Whether it’s establishing recreational activities for youth or collaborating with local leaders to improve safety. I am committed to addressing the rising crime in our neighborhoods by fostering community engagement and implementing safety initiatives. Enhancing recreational options for families and investing in our youth will help create a vibrant environment where everyone can thrive.

Infrastructure: Our roads and public infrastructure are aging and under stress from increased development. I will push for smart investments in transportation and public utilities that keep pace with growth and enhance safety and accessibility.

Fiscal Responsibility: We must ensure that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently. I will advocate for transparent budgeting processes that prioritize essential services, reduce wasteful spending, and minimize the tax burden on families and businesses.

Public Safety: With growth comes increased demands on law enforcement and emergency services. I will support initiatives that strengthen public safety,

One school shouldn’t have more educational resources than the other. I would address that EVERY STUDENT at EVERY SCHOOL get the RESOURCES and the ATTENTION they need for whatever level the student is on.

In addition, what are the three biggest issues facing the BCSD that you hope to address in some way if elected?

and keeping funds in place for our new school mapping initiative are key. With infrastructure needs soaring, we must work collaboratively with all levels of government, continuing to lead the way with laws that promote smart growth that keeps open space protected, waterway access and natural habitat available while allowing for growth and repairs that are sustainable and supported by roads and bridges but also emergency services, schools and

In addition, what are the three biggest issues facing your district or the State of S.C. that you hope to address in some way if elected?

Affordable healthcare: South Carolina is one of ten states that has not expanded Medicaid eligibility for low-income adults. By expanding Medicaid, we can ensure that these individuals have access to preventive care, mental health services, and life-saving treatments. Medicaid expansion also strengthens our economy. States that have expanded Medicaid have seen job growth in the healthcare sector, reduced uncompensated care costs for hospitals, and healthier, more productive communities.

Public education: Instead of siphoning taxpayer dollars to private schools through voucher programs, we should focus on ensuring that public schools are fully-funded, safe, and equipped to meet the needs of all students. This means raising teacher salaries to attract and retain the best educators, reducing class sizes so teachers can give more personalized attention to students, and providing modern resources, technology, and facilities to create an engaging and effective learning environment.

Infrastructure: This region is defined by its natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant local traditions, and we must protect these treasures even as we address critical infrastructure needs. Fixing roads and strengthening infrastructure doesn’t have to come at the cost of our environment. We can invest in sustainable solutions that reduce congestion, improve safety, and support responsible growth while minimizing the impact on our wetlands, coastal areas, and wildlife habitats. Strengthening infrastructure goes beyond roads. It means investing in public transit, broadband access, and resilient utilities, especially in underserved communities.

Why should voters ultimately choose you on Tuesday, Nov. 5?

I bring a new generation of leadership to our state house, one that prioritizes inclusivity, community empowerment, and personal freedom. My slogan, "Lowcountry, where we ALL belong," em-

Transparency and accountability are also central to my campaign. I will prioritize honest communication with constituents, ensuring that our tax dollars are used wisely, and that funding is distributed fairly across all districts. As a mother and active member of our community, I will continue to listen to your concerns and work diligently to bring our shared vision to life. Together, we can build a safe, thriving, and inclusive community. Your vote is vital for this change!

ADAM BIERY REPUBLICAN

What is the issue facing your district or the State of S.C. that is closest to your heart and how would you address it?

One of the most pressing issues facing Beaufort County is managing growth while preserving our environment and quality of life. Rapid development is putting strain on our infrastructure, schools, and natural resources. We need to balance the demand for housing and business expansion with the protection of our unique landscape and historical assets. As a member of the County Council, I will prioritize comprehensive growth management plans that reflect the needs of our community, ensuring that new development is done responsibly. This means supporting infrastructure improvements that meet future demands without overburdening taxpayers and preserving green spaces, waterways, and wildlife habitats. I will work to update and enforce zoning regulations, collaborate with developers on sustainable projects, and engage with local residents to ensure their voices are heard. I believe we can grow without losing what makes Beaufort County special, but it requires proactive planning and strong leadership.

In addition, what are the three biggest issues facing the County that you hope to address in some way if elected?

Hiring and retaining good teachers: Advocate for salary increases and benefits that reflect the cost of living. I believe competitive salary can attract and retain skilled educators. Support ongoing training development and career opportunities. Also, Provide specialized training and advancement. I believe this will help enhance job satisfaction and professional growth. Promote policies that allow for flexible scheduling and work-life balance. This can reduce teacher burnout and improve teacher retention.

Parental involvement: Parental involvement in our students education is a top priority research shows that it can make a major difference in student outcomes. Parents need to check book bags when students come home. Have after school conversation with the students about what they learned at school. Join the PTO at the schools. Connect with the teachers on a weekly basis. Volunteer at the schools. Download the school programs that shows the academic progress of the students completed assignments, undone assignments, test scores, etc. Community engagement: Foster strong relationships with families and community members to build support for public schools, making the schools a desirable option for all families.

Why should voters ultimately choose you on Tuesday, Nov. 5? This is the year 2024, new strategies and new ideas need to be put in place for this new and different generation of students and teachers. And as leaders and parents in our communities, we all need to be accountable for coming together for the future of our children. I believe together we all can make a difference. Let’s do it for the children. Vote Isaac Gordon III.

MELINDA HENRICKSON DEMOCRAT

Former BCSD superintendent forced to publicly apologize in Board meeting

By Delayna Earley

Island News

The

A former interim superintendent was required to make an apology statement to a Beaufort County Board of Education member during the Oct. 15 school board meeting due to a request from the jury in a recent defamation case.

Herbert Berg, who served as interim superintendent for Beaufort County from 2018 to 2019, was required by a jury to make a formal and public apology to school board member William C. Smith as part of the jury’s verdict dismissing claims of defamation in the lawsuit Smith brought against the Beaufort County School District, the Beaufort County Board of Education, Herbert Berg, David Grissom, Christina Gwozdz and Richard Geier.

Smith accused Berg of written defamation, or libel.

The jury dismissed Smith’s claim but requested that Berg “make a formal apology to be presented at the next general session board meeting.”

The apology is also supposed to be published in local papers to apologize for inaccuracies that were previously printed about Smith regarding a concealed weapons permit.

In the apology, Berg says that on Oct. 3, after three years of litigation and a trial that lasted for three weeks, the claims brought forth by Smith were rejected by a jury.

Smith had accused the defendants of “various claims including

defamation, conspiracy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, invasion of privacy and various state Constitutional violations.”

The claims made against Berg specifically speak to the contents of an email sent from Berg to Gwozdz on June 25 2019, in which Berg says that Smith does not have a concealed carry permit.

In his apology, Berg claims that he was concerned of a “security issue for the District’s staff and Board members” since there had been four separate workplace harassment complaints from District employees about Smith.

“Unbeknownst to me at the time, Smith possessed a CWP,” Berg said in his apology. “Even if the email is not actionable written defamation, I apologize for making that error,” Berg said.

Per the request by the jury, the full apology made by Berg can be found below.

My name is Herbert Berg. I served the District as its Interim Superintendent from 2018 to 2019 I am proud of the District’s accomplishments during my time as its Interim Superintendent, and those accomplishments that have occurred since my departure, including the successful 2019 bond referendum.

About two years after I left the District, in June 2021, Board Trustee William Smith brought a lawsuit against the Board, the District, Board Chair Dr. Christina Gwozdz, Board Trustee Colonel

Richard Geier, the District’s Director of Security David Grissom, and me. In his lawsuit, Smith accused the defendants – including me – of various claims including defamation, conspiracy, intentional infliction of emotional distress, invasion of privacy, and various state Constitutional violations.

On October 3, 2024, after over three years of expensive, time-consuming, and stressful litigation, and after a trial in Beaufort that lasted nearly three weeks, each of Smith’s claims against every one of the defendants, including me, were rejected by the Court and/or the jury.

