May 16 edition

Two finalists named for Beaufort’s Police Chief job

Interim Chief Price, NC’s Klamar will meet Council, Citizen’s Council, staff, public on Friday, May 17

By Mike McCombs

The Island News

The City of Beaufort has narrowed its searched for a news Chief of Police to two finalists, and the public can become much more familiar with them on Friday, May 17 in three different events.

Beaufort’s Interim Police Chief Stephenie Price and Kenneth J. “Ken” Klamar, Chief of Police in Sunset Beach, N.C., are the two finalists for the job, left vacant when Chief Dale

BEAUFORT

Last week was Hurricane Preparedness Week and it was ironic part of that was spent, at least in the city circles, talking about flooding. Specifically, the city fathers were being updated on plans for the King Street drainage improvements designed to improve existing flooding problems within a 40-acre neighborhood.

Unfortunately, drainage plans which include replacing existing pipes have drawn opposition because of a controversial 20x25x10-foot pump station, generator and outfall structures proposed for the very small Knott passive park at the corner of East and King, close to the center of the Point

McDorman retired in January. Price, acting as Beaufort’s Interim Chief for the past four months, called making the cut down to two finalists “humbling and an absolute honor.”

And Klamar told The Island News, “I’m excited to be this far in the process. I’m looking forward to meeting the city staff.”

The big day is Friday The home stretch of the inter-

view process, as well as the introduction of the finalists to the public, will happen Friday in three stages. From 9 to 11 a.m., the two candidates will be interviewed by a Citizens’ Panel in the Police Department Training Room. Mayor Phil Cromer and each City Council

member each appointed a citizen to this five-member panel.

City Manager Scott Marshall said he asked each member of the council to name one member of the community they’d like to serve on the committee. Marshall said if the city had taken applications for the committee, the process would have taken a considerable amount of time.

Work has begun at the Harriet Tubman Memorial site on the grounds of Tabernacle Baptist Church as seen here Monday afternoon, May 13, 2024. The statue is complete and ready for its new home at the 156-year-old church on Craven Street. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

Harriet almost ready

Tubman memorial to

be unveiled

June 1, will commemorate raid freeing 700 slaves

By Skylar Laird SCDailyGazette.com

A historic Black church in Beaufort will unveil a much-anticipated sculpture of Harriet Tub161st anniversary of the raid she led that freed more than 700 slaves from Lowcountry plantations.

The June 1 unveiling of the sculpture, which is eight years in the making, will add to the long history of Tabernacle Baptist Church, where Civil War hero and South Carolina lawmaker

Robert Smalls was buried in 1915

Born enslaved in Maryland in 1822, Tubman is the best-known conductor of the Underground Railroad, as she led at least 70 slaves in Maryland to freedom before the Civil War.

But her work in South Carolina during the Civil War often gets overlooked, said Rev. Kenneth Hodges, the church’s pastor for 29 years.

The monument will be the first in the state marking her daring mission in June 1863 along the Combahee River as the first woman to lead a

SEE MEMORIAL PAGE A7

A monument to Harriet Tubman, which Tabernacle Baptist Church leaders will unveil June 1, the anniversary of the raid in which Tubman helped free more than 700 slaves. Photo courtesy of Tabernacle Baptist Church

Stephenie Price

Kenneth J. Klamar

LOWCOUNTRY LIFE & NEWS

Island News photographer Amber Hewitt

Island News. Please submit high-resolution photos and include a description and/or names of the people in the picture and the name of the photographer. Email your photos to theislandnews@gmail.com.

VETERAN

Beaufort’s William Brown, 70, a 1970 graduate of Beaufort High School, joined the United States Army in New York City in 1972. After Basic Training at Fort Dix, N.J., he trained at Fort Jackson as a Quartermaster, becoming a supply specialist. His first duty station was at Fort Hood, Texas, followed by three

years at Karlsruhe, Germany.

