Well, at least we know now what’s going in the former Ribaut Road bowling alley.
The city Planning Commission last week approved plans for a multi-use building to accommodate, yes, more storage units. But also, office spaces and even several residential apartments.
The building at 1140 Ribaut Road has been empty for the past three years and the cause of much speculation by passing motorists. Dr. Skeet Burris and his son, Andy, for the past year worked with the city planning staff to develop the property into 28 rental office spaces with a common area and storage units to the rear of the building. The second floor will provide living area for a property manager plus two rental living spaces.
The approval comes as the Port Royal Town Council is taking measures to restrict the number of self-storage facilities being built within their town limits.
The council earlier this month, at the urging of citizens, agreed to change the T4 zoning ordinance to prohibit any more self-storage businesses. Citizens voiced concerns, during public hearings on the matter, the town was becoming “the storage unit capital of the Lowcountry.”
It may be fall but hurricane season still with us
BEAUFORT – Sunday marked not only the start of autumn but it was also the 35th anniversary of Hurricane Hugo striking the coast of South Carolina.
So far, the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has been a quiet one, at least for Lowcountry residents. But even as this column is being written, there’s another storm out there, moving slowly towards the Gulf of Mexico with a possible
Remembering Ari’Anna
Teen’s life to be celebrated Saturday as 2 men arrested in her murder
By Delayna Earley
The Island News
After previously attending
Whale Branch Early College High School, 17-year-old Ari’Anna Mulligan had just begun her senior year of high school at Bridges Preparatory School. She was excited for the school year at a new school, but particu-
larly for her senior prom.
Unfortunately, Mulligan never made it to her senior prom. Her life was cut short in a senseless shooting outside of an apartment complex in Burton on Sunday, Sept. 15
More gun violence in an area that already sees way too much gun violence.
Bittersweet news
In what will have to pass for good news, two men have been arrested and charged in the shooting death of Mulligan.
Jeremiah Warren, 18, of Beaufort, was arrested on Monday, Sept. 23, while Rashod Lorenzo
SEE LIFE PAGE A6
Port Royal’s holding annual OktoPRfest on Saturday
By Delayna Earley
The Island News
OktoPRfest is back in Port Royal this weekend.
The annual event, hosted by The Old Village Association, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Paris Avenue in Port Royal.
This year’s event invites visitors to “party Port Royal style” with food by local chefs and restaurants, food trucks offering German-inspired
dishes such as brats and pretzels, American food favorites and a “wide selection of craft, imported and domestic beers,” according to the event’s Facebook page.
Attendees can enjoy life musical performances and entertainment, a craft market and a family fun kids’ zone – running from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. – where children will get the opportunity to meet Lollipop the Clown.
This year’s event is special, according to the event’s page, as
they will be celebrating the town’s 150th birthday. There will be a “special surprise honoring the Town’s 150th birthday” during the event’s opening ceremony. Admission to the event is free, and pets are not allowed.
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.
LOLITA HUCKABY
LOWCOUNTRY LIFE & NEWS
Beaufort’s Don Murphy, 74 joined the United States Coast Guard in Johnstown, N.Y., in 1970. After Basic Training at Cape May, N.J., he was assigned to Radioman School on Governor’s Island, N.Y. His first duty station was at the Coast Guard Base in Buffalo, N.Y., serving both Lakes Erie and Ontario. He then was transferred to Coast Guard Radio Station Guam, from which he deployed
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Vote ‘no for sales tax’
I would like to suggest that our residents vote “no” for the 2024 sales tax as there isn't accountability for past projects that should have been completed. Not only not completed but still in the design stage! Flagrant violations of procurement code and not being transparent with the spending. Vote “No for Sales Tax!” You must scroll down after voting for the national election and you will see the referendum for the sales tax. Don't be fooled again.
– Christine Iulo, Hilton Head Island
I’m sharing
Dandridge’s article
Last week’s article by Larry Dandridge on Veterans Home Loans was so informative and well-written that I plan to share it with my many veteran customers. As a real estate
ON THIS DATE
September 28
aboard USCG Cutter Basswood (WLB-388) to Koror, Yap, Palau, Subic Bay and Taiwan. His final assignment was at Coast Guard District Headquarters Cleveland. He separated in 1974 as a Second Class Petty Officer. He then designed and implemented the first 911 service in Cleveland, worked for the Cleveland
Police Department and finally at St. Alexis Hospital providing internal and external communications. He moved to Beaufort County in 2016 – Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207 For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb 1 @gmail.com.
professional, I find it hard to find a newspaper that supports our Marines, soldiers, sailors, Coast Guardsmen and women, and airmen and women as does The Island News
I want you to know that I read your terrific newspaper every week, and I greatly appreciate your support of our military members, veterans, and their families.
Thank you.
– Rick Hamilton, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services/Bay Street Realty Group, Beaufort
Choose Harris over Trump
Donald Trump had four years to lead the United States and failed us by his own choosing. Whether it be in foreign policy or domestic policy, he did not protect the nation as commander in chief.
Trump talks a lot but doesn’t say much other than to hurl insults and make false statements.
Quality of life is not a business decision. But rather, it is a humane choice to be empathetic to those who cannot help themselves.
Kamala Harris has that empathy and is returning the United States to an era when we were respected internationally because of how we treat our citizens domestically.
This election is a clear choice between those who have never had it so good and those of us who know we can do better. Kamala Harris will lead us there.
We’ve had an African-American president before, and that worked out just fine.
Fellow citizens, exercise your right to vote to preserve your sacred heritage, promote your children’s future and obtain the blessings of liberty we all cherish.
To maintain a sense of decency in the United States, rise and vote! Our democracy is at stake.
– Joe Bialek, Cleveland, Ohio
1983: The movie “The Big Chill,” directed by Lawrence Kasdan and starring Tom Berenger, Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum, William Hurt, Kevin Kline, Mary Kay Place, Meg Tilly and JoBeth Williams is released in theaters. Filmed primarily at Beaufort’s Tidalholm, the film features a group of baby boomers, who attended the University of Michigan, reuniting after 15 years when their friend Alex dies by suicide.
October 1
1975: Beaufort’s Joe Frazier loses (retired) in a rematch to Muhammad Ali in a WBA/WBC/The Ring heavyweight title fight in Quezon City, Philippines to fall to (30-2).
– Compiled by Mike McCombs
League rescued her from an uncertain fate, and now she’s ready to start life anew. At just less than 30 pounds, Doll is the
size for almost any home. And at just younger than a year old, she has a lifetime of love to give. Visit Doll at the PAL Adoption Center and see why she earned her name. She is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped.
Cat Of The Week
around other cats, and she’s just an all-around wonderful pet. We’d love to see her go home this week and prove that good girls can finish first. She is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped.
For more information on Doll, Blank, or any of our other pets, call PALat 843645-1725 or email Info@ PalmettoAnimalLeague.org.
– Compiled by Lindsay Perry
lives up to her name, don’t you think? Palmetto Animal
Mark Pritchard captured this image of a male House Finch enjoying a Firecracker flower on Dataw 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.
Service restored for Hargray internet, phone customers
‘Widescale outage’ lasted most of Monday
By Mike McCombs The Island News
A “widescale internet and phone outage” experienced Monday, Sept. 23, by customers of Sparklight, formerly Hargray Communications, has been resolved
An update on Hargray’s Faecbook page at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 24, read, “All customer services have been restored. Customers experiencing technical issues are asked to first reboot prior to contacting Tech Support. Impacted residential customers will receive a credit on an upcoming statement – there is no need to call in to receive this credit.
“We want to again thank you for your patience and understanding yesterday. In a rare circumstance,
fiber damage was sustained in four locations, which disrupted service on both our primary and redundant lines. While technicians continue repairing fiber on one of the lines this morning, the redundancy has allowed us to restore service. We appreciate you bearing with us.”
The City of Beaufort and Beaufort County, along with countless businesses and private customers were without internet services and landline phones beginning sometime around 10:20 a.m., Monday, according to Hargray’s website.
According to Hargray, the out-
age was brought on by fiber damage caused by third-party digging in Hardeeville. In addition to the Lowcountry of South Carolina, there were Sparklight/Hargray outages across Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and other areas of South Carolina, according to DownDetector.com.
Verizon and T-Mobile cellular customers in the same areas dealt with service issues as well, according to internet reports.
The outage, however, did not affect 9-1-1 services, according to Master Sgt. Danny Allen, spokesperson for the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.
Around 2 p.m., a Sparklight/ Hargray official responded to email inquiries from The Island
News with a message similar to what had been posted on its Facebook pages earlier in the day.
“A portion of our Hargray customers are currently experiencing slow internet or internet outages due to fiber damage caused by a third-party,” the post read. “Technicians are working diligently to get services restored as quickly and safely as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate the patience of our customers while we perform the work to repair damaged fiber. We are providing updates on our Hargray Facebook page as information becomes available.”
A portion of customers began to see their services restored Monday night.
In an 8:15 p.m., update, Hargray posted the following on its Facebook page: “Our teams continue working diligently to restore services. As technicians continue working to splice and repair fiber, customers are beginning to see services come back online. We will provide another update once all services are restored. We again thank you for your ongoing patience.”
Mike McCombs is the editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
A customer service representative contacted by phone could not give any estimate when the outage might be resolved. Her suggestion was to “call back in 24 hours.”
Pilings installed along Waterfront Park seawall
By Mike McCombs
The Island News
O’Quinn Marine Construction, under contract with the City of Beaufort, installed pilings last week adjacent to the seawall at the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park to allow for the mooring of shrimp boats during festivals held at the park, particularly the upcoming Beaufort Shrimp Festival (Oct. 4-5).
According to City Manager Scott Marshall, this was a project that had been dis-
cussed among staff for some time as they researched the cost and feasibility of the project.
“We decided it was a good investment, especially since those [pilings] will stay until after the park is [repaired],” Marshall said. Marshall said the cost of the pilings was well within the amount he has the authorization to spend and the proper permitting was acquired.
“[O’Quinn] needed to know in order to get start-
ed,” Marshall said. “They had other upcoming projects … we needed to go ahead and pull the trigger if we were going to do it and have it finished in time for the Shrimp Festival.”
According to the City’s news release from Wednesday, Sept. 18, the eight pilings were to be set 6 inches from the seawall, and span 150 feet. With these pilings, the shrimp boats will not put any stress on the relieving platform that undergirds
Waterfront Park. This is a temporary solution to allow the boats to be at the festivals as they have in the past.”
Both the release and Marshall stressed that these pilings will not be used by cruise ships.
O’Quinn began the installation on Thursday, Sept. 19 and completed it the next day.
Mike McCombs is the editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
Curtis J. Elam, M.D., FACOG
Board-Certified
Throughout his decades-long career, Dr. Elam has gathered expertise in general, routine and specialized OBGYN care for women at all stages of life, and has an extensive background in laparoscopic and robotic surgeries, including pelvic floor reconstruction and urogynecological treatment of stress urinary incontinence. He comes to Beaufort Memorial from Aiken, S.C., where he was staff physician and OBGYN department head at the Clyburn Center for Primary Care, as well as OBGYN staff physician at Aiken Regional Medical Center. Prior to embarking on a career in obstetrics and gynecology, Dr. Elam was active-duty U.S. Naval Reserve – serving as both a battalion and regimental surgeon with the Marines.
Board-Certified
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Nurse Practitioner
An Ohio native, Mesenburg worked as a registered nurse for 14 years prior to becoming a family nurse practitioner. She credits her five years as a post-partum nurse in the Beaufort Memorial Collins Birthing Center for her love of women’s health, driving her decision to go back to school to earn her doctorate, with a research focus on improving women’s health through educational initiatives. Since receiving her Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, Mesenburg has worked in the Beaufort area as a family nurse practitioner and was most recently the director of clinical operations at Friends of Caroline Hospice in Ridgeland, S.C.
University of South Carolina Bachelor of Science
of
A heavy crane is near the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park on Thursday, Sept. 18, and workers from O’Quinn Marine Construction install pilings adjacent to the seawall. Jeff Evans/ The Island News
Beaufort to see rain, wind as Helene moves northward
By Delayna Earley
The Island News
The Lowcountry is likely to experience heavy rains and strong winds as Tropical Storm Helene moves into the area on Thursday according to the National Weather Service’s Charleston Office.
Tropical Storm Helene is expected to continue to gain strength as it moves over the Gulf of Mexico toward the Gulf coast of Florida, potentially reaching hurricane strength by Wednesday afternoon and becoming a major hurricane before making landfall along the Florida panhandle on Thursday.
Meteorologists have said that the storm is expected to be very large and could affect areas well outside of
which would include the
NEWS BRIEFS
Beaufort County Youth Conference set for Sept. 28
The 2024 Beaufort County Youth Conference – “For Teens By Teens” – will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Technical College of The Lowcountry (TCL) at 921 Ribaut Road in Beaufort.
There will be interactive break-out sessions, music, food, fun, door prizes and T-shirts for the teenagers, as well as an adult wellness workshop for parents. The event is free for all Beaufort County high and middle school students.
Indivisible Beaufort meeting Oct. 5
Barbara Nash will be the discussion leader and Exploring Project 2025 will be the discussion topic at the next Indivisible Beaufort meeting, to be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 5 at the Beaufort Downtown Library at 311 Scott Street.
What’s in the document? What are the potential impacts if it’s implemented? Nash is an Indivisible member and a former candidate for the South Carolina House or Representatives. Her career as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, health care practice founder, and college educator makes her especially well informed and concerned about the health care and educational policies, as well as the other issues proposed by Project 2025
The event is free and open to the public.
Beaufort County Assessor hosting community events
Beaufort County Assessor Ebony Sanders is hosting multiple community events at County Library Branches to allow the public an opportunity to meet with her staff and share questions and concerns regarding real property. Each community event will be from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. The dates are as follows: Hilton Head Branch Library, 11 Beach
City Road: Tuesday, Oct. 1 – Large Room; Tuesday, Oct. 29 – SCRoom; Tuesday, Nov. 19 – SCRoom.
St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road: Tuesday, Oct. 15 – Small Conference Room; Tuesday, Nov. 5
– Small Conference Room; Tuesday, Dec. 3
– Large Meeting Room.
Bluffton Branch Library, 120 Palmetto Way: Thursday, Oct. 17 – Large Meeting Room; Thursday, Nov. 7 – Large Meeting Room; Thursday, Dec. 5 – Large Meeting Room.
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 843-2552404
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.
Lowcountry Regional Public Works Training Conference
The first annual Lowcountry Regional Public Works Training Conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 26 at the Buckwalter Recreation Center in Bluffton.
lowing later in the day.
Local meteorologists are forecasting periods of heavy rain, wind gusts up to 50-60 mph, isolated tornadoes and coastal flooding during high tide cycles, according to a press release posted by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.
People are advised to reduce potential debris around their homes by trimming bushes and trees, securing any outdoor items that could become airborne and clearing gutters and drains of debris.
BCSO also wants to remind people to report power outages to their power company and report downed trees by calling the non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777
Once the inclement
Participants will have the ability to choose from three educational tracks: roadway, stormwater, and environmental. The event is being hosted by the Beaufort Regional Civil Engineers Club and the Lowcountry Branch of the South Carolina Chapter of the American Public Works Association, in cooperation with Beaufort County Public Works.
This exciting one-day event will feature panel discussions, on-site training, and equipment demonstrations. Interested participants can register now at https://bit.ly/3YSKon2
Free Summer Tax Prep Available for Lowcountry Residents Who Missed Deadline
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is offering a free summer tax preparation program for qualifying residents of Beaufort and Jasper counties who missed the traditional tax filing deadline.
This program – a collaboration between the IRS, Beaufort County Human Services Alliance, and United Way of the Lowcountry (UWLC) – is designed to assist low-income individuals and families, non-English speaking taxpayers, people with disabilities, and seniors (age 60+) in accurately and efficiently filing their federal and state tax returns.
"We understand that filing taxes can be overwhelming, especially for those who have limited resources," United Way Volunteer and VITA Program Coordinator Sherry Halphen said. "Our summer tax preparation program allows residents to receive free assistance from IRS-certified volunteers, ensuring they receive every deduction and credit they deserve."
Program Details: What: Free tax preparation assistance by IRS-certified VITA volunteers.