One of Smith’s claims against me personally was a claim for written defamation, or “libel,” concerning an e-mail that I wrote and sent to Dr. Gwozdz on June 25, 2019 While the jury found that Smith did not prove his claim against me for written defamation, the jury indicated that it “would like for Dr. Berg to make a formal apology to be presented at the next general session board meeting.” The jury also indicated that there “needs to be a published version in the local papers [apologizing] for the inaccuracies that were previously printed about Mr. Smith regarding the CWP.”

Prior to sending the e-mail to Dr. Gwozdz on June 25, 2019, I had received four (4) separate workplace harassment complaints from District employees against Smith, who had joined the Board in January 2019. One of the claims rejected

by the jury was Smith’s claim that I conspired with the employees to fabricate their claims of harassment against him.

Also prior to the e-mail of June 25, 2019, the District had received messages concerning Smith’s conduct from the Beaufort Police Department and the State Department of Education. I also received a report that Smith had unsuccessfully attempted to enter school buildings during evening hours.

Because of these circumstances, I was concerned that there may be a security issue for the District’s staff and Board members, especially since the Board was scheduled to discuss the employee grievances against Smith at the Board meeting on June 25, 2019. Before the meeting, I asked David Grissom if he could find out whether Smith possessed a concealed weapons permit (CWP). Grissom contacted a law enforcement colleague and found that he [Grissom] could not do so. When he reported this to me, I mistakenly thought that Grissom told me that Smith did not have a CWP. I reported this inaccurate information in my e-mail to Dr. Gwozdz, in which I stated.

After I left the District, this e-mail was released to local media pursuant to a request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Over six months after I left the District, the e-mail was discussed in articles published by the Island Packet. In one of these articles, Smith accused me of “pull[ing] that info illegally.”

At trial, the General Counsel of the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) confirmed that SLED has no record of any inquiry concerning Smith’s CWP records.

Liz Farrell also wrote an opinion editorial in the Island Packet on January 28 2020, in which she opined that “Smith has a responsibility to the public to directly and appropriately address this issue. If he can’t do that, then he should resign.” Of course, Ms. Farrell presumably expressed her own opinion. While I was contacted about the article by District staff, I did not speak with Ms. Farrell about it, and I do not necessarily join in her opinion.

To the extent that any media report was based on the inaccuracy in my e-mail of June 25 2019 concerning Smith’s possession of CWP, I apologize for the inaccuracy. In sum, I am proud of my District service, and wish the Board, its members, and the District and its employees well in their future endeavors. I especially thankful for the outcome of Smith’s lawsuit, and hope that it permits the Board, its members, and the District and its employees to move forward successfully.

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.

It is a privilege and honor to represent District 124 in the State House. I’ve worked hard to keep Beaufort at the forefront of policy & legislative issues. Our successes include:

H TAXES: Championed $1B state income tax cut, revised tax system, and eliminated tax on military pensions

H INFRASTRUCTURE: Ensured road, bridge and public water access (I-95 widening, new Harbor Island Bridge, Port Royal Shrimp Dock & Russ Point Boat Landing). Championed broadband expansion

H EDUCATION: Increased Beaufort County education funding from $0 to $75M, raised teacher pay by $20K, funded statewide school resource officers, tripled TCL’s funding & put a freeze on in-state college tuition

H JOBS & ECONOMY: Cut regulations & red tape, enabled military training transfers to Tech College credits, incentivized SCDEW client high school diploma project & passed policy to attract new businesses

H PUBLIC SAFETY: Increased law enforcement pay, tightened election integrity, and boosted disaster preparedness and public water safety

H FAMILY & COMMUNITY: Established paid family leave for state employees and teachers; funded local health care initiatives & supported local arts and outdoor spaces

I ask for your vote in the General Election on November 5th.

OCTOBER 4th - Deadline to register to vote in person

OCTOBER 7th - Deadline to apply for absentee ballot

OCTOBER 21st - Early voting for General Election begins at county voter registration offices & other early-voting locations from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Monday – Saturday)

OCTOBER 25th - Deadline to apply for absentee ballot

NOVEMBER 2nd - Early Voting Ends

NOVEMBER 5th - General Election Day - Polls open 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m

To register to vote, find your polling place, or see a sample ballot visit scvotes.gov.

SPORTS&RECREATION

Beaufort’s Michael Ricks (2) tries to hold back May River’s Asa Haskins during the second quarter of Friday’s game in Bluffton. Haskins broke several tackles on the play and dragged a handful of Eagles defenders into the end zone for a backbreaking touchdown in the Sharks’ 56-14 win. LowcoSports.com

Sharks sink Eagles in The Tank

LowcoSports.com

The haymakers flew both ways early on, but the May River Sharks kept swinging big all night Friday in The Tank, and a battered Beaufort High team could do nothing to defend itself.

Gage Duncan led a trio of triple-digit rushers with 173 yards and two TDs as the Sharks rolled up 469 rushing yards and averaged 12 yards a carry to steamroll the struggling Eagles 56-14 and keep pace atop the crowded Region 6-4A standings.

The teams traded early touchdowns before May River got the ground game rolling and the defense locked in and forced three turnovers. Andrew Johnson rushed for 128 yards and two TDs and caught an 18-yard touchdown pass from Tanner Macy, while Macy and Asa Haskins added rushing scores and Duncan and Ethan Sprinkle picked off passes.

Beaufort was hurt by a number of dropped passes in the first half, as Samari Bonds delivered a pair of throws that seemed destined to end in touchdowns only to fall to the turf, and every time the Eagles slipped up, the Sharks made them pay. After pulling ahead 14-7 late in the first quarter, May River put up

28 points in the second quarter to put it away, sending the Eagles to their seventh loss — their highest loss total since finishing 4-7 in 2012 May River’s Gage Duncan gets a handful of jersey as he forces Beaufort quarterback Samari Bonds to the sideline on a scramble in the first quarter of Friday’s game in Bluffton. Duncan had a big game on both sides of the ball to help the Sharks claim a 56-14 win over the Eagles. LowcoSports.com

PREP ROUNDUP

LowcoSports.com

The Bridges Prep volleyball team is up a classification since last fall’s magical run to the state title match, but the Buccaneers appear to be just as equipped to make a deep run again in this year’s Class 2A bracket. After returning virtually everyone from last year’s Class 1A runner-up squad, the Bucs carry a 31-5-3 record into the postseason, including a perfect 10-0 mark in region play — and they didn’t drop a set against region opponents.

Another thing working in Bridges Prep’s favor is the fact the Bucs will have home-court advantage beginning with a first-round matchup Thursday against York Prep and continuing all the way through the Lower State final, as long as they survive.

To get back to the state finals and get another shot at a ring, Bridges will likely have to knock off Academic Magnet in the second round and undefeated North Central in the third round before a potential showdown with Philip Simmons in the Lower State championship.

The boys volleyball teams from Battery Creek and

Bridges Prep begin their postseason journey on the road Wednesday. The Dolphins travel to Oceanside Collegiate, while the Buccaneers head to Bluffton for a first-round matchup.

The girls from Beaufort High and Battery Creek open on the road Thursday, with the Eagles at Region 6-4A champion Bishop England and the Dolphins making the long trek to Waccamaw in Class 3A.

JPII boys XC

2nd at state

John Paul II’s boys cross country team fell one point short of another state title Saturday at Heathwood Hall, finishing with 72 points to Wilson Hall’s 71 in a tight race for the SCISA 4A crown.

Sebastian Frickel led the way with a fifth-place finish in 16:26, with teammate Blake Hubik (16:30) close behind in the seventh. Matthew Yanachik (17:03) finished 12th, Brayden Frickel (17:17) was 18th, and James Hook (17:36) placed 30th for the Golden Warriors. Hook was the only senior in the lineup.

JPII’s girls finished seventh behind an eighth-place

THURSDAY, OCT. 31

GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

SCHSL 4A 1st Round

Beaufort at Bishop England

Hilton Head at South Florence Bluffton at South Aiken North Augusta at May River

SCHSL 3A 1st Round

Battery Creek at Waccamaw

SCHSL 2A 1st Round

York Prep at Bridges Prep Lake City at Hampton Co.