William Brown

Returning to the states, he was posted to Kelly AFB in San Antonio, Texas, for four years, then to Baumholder, Germany supporting units

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

No one better than Mace

I just want … everyone to be aware of the situation that Congresswoman Nancy Mace’s office quickly went to work on for a constituent. My dad filed for VA benefits in November 2023

Despite being exempt due to a wife and 2-year-old son to support, he volunteered for the Navy during World War II, while his brothers were in the Army and Army Air Force at the time. Since last November, his application for benefits has been delayed with no response except letters saying someone is sorry for the inconvenience. He is 101 years old not ready for delays of anything, especially benefits he has earned. So last week we contacted the Beaufort office of Nancy Mace.

stationed there. He returned to serve at Fort Benning, Ga., before a return assignment in Germany, his time at Wurzburg. Back to the states, he was stationed for a tour at the National Defense University, Washington, D.C., before his final assignment at Fort Bliss, Texas, from which he retired in 1995 as a

Master Sergeant with more than 22 years of continuous service. Today he serves with American Legion Beaufort Post 207

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

Lisa, the district director, took my call and listened to his dilemma. Then she promised that she would look into the matter and keep us posted.

Two days later, yes, after six months of waiting, I was contacted by a representative from the VA who is now actively working the case. This is classic, old-fashioned, genuine representative government helping a constituent deal with the bureaucracy. Unfortunately unusual in this age of camera-addicted politicians who are only interested in reelection.

So, with this congressional district full of active and retired military patriots, I suggest that there is no one who can better serve as our Congressional representative than Ms. Mace.

– Jerry Floyd, St. Helena Island

Beaufort TEA Party holding candidate forum

From staff reports

The Beaufort TEA Party will host a candidate forum from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Monday, May 20 at AMVETS Post 70 at 1831 Ribaut Road in Port Royal.

All Republican candidates for South Carolina’s 1st Congres-

sional District seat, currently held by Nancy Mace, have been invited. Republicans Bill Young and Catherine Templeton are attending. Mace will not be in attendance. All registered candidates — Republican and nonpartisan —

ON THIS DATE

May 16

2019: The Battery Creek High School softball team wins the Class 3A state championship, defeating Union County, 2-1, at Battery Creek. Senior pitcher Alexis Ortiz hurled a one-hitter and hit the go-ahead solo home run in the fourth inning for the Dolphins, just two batters after Emily Crosby homered to tie the game at 1. Ortiz pitched all 48 postseason innings for BC, striking out 66 and surrendering just 4 runs.

May 18

taking part in state and local elections are invited, as well. Candidates are invited to bring campaign handouts to share with the attendees.

A list of names of candidates attending will be available soon on the Facebook Event page. Af-

ter the event, there will be a meet and greet for all the candidates.

The event is co-sponsored by the Beaufort TEA Party, the Beaufort County Republican Party, the Beaufort Federation of Men, and the Beaufort Republican Women. RSVP to BTP@islc.net.

May 20

2013: Art Director Hope Falls was hired as an intern by The Island News

May 21

2022: An afternoon of sailing takes a near-tragic turn for former City of Beaufort Mayor Billy Keyserling when his boat overturns, throwing both Billy and his brother Paul Keyserling into the Beaufort River. While witnesses said that initially

2019: Hilton Head Island’s Cohen Bruner, 16, and sister Skyler Bruner, 14, wins the men’s and women’s titles, respectively, in the Beaufort River Swim. The siblings’ father, Carlton Bruner, swam for the United States in the 1996 Summer Olympic Games in Atlanta.

PAL PETS OF THE WEEK

Cat Of The Week

Palmetto Animal League is the only “home” Tuck has ever known. This 1-year-old boy deserves to know the true peace and contentment of a real home. Tuck is a sweet, reserved boy who likes to play. He would love nothing more than a home filled with love where someone is ready to tuck him in every night. Tuck is neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped.