• When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26
weather begins, people are advised to stay off the roads unless it is necessary for travel and any wind-related bridge closures will be handled by the South Carolina Department of Transportation. While storms such as hurricanes do sometimes change their trajectory, the National Weather Service Charleston has stated that the models have shown that Tropical Storm Helene’s track is pretty set and is likely what will happen.
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.
• Where: United Way of the Lowcountry Bluffton Office (10 Buckingham Plantation Drive, Suite D, Bluffton, S.C. 29910)
• Appointments Required: Call 843 321 9071 or email lowcountryvitacoalition@gmail.com Visit www.uwlowcountry.org/VITA for eligibility requirements and a list of documents to bring with you to your appointment.
County VA to offer End of Life Planning Seminars for veterans, families
Beaufort County Veterans Affairs is hosting End of Life Planning Seminars for veterans and their families. These seminars address things veterans and their families can do today to ensure their personal effects are in order. They also discuss Veterans Affairs benefits that surviving spouses may be entitled to receive. They will be offered at either 9 a.m. or 1 p.m., at convenient locations around Beaufort County:
• Tuesday, Oct. 15: Hilton Head Branch Library, 11 Beach City Road. Tuesday, Oct. 22: St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road.
• Tuesday, May 20: Hilton Head Branch Library, 11 Beach City Road. Tuesday, May 27: Beaufort Library, 311 Scott Street.
RSVPs are required for space and resource purposes. Please contact Crystal at 843-255-6880 to reserve your seat. For questions and more information please contact Beaufort County Veterans Affairs at 843-255-6880
– Staff reports
the Track Cone of uncertainty,
Lowcountry.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, Beaufort can
expect rain starting as early as Thursday morning with winds and storm surge fol-
OCNA hosts Beaufort City Council candidate forum
By Mike McCombs
The Island News
The Old Commons Neighborhood Association (OCNA) held a forum for the four candidates for Beaufort City Council – Julie Crenshaw, Josh Gibson, incumbent Neil Lisitz and incumbent Mitch Mitchell.
Each candidate was given six to seven minutes total to discuss what made them run for Beaufort City Council, what they see as the most important and challenging issues facing the City, what unique quality they bring to the City Council and anything else they might want us to know about them.
The floor was then opened up for questions.
Crenshaw said she wanted to bring new energy, perspective and
On Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, during the Meet the Beaufort City Council Candidate Night that was held by the Old Commons Neighborhood Association at Wesley United Methodist Church in Beaufort, Michael Anderson, of Beaufort, asks candidates, if elected, what their plan is to deal with short term rentals in the city, specifically the Mossy Oaks neighborhood. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
strength to the council and wanted to be the “voice of the community.”
She said she would listen to the people and get the people more involved, and she promised, “I will always keep my eye on the ball.”
Gibson want to invert the relationship Council has with Beaufort’s citizens right now.
“Solutions for the problems don’t come from high to the citizens, but from the citizens up to the city,” he said.
Mitchell insisted that they all, the candidates and the citizens, have more in common than they do differences. He said he had true sincerity in serving the citizens of the City.
And he said that while the people may not always agree with what he does, “when we disagree, we don’t be disagreeable.”
Lipsitz said his strength is something some people consider a weakness. He said he comes at every issue with an open mind. He wants to understand both sides of the issue, even if it appears he’s on the fence while looking for middle ground.
Lipsitz praised Beaufort Memorial Hospital’s PATH program, which has brought more nurses to Beaufort He also wants to see the Marine Science program at USC Beaufort “flourish.”
“It has the opportunity to be one of the best in the nation,” he said.
Crenshaw touted her ability to be a team player and voiced her desire that the Council be collaborative with one voice. She said she would be transparent, honest and hard-working.
Gibson wants to be sure the Beaufort he loves and knows doesn’t slip
away from us. He sees the Council’s task as “preserving the Beaufort we all fell in love with.”
What’s next?
He reiterated that the only real differences he and the others on stage have is about policy, not about their goals.
Mitchell said everyone wants to slow growth, but the key is actually managing it so as to have “environmentally safe economic growth.”
He also said that growth would increase the need to improved infrastructure and services, which means taxes.
Lipsitz touted the City’s success with Southside Park and said the City could be doing more “good things” if it wasn’t having to defend itself from “frivolous lawsuits.”
Sessions starting now! NEWS
Our introductory sessions on the Catholic faith are now starting, and you are invited!
The gatherings are on Wednesday evenings in our social hall from 6:30 to 8:30, with free childcare.
Each evening begins with dinner, followed by a presentation by our pastor, who teaches in an creative and down-to-earth way.
70 Lady’s Island Dr, Beaufort Office: 843-522-9555
From 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26, the Northwest Quadrant Neighborhood Association (NWQNA) will host a “City of Beaufort Mayoral Candidates Night” at the Charles Lind Brown Community Center at 1001 Hamar Street. Then, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17, the Old Commons Neighborhood Association (OCNA) will host its Ice Cream Social along with “Meet The Candidates Night” for City of Beaufort Mayor, County Council District 3, and S.C. House District 124 candidates at the Wesley United Methodist Church Education Building. The four City Council candidates
have been invited, as well.
On Monday, Oct. 21, from 5:30 to 8 p.m., the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce will host a candidate forum at the USC Beaufort Center For The Arts at 805 Carteret Street. There will be separate forums for County candidates, City Council candidates and Mayor candidates. And finally, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 24, the NWQNA will host City of Beaufort City Council Candidates Night at the Charles Lind Brown Community Center at 1001 Hamar Street.
Mike McCombs is the editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
There is no commitment or expectation to become Catholic. We love Jesus and we just want to share about him to all who are interested!
Why not come to a session and see what it’s like?
For more details, please visit our webpage below or reach out to us, we are happy to help!
On Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, during the Meet the Beaufort City Council Candidate Night that was held by the Old Commons Neighborhood Association at Wesley United Methodist Church in Beaufort, candidates discuss concerns of Beaufort citizens. From left are City Council candidates Julie Crenshaw, Josh Gibson, Mitch Mitchell and Neil Lipsitz. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
‘Banned Together’
Community gets 1st look at documentary about local students’ fight for books
By Mike McCombs The Island News
LADY’S ISLAND
– More
than 200 people gathered Sunday afternoon, Sept. 22, at St. John’s Lutheran Church for a private screening of the documentary “Banned Together: The Fight Against Censorship.”
The documentary, directed by Kate Way and Tom Wiggin and produced by Way, Tom Wiggin, Jennifer Wiggin and Allyson Rice, follows three local young women – Beaufort High’s Millie Bennett, Battery Creek’s Isabella Troy Brazoban and Beaufort Academy’s Lizzie Foster -- during their senior year of high school as they played a prominent role in “fighting for the books to return to the shelves” during Beaufort County School District’s review of a list of 97 books that were challenged for appropriateness of content after a complaint was filed by two Beaufort County residents in October 2022
The documentary ties the efforts of the three young women into the larger national picture of the rise of Moms For Liberty and book
challenges across the country.
The film crew followed the students throughout their journey as they worked to reinstate the 97 books to local school libraries, advocated at school board meetings, met with national politicians and spoke at the Right To Read Rally during the American Library Association’s annual conference in Chicago.
“Kudos to the local community for teaching [these girls] how to speak up for themselves,” said co-producer Allyson Rice. “That’s going to serve them well for the rest of their lives. And this is why a local story isn’t just a local story.
The screening was held, appropriately, on the first day of Banned Books Week. Afterward, there was a brief question-and-answer session with the principle figures in the film, as well as the filmmakers, before people migrated to GG’s in Port Royal for an afterparty.
“This film was really about an intersection of a lot of issues – I was really stunned at the racism that lies under-
neath all of [the book bans],” said Tom Wiggin, co-producer and co-director of the project. “I’m also stunned at the willingness and admire the guts of people to speak out and put themselves out there, especially on camera … it makes me feel hopeful.”
The filmmakers are working now to sell the film for distribution, which would eventually result in the documentary being available on one or more streaming platforms and available to the general public.
“I will never not vote in a school board election again,” said co-producer Jennifer Wiggin.
For now, they have launched an impact campaign and hope to hold more than 100 screenings all over the country between now and the Nov. 5 general election. Two screenings of note are at Washington D.C.’s Martin Luther King Jr. Library in October and New York City’s Museum of Jewish Heritage, where, after the film, a panel will discuss censorship in Nazi Germany.
The documentary is entered in six film festivals so far, with the filmmakers hopeful for more, including the Beaufort International Film Festival.
Melinda Henrickson is the founder of FAAB – Families Against Book Bans – the local organization that hosted the screening and afterparty. She is also the Democratic candidate for S.C. House District 124, a seat held by Shannon Erickson.
Henrickson said the group would celebrate the small wins when it could.
“We’re expecting a really hard year ahead with legislation coming out and regulations from the Statehouse,” she said. “We’ll probably lose some books and we’ll be up in Columbia a lot. I suspect we’ll lose a lot of books the community doesn’t want to lose.”
Henrickson said this particular fight is why she’s running for office.
“You can only advocate so much when your own legislator isn’t listening to what the community wants, which is simply not to censor curriculum and our libraries,” Henrickson said.
“Unfortunately, this is not about the books, it’s about silencing marginalized voices. Once we started going to the Statehouse, we realized it’s not about the books.”
Isabella Troy Brazoban, one of the three featured students in the film, ironically, had no intention of becoming part of a movement. She attended a Beaufort County Board of Education meeting simply to hear her cousin sing, not even knowing about the removal of books from schools.
But her experiences since that night in December 2022 have impacted her greatly. When asked after the screening what her big takeaway from the experience, she didn’t hesitate.
“Don’t settle,” she said. “Whenever the world makes you uncomfortable, don’t just stand there. Say something.”
Mike McCombs is the editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
Fire displaces adult, child; apartment complex saved by sprinklers
Staff reports
An adult and child were displaced late Tuesday afternoon after a fire at the Magnolia Park Apartments on Laurel Bay Road.
Just past 4 p.m., the Burton Fire District was dispatched to an activated fire alarm at the Magnolia Park Apartments on Laurel Bay Road. Firefighters arrived on scene to find a fire sprinkler system had been activated by a cooking fire and was flowing water from a single sprinkler head. The sprinkler system had fully extinguished the fire prior to the
fire department’s arrival. Firefighters shut the water off and ensured the fire did not spread beyond the stove. Due to the water in the apartment and power to the residence having to be shut off, a female adult and child were displaced and are being assisted by the Red Cross.
No other residents were displaced and were able to return home.
While fire officials state that there was some water damage to the apartment, all things considered, damages were extremely limited for this type of fire.
“A residential sprinkler head flows about 25 gallons of water a minute,” said Burton Fire Captain Ethan Webb, who was first to arrive. “But today it extinguished the fire immediately. Had the fire spread, not only would you have more fire damages, but our hose lines flow about 150 gallons of water a minute, so there would have been significantly more damages that could have also potentially impacted other residents in the complex.
“We can dry out your home, but we can’t unburn it,” said Webb.
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Williams, 18, of Grays Hill, was arrested on Friday, Sept. 20
Both men are currently in custody at the Beaufort County Detention Center and have been charged with Murder, Aggravated Breach of Peace and a felony firearms offense.
According to judicial records, neither one of the men arrested in Mulligan’s death have a prior record.
Mulligan was one of three juveniles who were shot outside of Magnolia Park Apartments off Laurel Bay Road on Sept. 15. Beaufort County deputies arrived on the scene around 10 p.m. in
response to multiple reports of shots fired where they found the three juveniles in the in the parking lot who had been shot.
Mulligan was taken to Beaufort Memorial Hospital before being airlifted to the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston. She died in flight to MUSC after going into cardiac arrest.
Mulligan’s brother, who was one of the other two gunshot victims, was hospitalized for his wounds.
Master Sgt. Danny Allen, spokesperson for the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, said that this is still an active investigation, and he expects for there to be additional arrests made in this case as the investigation continues.
Anyone with information regarding the Sept. 15 shooting is asked to call investigator Master Sgt. Duncan at 843-255-3418 or submit a tip online at bsco.net.
Ari’Anna’s ‘senior prom experience’
A memorial was held for Mulligan at Bridges Preparatory School on Monday, Sept. 23, where members of her family, friends and school faculty spoke about her and then released pink balloons in her memory.
“This young lady walked into our hallways and never missed a beat,” Bridges Preparatory School principal Daniel Tooman said during the memorial. “Unfortunately, it’s a tragic event anytime we lose one of our loved ones, a member of our fam-
ily. …She is in good hands looking down upon us now as we celebrate her life.”
Mulligan couldn’t wait for her senior prom.
Trevon Bridges, originally of St. Helena but now living in Georgia, is the owner of a company called The Mortuary Mogul who works with families to create unique “celebration of life” funeral experiences and burial dresses. He is also a family friend of Mulligan’s mother and is helping organize her celebration of life event.
“We are giving [Ari’Anna] the experience that she deserves and has always wanted,” Bridges said. “She said she always wanted to be Princess Tiana for her senior prom and we’re making it happen! This will be her senior prom experience.”
Princess Tiana is one of the main characters in the 2009 animated Disney movie The Princess and The Frog.
The viewing will be held on Friday, Sept. 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at The Serenity Mortuary – Historic Beaufort Chapel in Beaufort.
Bridges is working with Mulligan’s family to create a Princess Tiana themed prom dress for her to wear for her viewing and celebration of life. The dress that Bridges is making is based on inspiration photos and designs
He said that she will also be wearing a tiara, and someone is making her special tennis shoes to match the dress for her to wear as well.
“When we first posted on
social media about her celebration of life, members of the community began to reach out to contribute money to help pay for her dress and celebration,” Bridges said.
“Ari’Anna’s Prom: The Send Off” celebration of life service will be held at noon on Saturday, Sept. 28, at Friendship Holiness Church in Seabrook.
Bridges said family has asked for attendees to wear semi-formal attire in shades of pink and yellow in honor of Ari’Anna.
Delayna Earley, who joined The Island News in 2022, formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort
and
An adult and child were displaced Tuesday afternoon after a fire sprinkler system extinguished a kitchen fire at the Magnolia Park Apartments on Laurel Bay Road. Photo courtesy of Burton Fire District
Isabella Troy Brazoban and Xzorion Berry watch a private screening of the full-length documentary “Banned Together” at St.John’s Lutheran Church on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2024. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
The directors, producers, and community members featured in the film answer questions during a Q&A session after the private screening of the full-length documentary “Banned Together” at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2024. Amber Hewitt/ The Island News
By Delayna Earley
The Island News
Civitas Awards finalists announced
The Civitas Awards for Business Excellence finalists have been announced. This year’s award reception will be held on Thursday, Oct. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Tabby Place in downtown Beaufort.
The Cornerstone Award for Small Business Excellence recognizes a small or family-owned business that is a model of successful enterprise. The finalists are Berman Property Group, Capstone Insurance and Power Washing Man.
The Torchbearer Award for Regional Economic Impact recognizes a business that makes a significant impact on economic property and quality of life in our region. Beaufort Construction, Davis & Floyd and Gay Fish Co. are the nominees in this category.
Camelot Farms Equestrian Center, Coastal Waste and Recycling and Higgins Family Brands have all been nominated for the Trailblazer Award for
Free Enterprise Excellence. Operation Patriot FOB, Helianthis Project and Freedman Arts District have all been named finalists for the Caretaker Award for Non-Profit Excellence. The Sentinel Award for Military Citizenship is given to an individual who is actively serving our country at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, Naval Hospital Beaufort or Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort who
demonstrates community stewardship and representation of the military in our region. Cpl. Maddison Minner and SSGT Marco Quiz.
Chermie Weatherford, Christina Wilson and Rita Wilson have all been nominated for the Pillar Award for Community Leadership, which recognizes a respected business leader who has personally excelled at improving the business environment. Finalists for this category are Chermie Weatherford, Christian Wilson and Rita Wilson. Ashlee Houck, Ashton Viterbo
and Josh Ward are named as finalists for the Buzzworthy Award, which recognizes a professional who has created positive, newsworthy awareness and who exemplifies strong professional capabilities, leadership qualities. Tickets for the event can be purchased at https://bit.ly/3w8lwsj.
Delayna Earley, who joined The Island News in 2022, formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.