SCHSL 1A 1st Round

Hardeeville at Carvers Bay GIRLS TENNIS

SCHSL 4A 1st Round

Beaufort at Bishop England

Hartsville at May River

Brookland-Cayce at Hilton Head

Bluffton at Wilson

SCHSL 3A 1st Round

Keenan at Battery Creek

finish from Ayla Reynolds, who finished in 19:14

In SCISA 2A, Holy Trinity’s boys placed fourth with Beaufort Academy in seventh. Holy Trinity’s Silas Bolen finished fifth in 18:17, and teammate Barnes Gooding was ninth in 18:58

Tennis postseason set to begin

Battery Creek’s girls

tennis team will host a first-round Class 3A playoff match against Keenan on Thursday in a matchup of No. 3 seeds from their respective regions, while Beaufort travels to Bishop England for a Region 6-4A rematch in the Class 4A first round.

Hampton County 38, Whale Branch 21

Jermon Bowers and Dayaun Brown scored first-half rushing touchdowns to stake the Warriors to a 14-10 halftime lead at home, but they couldn’t contain the Hurricanes’ offense in the second half. Jaylen Singletary rushed for 112 yards and a touchdown and snagged a 20-yard touchdown pass from Chris Terry, who was 5-of-7 for 79 yards and two touchdowns and added 85 yards and a TD on the ground. Tyler Davis’ interception return for a touchdown helped douse the Warriors’ hopes of a late comeback. Whale Branch (4-4, 2-1) travels to Barnwell on Friday, needing a win to force a three-way tie atop the Region 5-2A standings. With a loss, the Warriors will be the No. 3 seed from the region.

Orangeburg-Wilkinson 46, Battery Creek 13 The short-handed Dolphins couldn’t sustain much on offense without injured quarterback Chase Olsen, and they couldn’t keep pace with the Bruins, who remained on track for a region-title showdown with Oceanside Collegiate. The Dolphins (3-5, 1-2) have clinched a playoff spot but can move up to the No. 3 seed from Region 6-3A with a win at Hanahan on Friday. Beaufort Academy 49, Andrew Jackson 0 Dietrich Shuford was 7-for-8 for 137 yards and two touchdowns and rushed three times for 104 yards, and Nych Underwood rushed for 92 yards and three touchdowns along with a 30-yard touchdown catch to lead the Eagles to a lopsided win and setup a region-title showdown at home against Thomas Heyward on Friday. Jace Paulk caught a touchdown pass, and Grady Lamm had 57 yards and a touchdown on four carries along with nine tackles and a sack,

They would not speak Sherman’s name

It is Thursday, and Hurricane Milton is moving out into the Atlantic Ocean. This morning we have a wind whipping through our magnolias. But I have my coffee and the sense that things could have been worse.

When Susan and I arrived in Beaufort (1970) there didn’t seem to be much worry about hurricanes. There had been a devastating, no-named hurricane in 1893; then smaller hurricanes in the 50s and 60s, but nothing that left any physical or emotional scar tissue.

My own sense of hurricanes was informed by Hurricane Hazel (in 1952) that wiped-out our family’s second-row cottage at Ocean Drive Breach, S.C. I wasn’t living in South Carolina when Hazel made landfall; but for years I listened to my grandmother talk about the Sahara-like scene she witnessed when the National Guard let them return.

In those days there was no FEMA, and I don’t think anyone had insurance. There was flood insurance but I don’t think it covered hurricanes that were a combination of water and wind. But in the 1950s creosote pilings,

pine and plywood were not otherworldly expensive; and most cottage owners rebuilt within a couple of years.

After Hazel my family would spend the month of June in this rebuilt cottage; usually in the company of my North Carolina cousins. But these month-long visits never included my father.

The formula for my family was that dad would find a nearby graduate-level course, something dealing with tuberculosis or tularemia at, say, Wake Forest, and my mother, her sister, their children and our grandmother would jam ourselves into our second-row cottage.

Even at age 8, I knew my father and my grandmother did not like each other. I felt a tension when

they were in the same room; that tension sometimes exploding into a shouting, slam-the-door argument over something as inconsequential like my repeated sunburns; or my grandmother’s fat back, grits and gravy, ham hock and deep-fat-fried dinner entrees.

In my old age I have pondered these two decent people, wondering why they could not stand each other. These days I’m thinking it was probably my father’s home state, Ohio, and the fact that Ohio produced William Tecumseh Sherman.

My maternal grandparents were both from Eastern North Carolina, born right after the Civil War, their fathers veterans of that war. Some may know that General Sherman came into North Carolina after burning his way through Georgia and South Carolina.

Some know that Sherman’s Army lived off the land; taking the chickens, pigs, mules, silver service and china from the farms along his route. He burned the cotton bales; and if there was any resistance his “bummers” also burnt down the house, the barn

and sometimes raped the female occupants.

These forward-riding, free-range scavengers did their stealing because the Army’s Quartermaster, Montgomery Meigs, could not keep Sherman’s Army supplied as he fought his way into Atlanta, across South Carolina’s Salkehatchie Swamp and into Fayetteville. Sherman’s justified his scorch-the-earth-cleansing by saying that these stay at home farm-folk were complicit in the this great sectional treason—and, by the way, were slave owners.

The last significant battle in this campaign was fought near Bentonville, N.C. Sherman, a very good tactician and thinking he had won the war, did not believe the Confederate general, Joseph Johnson, would attack him below Goldsboro. When Johnson did attack Sherman’s right flank, Slocum’s Division took most of the blow and significant casualties when almost everyone thought the war was over.

But Sherman’s ragged, undisciplined carnivores stopped this last rebel advance and then

gave Sherman an opportunity to encircle the Confederate army. But for some reason Sherman stopped, he hesitated, and that hesitation allowed Joe Johnson (and perhaps one ancestor) to escape.

My father — the child of German coal miners — was raised on the Ohio River. He came of age in the Depression, graduated from Ohio State University and won the state tennis championship. His dreams of becoming a professional were obliterated by World War II; but that war did give him a Southern bride and their mixed, North/ South marriage somehow survived.

But my father could not overcome the memories of the burning and devastation inflicted by Sherman’s “bummers” — many Southerners believing that making the women and children pay this price, or any price, was barbaric. I’m sure my maternal grandparents fell into this unhappy, unforgiving category.

It is my recollection they would not speak Sherman’s name.

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

Incumbents pass effectiveness test

There’s more to it than just showing up and voting right. The voters (a.k.a. the taxpayers) who sent you there expect you to do something. They are looking for “effective.” For public officials, being effective is right up there with being honest and hard-working. Maybe better. Campaign promises speak to what the candidate will do. But a record of effectiveness speaks to what a candidate has done. And what a candidate has done is the best indicator of all of what he/she will do when they get the job. Let me be very clear about this. You don’t have to be an elected official to have a record of effectiveness. Neighborhood activists who mobilize their neighbors, and who use the press to affect change are effective. Appointed committee-members who lead

“Landtheir committees to study a problem and then bring back to the decision-makers a workable solution are effective. Members of non-profit boards who get out front and successfully lobby the government to affect change are effective. Why should effectiveness be a litmus test? Because the skills needed to affect change from the outside are exactly the same skills that are needed to affect change from the inside: seeing clearly the steps to the goal, a relentless tunnel vision to the goal, the

ability to convince others to come along with you which may involve making compromises, and the ability to speak clearly to reporters, elected officials and to the public in ways that advance your cause. I went to the candidates’ forum at USCB last week. Here’s what I saw. Mitch Mitchell, who has over the past four years ably given a voice to those who have historically been unheard, commended Neil Lipsitz on taking the lead on the improvements to Southside Park. This hadn’t been easy. The City Council had to choose between the interests of the Mossy Oaks moms who wanted a playground where their kids could play and those of a consortium of real estate developers who wanted the playground money to be used instead to enhance their development projects.

Councilman Mitch Mitchell has effectively represented Beaufort’s often largely forgotten constituencies, and Councilman Neil Lipsitz effectively faced down the developers to deliver to Mossy Oaks families their first city park playground. They have each earned the opportunity to represent Beaufort on the City Council for four more years. Bill Rauch/For The Island News

Lipsitz convinced Council to disregard the pressure group’s threats, and to instead go for the moms. Today the Southside Park playground is looking good, and it’s almost ready for the kids.