Dog Of The Week

both Billy and Paul were alert and appeared to be uninjured, within minutes Billy was unresponsive, and saving his life became a critical race against time for the passing boaters who attempted his rescue. Other boaters pulled Billy Keyserling from the water, performed CPR and rushed him to Beaufort Memorial Hospital, where he was initially admitted to the intensive care unit and placed on a respirator. The then-73year-old Keyserling, who suffered broken ribs but recovered, served three terms as mayor of Beaufort. He was first elected in 2008 and ran unopposed in 2012 and 2016 He opted not to run in 2020

– Compiled by Mike McCombs

foster home while on her weight loss journey. This 7-year-old girl is patient, friendly, and has a gentle temperament. Virginia has a calming spirit and loves to relax at your feet. She is spayed, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped.

If you are interested in meeting Tuck, Virginia, or any of our other pets, call PAL at 843-645-1725 or email Info@ PalmettoAnimalLeague.org.

caught this dancer leaping in the air while performing a Ukrainian Hopak dance during the BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble performance on Friday, May 10, 2024 at Battery Creek High School. To submit a Lowcountry Life photo, you must be the photographer or have permission to submit the photo to be published in The

Three-story building proposed for downtown Beaufort

By Delayna Earley

The Island News

Designs for a two- and three-storied, almost 18,000-square-foot building to be built in downtown Beaufort went before the Historic District Review Board during their latest meeting.

During the May 8 meeting, plans were submitted for the Green’s Drugstore, LLC Infill Project, an infill project that would be built at 101 Scott Street.

According to the application, the building would be built to look like two separate buildings, a two-story and a three-story building.

The plans say that the building is expected to function as a first-floor restaurant, a third-floor rooftop bar and office space in between.

The location of the building would be on the property where YoYo’s Ice Cream Shop and a parking lot exists, adjacent to Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park and the playground.

The project was submitted by Adam Biery, project manager with Beaufort Design Build, who is the agent for the project, acting on behalf of owner and developer Graham Trask.

Although the project was given the green light by City of Beaufort staff, members of the board had some issues with the plans as they currently stand.

Among those issues were questions about the building’s size, removal of park-

Artist renderings give an idea of how the proposed two- and three-story building being proposed for 101 Scott Street will blend in with the surrounding structures during Beaufort’s Historic District Review Board meeting Wednesday, May 8, at City Hall. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

ing spaces, materials to be used and how well the design of the building fits in with the other buildings in the historic district.

Despite these questions, the project proposal states that it meets all the seven integrity guidelines necessary to be met under the Beaufort Development code for a downtown Beaufort infill project.

While there was a large number of people who appeared to be opposed to the building on social media before the meeting, former Beaufort Mayor Stephen Murray was the only one to stand up in the meeting to speak against the project. Murray opposed the project on the grounds of aesthetics and need for the parking spaces. He said that the building, which has the appearance of

a warehouse, would not fit with the existing buildings, and getting rid of 22 parking spots while building a business that is going to attract more people to downtown would exacerbate the need for parking even more.

“We can always build something on this site,” Murray said to the board. “But once built, we are stuck with it for generations. Please, I’m begging you, let’s make sure we get it as right as possible before moving ahead.”

Additionally, Murray said that due to the size of the building, being more than 100 feet, it requires approval from the zoning board as it is considered a large footprint building.

While Murray was the only one to stand up in the meeting to speak against approving the plans for the building, he said that he felt

like the timing of the meeting prevented a lot of people from being able to be present to speak in person.

Paul Trask, cousin of Graham Trask, stood up and spoke in favor of the building saying that Trask should be able to develop his property.

“Let’s bear in mind, if it sticks out into the park, that’s private property,” Paul Trask said. “The private property does extend forward into the park just a bit. There’s a legitimate right for the owner of this property to put a building on his private property.”

Paul said that any of the issues with size and materials can and should be addressed and adjusted and then the project can be presented again after receiving conceptual approval.

As far as parking goes,

Mike Sutton, Chairman of the Beaufort Historic District Review Board, looks through some architectural plans of the proposed development at 101 Scott Street on Wednesday, May 8, at City Hall. In question are plans to build a two- and three-story building. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

Paul made a point to say that was not in the purview of what the board is meant to make decisions on.