The Zerbini Family Circus is in town
Jacob Anderson, a U.S. Marine from Gulfport, Miss., and stationed in Beaufort, plays air tennis with a clown after being volunteered during the Zerbini Family Circus during the opening night of the Zerbini Family Circus on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024. You can catch a show through Sunday, Sept. 29. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
Four-year-old Jeremiah Murra of Yemassee, takes a ride on a pony during the opening night of the Zerbini Family Circus on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024. You can catch a show through Sunday, Sept. 29. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
Hopeful Horizon’s Race4Love
5K set for Saturday
Staff reports
Hopeful Horizons is holding its 12th annual Race4Love 5K Run and 3K Walk on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 9 a.m. on Cat Island in Beaufort.
“The course offers a pleasant trip through the scenic neighborhoods of Cat Island.”
The event is held to raise awareness and funds to help support victims and survivors of domestic violence, child abuse and sexual assault.
"It is an honor to serve as the
The race was established in memory of LCpl. Dana Tate and Cpl. Dyke “AJ” Coursen, two Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office deputies who were killed while responding to a domestic disturbance call in 2002
Race4Love Grand Marshall right before Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. It is a privilege to stand alongside Hopeful Horizons, a life-saving organization who tirelessly works to create a safer community, provide shelter and guidance to those who are facing severe hardships and traumas. Together, we are changing the culture of violence and offer -
Grays Hill home destroyed in fire
Staff reports
A Grays Hill home was severely damaged in an early morning fire on Friday, Sept. 20
At just past 2:30 a.m., emergency crews from multiple agencies responded to a reported house fire in the 200 block of Bruce K. Smalls in Grays Hill.
Firefighters found a double-wide mobile home fully engulfed in flames when they arrived on the scene.
It took firefighters several minutes to bring the fire under control and it took over two hours to fully extinguish the smoldering embers due to the collapse of the structure. The home was being
remodeled and was not inhabited at the time. Firefighters had to work in crew rotations while fighting the fire as the early morning heat combined with the intense heat from the fire posed a challenge to firefighters.
The Burton Fire District, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Fire and Emergency Services, Beaufort/Port Royal Fire Department, Beaufort County EMS, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and the South Carolina Highway Patrol responded to the scene. No injuries have been reported due to the fire. The fire is still under investigation.
ing a path to healing for survivors and their families. Let us continue to raise our voices, offer hope, and champion a future where every individual can live free from fear” says event Grand Marshall, Beaufort Police Chief Stephanie Price.
Race4Love is a rain or shine event, and early registration is open through Wednesday, Sept. 25
To register, visit www.race4love.com.
“Hopeful Horizons would not be able to provide critical, life-saving services free of charge without the continued support of the community,” said Kristin Dubrowski, CEO of Hopeful Horizons. “Race4Love is a great opportunity to show survivors you care.”
Unified Resources to bring 143 new jobs to Jasper County
Staff reports
Unified Resources in Display (Unified Resources), a retail and merchandising agency, has announced it has selected Jasper County to establish the company’s first South Carolina operation. The company’s $14 million investment will create 143 new jobs.
“We are proud Unified Resources has selected South Carolina for its newest operation,” S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster said in a news release. “This significant $14 million investment in Jasper County will greatly benefit the region, and we extend our congratulations on this announcement."
With more than 30 years of experience, Unified Resources designs, manufactures, and assembles permanent and semi-permanent point-of-purchase displays. The company’s services drive sales and build brand commitment
for brands and retailers worldwide.
Unified Resources is relocating manufacturing operations from New Jersey to a 105 000-square-foot facility in the Hardeeville Commerce Park located at 690 Mockingbird Drive in Hardeeville. Operations are expected to be online in April 2025 Individuals interested in joining the Unified Resources team should contact Kathy Serkin (kserkin@unifiedrid.com).
“Unified Resources is excited to launch this new manufacturing and assembly location to better serve our customers. Jasper County not only provides the perfect location for reaching our customers and markets, but with the Savannah port so close and the proven workforce in the area, we will have all the capabilities we need to produce the finest products for our customers” Unified Resources in Dis-
play CEO James Ackerman said in a news release.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $300,000 Rural Infrastructure Fund grant to Jasper County to assist with the costs of site preparation and building construction.
“Congratulations to Jasper County on the announcement of 143 new jobs and $14 million in private capital investment with Unified Resources in Display,” S.C. Sen. Tom Davis said in a news release.
“We appreciate the company’s investment in our people, as every job created offers an opportunity for a brighter future for a family in our region. Good jobs and economic development are key to improving the quality of life for our citizens, and we celebrate this success!”
path across Florida and into the Atlantic.
struction north of Beaufort and Charleston, centering on the tiny community of McClellanville. Even those who headed away from the coast to evacuate to places like Charlotte have tales of power outages and lines of traffic.
For those who were in the area in 1989, just the name “Hugo,” prompts all kinds of memories of evacuations and major de-
Eight-six fatalities were blamed on the storm, with $8 to $10 billion in property damages, not counting the physical damage you can still see in the trees along U.S. 17 south of Georgetown.
Weather experts predicted an “above normal” Atlantic hurricane season this year, with 17 to 25 named storms. To date, we’ve had four named storms, two of which reached actual hurricane strength.
Her goal is to be factual but opinionated, based on her own observations. Feel free to contact her at bftbay@gmail.com. Lowdown from page A1
Once the storm passed this corner of the Lowcountry, dozens of volunteers packed up chainsaws and trucks, heading north to help their fellow South Carolinians.
Hugo still holds the record for the highest East Coast storm surge prompted by its Category 5 winds.
So far, so good for the Lowcountry. But hurricane season officially ends Nov. 30. We have an election to get through first.
LEGAL NOTICES
30, 2024, 2:00 PM • Public Bid Opening: October 30, 2024, 2:00 PM The RFP and additional documents may be accessed on the City’s website under current Bid Opportunities at https://www.cityofbeaufort.org/165/Procurement or by contacting the Procurement Administrator at 843-5257071, or by email to procurement@cityofbeaufort.org.
“EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY”
Notice of Divorce Filing To Javontay Wilson Sr., your wife, Tiffani
Shider-Wilson, filed for divorce in Colleton County, SC, on April 29, 2024. The hearing will be held November 22, 2024 at the Colleton County courthouse.
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
Notice is hereby given that Drive2Paris, LLC intends to apply to the South Carolina Department of Revenue for a license and/or permit that will allow the sale and off premises consumption of Wine & Liquor at1311 Harrington Street, Beaufort, SC 29902 To object to the issuance of this license and/or permit, submit an ABL-20 protest form by October 3, 2024.
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF BEAUFORT IN THE COURT OF COMMON PLEAS
FOURTEENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
CIVIL ACTION NO. 2023-CP-07-02331 NON-JURY
SUMMONS AND NOTICES
LYMUS MIDDLETON, SR. and THOMASINA MIDDLETON, as Trustees of the Lymus Middleton, Sr. Trust dated April 24, 2015
Plaintiffs,
vs HEIRS OF DIANA SINGLETON AKA DIANA
GREEN SINGLETON; HEIRS OF CHARLES SINGLETON AKA CHARLIE SINGLETON; HELEN DAISE; BERTHA BRADLEY, AS TRUSTEE; WILLIE
MAE SINGLETON, AS TRUSTEE; GRETA S. MADDOX; SAMUEL ADAMS; BETTY ADAMS; RICHARD HOEKSEMA; SURIANA CANUTO PENA; JAMES H. MOSS D/B/A BEAUFORT SIX; and CYNTHIA
of the Clerk of Court for Beaufort County, South Carolina on March 6, 2024; and to serve a copy of your Answer to said Complaint on the undersigned subscriber at Heritage Law Firm, PC, 1011 Bay Street, Suite 2B, Beaufort, South Carolina, 29902, within thirty
the appointment of a Guardian ad Litem within thirty (30) days after such service of this Summons and Notice upon you, the plaintiff’s appointment will be made absolute with no further action from the Plaintiffs. HERITAGE LAW FIRM, PC By: s/Cherese
designated collectively as JOHN DOE and MARY ROE; including all persons who may be deceased, minors, in the Armed Forces of the United States, Non-Compos Mentis, and who may be under any other disability, who might have or claim to have any right, title, estate,
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.
Firefighters work to put out a fire as it engulfs a double-wide trailer in Grays Hill on Friday, Sept. 20.
Second Helpings to distribute more than 60,000 pounds of chicken
Staff reports
Second Helpings, the food nonprofit serving Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton counties, will be distributing more than 60 000 pounds of chicken to local food pantries in September, October, and December to benefit neighbors in need.
The distribution is made possible by a grant from S.L. Gimbel Foundation, a component fund at The Inland Empire Community Foundation. The Foundation is based in California.
“We’re consistently asked by food pantries for more
protein, especially chicken,” said Marcus Tanner, director of operations. “This generous grant will allow us to supply many families with a healthy source of protein over the next several months. We are extremely grateful to the S.L. Gimbel Foundation for supporting our work.”
Tanner added that David Martin, owner of Hilton Head Island’s Piggly Wiggly, is assisting with the purchase of such a large amount of chicken.
“We got the grant and then began investigating how
to make almost $100,000 go as far as we can to purchase chicken,” Tanner said. “Mr. Martin stepped up and helped us make the purchase in packages that will be a great size for any household (2 5 pound trays of eight chicken thighs); thus ensuring that our nonprofit receives the most product for the lowest price.”
The first chicken distribution was on Monday, Sept. 23 and they will continue to some 40 food pantries in Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton counties.
Already, food pantry direc-
tors are praising this latest effort by Second Helpings to help feed the hungry. “I think this is a blessing as [our clients] always ask about meats. This will put a smile on their faces, and food in their bellies,” said one direc tor. Another called it a “won derful treat.”
Chicken is considered to be an excellent source of protein and has less saturat ed and trans fats than many other animal protein sources.
To learn more about Second Helpings and how you can get involved, go to www.secondhelpingslc.org.
Run the runway at Beaufort Executive Airport’s Flying Frog 5K
Staff reports
The Flying Frog 5K will be held
Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at the Beaufort Executive Airport.
This USATF certified course takes runners around the hangars, down the runway, and up the taxiway. Walkers and strollers are welcome, but please no pets.
Registration is now open at https://bit.ly/3XzXeo5 and in-
cludes a T-shirt and medal. Packet pickup will be available at Beaufort Executive Airport on Friday, Oct. 11 2024, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Please note that T-shirts and sizes are not guaranteed for registrations after Sept. 1 2024 For runners that have not pre-registered, registration will be available on the day of the race from 7 to 7:30 a.m. for $50. Pre-reg-
istered runners may also pick up their packets at this time if they have not already done so.
Race Day Registration/Packet Pick Up will close promptly at 7:45 a.m. to ensure the race begins on-time. Awards are given to the top three overall male and female runners. Medals will be awarded to every participant who completes the race.
Second Helpings Director of Operations Marcus Tanner poses with Sister Canice Adams, co-director of the St. Francis Center on St Helena Island. Submitted photo
Competitors run on the tarmac in a previous year’s Flying Frog 5K at the Beaufort Executive Airport. Submitted photo
Is it healthier to cook with an air fryer?
The popular cooking method can help you cut down on fat without losing the flavor and texture of your favorite foods
You dream about fried chicken, and French fries make you swoon. Alas, what your heart wants isn’t always good for your heart health.
What’s a fried-food lover to do?
Maybe you’re considering adding an air fryer to your kitchen gadget lineup, but is air frying healthy?
Air frying is a healthier option because it essentially eliminates added oils,” confirms registered dietitian Julia Zumpano, RD, LD.
What is air frying and how does it work?
Despite the name, air fryers don’t technically fry food. Think of them as mini convection ovens. These countertop appliances use a fan to blow hot air around a basket that contains your food.
The result: Fries, veggies and other foods that crisp up quickly on the outside while staying moist on the inside.
You can use an air fryer to cook almost anything, like macaroni and cheese or even s’mores, but it can also be used for foods like vegetables and chicken.
And to be fair, an air fryer won’t perfectly simulate the texture of French fries cooked in a vat of hot grease. But it will get you closer to that crispy outcome than baking or steaming your foods will.
Air frying creates that great crispy texture you’re looking for, without any oil,” Zumpano says.
Air fryer benefits
An air fryer can be an efficient way to get dinner on the table. Are you ready to give an air fryer a try?
Zumpano explains some of the health benefits of an air fryer.
It’s healthier than frying in oil
What’s wrong with oil?
Even healthier oils, including olive oil and avocado oil, contain a lot of calories. Gram for gram, fats (such as cooking oil) contain more than twice the calories of protein or carbohydrates. When you’re frying food, those calories can add up quickly.
“Deep frying uses a tremendous amount of oil, and even pan-frying meat or vegetables requires a fair amount,” Zumpano says.
Deep-fried foods can also
be high in trans fats. Trans fats are partially hydrogenated oils (liquid fats made solid, like vegetable shortening) that can raise LDL cholesterol (the “bad” kind) and increase your risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Fried foods from restaurants are especially likely to have been bubbled in oils con-
taining trans fats or use unhealthy seed oils.
Using an air fryer — which requires about a tablespoon of oil — may cut calories that you’d normally get from deep frying foods by up to 80%
It may reduce acrylamide. What is acrylamide? It’s a chemical that’s formed
BEAUFORT MEMORIAL HOSPITAL BRIEFS
Beaufort Memorial kicks off Breast Cancer Awareness Month with survivor expo, beauty tutorial
In celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Beaufort Memorial is hosting its first-ever Breast Cancer Survivors Wellness Expo in early October, as well as featuring a beauty tutorial for patients at their monthly support group meeting.
The expo will be held Saturday, Oct. 5 from 8 to 11:30 a.m. in the Beaufort Medical & Administrative Center’s rear parking lot – 990 Ribaut Road – and aims to be an annual celebration of survivorship for the community.
We feel patients and their loved ones don’t celebrate the wins in ‘survivorship’ as much as they should,” said Chimene Heyward, MSN, RN, breast care navigator at the Beaufort Memorial Breast Health Center and expo organizer. “We feel that patients who utilize their resources can be better prepared to make informed decisions about their care. We want to make this a fun event filled with great information to help these survivors know all the resources available to them at Beaufort
Memorial and in our local community.”
This new event will bring to Beaufort a morning of education, fun and connection for breast cancer patients, survivors, family members and caregivers, supporting a successful breast cancer journey and long-term survivorship. The expo will also offer information about genetic testing
during certain methods of high-heat cooking: frying, roasting and baking. It’s present and forms in plantbased foods such as potatoes and grains. Meats, dairy and fish have low or negligible amounts.
And while more research is needed, there have been some animal studies that show acrylamide in high doses may lead to cancer.
Another study shows that an air fryer can reduce acrylamide by 90%. But it’s important to note that some amounts of acrylamide still exist in foods cooked in an air fryer.
Air fryer health risks
Do air fryers cause cancer? Studies show that using an air fryer can increase the levels of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) in fish. COPs are linked to an increase in heart disease, cancer, and other medical conditions.
You may have also heard about polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are carcinogens that are produced as fumes when foods are cooked at a high temperature. While PAHs may form during the air frying process, it’s a lot less, as air frying uses less oil than
deep frying. Food prepared in an air fryer still propose some risk, but much lower than in deep-fried foods,” notes Zumpano. “Limit the amount of oil and heat used to greater minimize the risk, never reuse oil and avoid inhaling smoke generated by high-heat cooking. Also, use an exhaust fan,” she recommends. You may have also wondered if air fryers emit radiation. Unlike a microwave, which uses radiation to heat food, an air fryer generates heat from a fan and circulates it around food like a convection oven.
Bottom line — is an air fryer healthy? Air fryers may be better for you than deep fryers, but they’re only as healthy as the food you put inside They won’t magically remove the saturated fat from bacon or the trans fats from a bag of processed chicken wings. To reap the benefits, reach for better-for-you options like vegetables and lean proteins.
for those at risk for developing breast cancer. Attendees don’t have to be a Beaufort Memorial patient.
Expo attendees can expect to be met with a wealth of resources on women’s health and wellness, fashion, beauty and nutrition, all while enjoying local foods and beverages, shopping, mini-fitness/movement sessions, giveaways and more.
To register for this free event, visit BeaufortMemorial.org/SurvivorWellness.
Breast cancer support group to learn beauty tips, tricks
Beaufort Memorial is working with local professionals to offer survivors a beauty techniques tutorial at October’s breast cancer support group meeting.