Neither Josh Gibson nor the newcomer Julie Crenshaw happened to mention anything they had done, no matter how small, that has made Beaufort a better place to live, and that might make us think they’d be an

effective council member.

Similarly, Josh Scallate, who is running for mayor, wasn’t able to mention anything he has accomplished for the city, even though he has now been on the City Council for two years. Meanwhile Phil Cromer, the incumbent, has lowered the temperature around and brought professionalism to the various issues the city faces, and he has managed to make peace with Beaufort’s historic preservation community, two important things neither of his two predecessors were able to accomplish.

On balance, this year I suggest we keep the group we’ve got.

Bill Rauch was the Mayor of Beaufort from 1999 to 2008 and has twice won awards from the S.C. Press Association for his Island News columns. He can be reached at TheRauchReport@gmail.com.

How much do you love your country?

of the free and home of the brave.”

These are words from the “Star-Spangled Banner” by Frances Scott Key. Most interpret them to mean that this country prides itself on the freedom and bravery of the citizens here. With very few days left until we cast our votes in what I believe is the most crucial election in my lifetime, there is a very vital question posed in our national anthem, one crying out to be answered.

Will the future of the United States, as envisioned and openly stated by Donald Trump and his followers, be “the land of the free?” And the second part of that question: will we citizens who abhor Trump’s vision come forward bravely and in sufficient numbers to preserve that freedom?

In “the dawn’s early light,” the dawn of Nov. 6, 2024, will those “broad stripes and bright stars” retain the meaning that they previously held?

Over the past months I have been very consistent about where I stand with regard to the former president. Yes, I have been flippant, sarcastic, derisive, scornful,

CAROL LUCAS

mocking, all of which pretty well describes my feelings about Trump.

Now I am going to be serious, very serious. I’m going to try to move from mockery to cold, hard facts in an effort to convince some of you(who may still be on the fence) to do what you never thought you would do, and that is vote for a Democrat. No, let me rephrase because that statement doesn’t really correctly give voice to this crucial issue.

Instead, please consider this as a vote for keeping our democracy safe, a democracy that is the envy of the world.

If you are a true conservative, and I understand why you are, although I may not agree with some of the tenets of your convictions, you will take note of those folks

who are of the same political stripe as yours, highly thought-of in conservative circles, who are lining up behind Harris.

Do they believe in all of her policies? Emphatically, no! But they recognize the danger Trump poses to our lives as we know them now, and they are putting country above party.

Please know that I, as a registered Democrat (although I consider myself to be an Independent), would cast my vote for Liz Cheney or Adam Kinzinger in a heartbeat. I recognize their ability to lead, not dictate. Furthermore, I see merit in some aspects of their thinking.

Consider the number of Trump’s former administration who have called him "unfit" and are supporting the Democratic candidate. General Mark Milley, as his Joint Chief of Staff, called Trump “fascist to the core.” Others in the military referred to him as a danger to our country. Beaufort is a military town. We know that Trump holds great disdain for the military, calling them “suckers and losers.” Let’s not forget his insults to John McCain, one of the finest conservatives that ever served our country. And

then there is, "I need generals like Hitler had." Unless you, as military personnel or a spouse of someone in the military, agree with these comments, how can you even think of voting for someone who holds you in such contempt?

I would have to ask my editor for a full page, and then some, to list all of the proven transgressions and illegalities filed under Donald Trump’s name. Over 30,000 provable lies … do you really want a known liar holding the highest office in our country? Can you possibly think that other countries won't lose respect for us?

And for those who want to tout his economic business acuity, please remember he increased the national debt by $8 trillion and declared bankruptcy seven times. Trump University was a sham … the list is endless.

Donald Trump’s involvement with dictators underscores his desire to become one. Consider his willingness to believe Putin over his own U.S. intelligence community? Think about the fact that he also secretly sent COVID tests to Putin at the onset of the pandemic when these were difficult for our own citizens to obtain. He denied

this, but Russia confirmed it.

Remember, too, the love letters from North Korea’s Kim, and Trump’s praise for a group of Neo-Nazis as “very fine people?”

His offenses are beyond anything our history books have documented. The damage that was done in his first administration with his Supreme Court appointments (with no small amount of help from Mitch McConnell) probably cannot be rectified for years. That said, he must not be allowed to continue to wield that wrecking ball again.

The national anthem refers to “the perilous fight.” I might suggest that once more we are engaged in such a struggle. If you don't understand that this time it is not about policy, God help you, and God help us. I am not one to beg, but I am making an impassioned plea. Please, please consider what is at stake in this election: very simply, your country, as well as the future of those loved ones who will come after you.

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

SCOTT GRABER

BILL RAUCH

Standing up to pressure to keep elections honest

It’s the second day of a new year just after a presidential election and you pick up the phone. At one point, the guy on the other end of the line says, “All I want to do is this: I just want to find 11,780 votes, which is one more that we have because we won the state.”

The guy on that Jan. 2, 2021, call was the president of the United States, Donald Trump. He was putting pressure on Georgia’s top election official, Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, to “find” enough votes to prevail in the Peach State over Democratic candidate Joe Biden. Trump even threatened a criminal prosecution.

The whole mess put Raffensperger in a very uncomfortable spot because he wanted to do his job –reporting votes accurately and reporting the numbers for what they were, without deceit, subterfuge or obfuscation.

“I’m an engineer. I’m real good with math,” Raffensperger said earlier this week in an interview outside of Atlanta. “So with elections, there’s no integrals, no double integrals, no Laplace transform of a Fourier wave series. It’s just adding up numbers. We don’t even have to subtract, divide or multiply – so that’s grade school (math). But we

have a process in place and we know that our elections are safe, they’re secure and they’re accurate.”

Still, the pressure from the White House – attempted coercion that ended up getting Trump in trouble with Georgia prosecutors and was part of an article of impeachment in the U.S. House -- was intense.

“It was an interesting moment, somewhat surreal,” Raffensperger reflected. “We never expected this to happen. But I think sometimes you know things happen for a reason, but you are called to do your job – no matter what. And that’s what I wanted to do. And I also wanted to make sure that I was respectful to the office of the President of the United States of America.

“Because I think really what we see right now … throughout the world is people should be respectful of people who hold positions of authority.”

And he said he believes that’s what is at stake these days in America. Americans

may be risking the ability to compromise and talk respectfully about issues on which they don’t agree.

“People should talk to each other respectfully,” he said. “I think when we lose that, I think we’re losing something within ourselves.

“We can have strong conversations and just say, by George, I disagree with you on that, but we don’t have to pull out our swords. We don’t have to pull out our muskets. We don’t have to have duels. We can settle that. We are in America. We are in a representative republic.”

Since the 2020 election, Georgia election officials have worked to improve the voting process and smooth a few past snafus.

Raffensperger said he expects results comparatively quickly this year because Georgians seem to like early voting. While about 5% of ballots are expected to be mailed absentee ballots, more than 2 million Georgians have already cast early ballots. By election day, some 70% of the electorate is expected to have voted, which will take a lot of last-minute pressure off voting precincts. The fate of the state’s electoral votes – unless the election is within 1,000 votes or so –may be known by midnight, he said.

In South Carolina, the story on early voting is similar. It’s expected to speed reporting of results. Election officials in the Palmetto State say up to two-thirds of voters could head to the polls early.

As you listen to returns on election night, think about all of the Brad Raffenspergers out there who operate with integrity and know that voting in America is solid because it is done with a proven process, not with reckless abandon.

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

ur dependence on the internet for the transaction of business, communication, and everything in between highlights the essential role that internet service providers (ISPs) afford the public. This was never more apparent than in the recent loss of service for thousands of customers of Hargray/Sparklight that shut down many operations in

PHIL CROMER

whether caused by severed fiber cable, natural disasters, or cyberattacks, can literally paralyze communities, businesses, and essential services, especially emer -

gency services. This reality prioritizes the need for ISPs to ramp up network redundancy measures to protect our digital future in the Lowcountry area. I am confident ISPs currently have some level of redundancy, but after recent outages, including Hurricane Helene, expansion of more resilient networks is an absolute must. I, and other local leaders, would welcome a meeting with ISPs to share their current redundancy efforts and plans for future resiliency of their networks.