“This is an opportunity to learn various beauty techniques that can help counter some of the physical challenges that may arise when a patient has begun their journey of treatment,” said Kianna Brown, LMSW, the oncology social worker who facilitates the support group. “Above all, it’s an evening to laugh together, have a little fun and feel pampered, celebrating the inner beauty each and every one of us have within and sharing it with one another!”
straight from the mouths of Lowcountry professionals – for glowing skin, beautiful brows, bright eyes and cheerful cheeks and lips.
Participation in Beaufort Memorial’s support groups is free and open to the public, but reservations are required; space is limited. For more information, a schedule of future meetings or to register, visit BeaufortMemorial.org/SupportGroups or call Kianna Brown at 843-522-7328
Beaufort Memorial to offer free joint pain seminar
To learn about available solutions, join Dana Aiken, RN, total joint and spine coordinator at Beaufort Memorial, for a free joint pain seminar. The hour-long class, “Solving Hip and Knee Pain,” will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 1 p.m. in the conference room of the Beaufort Memorial Port Royal Medical Pavilion at 1680 Ribaut Road in Port Royal.
Aiken will discuss symptoms of joint-related problems and will provide information about treatments to relieve or resolve pain that can be personalized for specific needs, including in-home exercises, medical management and physical therapy. She will also explain available surgical options, including robot-assisted joint replacement and outpatient surgery, as well as what can be expected in terms of recovery. There will also be an opportunity for questions and answers.
The beauty tutorial will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 9 at the Beaufort Medical Plaza, classroom 350 (989 Ribaut Road, third floor). The breast cancer support group meets on the second Wednesday of every month. The lesson will provide breast cancer survivors with easy techniques –
The seminar is free, but registration is required as space is limited. To learn more or make a reservation visit BeaufortMemorial.org/SolvingJointPain
BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP *2nd Wednesday, monthly • 6-7 p.m.
CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (all cancers) *4th Wednesdays,
Medical
For more info call Kianna Reese at 843.522.7328.
How aging affects your immune system
Most illnesses disproportionately affect adults ages 65 and older. This scientific fact became all too stark during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those in their 20s had little risk of severe infection compared to people over 80. And every flu season we get the same sobering reminder, with people over 65 being at far higher risk than young adults.
It might not make sense at first. If previous exposure to bacteria and viruses strengthens the immune system, shouldn’t older people have the best defenses?
To help guide us through this subject, we talked to world-renowned National Jewish Health immunologist Philippa Marrack, PhD, whose discoveries have been instrumental for understanding how the body reacts to disease.
At the Cellular Level
Whether you’re an orca or an amoeba, to live is to be under attack. So, every living thing has developed a defense system. In humans, two of the central tools of this system are neutrophils and T cells
Neutrophils (a type of white blood cell (leukocytes) that act as your immune system's first line of defense) are like buffet diners. They’re not very picky, just hungry, gobbling up anything they recognize as foreign through chemical signals. And they’re essential to our survival. “Actually, if you don't have neutrophils, you die in about a day,” said Dr. Marrack, “because every bacterium in the world can get inside you and start doing damage.”
Neutrophils help form what we call our innate immunity. As soon
as we’re born, our neutrophils are ready to go, and hungry for any kind of bacteria or viruses they can find.
T cells, on the other hand, are the immune system’s specialists. Compared to neutrophils, they’re like fine dining connoisseurs. And they all have an acquired taste for very specific items. This is because T cells have receptors that can only bind to unique proteins.
To give you an idea of just how unique, T cells have about 10 000 of these receptors on their surface, and the configurations are different from cell to cell.
Each of these T cells is waiting for something very special to come along that it can bind with, and there are so many different variations of T-cell receptor configurations. Even if something comes along that the immune sys-
tem has never encountered before (like a certain coronavirus), chances are there’s a T cell in your body to match.
“When T cells bind with a virus or bacterium, that binding sends a signal to the cell,” explained Dr. Marrack. “And that signal says, ‘Divide like crazy!’ If you start off with just one, you have about a million of them six days later, and their job is to kill the coronavirus or whatever they’ve found.”
This is what we call acquired immunity. Even after an infection has been dealt with, some of those T cells that bonded with the specific invader will stick around just in case you come in contact with it again.
What Happens
We Get Older?
When
Now that the basics of innate
and acquired immunity have been explained, let’s turn to the question of age. For T cells, those specialists that are essential for building acquired immunity, division is crucial. But as we get older, our T cells divide at a much slower rate. For instance, for a child under 10, T cells will divide once every 8-12 hours. For someone in their late 70s though, that rate will slow to about once every 16 hours.
This also happens to other immune cells in the body, such as neutrophils and B cells, which produce antibodies that help combat bacteria.
Because the immune system depends on T cells and other tools dividing at a rapid rate, every hour makes a big difference.
“A younger person with an infection will soon have an army of T cells to combat it,” said Dr. Mar -
rack. “An older person will have much less, and it will take longer to gather those resources, which means the infection has a better chance of winning.
Also, after you’ve successfully mounted a defense against a virus or bacteria in the past, a team of T cells specialized for that infection will stick around. As this happens again and again over time, Dr. Marrack explains, it effectively “squeezes out” T cells that could attack different infections. This leaves you less prepared for new infections. It’s similar to memory and learning. For both your mind and body, the older you get, the harder it is to teach yourself new tricks.
Strengthening Your Immune System
Despite what you may have seen in advertisements, there’s no way to reverse the aging process. If we could all maintain the immune systems of our 16-year-old selves, we’d live all live much longer lives.
These days, we are living longer lives compared to our ancestors. Modern antibiotics and vaccines do a lot to assist our immune systems. So, making sure you’re taking your doctor’s advice and keeping up to date on your medication can compensate for a lot. And even though exercise and a healthy diet won’t exactly turn back the clock, they’ll ensure that your immune system is at its best the next time another bug comes around.
The Food and Drug Administration issued a rule in March of 2023 that requires healthcare professionals to notify people if they have dense breasts. Facilities subject to the Mammography Quality Standards ACT (MQSA) must comply with this requirement as of September, 2024. Studies have shown that dense breast tissue can make it more difficult to detect breast cancer early.
Dr. Kristin Robinson, a Mayo Clinic breast radiologist, says women with dense breast tissue are at a slightly increased risk of developing breast cancer compared to women without, and that’s why early de-
tection is so important.
"About 50% of women have dense breast tissue," says Dr. Robinson.
Dr. Robinson says you can't tell by looking at a woman whether she has dense breasts. She says people with dense breasts have less fat and more glandular and connective tissue in their breasts.
"When we see a woman's mammogram, that dense tissue, that fibroglandular tissue, looks white, whereas the fat looks dark or like a black color. So, when we're looking at a mammogram, the more white tissue we see, the denser a woman’s breasts are considered," says Dr. Robinson.
She says it's difficult to detect cancer in dense breasts because breast cancer and dense tissue appear white on a mammogram.
"Our sensitivity or our ability to detect breast cancer goes down in women who have dense breast tissue for that reason," she explains. The radiologist encour-
Many people who suffer from environmental allergies suffer from poor sleep as well.
Allergen avoidance measures are key, such as keeping the windows closed in the home at all times, as this will prevent the pollens from entering the bedroom. If there are pets in the
home, keeping the pets strictly outside the bedroom is important, since they may have brought pollens from the outdoors into your home.
Also, taking your medications at night can be useful, such as using nasal sinus rinses to help wash out the nasal passages from the pol-
lens you may have inhaled during the day. And you can follow this by using nasal sprays to decrease nasal inflammation.
ages women with dense breast tissue to have supplemental screenings.
"Whole-breast screening ultrasound, MRI, molecular breast imaging, and contrast-enhanced mammography" are some options patients might consider, says Dr. Robinson. Healthcare professionals recommend annual mammograms starting at age 40 for most women. In addition, a personalized breast cancer risk assessment is suggested at age 30 for all women to see if screening is needed before age 40
Pro forced birth, CO-SPONSOR of the abortion ban that stripped away the rights of women in SC
Supports extremist, irresponsible legislation that allows teens to openly carry firearms in public spaces without ANY trainingburdening LEO and other first responders
Aligns with FAR-RIGHT Superintendent Ellen Weaver, who censored curriculum and library materials that amplify the voices of minority and marginalized groups
Expanded the private school voucher SCAM - recently ruled to be unconstitutional by the SC Supreme Court for utilizing taxpayer money
Co-sponsored the ban on LIFESAVING care for our transgender community, increasing the risk of unnecessary deaths and suicide attempts
80% of campaign funds from PACs and big corporations
Excessive absences (86) during last legislative session - far more than her peers
Believes you DESERVE the FREEDOM to control your own body, life, and future. The government has no business interfering in your private medical decisions
Responsible gun owner who supports the 2nd Amendment and advocates for reinstating firearm safety training requirements
Defends a student’s right to access a diverse array of literature and ideas. Advocates for teachers and librarians, not special interest groups like Moms for Liberty. Founder of Families Against Book Bans (FABB)
Supports keeping PUBLIC dollars in PUBLIC schools, creating a level playing field for all students in SC
Supports keeping healthcare decisions private, between a patient and their provider
100% funded by individiual donorsNOT dark money
Ready to show up for the people of District 124 on Day 1!
18 YEARS OF WHAT, EXACTLY?
SPORTS&RECREATION
SEPTEMBER 26–OCTOBER 2, 2024
Eagles extend win streak vs. Dolphins
By Justin Jarrett LowcoSports.com
Between Beaufort High’s worst start in five years, the Eagles’ brutal injury report, and Battery Creek’s crop of senior leaders, it seemed feasible that the stars would align and give the Dolphins a chance to end the drought that defines the crosstown rivalry.
Beaufort’s next men up had other ideas.
Backup quarterback Caleb Stephan threw a pair of touchdown passes and made big plays with his legs all night, Elias Johnson carried the load on the ground and found the end zone, and Qualeek Isnar scored twice as the Eagles pulled away for a 34-7 win — their first of the season and their 16th straight against Battery Creek.
Chase Olsen hit Nijay Wright for a 28-yard touchdown pass to trim the margin to 14-7 midway through the second quarter, but Will Codding plowed in for a touchdown after a 26-yard run by Johnson to make it a 14-point game at halftime and the Eagles pulled away in the second half.
Beaufort (1-4) was without quarterback Samari Bonds and receiver Amare Patterson for the second straight game, but Stephan was poised at the helm of the Eagles’ offense. A tipped pass resulted in an interception near the end zone to thwart Beaufort’s first drive, but Stephan bounced back to throw
Beaufort High quarterback Caleb Stephan surveys the field for an open receiver during the second quarter of the Eagles’ 34-7 win at Battery Creek on Friday. Stephan started in place of injured star Samari Bonds and came up with big plays in the run game along with two touchdown passes. Justin Jarrett/LowcoSports
touchdown passes to Isnar and Jaemin Odom for a 14-0 lead.
Johnson and Stephan both did damage on the ground against a depleted Battery Creek defense that was without versatile star Derrick Smalls Jr., among others.
The Dolphins (2-3) hope to have Smalls and fellow running back Damien Freeman back for another rivalry game Friday against Whale Branch. Beaufort has a bye this
week and expects Bonds back for its region opener against Bluffton on Oct. 4. Patterson said he could be back as soon as the Bluffton game, as well.
Justin Jarrett is the sports editor of The Island News and the founder of LowcoSports. com. He was the sports editor of the Island Packet and the Beaufort Gazette for 6½ years. He has a passion for sports and community journalism and a questionable sense of humor.
Whale Branch quarterback Jermon Bowers (10) rolls out as a Philip Simmons defender follows on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Whale Branch Early College High School. The Iron Horses secured a decisive victory, winning 43-7 over the Warriors. Amber Hewitt/ The Island News.
Beaufort High running back Elias Johnson finds running
Creek on Friday. Johnson carried the load on the ground
Beaufort
season and its 16th straight against the Dolphins. Justin Jarrett/LowcoSports
Carr wins special election for vacant school board seat
Staff reports
Bluffton’s David Carr has won the special election held Tuesday, Sept. 17, for the vacant District 7 seat on the Beaufort County Board of Education. Carr was running unopposed.
The seat was previously held by Rachel Wisnefski, who announced in May 2024 that she would be vacating her seat on the Board in early June because she was moving out of the district.
In an interview he gave to The Island News, Carr said he has been in education for 50 years and is still teaching courses with Georgia Southern University online.
“I have great interest in the public schools,” Carr said. “I have great interest in the educational process – curriculum, instruction,
Carr received 112 of the 113 votes cast, with one write-in vote going to Randy Bealer, in the unofficial vote count released by the Beaufort County Office of Voter Registration and Elections on Tuesday evening. The votes were to be certified by the Beaufort County Board of Voter Registration and Elections at a 10 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 19 meeting.
programming, services for kids across all levels of education – I’ve had those interests for years.”
Carr received his doctorate in Education from Virginia Tech and spent 10 years teaching public school before transitioning to teaching teachers and coaches at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels. His focus was teaching health and physical education.
Toward the end of his career, he transitioned more toward online education, which proved helpful when COVID-19 hit.
Carr and his wife purchased a house in Bluffton in 2010 and moved to Beaufort County in 2016. He retired from the College of Education at Ohio University in 2021
New SC DoE partnership troubling, say educators, legislator
By Abraham Kenmore SCDailyGazette.com
Conservative media group PragerU launches partnership with SC
COLUMBIA — Educators and a Democratic legislator on Friday, Sept. 20, blasted the South Carolina Department of Education for partnering with PragerU on videos available for public K-12 classrooms without vetting them through the normal textbook process or seeking input.
In a 21-minute video released Monday by PragerU, state Superintendent Ellen Weaver endorsed a list of online lessons produced by the conservative media nonprofit for use in South Carolina schools. The announcement on the PragerU website included a 67-page document linking its videos to the education standards that South Carolina students must learn in each grade.
Teachers are not required to use any of the materials from PragerU.
South Carolina becomes the eighth state to partner with the organization, which was launched in California in 2009 by conservative talk show host Dennis Prager and screenwriter Allen Estrin. Most of the states that have already signed on are GOP-led, including Florida, Louisiana, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oklahoma.
Rep. Jermaine Johnson, D-Columbia, accused the education agency — and Weaver specifically — of using the collaboration to serve conservative ideology to students.
“Do not indoctrinate our children,” he said at a news conference Friday on the Statehouse steps. “I’m saying today. I’m demanding today: Stop indoctrinating our
children.”
In response, a department spokesman said PragerU contacted the agency about offering optional, supplemental materials for South Carolina teachers at no cost to the state.
The agency is still working with PragerU to finalize a list of lessons that will be publicly provided on the agency’s website and through an existing curriculum portal for teachers, said spokesman Jason Raven.
The goal “is to provide a level playing field for all districts to access materials they might otherwise not have the resources or bandwidth to provide,” he said. The PragerU partnership is part of “an initiative to provide a wide variety of high-quality, standards-aligned civics resources at no cost to local districts.”
Johnson questions the
true cost, saying any partnership with a public agency costs taxpayers money through staff salaries.
“I do not approve of my tax dollars going to the whitewashing of history,” he said.
Johnson also said he wanted legislative changes to provide more oversight of policies coming out of the Department of Education, and said he wished Weaver had presented the idea to the House Education Committee, which he sits on.
In the announcement posted to the PragerU website, Weaver touts the videos as a good resource for educators.
“(Teachers) know that when they’re teaching these resources that our kids are going to be getting the content they need in order to get a great education,” she said.
The agency didn’t actually
announce anything yet. As of Friday evening, its website still had nothing about the collaboration.
Teachers were taken aback by the partnership they knew nothing about until after PragerU posted the video of Weaver and PragerU CEO Marissa Streit talking about it from the Wade Hampton Building on Statehouse grounds, with the Statehouse visible through a window in the background.
Sherry East, president of the South Carolina Education Association, said the videos have not been reviewed for their accuracy or objectivity.
“Textbooks go through a rigorous vetting process that involves parents, teachers, sometimes students, and we do not believe that PragerU went through any of that vetting process,” she said Friday.
The agency contends it regularly offers materials and training to districts that don’t require approval by the State Board of Education.
The videos offered for South Carolina classrooms, according to a link on PragerU’s website, include a range of topics, from how historians know the Civil War was about slavery to why a conservative approach to environmentalism is better than a liberal one.
The list also includes a video titled “Frederick Douglass: The Outspoken Abolitionist.” The video drew national attention last year for including an animated version of the formerly enslaved Douglass saying, “I’m certainly not OK with slavery, but the Founding Fathers made a compromise to achieve something great,” when discussing the Constitution.
“I have been Black my whole entire life, and I have never seen anything as blatantly offensive as some of these PragerU videos that feature a fictionalized Frederick Douglas,” Courtney Thomas with the state chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union said Friday.
Patrick Kelly, lobbyist for the Palmetto State Teachers Association and a social studies teacher, said the partnership was frustrating. One particular video made his “blood boil,” he said.
Offered as a way to analyze the impact of “innovation and industrialization” on Columbus Day, the video that angered Kelly features prominent conservative commentator Steven Crowder wearing a shirt that says “Try the Walther,” re-
ferring to the firearms company, with a picture of two handguns.
With rising school shootings and scares, including a hoax Friday at his own daughter’s high school, Kelly found the inclusion of the video — which he said had nothing to do with industrialization — infuriating.
“Who vetted this thing?” asked Kelly, who was not at the news conference due to a prior commitment. “No teacher was asked to give input on this thing. Who’s driving this? Because right now it looks like PragerU has done this. PragerU has less credentials in this state than I do.”
Kelly said he did not know of any social studies teachers in the state who had received guidance on the new partnership since PragerU announced it Monday.
Effectively, he said, the partnership changed nothing, and his advice to teachers wanting to use PragerU videos was the same as for any other online video: Watch it first, and make sure it is appropriate for the classroom.
“This time last week, a teacher could have chosen to go to PragerU’s website and pull a video and show it in class,” Kelly said. “That’s true today as well. Nobody from the Department has told a teacher to do it.”
Rep. Jermaine Johnson, D-Columbia, speaks outside the Statehouse on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at a press conference on a partnership between the state Department of Education and conservative media organization PragerU. Abraham Kenmore/S.C. Daily Gazette
ARTS & SPORTS
Street Music’s fall finale
Beaufort Film Society
Shorts @ High Noon continues next week
Staff reports
The 2024 Shorts @ High Noon, presented by the Beaufort Film Society (BFS) continues next week.
Every Wednesday at noon through November 13, BFS will screen short film selections from the 2024 Beaufort International Film Festival (BIFF) at the Technical College of the Lowcountry Auditorium at 921 Ribaut Road, Building 12, in Beaufort.
Roundup from page B1
Check-in begins at 11:30 a.m. Screenings last approximately an hour. Admission is free.
This week’s schedule Wednesday, Oct. 2: Return (3 minutes, Animation), Hog Tied (15 minutes, Student), The Magic Ticket (16 minutes, Short), Rodenwald: Toward a More Perfect Union (10 minutes, Short Documentary)
The Patriots couldn’t get anything going on offense, as the Blazers limited star Mikell Tucker Mathis and found success with a balanced offense to win on the road. Jordan Turner was 9-of-16 for 173 yards and two TDs, and Assir Best rushed 11 times for 101 yards and two TDs and collected eight tackles to lead Bethesda. Luke Sobey’s rushing TD was the lone score for PHA.
Up next: PHA (2-3) at Faith Christian (9/27) Colleton Prep 26, Clarendon Hall 0 Quarterback Cale Owens went 12-for-16 for 92 yards and three touchdowns along with 12 rushes for 76 yards, and Tanner Wolf helped carry the load with 16 carries for 85 yards along with six tackles on defense. Senior linebacker Cayson Warner was a standout on defense contributing 7 tackles in the War Hawks shutout win.
Up next: CPA (4-2) at BA (9/27)
Cross Schools 62, Conway Christian 28 The Stingrays made longawaited history on Friday night, securing their program’s first ever varsity win in a dominant 62-28 triumph over Conway Christian. Jose Gabriel Garcia delivered a memorable performance to lead the way, finding the end zone four times while adding three tackles for loss and recovering an onside kick. Luke Fulda caught a pair of touchdown receptions with another score on the ground, and Will Bender excelled on defense and special teams with a blocked punt and a fumble recovery.
Up next: Cross Schools (1-4) at Jefferson Davis (9/27) – LowcoSports
Gabe Stillman sits on the edge of the stage while performing during the last concert of the Street Music on Paris Avenue Fall Series on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024 in Port
Whale Branch’s Jonathan Kelley (6) evades defenders while teammate Dayaun Brown blocks a Philip Simmons player on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Whale Branch Early College High School. The Iron Horses of ultimately secured a 43-7 victory over the Warriors. Amber Hewitt/ The Island News
Fences can be mended from either side
We all have reasons for going home, often mirroring our reasons for leaving. Occasionally, I forget who I am and from where I come. Trips home are a prescribed cure. Those raised by the sun and mentored by the land have a skill set underutilized outside the barbwire of self-sufficiency. I am reminded of this every single morning during the school year. Getting ready for school for my daughter starkly contrasts my days of preparing for school, yet some mornings, we struggle. She has no roosters to fight, no fences to mend, and the only eggs she must find are on her plate. It was time to take her to Mississippi. Nothing gives perspective, like visiting her papaw in the Deep South.
After the long journey, which included planes, trains, automobiles, and a tornado or two to keep it interesting, the familiar sounds of gravel beneath my tires and
Hthe distant grumblings of a pig with an attitude let me know I was home. No more hiding my accent or retracting my claws; the next few days, I could be as wild and free as that old, relentless rooster who refuses to die. Daddy needed help. I was there to help. I had forgotten the sense of accomplishment that comes from working from sun up to face down under the oppressive blanket of Mississippi heat. The freedom of being so busy that typical worry is forced to reschedule is almost as liberating as no cell service.
Hours of manual labor resulting in mud in places where mud shouldn't be was cardio of the cruelest kind. Working alongside my father as I did as a kid was therapeutic and a possible reminder of why I now live in South Carolina.
We always had one rule to survive life amid wild animals. As a child, I didn't understand it as I do now. Daddy sternly enforced respectful distance and told us never to let down our guard. Coyotes have encroached on our property en masse for the past few years, often killing dogs, chickens, and even goats. Daddy had warned me that a ruthless pack had killed many animals the day before our arrival.
It was evident that the animals were on high alert. The most startling behavior change was in the goat herd's top buck. Daddy was adamant about my daughter staying away from the once approachable buck. We had one last chore for the day, one last
section of fence needing repair. Maybe it was because my child was steps away or a gentle nod of intuition; whatever the case, I had grabbed an old walking cane and placed it within the gate of the goat paddock.
It happened so fast. Calm turned to chaos. My mom and daughter are screaming just as I turn to see my Daddy fall. The 300-pound buck had charged my father and tossed him into the air. He had my Daddy pinned to the ground. Piercing horns that protect the herd from coyotes now threatened my father. I screamed for my mom to take my daughter inside.
For the record, there is no 911 in situations such as this. We learned that early on, living in the woods. You learn to run; if you can't run, you fight. All I had was that old walking cane leaned against the post. I turned the cane around and hooked the goat's horns, pulling with every ounce of
strength I had and some I didn't. Daddy was able to get out from under him, and he screamed for me to back away, keeping my eyes on the buck. We both made it outside of the gate.
In many circles, this would be a traumatic experience ending with a loving father-daughter embrace. This is not one of those circles. My disheveled Daddy looked me in the eyes and said, "Let's fix it from this side."
It was just another day in the woods. My daughter has a newfound appreciation for life on the coast, even more respect for her papaw, a sense of pride in her mom's ability to fight a goat, and, most importantly, the understanding that fences can be mended from either side.
Cherimie Weatherford is a long-time real estate broker, small business owner, wife and mom in beautiful Beaufort. She is the Director of Operations and Programs for the Freedman Arts District.
Rivers is the responsible choice
ello Beaufort County citizens.
I am Your State Representative, Michael Rivers, Sr., representing District 121 in the South Carolina House of Representatives. Scripture teaches “In all things give thanks.” This S.C. House District 121 election is about making a responsible choice. This election gives the voters of District 121 a choice between “promises” and a “record.”
I believe in the church song that says, “may the work I have done speak for me.” Look at my record; look at my receipts. In this election, “experience matters; Michael Rivers is the responsible choice.”
Many people know me from growing up on St. Helena Island, working on our family farm, enjoying hunting, fishing, shrimping and crabbing and as a product of Beaufort County Public Schools. However, I enlisted in the military delayed entry program in high school.
I am a retired United States Air Force veteran, where I worked in accounting, managing hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars.
I studied Business
TMICHAEL RIVERS
Management at the Community College of the Air Force, Community College of Philadelphia, Dekalb Community College, University of South Carolina and the Technical College of the Lowcountry. I am an Honors graduate, Magna Cum Laude from Claflin University in Organization Management. I also graduated from the Technical College of the Lowcountry with a degree in Computer Assisted Design and Drafting. I also graduated from DeVry Institute of Technology, Atlanta receiving a degree in electronics. I then worked at Scientific Atlanta as an electronic engineering technician in the Research and Development division, building prototypes and various data communications, satellite and cable systems electronic equipment. I then moved back to Beaufort to be with
my aging mother.
Before being elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives, I served on the Beaufort County Board of Education for 18 years. I am an ordained minister and pastored at Holy Redeemer Apostolic Church in Beaufort, S.C.
I have served on numerous boards including Beaufort County Recreation Commission and Parks and Leisure Services Board. I have served as a Beaufort County Poll Manager. I am a public servant. I am married to Lisa Rivers. I am a father and a grandfather.
I believe in “people over politics.” Currently, in the S.C. House of Representatives, I serve on the Education and Public Works committee and the Legislative Oversight committee. I have served on the 3M committee -- Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs -- and the Agriculture committee. I was elected to serve as Chaplin for both the S.C. Democratic Caucus and the S.C. Black Legislative Caucus.
While serving the citizens of Beaufort County since 2016, I have been committed to providing resources, funding and
sponsoring legislation that became law.
As a freshman legislator, I sponsored the bill H. 4913 so as to designate the second Saturday of November of each year as “Penn Center Heritage Day” in South Carolina. H. 3142, which designates May 13 as Robert Smalls Day” in South Carolina, was my prefilled bill that became law.
I sponsored H. 3577 requiring additional security measures at electric substations, including security cameras to monitor substations at all times. I have co-sponsored many other bills that became law. In addition to funding provided by our Beaufort Delegation, I have sponsored funding for the Sheldon Township Project, MLK Park Upgrades, Penn Center, Altitude Academy, Beaufort County Youth Conference, Beaufort Original Gullah Festival, and The Extra Mile Club.
Experience matters.
The responsible choice in this election is the choice between a candidate with promises and another with a proven record with receipts. Look at my record. Look at my receipts.
As we continue to move
forward, I am humbly and respectfully seeking the opportunity to continue serving and representing the people in District 121 Citizens of Beaufort County, I believe that we must prepare our children for the workforce of tomorrow. Education is one of the most important issues facing our young people today as we prepare them to compete globally. Education should be viewed not as an expense but seen as an investment. Last session, I sponsored bill H. 4709 that requires each school district to provide instruction in cursive writing beginning in second grade and continue in each grade through the fifth grade. The Bill passed the House of Representatives 107 to 1 However, the Senate did not vote on it. I am excited for the opportunity to see this bill become law. We must be concerned about protecting this beautiful environment and culture. We must remember the past as well as prepare for the future. We are blessed to live in the most beautiful place in the State, the Lowcountry. We must protect our environment and rich natural resources.
We must protect the safety of all of our citizens, especially the elderly and children. Ort young people. We must continue to improve roads and help to provide economic opportunities and jobs in the county. We are making progress; however, we must continue moving forward.
As a proud native of St. Helena Island and Seaside Road, I am humbled but committed to represent all the citizens in District 121 in the South Carolina House of Representatives. As a member of the S.C. House of Representatives, given the opportunity to continue serving, I will continue to work to ensure that all voices are heard and I will always keep the best interests of the people of District 121 and the citizens of Beaufort County the priority. Thank you for your prayers and support. People over politics. We are all in this together. Vote Michael Rivers on November 5. Let us keep moving forward.
Michael Rivers, a Democrat, is the House District 121 Representative in the S.C. State House of Representatives. He is running for re-election November 5
Have confidence in SC’s elections
he question you should ask whenever you hear elected officials squawking about “rigged elections” is this: “So that means the election that put you in office was rigged, right?”
Of course, their elections weren’t rigged. And in South Carolina, they point to no specific election that was rigged – other than the one that former President Donald Trump continues to falsely claim was stolen. Everyone else’s elections? They were just fine. Which should make you question Trump’s claims.
Way too many gullible people get outrageous notions of rigged elections from being hopped up on Russian-backed internet propaganda, myths, old-wives tales, rumors, outlandish conspiracy theories and fake news developed by un-American cynics who want to stir up trouble.
Across the nation, countless audits of state and county election processes after the 2020 election
consistently showed one thing: America’s elections are conducted professionally, transparently and with real accountability.
And while there may be an issue here or a problem there during the closely-monitored elections, most tiny snafus are because people – not machines – screwed something up, as explained by Howie Knapp, executive director of the S.C. Election Commission.
“We conducted audits of the [2020] election, and every county publicly tested their machines at the time,” Knapp said. “It was as
perfect an election as we could have gotten under the circumstances that we had in November 2020.”
There’s no corruption in elections in South Carolina, he told us this week emphatically, elaborating with this: “If there are issues with the system, it’s incompetence. For an election to be rigged in this state – I’m not including municipal elections – everybody from myself and my commission to the poll managers would have to be on the same page.
“We’d [have to] be tighter than the mafia,” he said. “If people think that is possible, they’re giving the government way too much credit.”
Repeat: No corruption. No collusion. No rigging. No voter fraud.
But occasionally in anything in which 2 4 million people do something on the same day, there will be small problems.
“We have poll managers, you know, turning away voters be-
cause, for whatever reason, their name didn't come up on the electronic poll book, or just not doing procedures correctly. And that comes from a lack of training.”
So it’s people problems, not machine problems.
“We’ve had a lot of turnover with county directors and poll managers and poll workers around the state,” he said.
Since 2021, the state has lost 80% of its county elections directors,” which Knapp said concerns him.
“If people are skeptical and they don't have an agenda other than just finding out the truth, we encourage them to volunteer as poll managers so they can see firsthand what the system is about,” he said. “We're not hiding anything.
“We're doing everything we can, from testing it on the front end, getting people trained who are skeptical and auditing the results. I mean, there's nothing else we
can do besides telling people what we're doing. … We’re being as transparent as possible.”
Yep, that sounds like a big old conspiracy – to invite people in to see what’s happening.
A recent survey by the Election Commission showed 82% of South Carolinians had confidence in the state’s election system. And 95% said they thought polling places were organized and wellrun. Those numbers can improve with more education, a continued commitment to transparency and accountability, and people starting to really question the loony Internet mess about rigged elections. Participate in this year’s elections. It’s one of every citizen’s greatest powers. If you’re not registered, fill out the form and register. Your window is narrowing.
Andy Brack is editor and publisher of Statehouse Report and the Charleston City Paper. Have a comment? Send it to feedback@statehousereport.com.
CHERIMIE CRANE WEATHERFORD
ANDY BRACK
VOICES
Growth subsidized by BJWSA customers
It is Wednesday, 6 p.m., and I’m just leaving the expansive boardroom at the Beaufort Jasper Water and Sewer Authority in Okatie.
Once I sat on the Board of the Water Authority (1985-1997) but in those days we held our meetings in a room adjacent the Water Authority’s testing lab.
Our meetings came with complimentary doughnuts and the smell of ammonia — or perhaps it was chlorine — in any event, one emerged from the meetings smelling much like a swimmer just out of the pool. Or like a cleaning lady who had just scrubbed-down the well-worn linoleum hallways at one’s high school.
Today, I’m with Verna Arnette who has taken possession of the Water and Sewer Authority’s executive suite, who has recently relocated from Cincinnati, Ohio, where she tended to 1 1 million water customers.
I wanted to talk about the recent 9% rate hike — but first we talked about the influx of retired, well-pensioned immigrants flowing down Interstate 75 and into the Beaufort and Jasper Counties
— especially Ohioans who have brought their Buckeye-loving loyalties to the beaches and bars of Hilton Head.
Arnette began by acknowledging that many of her scarlet and gray-wearing kindred have moved down from Ohio, but said the average customer here in Beaufort uses 7 000 gallons of water a month. This compares with the average Cincinnati customer who uses about 4 000 gallons a month.