Beaufort.

Philip Cromer is the Mayor of

ANDY BRACK

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger talks with Australian documentary filmmaker Bruce Hawker near Atlanta. Andy Brack/Statehouse Report

Editor’s

The case against Kamala Harris

I'm like Michelle Obama in not understanding why people are hesitant to vote for Kamala Harris.

The hesitancy, if not pervasive, is persistent, so I just had to find out for myself: Why?

True, some of the people who are speaking out against her, are actually speaking out against the Democrat Party. Like the video I saw last week of a Black preacher saying he couldn't vote for a party that supports LGBT or transgender procedures, and that God would judge him (and us, he implies) for doing so.

That tracks with the intended audience. I have said for years that the African-American community in this country is one of the most conservative in many ways and that if Republicans had any sense, i.e., could stop being so damn racist, they could make some real inroads.

What the pastor failed to mention, was that the only other viable option (sorry, third-party supporters, we're talking political reality) is that voting against the Democrat Party or not voting at all is essentially a vote for the Republican Party. And the candidate for that party assaults women, attacks immigrants, lies, cheats

and steals. But I guess God won’t judge anyone for voting to support that, right? Back to Harris. Here are the main critiques I found.

“We don’t need a woman president.”

To which I respond, “Seriously?” We have had 46 presidents of the United States and an overwhelming majority, 46 in fact, have been men. For the most part, they have done decent jobs. We have been lucky in that some of the higher-regarded presidents have served in our lifetimes.

It’s a tough job, but it's not a job that can't be done by a woman.

The Pew Research Center found a third of the 193 United Nations members have had a woman as leader. The first was in 1960 in Sri Lanka. Of the current 13 women in charge, nine are their

country’s first female leader, including Mexico.

“We don’t know enough about her.”

Well, her biography is readily available to anyone who has a computer, tablet, or smartphone and can use their thumbs to type her name into Google, or any other search engines.

Politically, she served as an attorney general and later U.S. Senator for the state of California before announcing a bid for president in January 2019. She was tabbed to be the running mate of future President Joe Biden and has served for the past four years in his White House.

Harris has a website (it’s her name with dot-com at the end) that coherently spells out her beliefs and her policy platform. Good luck finding a coherent version of that for some other people in the race.

“They gave her that nomination.”

This one seems to come from the same people who said Biden was too old to run for re-election in the first place. Among Republicans, this was a safe argument to help get their guy back in office.

Donald Trump is still trying to force Biden back onto the ticket because he thinks he can beat him more easily than Harris. Quibble as you will over how Harris got the nomination, but I have enjoyed the truncated election cycle. I wish we could do it all the time. Did you know in France campaigns are regulated to limit the amount of airtime they can purchase? And that there is a complete media blackout the weekend before the national vote? I’ll gladly swap political ads for more “Fanville”!

“When she was a prosecutor, she targeted Black men.” That one has been thoroughly debunked. In fact, Harris was praised for her work to seek alternatives to imprisonment for offenders especially those connected to drug charges. She's even said she supports legalizing marijuana moving forward. That will help a lot of people, especially in a community that is disproportionately prosecuted and sentenced for recreational drug use.

But I did find something.

When Harris ran for president in the 2020 election, before she was picked by Biden, she had

We can’t take the incumbents seriously

We’re close to election day, and throughout my campaign I’ve learned a lot about what’s important to the citizens of Beaufort. There are two things that keep coming up from almost everyone -- growth and taxes. They’re two separate issues but they always overlap.

Right now, you’re getting the worst side of both of these issues. Growth is exploding at an unsustainable rate, if we’re going to protect what's beautiful about Beaufort. On top of that, your taxes are going up too. More traffic, clear cutting of trees and higher taxes is not a recipe for a livable city.

I don’t want Beaufort to turn into what has happened to Bluffton or Mount Plesant. They both used to be charming historic towns, but now they are overrun with with traffic jams, an

exploding cost of living, and a loss of the culture that made them so uniquely beautiful.

If you ask me, the incumbents aren’t keeping an eye on what’s best for Beaufort. We’ve had several forums now, and I’ve yet to hear a serious policy solution proposed by either of the incumbents to these problems, but I have actual solutions.

Here’s what I want to do. I want to put a pause on permits for new apartment complexes while we figure out a new policy to limit the

pace of growth in the city. There are currently 2 431 apartment units permitted that haven’t even begun construction yet. That’s plenty to meet the immediate demand for housing, so it shouldn’t negatively affect the market prices of housing while we work on a solution.

The second thing we need to do is follow the leadership of Phil Cromer and review our budget more thoroughly than has been done in the past. The city has been too quick to sign off on expensive projects and huge engineering bills for infrastructure ... $10 million dollars for a pump station in The Point, that the community never asked for, $400,000 to study the idea of a three-block sidewalk, all before we even get to the actual construction costs.

This summer, the Mayor

the Council should work with the City Manager to find a place to save money because the city’s property taxes had been going up at two to three times the rate of inflation for most taxpayers. All four of the other incumbents, including Mitch Mitchell and Neil Lipsitz, ignored his idea and moved ahead to rubber stamp the budget that had been presented to them.

This is what you get with the leadership you have now. Higher taxes, exploding growth and absolutely no new ideas about how to do anything about it.

To make matters worse, the council members continue to deny that they’re responsible for your tax rates or the city’s budget. How are we supposed to trust them to act on our behalf when you point out that your taxes are going up, they tell you that you’re

to suspend her campaign amid rumors of a headquarters in upheaval. Her California campaign director wrote in her resignation letter, “This is my third presidential campaign, and I have never seen an organization through its staff so poorly.” Pretty tough stuff. Turns out most of the problems were attributable not to Harris, but to her campaign manager Juan Rodriguez. And the director who resigned added in her letter: “I still believe that Senator Harris is the strongest candidate to win the general election in 2020.” I compare that to the dozens of former members of the Trump White House, who have rallied against him. Or the hundreds of Republicans across the country who have said they will break with their party to vote for Harris to become president.

There are no former supporters of Harris who are now calling her a threat to democracy or a closet fascist.

So in the grand scheme, what is the case against Kamala Harris? There isn’t one.

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

wrong? Meanwhile your bank is telling you that your mortgage payments are higher because they raised your taxes. Both things can’t be true.

More than once, in recent meetings, when I’ve tried to discuss this with the incumbents, and Mr. Lipsitz has repeatedly brought up the fact that my wife’s name is on the title to my home. What a bizarre response to a tax question.

Aside from the obvious fact that women are allowed to own property, the more relevant thing is that he won’t look far enough down on my tax bill to see that the city’s proportion of my taxes has gone up 9% in one year. He and Mr. Mitchell made that happen, but they continue to deny it, as if you can't to understand basic math.

I’ll make this as simple and transparent as I can,

Living & Growing the Jesus Way

Sunday Morning Worship at 8:30 & 10:30 81 Lady’s Island Drive Pastor Steve Keeler • (843) 525-0696 seaislandpresbyterian.org

since Mr Lipsitz is so interested in my property taxes. Just for the city, not the county or school district, my own taxes were $1760 28 in 2022 and went up to $1913 27 in 2023

According to every mathematician, economist and accountant that I’ve spoken to, that is an increase of about 9%. More importantly for you, that pattern matches most taxpayers throughout the city. I’d rather be talking to you about the most efficient and effective ways to use your taxes, on parks, traffic, parking, police, and safety. But until we agree on who’s responsible for our taxes going up, we can’t take the incumbents seriously when they say they’re the best people to run the City of Beaufort.

Josh Gibson is a candidate for Beaufort City Council.

TERRY MANNING

JOSH GIBSON

ARTS

USCB Chamber Music: From angelic to zany

By Michael Johns Special to The

Island

News

USCB Chamber Music begins its 45th season at 5 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 10. Two guest artists, violinist Stefan Jackiw and clarinetist Yoonah Kim, will join Artistic Director, pianist, and host, Andrew Armstrong.