“Perhaps it’s got something to do with irrigation and the fact that grass grows year round down here,” she said. But I’m focused on rates that have been adjusted upwards by an average of 9% for the average customer; this contrasting with
previous years when that hike was around 1 5%
“Does this hike have something to do with the rapid growth in Bluffton and around Hardeeville?”
“No” said Jeff La Rue who is the Communications Officer at the Water Authority. “There are multiple reasons for the hike and growth is just one of them.”
I pointed out that the Water Authority has just spent $100 000 000 dollars upgrading the Cherry Point Reclamation Facility that provides wastewater services for southern Beaufort County. And the Authority expects to spend another $200,000,000 — some of that to upgrade the Hardeeville Sewer Plant and to build yet another sewage treatment facility for the anticipated growth in and around Jasper and Hardeeville.
“Isn’t it obvious that capital spending — in the next couple of years — is the culprit?”
“it’s not that simple,” La Rue replied.
“New regulations are a problem. We’ve got to test for what are called ‘Forever Chemicals’ — by-products of waterproofed
clothing and food packaging that have gotten into our system.”
“Then we’ve got the cost of construction, which has doubled, in some cases tripled” he continued.
“Unlike Cincinnati,” Arnette said, “Our system is spread out over two counties. Our water and wastewater systems require pipes — very long and expensive pipes—to service the 79,000 customers who live here.”
But the published numbers show that in 2025 there is $173 000 000 in projected spending for capital projects like pipes and plants. Presently there is $140 000 000 in the bank. This means a $37 000 000 difference that must be handled by borrowing.
Apparently bonds will be sold in March of next year.
In subsequent years there is the upgrading of the Hardeeville (sewer) plant; as well as building a third sewage treatment plant somewhere in Jasper County. All of which adds up to a very big number.
“Given the fact that two thirds of these capital needs relate to sewage treatment in southern Beaufort County; and that all the rate-payers will pay the interest and principal
on the bonds that will be sold; is that fair for those of us living north of the Broad?” I asked.
“Yes” they replied.
“Your time will come. When we start upgrading the infrastructure in Port Royal, and in Beaufort, all of the rate payers — including those in Hardeeville — will pay the bill.”
While it is true that Salem Point (in Beaufort) and Paris Island Gateway (in Port Royal) are slated to become vast oceans of apartments and cleverly named townhouse communities; that development is dwarfed by what is underway (and what is planned) along Argent Boulevard, Highway 278 and in Hardeeville.
It is true that the Water Authority made growth possible in Beaufort and Jasper Counties. And that growth created an enormous tax base.
But a portion of that growth was subsidized by the customers at BJWSA. If you think the developers’ “capacity fees” paid the tab for growth — think again.
Scott Graber is a lawyer, novelist, veteran columnist and longtime resident of Port Royal. He can be reached at cscottgraber@gmail.com.
SCOTT GRABER
SC prepares for November with new ballot scanners, incentives for poll workers
Survey from state Election Commission shows voters generally confident in election administration
By Abraham Kenmore SCDailyGazette.com
COLUMBIA — All of South Carolina’s ballot-counting machines are being replaced with new, faster versions ahead of the November elections.
The State Election Commission on Tuesday announced the purchase of 3 240 updated ballot scanners. The new scanners are slightly smaller than the ones used since 2020 but otherwise look the same and are made by the same company. However, they’ll start up, scan and upload results significantly faster, according to the agency.
“This upgrade reflects our commitment to providing a secure, accurate, and transparent voting process that is accessible to all eligible voters,” Howie Knapp, executive director of the Election Commission, said in a news release.
The total cost of the new scanners is about $29 million, paid for through a program of the state treasurer’s office that provides low-cost financing to upgrade state agencies’ equipment.
Poll worker incentive
Beyond being faster for voters and poll workers — and hopefully providing results quicker — the new equipment also offers greater security, to include data encryption and anti-tamper-
ing features, according to the agency.
Other preparations underway for an election that will decide the next president and which party controls Congress include poll worker recruitment.
The state will need somewhere between 13 000 and 17 000 people to work the polls, with the largest counties needing more than 1 000 workers each. Criteria include being a registered voter.
Counties will continue to recruit poll workers until they have enough. That may continue through late October, if necessary, said John Michael Catalano, spokesman for the state Election
Commission.
Last week, the South Carolina Supreme Court provided some extra incentive for lawyers to volunteer at the polls.
Volunteering as election workers will count as six hours of credit toward attorneys’ mandatory continuing legal education training. That would shave off nearly half of the 14 hours of credits attorneys must acquire annually in South Carolina to keep their license.
To count, attorneys must work the entire Election Day and forgo the poll worker stipend, reads the Sept. 11 order signed by all five state Supreme Court justices.
That’s not giving up much.
The state provides poll workers a total of $135 for Election Day, which includes $60 for mandatory training ahead of time. Poll clerks, who lead each precinct and undergo more training, get an additional $100. However, poll worker pay varies statewide, since counties often supplement the state rate.
This will be the third time that South Carolina’s high court has given credit to lawyers who assist at the polls. Still, lawyers are likely to be just a fraction of the total number of election workers.
In 2020 71 attorneys received the credit for participating, while just 35 did so two years ago, according to the Supreme Court Com-
mission on CLE (continuing legal education) and Specialization.
Voters confident in SC election administration
Despite challenges in recruiting poll workers and keeping election administrators, residents of South Carolina seem confident in
the state’s elections ahead of November.
The State Election Commission commissioned a poll from the firm Chernoff Newman, which surveyed just over 500 registered voters in July.
The poll showed that 87% of respondents were somewhat or very confident in the accuracy of state elections, compared with 72% who felt the same way about national elections.
Over 90% of those polled rated their polling location somewhat or very positively on a range of metrics, including having enough poll workers and parking.
The poll was also conducted in 2020 and 2022. The latest survey cost the state agency $10,200, according to a spokesperson with Chernoff Newman.
The 2020 poll found just 60% of respondents were somewhat or very confident in national elections, a number that has grown steadily since, while confidence in the state elections has remained fairly consistent over the three polls.
Abraham Kenmore is a reporter covering elections, health care and more. He joins the S.C. Daily Gazette from The Augusta Chronicle, where he reported on Georgia legislators, military and housing issues. S.C. Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
GOP’s Inglis calls response to Harris endorsement ‘mostly positive’
By Jack O’Toole StatehouseReport.com
When former six-term S.C. Republican Congressman Bob Inglis endorsed Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris in an exclusive Sept. 16 interview with the Charleston City Paper, he had no idea it would turn into a major national news story, with coverage on CNN, MSNBC, The Washington Post website and more.
But he thinks he knows why it did.
“The reason it’s gotten attention is because actual conservatives, actual Republicans who really have experienced Trumpism are coming forward to say this is not true north, this is the wrong direction,” Inglis told the City Paper’s sister publication Statehouse Report in a followup interview Thursday. “That’s a powerful moment.” Inglis, who represented Greenville’s 4th congressional district from 1993-99 and again from 2005-11, is the first major Palmetto State GOP leader to publicly endorse Harris. And he says the response from his fellow Republicans so far has been mixed but “mostly positive.”
“The negative is what you’d expect: I’m a RINO,” Inglis said, using the acronym for Republican In Name Only. “But some unexpected folks have said ‘thank you, Bob.’ So that’s the positive: ‘Oh, finally, a real Republican.’”
The endorsement that went viral “Donald Trump is a clear and present danger to the republic,” Inglis told the City Paper on Sept.
16. “He’s disqualified based on character and rationality, so I’ll be voting for Kamala Harris.”
Continuing, the former GOP congressman pulled no punches with regard to the former president’s character, calling him a narcissist who’s “completely consumed with himself.”
“I feel sorry for him,” Inglis said. “He’s really quite a sick puppy. He needs some help.”
And Inglis had a warning for Republicans who understand Trump’s flaws but see him as preferable to a Democrat.
“He’s been unfaithful to three wives,” Inglis said. “Why would we, at the altar with him as the fourth, think that he's going to be faithful to us? Talk about irrationality.”
Inglis sees Trump as a symptom of a larger problem bedeviling the GOP — what he describes as a Fox News-fed refusal to see the world as it is. In fact, it was that concern that eventually led him to become the executive director of RepublicEN.org, a conservative nonprofit that acknowledges the evidence of climate change and promotes market-based solutions to address it.
Restoring rationality
“My party needs to restore its rationality to be the credible free enterprise, small government party again,” he said.
And that, Inglis makes clear,
is his ultimate goal in endorsing Harris. He wants to see the party return to what he sees as its rational Reaganite roots on core conservative issues like immigration, free trade and limited government.
“If Donald Trump loses, that would be a good thing for the Republican Party,” Inglis said. “Because then we could have a Republican rethink and get a correction.”
An ‘avalanche’ of Republican endorsements
Inglis isn’t alone in hoping for a Republican rethink after the election. And more importantly, he isn’t the only prominent member of the GOP who’s prepared to endorse Harris to get one.
The Republicans for Harris movement that started last month has snagged an unprecedented number of high-profile GOP endorsements, political observers tell the City Paper. And the group only seems to be gaining momentum, with hundreds of new endorsers in the past two weeks alone, including former GOP Vice President Dick Cheney, former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney, Bush Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and famed conservative columnist George Will— in addition to 17 Reagan administration officials and more than 200 presidential campaign staffers of George W. Bush, John McCain and Mitt Romney. For its part, the Trump campaign has dismissed the effort as irrelevant.
“President Trump is building the largest, most diverse political movement in history because
his winning message of putting America first again resonates with Americans of all backgrounds,” Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told NPR. “Kamala Harris is weak, failed, and dangerously liberal and a vote for her is a vote for higher taxes, inflation, open borders, and war.”
A growing split
But political scientists say the Harris endorsements reflect a real and growing split between the conservative Reaganites who built the modern Republican Party and the Trump faction that’s now in charge.
“The people making these endorsements represent the party before Donald Trump took it over,” College of Charleston political scientist Karyn Amira said. “And at their core, they just don’t agree with Trump’s more authoritarian, populist style of conservatism.”
Specifically, Amira says, these GOP leaders object to what they see as Trump’s betrayal of traditional conservative beliefs on one issue after another, from tariffs to abortion to the size and scope of government – a situation that Trump’s selection of U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio as his running mate only exacerbated.
“When he picked Vance, he was picking a protege, someone who personifies the complete 180 he’s caused in the party,” Amira said. “Choosing Vance was a signal to everyone, including older Republicans, that ‘when I’m gone, this is what my legacy will be,’ and that didn’t help in easing anyone’s
mind about the future.”
Scott Huffmon, a political science professor and director of the Center for Public Opinion and Policy Research at Winthrop University, traces the roots of the split back to the latter days of the Trump administration.
“The first few pebbles of this avalanche really started close to the end of his presidency,” Huffmon said in an interview. “That’s when we saw more people from the Republican party start to speak out negatively against him.”
Nevertheless, Huffmon says he doesn’t expect the impact of the recent endorsements to reach beyond what’s left of the more traditional Republican base.
“If you are not a MAGA supporter, you are seen as and called a RINO,” he said. “For Liz Cheney and Dick Cheney, who are so far to the right, to be called RINOs by folks today says a lot about the evolution of the party, and how it has come to be centered around the orbit of Donald Trump.”
At home on his small farm Upstate, Inglis doesn’t disagree. But he knows he doesn’t need every Republican, or even most Republicans, to reject Trump. He just needs a relative handful in key battleground states like Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. Or as Inglis put it to the City Paper, “Hopefully enough to save the republic from a dangerous second Trump term.”
Voting machines set up in 2023. Photo courtesy of Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections
Bob Inglis
SC inmate executed by lethal injection, 2 days after witness changes story
Freddie Owens 1st SC inmate executed in 13 years, 285th since state executions began in 1912
By Skylar Laird SCDailyGazette.com
COLUMBIA — Freddie Owens
was executed Friday evening, Sept. 20, by lethal injection, after his attorneys’ last-chance appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court failed to stop it.
Owens was pronounced dead at 6:55 p.m., making him the first inmate executed in South Carolina in nearly 14 years. He made no final statement. When the execution began, Owens looked at his attorney. She smiled at him, and he appeared to smile back, said Associated Press reporter Jeffrey Collins. He and other media witnesses who spoke to reporters afterward agreed that Owens showed no outward signs of suffering.
The execution, which was scheduled for 6 p.m., was delayed by 35 minutes as officials waited on a ruling from the nation’s high court.
Owens’ attorneys asked justices Friday to put his sentence on hold pending the outcome of a challenge they filed a week ago in federal court seeking more information on the drug to kill him, saying they needed the details to ensure his execution would be painless and effective.
In a three-sentence order, the U.S. Supreme Court — like the lower courts before it — refused, while noting that Justice Sonia Sotomayor disagreed.
The ruling capped weeks of failed legal attempts for a reprieve in state and federal courts. Owens’ last hope to stay alive fell to Gov. Henry McMaster, who said no.
“I have declined to grant any form of executive clemency in this matter,” McMaster wrote in a letter confirming in writing what he told Corrections Director Bryan Stirling by phone.
Owens, 46, died 25 years after he was convicted of killing gas station clerk Irene Graves, a 41-yearold single mother of three, during a string of robberies on Halloween night 1997. A single shot to the head killed her because she couldn’t open the safe.
Witnesses included Graves’ oldest son and son-in-law.
The curtain to the death chamber parted at 6:35 p.m. to reveal Owens in a green jumpsuit, a white blanket pulled up to the middle of his chest. He was strapped to a medical table with his arms out to either side. Three prison officials stood in the room with Owens, media witnesses said.
Owens turned his head to look at the witnesses, his gaze settling on his attorney Emily Paavola, who was the one to decide he would die by lethal injection. He smiled and mouthed some words to her that witnesses could not hear behind the pane of glass separating the chamber from the witness room.
At one point, he appeared to mouth, “Bye,” Justin Dougherty from Fox Carolina News, another media witness, told reporters.
A minute later, the drug began to flow through an IV inserted in Owens’ left arm. His eyes closed, and he started breathing heavily. After four or five minutes, his face began to twitch, and his breathing became shallow.
At 6:42 p.m., his motion stopped.
A doctor entered the room at 6:54 p.m. to pronounce Owens’ time of death. Owens kept his head tilted toward Paavola throughout, media witnesses said.
Graves’ family members watched the execution intently, staring directly at Owens the entire time. Otherwise, they did not react, Collins said.
Collins, who witnessed six executions by lethal injection before Owens’, said that aside from the wait at the beginning, the execu-
tion proceeded in the same way as previous ones. The only difference was that it appeared to take Owens longer to stop breathing from the time the drug began flowing. That took about six minutes, compared to two or three minutes at previous executions, Collins said.
It was the first time the state used a single dose of the sedative pentobarbital instead of its previous three-drug cocktail, which expired after the last execution in 2011
Who Owens saw leading up to his death is unknown. Corrections’ policy is not to release information on what death row inmates do or who they see in their last days.
His last meal was two cheeseburgers, French fries, a well-done ribeye steak, six wings, two strawberry sodas and a slice of apple pie, all from the prison kitchen, said Department of Corrections spokeswoman Chrysti Shain.
Legal and personal pleas
Two days before his execution, the only witness to the shooting — who was convicted as Owens’ accomplice — signed a statement saying he falsely identified and testified against Owens, newly claiming that Owens wasn’t even with him that night.
Hours before Owens’ scheduled end, Owens’ mother made a public plea to McMaster to spare her son’s life.
“Freddie is more than his conviction. He is a human being, a son, a brother, and a friend,” his mother, Dora Mason, said in a statement released by the Greenville nonprofit Fighting Injustice Together. “He deserves compassion, understanding, and a fair chance at justice. Instead, the system has failed him and the victim at every turn.”
Mason expressed sympathy for Graves’ family while asking the people of South Carolina to consider whether the state should execute Owens, who legally changed his name in 2015 to Khalil Divine Black Sun Allah.
“To the governor, the Legislature, and the people of South Carolina, I ask: Is this truly justice? Is this truly what we call compassion and mercy?”
Mason, who still lives in Greenville, pointed to the same arguments that Owens’ attorneys have made over the last several weeks as they sought unsuccessfully to stop the execution and get a new trial.