Jackiw is one of America’s foremost violinists, captivating audiences with playing that combines poetry and purity with impeccable technique. Hailed for playing of “uncommon musical substance” that is “striking for its intelligence and sensitivity” (The Boston Globe), Jackiw has appeared as a soloist with the Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, New York, Philadelphia, and San Francisco symphony orchestras, among others.

During the 2024-25 season, Jackiw's schedule is studded with performances in the United States, Europe, and Asia. He plays a violin made in 1705 by Vincenzo Ruggieri.

Clarinetist Kim, hailed by The New York Times for her “inexhaustible virtuosity,” is an artist of uncommon musical depth and musicality. She enjoys a diverse career as solo clarinetist, chamber and orchestral musician, and educator.

Beyond performing solo clarinet repertoire in recitals and with orchestras, Kim is devoted to commissioning and premiering new works for the clarinet. She has given masterclasses throughout the U.S., Canada, and South Korea, serves on the clarinet faculty at New York University's Steinhardt School; and is currently a Doctoral Fellow at the Juilliard School.

Lowcountry audiences have

been impressed with Armstrong for his innovations as Artistic Director — an enthusiastic embrace of all types of music, packaged with programming flare — and demeanor as charming, loquacious host. After years of hearing him perform it is not unreasonable to take his brilliant pianism for granted, but it is occasionally worthwhile to be reminded of what a globetrotting gem we have who chooses to regularly perform in the Lowcountry.

Armstrong is praised around the world for his passionate expression and dazzling technique while delighting audiences in the great cities and iconic concert halls across Asia, Europe, Latin America, Canada, and the United States. His orchestral engagements include a vast repertoire of more than 60 concertos, solo recitals, chamber music concerts, and appearances at chamber music festivals around the country.

He remains an unflagging and enthusiastic advocate for the communicative power of live, acoustic, concert music.

The concert begins with Schubert's calming, transcendent, non-denominational “Ave Maria,” arranged for violin and clarinet. Its mood — comforting and deeply personal, flowing and seeking grace — is graspable and profound. Armstrong then joins Kim for Francis Poulenc's spirited and sublime Clarinet Sonata, which takes the listener on an emotional roller-coaster ride from nervous and edgy through intimate and tender to hard-charging and circus-music squeaky.

All three artists return for Igor Stravinsky's trio version of L'histoire du Soldat, his 1919 musical portrayal of a Faustian bargain between a violin-playing soldier and the devil. It exhibits the clarity and tunefulness associated with Classical style while piquant har-

Reasons for Faith

monies and unsettled rhythms animate a decidedly unsettled, twentieth-century point of view.

Following intermission, Armstrong and Stefan play Richard Strauss' multi-movement, extravagant, bursting-at-the-seams Violin Sonata, Op. 18. By the age of 23, Strauss was already an accomplished composer, completely in command of instrumental color and capacity, with an acutely sensitive ear for vocal-style melody and a profound respect for the traditions of western music. Hearing this infrequently-performed sonata played by charismatic virtuosi will be a special treat.

The concert closes with a trio arrangement of Astor Piazzolla's propulsive, non-stop, beat-driven, “new-tango-style dance,Liebertango. The title blends “liberty” and “tango,” creating a conflation of mid-1970s American disco and dance/pop music with Argentinian tango. It will get the blood

Written in the Heart

In 1901, an amazing discovery was made in Iran.

In the ruins of ancient Susa, archaeologists unearthed a pillar of black stone. About seven feet tall and two feet wide, it bore thousands of lines of Babylonian text. The scholars discovered that it is a list of laws enacted by the sixth king of Babylon, Hammurabi, in about 1754 BC. Now known as the Code of Hammurabi, it represents one of the oldest surviving examples of ancient law.

An even older law can be discovered in the human heart.

The Code of Hammurabi was chiseled into stone, but looking at our experience as humans, we can recognize that there is a moral law chiseled into our hearts. From even a young age, we have a sense that certain actions are good and other actions are evil. We have a conscience which urges us to do good and avoid evil. We often fail to follow our conscience, choosing evil, and yet we are aware that we are in the wrong.

The moral law is consistent across cultures.

As C.S. Lewis notes in the first chapters of Mere Christianity, there is no country where cowardice is celebrated, or one takes pride in double-crossing one’s friends. Even though cultures vary on some of the details, the sense of good and evil is astonishingly uniform across all peoples, places, and centuries. This indicates that our moral code is not simply conditioned by society, but rather is built into us as human beings.

Where does this moral law come from?

When one discovers a law, one naturally expects a lawgiver. The Code of Hammurabi, for example, was not chiseled onto the pillar by accident, but at the king’s order. Similarly, it is no accident that a moral law is chiseled into the human heart. The moral law points to a law-giver greater than ourselves: our creator, God. Just as he created the physical laws of the universe, he created the moral law and installed an awareness of these truths in the human heart.

WANT TO GO?

Who: USCB Chamber Music

What: Season-opening concert

When: 5 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 10

Where: USCB Center for the Arts, 801 Carteret Street, Beaufort

Tickets: For concert, artist, event, and ticket information, go to www.uscbchambermusic.com or call 843-208-8246, Monday through Friday.

running, the toes tapping, then the hands clapping in appreciation for a concert that moved from humble, prayerful calm to dramatic, passionate dance.

USCB Chamber Music prides itself on presenting accessible, thought-provoking music for every palette and sensibility performed by impeccably trained and technically polished artists. Experience in-the-moment creativity in real-time with the musicians and let your spirit soar as the audience basks in the glow of music's unspoken, sublime power.

There are three ways to enjoy each concert: in person and virtually by Live-Stream and OnDemand. All virtual concerts are professionally produced, creating great viewing opportunities. OnDemand is accessible four days after the concert and available to view at your leisure for three weeks. For concert, artist, event, and ticket information, go to www. uscbchambermusic.com or call 843-208-8246, Monday through Friday. The first concert of the USCB Chamber Music's 45th season is Sunday, Nov. 10 2024, at 5 p.m. at the USCB Center for the Arts, 801 Carteret Street, Beaufort, in the downtown historic district.

Reasons for Faith Message 5 of 8

The moral law points to God’s goodness and care for us. As we have seen in previous articles, we can gain certain insights into God as we reflect on the physical universe around us, such as how he is timeless and all-powerful. But as we reflect on the moral law within us, we gain additional insights. Since God provides us with this moral guidance, we can see that he is not indifferent towards us; he cares about us and desires our well-being. And in recognizing the call within ourselves to be good and loving, we can conclude that these are attributes of God. He is perfectly good and loving, and he is inviting us to participate in his goodness and love.

For more on the topics in this series, a good introduction can be found in Steven Hemler’s 2014 book, The Reality of God. He explores additional avenues of interest in physics and biology which we are unable to cover in this series, such as how our planet appears finely tuned for life, and the problems inherent in presuming that even a one-celled organism formed naturally by chance alone.

USCB Chamber Music opens its 45th season at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 10, featuring guest artists violinist Stefan Jackiw and clarinetist Yoonah Kim, alongside Artistic Director and pianist Andrew Armstrong. Photos provided

&

A burning issue: Handling household burns

Accidental burns can happen just about anywhere in your home, and they’re not always caused by fire. You might get burned by spilling coffee in your lap, touching a hot iron, or misusing certain cleaning products. It’s especially important to be aware of the situation during this upcoming holiday season, when more people may be in the kitchen and a crowd can cause confusion leading to a burn accident.

Burns are skin or tissue damage, usually caused by heat. Burns can be caused by hot objects or liquid, fire, friction, the sun, electricity, or certain chemicals.

Each year, about a half-million people nationwide seek medical attention for burns. Household burns lead to nearly 7 of 10 admissions to burn centers. The good news is that the number of deaths from severe burns has dropped by more than half over the past 4 decades, in large part because of treatments developed through NIH-funded research.

The severity of a burn depends on the area it covers and how deep the damage goes. First-degree burns affect only the thin top layer of skin. Second-degree burns include the thick lower layer of skin. A third-degree burn is the most serious; it penetrates the entire thickness of the skin, permanently destroying it and the

tissue that’s underneath.

You can care for most minor burns at home. If the burn is red and painful with mild swelling or little blistering, then it’s a first-degree or minor second-degree burn.

See a doctor if the burn is dark red and looks glossy with a lot of blistering. These are signs of a deep second-degree burn. Get immediate treatment if the burned skin is dry and leathery, perhaps with white, brown, or black patches. These are signs of third-degree burn.

Burns can become infected with bacteria or other germs if protective layers of skin are lost. Burns can also lead to painful inflammation, as your immune sys-

tem shifts into gear.

Emergency treatment for third-degree and some second-degree burns may include a blood transfusion and/or extra fluids to help maintain blood pressure. Grafting—placing healthy skin on top of the burn wound—might help promote new skin growth.

You can take steps to avoid household burns.

Never leave cooking food unattended on the stove. Turn pot handles away from the stove’s edge.

Use long oven mitts when removing things from your oven or stove.

Use care opening hot food items that are tightly sealed

like microwaved food or prewrapped convenience meals. Prevent scalds from hot liquids like soups or beverages by keeping them far from the edge of a table or counter.

• Keep children at least 3 feet away from stoves, grills, campfires, firepits and fireplaces. Unplug objects like an iron or hair styling device when not in use, and make sure they cannot be pulled down or knocked over.

Keep appliance cords out of the reach of children.

Set your water heater’s thermostat to 120 °F or lower to prevent scalding burns. Wear sunblock.

Be careful using chemicals, as some can cause burns. Set your water heater’s thermostat to 120 °F or lower to prevent scalding burns. Install smoke alarms on every floor of your home.

Keep yourself and your family safe from unexpected burn injuries.

Sources: http://newsinhealth.nih.gov/; https://www.defender.com.tr/blog/howto-extinguish-kitchen-fire/; https://www. mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-burns/ basics/art-20056649

Foods to help your mental health

Certain foods can help your mental health. Festive favorites can boost your mood, which is great whether you're lonely during the upcoming holidays, or if you're surrounded by annoying relatives.

Mood-boosting staple foods:

Pumpkin/Pumpkin

Seeds: Pumpkin is rich in mood-boosting minerals, such as potassium, as well as vitamin A, and B vitamins. Potassium is considered a mental-health food because of its powerful effect on mood. Low potassium levels are related to depression and mood disturbances. One study, for example, measured the effect of a high potassium, low sodium diet and found significant improvements to mood. Pumpkin seeds contain abundant tryptophan, which is a precursor of serotonin, a mood-boosting chemical produced by our bodies. In research, dietary tryptophan improved the mood of participants

over the course of a four-day, high-tryptophan diet. Subjects experienced less anxiety and depressive symptoms. Pumpkin seeds are also a good source of zinc, which can give an immediate boost to mood, having an antidepressant effect. Most everyone loves pumpkin pie, but baked pumpkin with a bit of salt and pepper is also delicious. Be sure to save the pumpkin seeds for roasting.

Yams: Yams are loaded with vitamins and minerals including potassium, which helps maintain optimal cognitive function. Low potassium intake is associate with greater risk of mood disturbances and depression. One study for example, showed that a high potassium diet improved tension and symptoms of depression. A whopping 40% of the minerals of yams are in the skin. Try twice baked yams, where you scoop out the flesh, mix it with a wee bit of maple syrup and aromatic spices such as cardamom and cloves. Top with toasted pecans for a de-

licious side dish.

Scientific research has found that those who maintain a high potassium, low sodium diet are less anxious, depressed, confused and angry, and have more energy and vigor. As a major player in dopamine metabolism, potassium has proven in research to rapidly improve mood.

Apples: Apples are abundant in a type of antioxidant called flavonoids, which demonstrated in research the ability to improve mood within just two hours of eating them! In one study, flavonoids improved cognitive function and the effects lasted six hours post-consumption. Apples are loaded with other feel-good substances too, such as B vitamins. Who doesn’t love a freshbaked apple pie? Or, for a lower-fat option, make some homemade applesauce with mood-boosting cinnamon.

Cranberries: Don’t skip the cranberry sauce with dinner. Cranberries are loaded with vitamin C and

flavonoids. Humans are one of the few animals who are unable to produce our own vitamin C, which is a major player in dopamine metabolism in the body. It is well established that people with mood and psychiatric disorders are quite often deficient in vitamin C. According to numerous studies, vitamin C rapidly improves mood. In fact, the higher our vitamin C levels are, the less confusion, anger and depression we have, according to one

study. Other studies have effectively used vitamin C to complement other interventions in the treatment of depression. Boil fresh cranberries with honey, grated nutmeg and cinnamon. Or you can add some mandarin orange slices to increase the mood-boosting ability.

It is well established that people with mood and psychiatric disorders are quite often deficient in vitamin C. In fact, the higher our vitamin C levels are, the less con-

fusion, anger and depression we have, according to one study. Other studies have effectively used vitamin C to complement other interventions in the treatment of depression.

Peppermint: Bring on the candy canes! Peppermint has been proven in studies to help with memory and to relieve stress, making it the perfect sweet treat to cope with the super-busy whirlwind nature of the holiday season.

In summary, as with any dietary supplements, it is advised to consult with your healthcare provider to see if any supplements you take will negatively interact with prescribed medications. Supplements as part of a regular healthy diet should not be a problem, but if you have, for example, kidney conditions, your potassium intake may be monitored.

For more information, visit https://nutrition.org/ how-to-boost-mental-healththrough-better-nutrition/; www.psychiatry.org.

Trigger finger: what is it and how is it treated?

When it comes to conditions that can affect your hand throughout your life, trigger finger is one of the most common.

“’Trigger finger’ is a description of what the finger feels and even looks like when symptoms pop up,” explained Dr. Edward R. Blocker, M.D., board-certified orthopedic surgeon with Beaufort Memorial Orthopaedic Specialists.

“After making a fist or closing your hand around an object, the trigger finger will catch – or ‘trigger’ – as you try to straighten it back out.” These triggering episodes can be mild or painful. There is often a nodule that can be felt in the palm at the base of the triggering finger. Although it may feel like the problem is in your knuckle, it’s

caused by an issue with the tendon that controls your finger.

forth to move your fingers. At times, the tendon can get hung up as it passes through this sheath. This causes the finger to “trigger.”

Dr. Edward R. Blocker

“Muscles pull the tendons, which then move the fingers. There are tendons on the palm side of your hand that, when pulled, cause your finger or thumb to flex down into your palm to make a fist,” he said. “The tendons on the backside of your hand pull your fingers back out straight.”

The tendons that flex your finger down are more complex than the ones that straighten them out. These flexor tendons pass through a sheath as they slide back and

Trigger finger is generally simple to treat, and patients have a few different treatment options:

• Let it resolve on its own – In some cases, trigger finger can resolve by itself if you give it time.

Anti-inflammatory medication – Anti-inflammatories like Advil or Motrin can quiet down the inflammation around the tendon so that it can glide through its sheath without getting caught. Not everyone can take anti-inflammatory medication, so if in doubt, check with your

medical provider.

• Cortisone injection near the tendon – Cortisone is a strong steroidal anti-inflammatory that is applied right at the source of the problem, which can soothe the inflammation and allow the tendon to glide without catching.

• Surgery – A simple outpatient procedure can be done to open the area of the tendon sheath where the triggering occurs. This will also allow the tendon to glide back and forth more easily.

Dr. Blocker said that generally, if a patient makes an appointment with him for trigger finger, they’ve already put up with the issue for a

while, often with anti-inflammatory medication, without any relief. His recommendation then is the cortisone injection.

“Sometimes a patient will say they don’t want an injection because it’s ‘just temporary,’” he said. “However, an injection can sometimes cure the problem and is therefore usually worth a try before resorting to surgery.”

For patients that have persistent, bothersome triggering that hasn’t been relieved by other options, surgery has a high likelihood of success.

Trigger finger, while it isn’t debilitating, can certainly be annoying. Talk to your medical provider about which treatment option will work best for you.