In the month since Owens was scheduled for execution, his attorneys have claimed that Steven Golden, Owens’ convicted accomplice, had a secret deal with a prosecutor in exchange for testifying against his friend.
On Wednesday, Golden recanted what he told law enforcement and jurists about that night, alleging the “real shooter” was someone else entirely who Golden still doesn’t want to name out of fear of retaliation. He came forward, he said, “to have a clear conscience.”
The state Supreme Court dismissed those arguments, noting Golden admitted at trial he was testifying to avoid the death penalty. Justices also indicated they didn’t believe Golden’s new story, calling it “squarely inconsistent” with what he’s said since his 1997 arrest.
The first rejection on the federal challenge seeking details on the state’s drug supply came Wednesday. That was the decision appealed all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Death penalty protesters
An hour ahead of the scheduled execution, about 50 people gathered outside the prison campus
gates to protest the death penalty. Some chanted “stop the killing,” while others gathered in prayer.
Mersedes Mejia, of Columbia, was on her way home Friday when a feeling came over her that she should take a different route. She had heard about the pending execution on the news but the gathering of demonstrators outside Broad River Correctional Center took her by surprise. She turned around and joined the group hoping and praying in the final hour the execution would be stopped.
As the clock ticked to 6 p.m., the crowd started to quiet.
Lulu Torres, of Batesburg, dropped to her knees and made a silent prayer. She came to Columbia with other members of St. John the Cross Catholic Church to demonstrate her belief that “life is valuable.”
“It should ultimately be God’s decision when our last day will be,” she said. “Someone else made that decision for Mr. Owens, and that is heartbreaking.”
As the minutes passed, much of the group pressed up against the fence waiting for news.
A little after 7 p.m., demonstrators formed a circle holding hands and comforting those who were crying as Ron Kaz, of Charleston, changed the number on a sign counting the number of death row executions in the U.S. since 1977 to include that of Owens.
“We are not here to make excuses for the harm Khalil did cause during his life,” said Rev. Hillary Taylor, executive director of South Carolinians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.
“But there is also no justice for young Khalil, a child who experienced physical harm in his household and physical and sexual harm in juvenile prison facilities here in South Carolina,” she said. “More often than not, those on death row are the victims of someone else’s violence long before they commit violence themselves. This is why we stand against all executions.
At its core, the death penalty is a declaration that some victims of violence matter more than others.”
Owens’ life and crimes
Owens was born prematurely into a family life his attorneys have described as violent and chaotic. Both his biological parents and his stepfather used and dealt drugs, and all three abused Owens and his three siblings. His father and stepfather were in and out of prison throughout his childhood, according to court filings.
Owens went into foster care at 5 years old after social workers found him and his siblings alone in a house with no food or electricity.
He dropped out of school in 9th grade after repeating several grades and often getting into trouble for fighting with other students. As a teen, he spent time in the state’s juvenile justice system, where the other teenagers abused him physically and sexually, his attorneys have said.
At some point, which doctors can’t pinpoint, Owens suffered damage to his frontal lobe, the part of the brain that controls a person’s impulses and emotions. He experienced violent outbursts, anxiety, depression, paranoia and seizures at different points in his life, according to court filings.
Owens was 19 years old when Graves was shot in the head as two masked men robbed the Speedway convenience store where she worked one of her three jobs. The youngest of the three children she left behind was 8 years old.
The Speedway was the third place that Owens and three friends — according to Golden and others — robbed as Halloween turned into
the early morning of Nov. 1 1997 Golden testified — both in 1999 and 2003 — that it was Owens who shot Graves because she couldn’t
he said. Friday night made his 43rd vigil outside the razor wire of the prison gates.
About 50 people gathered outside the Department of Corrections’ main prison campus in Columbia about one hour before the scheduled execution of Freddie Owens on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. Jessica Holdman/S.C. Daily Gazette
open the store’s safe. The pair of robbers left with $37 29 from the cash register.
Owens told friends and family that he had killed Graves, bragging about it in some cases. Beyond Golden, those testifying against Owens at his 1999 trial included his girlfriend and another friend on the robbery spree. Owens’ attorneys have since disputed the reliability of what they said.
In February 1999, a jury convicted Owens of killing Graves. That night, between his conviction and sentencing hearing the next day, Owens killed a fellow inmate at the Greenville County jail, 28-year-old Christopher Lee.
Lee was serving a 90-day sentence for traffic violations. Owens confessed to the crime, then described in detail how he had killed Lee by choking him, slamming his head into the floor and shoving a pen up one nostril, according to court documents.
That case never went to trial.
Prosecutors dropped the charges in 2019, soon after Owens exhausted his appeals for killing Graves, with the stipulation that they could bring them back if needed.
Twice, the state Supreme Court sent Owens’ death sentence back to a jury for resentencing. Both times, the jury again recommended sentencing Owens to death.
But Owens has changed during his 25 years in prison, one of his lawyers, Rob Lee, said during a Thursday night vigil at Washington Street United Methodist Church in Columbia.
“Rather than wallow in the severe isolation of death row, he began to read,” Lee said. “Then, he began to study.”
Owens took an interest in history, particularly African history. He suggested his niece write a paper on Nubian Queen Amanirenas, who resisted Roman rule in the ancient Kingdom of Kush. He regaled his attorneys with facts about the University of Timbuktu, bonobo apes, and the history of cartoon character Betty Boop, Lee said.
He learned to read and write in Arabic to strengthen his Islamic faith. He called his mother every day to check on her.
Owens wrote thoughts and poems and essays, “creating a new recorded history of his life,” Lee said.
Vigils ahead of the execution
During the Thursday vigil, a dozen activists made a final call for clemency. They peacefully walked the street outside the Governor’s Mansion, holding signs reading “end the death penalty” and “stop state killing.” Kaz, a board member of South Carolinians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty, has driven from Charleston to Columbia to sit vigil for all but one of the executions carried out in the state since 1985
“For me, it gets harder every time,” Kaz said.
In the time between a person’s crime and execution, a lot can change, he said.
“The people that are getting executed are not the same people who were sentenced to death,” Kaz said.
Paul Palmer, a protestor from Columbia, said he disagreed with the idea that executions bring justice for the relatives of the victims. After his nephew was killed while working a shift at a video poker parlor in the 1980s, the prosecutor asked Palmer’s family whether they wanted to seek the death penalty. Palmer knew that sentence would not bring the family the peace they were looking for. He pushed instead for a life sentence, which the perpetrators ultimately received, he said.
“I don’t want that kind of justice,” he told his brother-in-law and sister at the time, he said.
Activists pointed out the uneven ways in which the death penalty is often applied. Black people, like Owens, are disproportionately sentenced to death, civil rights leaders have argued.
Of the 282 people executed in South Carolina since 1912 74% were Black and 26% were white, according to Department of Corrections data.
Of the 32 men on the state’s death row, 15 are Black and 17 are white. People with disabilities, such as Owens’ brain damage, are also more likely to face execution, said Taylor, director of anti-death penalty group.
“The death penalty is not justice,” Taylor said. “It doesn’t stop violence from happening. It only creates more victims.”
It is likely activists will be back in Columbia over the course of the next six months as the state Supreme Court schedules five more men who have exhausted their appeals for execution, Taylor said.
“Unfortunately, there may be many future vigils,” Taylor said. After his execution, Owens’ attorneys maintained he was killed for a crime he did not commit.
“Freddie Owens did not kill Ms. Graves. His death tonight is a tragedy,” attorney Gerald “Bo” King said in a statement late Friday. “Mr. Owens’s childhood was marked by suffering on a scale that is hard to comprehend. He spent his adulthood in prison for a crime that he did not commit. The legal errors, hidden deals, and false evidence that made tonight possible should shame us all.”
Jessica Holdman contributed to this report. Skylar Laird covers the South Carolina Legislature and criminal justice issues. Originally from Missouri, she previously worked for The Post and Courier’s Columbia bureau. S.C. Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
Owens
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.
BOOKS
John Doriot book signing
10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 5, Marshview Mercantile, 2631 Boundary Street, Beaufort. John Doriot, an award-winning author and poet from Georgia, will be reading his poems and signing books. In addition to his latest book of poems, he will be signing his children's books about Oreo, an adventurous dog. The event is free and Doriot will donate $100 to CAPA for every 10 books sold.
CALENDAR
Beaufort County Youth Conference
9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, Technical College of The Lowcountry, 921 Ribaut Road, Beaufort. Free for all Beaufort County middle and high school students. Interactive break-out sessions, music, food, fun, door prizes, and T-shirts. Parent and adult wellness workshop. Register today at 843-8124399 or 843-592-0013.
OktoPRfest
11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, Paris Avenue, Port Royal. Free. No pets. Local chefs, restaurants, and food trucks will offer German-inspired dishes such as brats and pretzels, along with American festival food favorites. There will be a wide selection of craft, imported, and domestic beers. The opening ceremony will feature a special surprise honoring the Town’s 150th birthday. Live musical performances and entertainment; a craft market area; kids zone; and Lollipop the Clown (noon to 4 p.m.). For more, https://fb.me/e/1zQlnKh37.
Yemassee Shrimp Festival Beauty Pageant The annual Shrimp Festival Beauty Pageant will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, at Fennell Elementary School.
All You Can Eat Shrimp Boil 3 to 10 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, Fish Camp on 11th Street, Port Royal. Live music. Rain or shine. Adult tickets are $30 online, $35 at the door. Children 12 and younger are $12 online and $15 at the door. First 100 tickts sold receive a free gift. Proceeds benefit Help of Beaufort.
64th annual Saint Peter’s Catholic Church Fall Bazaar
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 5, Saint Peter’s Catholic Church campus, 70 Lady’s Island Drive, Beaufort. The Bazaar features international foods, craft fair with local artisans, a sweet shoppe, an in-person and online silent auction, wine and beer garden, plant sale, church tours, and Kids Zone with inflatables, games, and the Beaufort Barnyard Petting Zoo. The bazaar will benefit Lowcountry Outreach, a ministry of Saint Peter’s parish that provides office space for area non-profits, meeting rooms for support groups, and services such as a ride program for those with limited transportation.
Yemassee Shrimp Festival Unity Breakfast
8 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 10, Pilgrim Ford Dining Room, Yemassee. Join fellow community members for a morning of fellowship and a delicious meal. RSVP by Oct. 1 to Stacy Pinckney at stacypinckney68@yahoo.com or call or text 843-599-3210.
Yemassee Shrimp Festival
6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 10; 6 to 10 p.m., Friday, Oct. 11; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 12; downtown Yemassee. This year’s festival promises a lineup filled with family-friendly activities, exciting entertainment, and community spirit. And don’t forget about the shrimp and all the delicious food. The festival will feature rides, games, food, and entertainment for all ages, provided by Family Fun Tyme Amusements. Discounted prepaid armbands for rides are available at Yemassee Town Hall, 101 Town Circle, Yemassee.
39th annual Kiwanis Club of Hilton Head Island Chili Cook Off & Jeep Island Noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 12, Lowcountry Celebration Park, 94 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island. Event raises funding for local youth charities. Chili cooks will face off to determine the best concoctions in Professional, Amateur, and People’s Choice categories. Winners will earn cash prize donations to the local youth charity of their choice. The Jeep Island expo is a stunning array of Jeeps from around the nation – a must-see for any Jeep enthusiast. Local favorites RetroRoxx, Hilton Head Island’s explosive ‘80s party cover band, will be performing live! To sign up online to cook, sponsor, and buy tickets, go to https://hiltonheadkiwanis.com/ chili-cook-off. For more information, email the Hilton Head Kiwanis Club at hiltonheadislandkiwanis@gmail.com.
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
WHAT’S HAPPENING
HIGHWAY 21 DRIVE-IN
The movies scheduled for this week (Friday, Sept. 27 through Sunday, Oct. 1) at the Highway 21 Drive-In are The Wild Robot (PG, 7:30 p.m.) and Bagman (PG-13, 9:15 p.m.) on Screen 1; Beatlejuice Beatlejuice (PG-13, 7:45 p.m.) and The Goonies (PG, 9:35 p.m.) on Screen 2; Transformers One (PG, 7:45 p.m.) and Deadpool & Wolverine (R, 9:15 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 Smile 2 (Oct. 18) and Joker: Folie A Deux (Oct. 4).
prizes! For more information, visit https://rb.gy/o9nhwe.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew 7 p.m., Thursdays, Amvets Post 70, 1831 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Free. Public is welcome. Enjoy Karaoke. Dinner will be available.
Karaoke at Willie’s 8 p.m., Thursdays, Willie's Bar and Grill, 7 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Saint Helena Island. Come and showcase your singing talents or just enjoy the performances. For more information, visit www.GullahLove.com.
Bluffton Night Bazaar — a Lowcountry Made Market 5 to 8 p.m., first Thursday of each month, Burnt Church Distillery, 120 Bluffton Road. A highly curated selection of accessories, clothing, home goods, custom gifts and more by local artists and makers.
Habersham Farmers Market 3 to 6 p.m., Fridays, Habersham Marketplace. Vendor roster includes B&E Farm, Cottonwood Soap, Flower Power Treats, Hardee Greens, Megs Sweet Treats, Vitamin Bee, Lady’s Island Oyster Company, Pet Wants.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew 9 p.m., Fridays, Highway 21 Bar, 3436 Trask Pkwy, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy Karaoke with Lt. Dan.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew 9:30 p.m., Fridays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy Karaoke with Parker. Karaoke with Melissa
7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Fridays, R Bar & Grill, 70 Pennington Dr, Bluffton. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.
Port Royal Farmers Market
9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, year round, Naval Heritage Park, 1615 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Rain or shine.
You will find fresh, local, seasonal produce, shrimp, oysters, poultry, beef, pork, eggs, bread and cheese, as well as plants, ferns, camellias, azaleas, citrus trees and beautiful, fresh cut flower bouquets. There are prepared food vendors serving barbecue, dumplings, she crab soup, crab cakes, paella, coffee, baked goods, bagels and breakfast sandwiches. No pets allowed. For more information, visit http://www. portroyalfarmersmarket.com/, visit @ portroyalfarmersmarket on Facebook or call 843-295-0058.
Slip and Splash Saturdays
10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturdays, Battery Creek Pool, 1 Blue Dolphin Drive, Beaufort, and Bluffton Pool, 55 Pritchard Street, Bluffton. $5 per person. Stay busy for hours climbing on our inflatable challenge track.
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.
GOLF
Stingray Scramble
9 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, Ocean Creek Golf Course, Fripp Island. Team of 4, $650. Individual, $175. Benefits Riverview Charter School. Shotgun start. 4-man scramble. Registration 8 to 8:45 a.m. Registration includes golf, gift, lunch, awards. Register at https:// bit.ly/4bUzWPh.
27th annual Habitat For Humanity of the Lowcountry tournament Monday, Sept. 30, Oldfield Club, Okatie. Register to play or sponsor at https://bit.ly/4cnr58E. Event proceeds
go toward building the Larry Sanders House, named in honor of the longtime volunteer organizer of the tournament. Boy Scouts of America LowCountry Classic
11 a.m., Monday, Oct. 28, The Cat Is-
land Club. Hosted by the Boy Scouts of America Lowcountry District. $150 per golfer or $500 for foursome. 9 a.m. registration; 1 p.m. lunch; 5 p.m. cocktails/awards. Each player hits from the tee; team selects tee shot they wish to play from; each player may then place their ball within one club length, no nearer the hole and in the same condition (rough, bunker, etc.), and play his/ her own ball from that point until holed; 2 lowest net scores will count towards teams total. Each player shall receive 75% of their published handicap; maximum handicap is 24. Proceeds benefit Scouting programs in the Lowcountry District of the Coastal Carolina Council, Boy Scouts of America. All the information for players and potential sponsors can be found at https://birdease. com/BSACharityGolfEvent or contact Dave Soloman for more information at d.c.solomon@att.net.
HALLOWEEN
Kids, Cops, Cars, and Candy Trunk or Treat
3 to 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 26, Charles Lind Brown Center, Beaufort. Hosted by the Great Grand Family Foundation. A fun and safe afternoon filled with classic cars, police vehicles, and plenty of candy! It's a fantastic opportunity for children to have positive interactions with law enforcement, explore some amazing cars, and enjoy a memorable trick-or-treat experience in a safe environment. Support via donations of candy for the event are welcome and appreciated – reach out to Previs Walker at perviswalker17@gmail.com.