Avoid the agony of kidney stones

By DeeDee Stiepan

Anyone who has ever had a kidney stone surely remembers it. The pain can be unbearable, coming in waves until the stone becomes unstuck and passes. In about half of people who have had one, kidney stones strike again within seven years—unless something is done to prevent them.

Saunas, hot yoga and heavy exercise may be good for your health, but they also may lead to kidney stones. Why? Loss of water through sweating—whether due to these activities or just the heat of summer—leads to less urine production. The more you sweat, the less you urinate, which allows for stone-causing minerals to settle and bond in the kidneys and urinary tract.

If you have already had kidney stones, ask your health care professional which type of kidney stone you had. Based on the type of kidney stone you had, you may be able to prevent kidney stones by making changes in how much sodium, animal protein, calcium, or oxalate is in the food you eat.

You may need to change what you eat and drink for these types of kidney stones:

Calcium Oxalate Stones

provider with any questions

Calcium Phosphate Stones Uric Acid Stones Cystine Stones

A dietitian who specializes in kidney stone prevention can help you plan meals to prevent kidney stones.

One of the best measures you can take to avoid kidney stones is to drink plenty of water, leading you to urinate a lot. So, be sure to keep well hydrated, especially

when engaging in exercise or activities that cause a lot of sweating.

There are many things the stone-prone can do to protect themselves. Losing weight if you are overweight is especially important for people who have had uric acid stones.

Here are core self-help steps for preventing kidney stones: Drink plenty of water: Drinking extra water dilutes the

substances in urine that lead to stones.

Avoid stone-forming foods: Beets, chocolate, spinach, rhubarb, almonds, Miso and tea can contribute to kidney stones. If you suffer from stones, your doctor may advise you to avoid these foods or to consume them in smaller amounts. Maintain calcium intake: Even though calcium sounds like it would be the cause of calcium stones, it’s not. In the right amounts, calcium can block other substances in the digestive tract that may cause stones. Talk with a health care professional about how much calcium you should eat to help prevent getting more calcium oxalate stones and to support strong bones. It may be best to get calcium from low-oxalate, plant-based foods such as calcium-fortified juices, cereals, breads, some kinds of vegetables, and some types of beans.

Reduce sodium: Your chance of developing kidney stones increases when you eat more sodium. Sodium is a part of salt. Sodium is in many

canned, packaged, and fast foods. It is also in many condiments, seasonings, and meats.

• Limit animal protein: Although you may need to limit how much animal protein you eat each day, you still need to make sure you get enough protein. Consider replacing some of the meat and animal protein you would typically eat with beans, dried peas, and lentils, which are plantbased foods that are high in protein and low in oxalate. Talk with a health care professional about how much total protein you should eat and how much should come from animal or plant-based foods. Ask a dietitian about taking your correct vitamin supplements

Always eat your recommended fruits and veggies

Avoid sugary drinks

Sources: https://www.kidney.org/ kidney-topics/six-easy-ways-to-preventkidney-stones; https://aglab.ars.usda.gov/ explore-learn/taking-the-ouch-out-ofoxalate#; https://www.niddk.nih.gov/healthinformation/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones/ eating-diet-nutrition.

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

Lady’s Island Garden Club Bake Sale

9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov.

9, Grayco Hardware, Sea Island Parkway, Lady’s Island. The group will be offering homemade cakes, cookies, pies, breads, candies and snack mixes, as well as gluten-free selections, doggie biscuits, and flower arrangements. Many items will be appropriately wrapped for gift giving. The Lady’s Island Garden Club is a 501(c)(3) organization.

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

WHAT’S HAPPENING

HIGHWAY 21 DRIVE-IN

The movies scheduled for this week (Friday, Nov. 1 through Thursday, Mov. 7) at the Highway 21 Drive-In are Venom: The Last Dance (PG-13, 7:30 p.m.) and Deadpool & Wolverine (R, 9:30 p.m.) on Screen 1; Smile 2 (R, 7:30 p.m.) and Terrifier 3 (NR, 9:50 p.m.) on Screen 2; Elf (PG, 7:30 p.m.) and Christmas Vacation (PG-13, 9 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 Moana 2 (November).

Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Rain or shine. You will find fresh, local, seasonal produce, shrimp, oysters, poultry, beef, pork, eggs, bread and cheese, as well as plants, ferns, camellias, azaleas, citrus trees and beautiful, fresh cut flower bouquets. There are prepared food vendors serving barbecue, dumplings, she crab soup, crab cakes, paella, coffee, baked goods, bagels and breakfast sandwiches. No pets allowed. For more information, visit http://www.portroyalfarmersmarket.com/, visit @ portroyalfarmersmarket on Facebook or call 843-295-0058.

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

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

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

Teddy Bear Picnic Read-Aloud

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

Karaoke with Melissa

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

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.

HALLOWEEN

Wicked Willie’s

Halloween Bash 6 to 9 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 31, Wet Willie’s, 2127 Boundary Street. Costume contest from 8 to 8:30 p.m. DJ Melissa Karaoke. Specialty Halloween Daiquiris. Bloody Finger Shots. Must be 21 to participate and must be present to win costume contest. Prizes awarded as Wet Willie’s gift cards.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

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

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

HISTORY

Beaufort History Museum at the Arsenal

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

The Historic Port Royal Museum

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

Tour Historic Fort Fremont Dawn to dusk, Monday through Sunday, The Fort Fremont Preserve, 1124 Land’s End Road, St. Helena Island. Free and open to the public. The History Center is open Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Visitors can learn about the fort’s history during the Spanish-American War through interpretive signs, self-guided walking tours with a smart phone, exhibits in the history center, and docent-led tours. For more information visit www.fortfremont.org or contact Passive Parks Manager Stefanie Nagid at snagid@bcgov.net.

LIBRARY ACTIVITIES

“Lego” With Lego

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

Career Navigator

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

Bridge Club

11 a.m., Wednesdays, Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort. Beginning September 18. The first session is for beginners new to the game, and following sessions will provide some instruction and we will learn as we play.

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

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

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 off-road/dirt/ wilderness mountain biking/jogging/walking trails near is encouraged to attend. For more information, call 843-575-0021 or email universitybicycles@hotmail.com.

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

Rotary Club of the Lowcountry

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

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.

Autumn Exhibit of Embroidery Techniques

2 to 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 9, Lobeco Branch Library, 1862 Trask Parkway, Lobeco. This time is for an Artist Meet & Greet. The Lowcountry Chapter of the Embroidery Guild of America is hosting an Autumn Exhibit of Embroidery Techniques through mid-November. Refreshments will be served at the Meet & Greet. Drop in to meet the artists behind the creative pieces on display. For more information, please contact the llbrary at 843-255-6479 or beaufortcountylibrary.org or the Embroidery Guild 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.

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

ATTORNEY

Christopher J. Geier

Attorney at Law, LLC

Criminal Defense & Civil Litigation

SERVICE DIRECTORY

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

THURSDAY’S CARTOON

ANNOUNCEMENTS

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AUCTIONS

ESTATE AUCTION. Sat., Nov. 9 at 9:30AM. 2091 Griffith Dr., Orangeburg, SC. Mr. & Mrs. Frank Tourville estate. 6800 sq.ft. home is loaded with designer furniture, antiques, doll collection, glassware, china, porcelains, art, jewelry, garden furniture, tools, much more! Preview Fri., Nov. 8 from 11AM to 6PM, browse web at www. cogburnauction.com. 803-860-0712

ADVERTISE YOUR AUCTION 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

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

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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

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Last week, voters received a fallacious letter from Shannon Erickson entitled “Enough is Enough” accusing me of lying about her record She WISHES that were true. But, it's simply not.

Shannon is right, though, “Enough is Enough” - of Shannon Erickson

We've had enough of her missing critical votes; stripping reproductive freedom from women; the arrogance of "ALLOWING" women to receive vital, life saving care only under her idea of “reasonable” circumstances; discriminating against trans youth; banning books by diverse authors; and misusing taxpayer dollars by funneling it to private schools Yes, Shannon, ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.