Port Royal’s Haunted Hallows 3 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 26, Naval Heritage Park, Port Royal. A free event featuring food trucks, a vendor market, aerialists, City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department Touch A Truck, games, treats and spooky destinations to fill your passport!! Commemorative Festival T-shirts are available for purchase. Proceeds go to Help of Beaufort.
Trunk or Treat 3 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 25, Paris Avenue, between 9th and 12th streets, Downtown Port Royal. A safe trick-ortreating experience for all ages. Bring your vehicle and be part of the fun. Folks with vehicles and goodies to hand out or games for the kids are needed to make this fun for the kids. Sign up at lowcountryjaycees@gmail.com. No pets allowed.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Rooted Beaufort Yoga classes 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., Thursdays, Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal; 9 to 10:15 a.m., Whitehall Park or Pigeon Point Park. Rooted Beaufort is a collective of local Yoga teachers who host outdoor yoga classes and donation-based events with proceeds being donated locally on a rotating basis.
BEMER Circulation Therapy
10 to 11 a.m., Fridays via Zoom. Already own a BEMER? Never heard of it but curious? Join to ask any questions about this leading-edge German technology that enhances blood flow 30% in 8 minutes. Sessions are designed to support those who have their own unit but everyone is welcome. Brought to you by BEMER Specialist -- Human & Equine, Elizabeth Bergmann. Text 410-212-1468 to get the Zoom link. Free.
HISTORY
Beaufort History Museum at the Arsenal 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays, 713 Craven St, Beaufort. General Admission for Adults $8, Seniors $7, Active Duty Military and College Students with ID $5. Children/Teens younger than 18 Free. Explore and experience more than 500 years of Beaufort History with knowledgeable docent guided tours.
The Historic Port Royal Museum 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or upon request, Thursdays through Sundays, The Historic Port Royal Museum, 1634 Paris Ave. The museum features the turn-ofthe-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
Basics of Canning and Preserving 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 24, Lobeco Branch Library, 1862 Trask Parkway. Presented by the Clemson University Cooperative Extension. Join us for a free workshop that will discuss the basic principles of canning and methods for preserving fruits, vegetables, meats, and more. Please call 843-255-6479 or stop by to register.
Wills Clinic and Information Session 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, Lobeco Branch Library, 1862 Trask Parkway. Presented by Lowcountry Legal Volunteers. Free walk-in Wills Information Session from 10 to 11 a.m. No
registration is required for the session. Following that, an appointment-based Will Preparation Clinic will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. To apply for an appointment and review eligibility, call 843-815-1570 or register online at https://lowcountrylegalvolunteers.org by September 13.
Native Plants of the Sea Islands 3 to 5 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Maximum 50 participants, registration required at to attend. Call 843-2556540. In this two-hour workshop, participants learn about plants used by indigenous people of the Sea Islands. We’ll take a relaxing 30-minute walk around the library grounds, learning how to identify specific plants and learn about their properties and how they were used pre-colonization. Please wear comfortable shoes.
Gullah Art Adult Paint & Sip 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 12, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Ages 13 to adult. Space is limited, call 843-255-6487 to register. Help the library celebrate Gullah Geechee Awareness Month. Join local artis Lynn Schramm to learn acrylic painting tips and tricks and create your own art piece.
Plant Swap 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Take a plant – leave a plant. Bring your divided perennials, extra clippings, and plant propagations to share with others. Visit us at beaufortcountylibrary.org.
“Lego” With Lego 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., every Tuesday, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Free and open to the public. Ages 5 and up. No registration required. Come see our new and improved Lego Club. Choose one of our new Lego kits and get going. Call 843-255-6540 for more information.
Career Navigator 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., every Tuesday, Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort. Free one-on-one resume writing and job application assistance with a Career Navigator from Palmetto Goodwill. No appointments necessary. For more information call 843-255-6458.
Bridge Club 11 a.m., Wednesdays, Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort. Beginning September 18. The first session is for beginners new to the game, and following sessions will provide some instruction and we will learn as we play. Join us if you want to learn a new game, practice your skills, or need more players. Call the Beaufort Branch Library at 843-255-6458 for more information.
Mahjong Club 10 a.m. to noon, 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
Indivisible Beaufort
11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 5, Beaufort Downtown Library at 311 Scott Street. Barbara Nash will be the discussion leader and Exploring Project 2025 will be the discussion topic. What’s in the document? What are the potential impacts if it’s implemented? Nash is an Indivisible member and a former candidate for the South Carolina House or Representatives. Her career as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, health care practice founder, and college educator makes her especially well informed and concerned about the health care and educational policies, as well as the other issues proposed by Project 2025. The event is free and open to the public.
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 at reconmc@aol.com or 843-252-8535.
MUSIC
Deas Guyz 7 p.m., Fridays, Sept. 27, 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,
OUTDOORS
race will wind through the scenic streets of Yemassee, starting and finishing at the Yemassee Municipal Complex. The mostly flat, fast course offers an enjoyable experience for participants of all ages. Medals will be awarded to the Overall Male and Female winners and top finishers in each age group. Strollers are welcome. Entry Fees are $30 per person through Oct. 1 and $35 afterward. School-aged students (K-12) can register on race day for $15 but may not be guaranteed a T-shirt. The T-shirt Deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 1, so register by that date to guarantee a T-shirt. Race check-in is 7:30 a.m. at the Yemassee Municipal Complex.
SEWING/QUILTING
American Needlepoint
Guild Meeting 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1st Tuesday each month. The Hilton Head Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild welcomes anyone, beginner or experienced stitcher, who is interested in needlepoint to join us for stitching, learning and fellowship. For more information, please contact us at hiltonheadislandchapter@needlepoint.org.
Embroidery Guild of America Meeting Second Tuesday of every month, Palmetto Electric Community Room, Hardeeville. The Lowcountry Chapter of the Embroidery Guild of America welcomes anyone, beginner or experienced stitcher, who is interested in any type of embroidery including needlepoint, cross-stitch, surface and beaded embroidery, hardanger, bargello, sashiko, etc., to join us for stitching, learning and fellowship. For more information, please contact us at lowcountrychapter@egacarolinas.org.
SPORTS/GAMES
Inaugural Friends of Caroline Clay Shoot Friday, Oct. 4, Turkey Hill Plantation, Ridgeland. Details are being finalized. Presenting sponsorships available at $2,500 and $5,000. Station sponsors – up to 12 – start at $500. Sponsored 4-person teams $1,000. Contact Keriann for details or to reserve your spot at keriann@fochospice.org or 843525-6257. Proceeds benefit Friends of Caroline Hospice.
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
Meet Murphy
Red Cross Dog at Naval Hospital Beaufort
What VA Home Loan borrowers need to know
This article will cover VA Home Loan eligibility, lender borrowing requirements, and the VA borrowing requirements, as well as other helpful information.
Eligibility
The VA’s “Home Loan Guaranty Buyer’s Guide,” dated April 2022, found at https://bit.ly/3B2o0hm, states, “Based on your service to the United States of America, you may be eligible for the VA Home Loan benefit. The (VA) is the only organization that can determine eligibility for a VA direct or VA-backed home loan benefit based on your length of service or service commitment, duty status, and character of service. Details for determining eligibility (including calculating credible years of service) can be found in Chapter 7 of the “M26-1 Guaranteed Loan Processing Manual” at https://bit.ly/3XKo8K6.”
Lenders’ borrowing requirements
You must meet your lender’s minimum or standards of credit, income, and any other requirements to approve a loan. The VA does not require a minimum credit score, but most lenders will use a credit score to help determine your interest rate and to lower risk. Typically, lenders may want borrowers to have a minimum credit score. Because different lenders have different requirements, you should shop for a lender that meets your needs.
VA’s borrowing requirements
The VA does not determine how much you can borrow. Unlike other loans, the VA requires you to have enough income remaining after paying your mortgage and other financial obligations. This helps ensure you can afford homeownership and lessen the risk of defaulting. Also, you must:
1. Live in the home being purchased with the loan, and 2. Meet one of the following:
Active-duty servicemember requirements: Currently on active duty and have served at least 90 continuous days. Active duty includes Active Guard Reserve members activated under Title 10 U.S.C.
Veteran requirements: Veterans separated from active duty between August 2, 1990, and the present (Gulf War era) must have served: 24 continuous months, or A full period (at least 90 days) for which you were called to active duty, or At least 90 days if discharged for hardship, a reduction in force, or for
government convenience, or Less than 90 days (if discharged service-connected disability).
This includes Reserve and National Guard members called to active duty for at least 90 days. Active duty DOES NOT include active duty for training.
National Guard on active-duty requirements: At least 90 days of non-training active-duty service (shown on DD214 for the activation or any other documents supporting the activation), or A t least 90 days of active service, including at least 30 consecutive days (shown as 32 USC sections 316 502 503 504, or 505 activations on your DD214, annual point statements, DD220 with accompanying orders, or any other documents supporting the activation.
Reserve on active-duty requirements: At least 90 days of non-training active-duty service (shown on DD214 or any other documents supporting the activation. The VA webpage has a complete listing of the length of service requirements for other eras at https://bit.ly/3LCYrFw.
Reserve and National Guard service member requirements if not otherwise eligible: If not otherwise eligible (For example, with prior active duty or Title 10 or Title 32 service), this includes those currently serving in the Selected Reserve or National Guard (member of an active unit, attending required weekend drills, and two-week active-duty training). You must complete a total of six credible years (see Appendix A of the VA Home Loan Buyer’s Guide) and ONE of the following: Continue to serve in the Selected Reserve. Serve as Active Guard Reserve (AGR).
EDITOR’S NOTE This article is the
Placed on the retired list. Transferred to the Standby Reserve or an element of the Ready Reserve other than the Selected Reserve after service characterized as honorable service.
AGR Service members (on Title 32 U.S.C. orders) and Individual Mobilization Augmentee Service members must meet the 6-year requirement. Periods of Inactive Ready Reserve service are NOT creditable toward the 6-year requirement.
Reserve/National Guard veteran requirements (not otherwise eligible): If not otherwise eligible (see the “Veteran” paragraph above), you must have completed a total of six credible years (See Appendix A of the VA Home Loan Buyer’s Guide) in the Selected Reserve or National Guard (member of an active unit, attended required weekend drills and two-week active duty for training) and ONE of the following:
Discharged with an honorable discharge, or Placed on the retired list, or Were transferred to the Standby Reserve or an element of the Ready Reserve other than the Selected Reserve after service characterized as honorable. Inactive Ready Reserve service periods are NOT creditable toward the 6-year requirement. Persons who completed less than six years may be eligible if discharged for a service-connected disability. For discharge status that is not honorable, see the Other Than Honorable, Bad Conduct, or Dishonorable discharges under Appendix A of “VA Home Loan Buyer’s Guide.”
Eligible spouse requirements
The spouse of a Veteran can also apply for home loan eligibility if they:
1. Are eligible for, or in receipt of, a qualifying Dependency and Indemnity Compensation benefit (see the VA webpage “About VA DIC for Spouses” at https://bit.ly/3rcIrzS, and
Petty Officer 3rd Class
Deahjae White, a native of Beaufort, is a machinist's mate aboard the USS Kearsarge.
Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Sierra Garcia/U.S. Navy
Beaufort native serves aboard Navy warship in Norfolk
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Whitten Helton
Navy Public Affairs
Support Element East NORFOLK, Va.
Petty Officer 3rd Class
Deahjae White, a native of Beaufort, serves aboard a U.S. Navy warship operating out of Norfolk, Va.
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Beaufort.
2. Under ONE of the following conditions:
Unremarried surviving spouse of a veteran who died while in service (active, reserve, or national guard) or from a service-connected disability, or Unremarried surviving spouse of certain total disabled (100% rated) veteran whose disability m ay not have been the cause of death, or Surviving spouse who remarries on or after December 16 2003, after attaining age 57, or The spouse of a living service member missing in action or a prisoner of war for more than 90 days, for as long as the Service member is in that status (this is one-time use only).
Appendix E of the “VA Home Loan Buyer’s Guide” and paragraph 3 of 38 U.S.C §3701(b) provide more information.
Other eligible borrowers
1. A U.S. citizen who served in the Armed Forces of a government allied with the United States in World War II.
2. Served as a member in certain organizations, such as: Cadet at the United States Military, Air Force, or Coast Guard Academy. Commissioned Officers of the Public Health Service. Officer of the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Midshipman at the United States Naval Academy Merchant Seaman during World War II
Chapter 7 of the M26-1 Guaranteed Loan Processing Manual, available at https://bit.ly/3XKo8K6 provides details for other eligible borrowers. This is a complex subject. Use a realtor, lender, and a VA-accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) experienced with VA home loans. Continued next week.
Larry Dandridge is a Vietnam War wounded warrior, disabled veteran, ex-Enlisted Infantryman, ex-Warrant Officer Pilot, and retired Lt. Colonel. He is a past Veterans Service Officer, a Patient Adviser at the RHJ VA Hospital, the Fisher House Charleston Good Will Ambassador, and the VP for Veteran Affairs for the local Army Association Chapter. Larry is the author of the award-winning book Blades of Thunder and a contributing freelance writer with The Island News. Contact him at LDandridge@ earthlink.net or 843-276-7164
“One lesson I learned is that to grow, you have to get out of your hometown and experience the world,” said White. "The Navy lets me do just that.”
White joined the Navy three years ago. Today, she serves as a machinist's mate aboard USS Kearsarge.
“I joined the Navy because it was a goal I set for myself,” said White. "I wanted to see what the military was like."
Kearsarge’s crew is made up of approximately 1 200 crewmembers and can accommodate up to 1,800 Marines. Amphibious assault ships transfer Marines, equipment and supplies, and can support helicopters or other aircraft. Kearsarge is the third ship in the Wasp class of multipurpose amphibious assault ships and is the fourth Navy vessel to bear the name of Mount Kearsarge in New Hampshire. With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to trained sailors and a strong Navy.
White and the sailors they serve with have many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during their military service.
“I am proud of buying my first house,” said White. "I also completed school for building and construction." As White and other sailors continue to train and perform missions, they take pride in serving their country in the United States Navy.
“Serving in the Navy is an experience and opportunity most hope for,” said White. "It's a chance to progress in life in many ways."
White is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I want to thank my aunts and my kids' grandparents,” said White. "Being in the military as a single parent is difficult and they are so supportive in taking care of my kids while I've been at sea. I appreciate them very much and couldn’t do it without them.”
White has goals for their future.
“I plan on going back to school to get my real estate license so I can flip my own houses for a living,” added White.
LARRY DANDRIDGE
third in a series of four.
Chris Mokan and Therapy Dog Murphy visit the new Commanding Officer and Executive Officer to say
“Hello” and to let them know the services they provide and to show how good of a boy he is. Featured in the photo, from left to right, are Chris Mokan, Red Cross Volunteer; Capt. Tracy Isaac; Capt. Cecilia Brown; and front and center is Murphy. Lindsay Schreiber/Naval Hospital Beaufort
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
CLASSIFIEDS & GAMES
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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AUTOS FOR SALE
2024 CORVETTE-white. LT2 engine, performance exhaust, many extras! Museum delivery (2,000 miles). Call or text 843-283-8930 $67,500 obo!!
AUCTIONS
Absolute Construction-Truck Auction. Tue., Oct 8 at 8AM Lumberton, NC. Major construction – trucks will sell at 1PM and cars at 10:00AM. 10%BP. meekinsauction.com NCLN 858 910739-0547
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
Prepare for power outages with Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect(TM) standby generators – the most powerful home
standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty of 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-855212-3281
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-844-775-0366 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. Jacuzzi Bath Remodel can install a new, custom bath or shower in as little as one day. For a limited time, waving ALL installation costs! (Additional terms apply. Subject to change and vary by dealer. Offer ends 9/30/24.) Call 1-877-582-0113
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TELEVISION & INTERNET SERVICES
DIRECTV OVER INTERNET – Get your favorite live TV, sports and local channels. 99% signal reliability! CHOICE Package, $84 99/mo for 12 months. HBO Max and Premium Channels included for 3 mos (w/CHOICE Package or higher.) No annual contract, no hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-855-237-9741
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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, 803750-9561
YOUR AD HERE
Looking to advertise your business, announce a yard sale, or share other classifieds? Contact Amanda Hanna today at amanda@lcweekly.com to secure your spot and get your ad featured in our upcoming issue!