Lise Sundrla, assistant director with the Historic Beaufort Foundation, spoke in front of the board saying that the plans for the building had undergone a lot of changes before being presented in Wednesday’s meeting and had been reviewed by the Historic Technical Review Committee three times. She said feels that the building would fit in well with Bay Street’s existing structures and the historic feel of the downtown area.

Although there was a lot of discussion among board members about what to do, ultimately the board members gave conceptual ap-

proval with staff recommendations on the condition that the scale is reduced, the 100-foot requirement is addressed, and the material choices are studied. The property owner, Graham Trask, said that he felt that overall things went well in the meeting.

“I am a real estate investor and developer,” Trask said. “I will continue to invest in Beaufort and do it consistent with the Beaufort city codes and in a sympathetic manner with our historic downtown.”

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.

LDoctor of Medicine

University of Michigan

Medical School

Residency

Medical College of Wisconsin Milwaukee (Chief Medical Resident)

ouis Remynse, M.D., a board-certified and broadly experienced urologist, brings nearly four decades of clinical and surgical experience to the practice, where he will diagnose and treat a wide range of chronic and acute urological disorders, among them benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), kidney stones and urinary incontinence.

A member of the Society of Urologic Oncology, Dr. Remynse specializes in robot-assisted surgical treatments for bladder, kidney and prostate cancers. In total, he has performed more than 1,250 da Vinci robotic surgeries.

A Michigan native, he comes to the practice from Cedarwood Medical Center in St. Joseph, Mich., and has practiced at urology groups and medical centers in Pennsylvania, Maine and Illinois.

MMaster of Physician Assistant Studies

South University

Doctor of Pharmacy

Medical University of South Carolina

atthew “Matt” Baker, PharmD, PA-C is skilled as a certified physician assistant and as a pharmacist. At the urology practice he works with its clinical team to assess and manage treatment for acute and chronic urological disorders that can be addressed with medication rather than surgery.

A Yemassee native, Baker came to Urology Specialists after seven years as a physician assistant at a urology practice in Bluffton, where he gained expertise in cystoscope procedures and active monitoring of patients with an elevated PSA level and those at the conclusion of their prostate cancer treatment.

For the first nine years of his medical career, he was employed as a pharmacist.

Big

dock clean-up taking place this weekend on St. Helena

From staff reports

Volunteers are needed for a two-day clean-up is being held from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19, adjacent to Gay Fish Company on St. Helena Island.

Old boats and collapsed docks will be removed in what will be a huge community effort with more than 100 volunteers and six contractors participating.

This is a cleanup where volunteers will be get into a tidal marsh and remove wood and debris from old docks and boats. There will be contractors working alongside volunteers to get old boats removed from the area including, an old shrimp boat.

Volunteers will need to wear rubber boots and bring gloves. Organizers are bringing beverages and a lunch will be provided. This will be a physically challenging clean-up and will take place rain or shine.

Parking will be at a premium onsite due to contractor trailers and equipment. If you can find parking nearby and car pool it onsite, please do so. Due to the difficult circumstances of this clean-up and the number of pieces of equipment working on this clean-up, organizers would prefer that children not participate unless they remain at their parents side the entire time.

This is a two day cleanup taking place both Saturday and Sunday. It ends at 2:30 allowing everyone time to enjoy the late afternoon and evening to explore Beaufort and the surrounding community.

Info for your GPS: Gay Fish Company, 1948 Sea Island Parkway, Saint Helena Island, S.C. 29920

Chief

from page A1

The panel includes Kay Merrill, Tim Newman, George O’Kelley, Fred Washington Jr., and Connie Hipp.

This event will include a Zoom link and be live streamed on the City’s Facebook page. The public is welcome to attend this event, either online or in person.

The second event will take place between 3 and 5 p.m., at a Special Meeting of City Council.

City Council will interview the finalists in the Police Department Training Room. Like the first, this meeting will include a Zoom invitation and will be live streamed on Facebook. Again, the public is invited to attend either online or in person.

Finally, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., the finalists will attend a meet-and-greet with members of the public in the foyer of City Hall.

Marshall said there would also be an event around midday at which the finalists would have the opportunity to meet with the senior staff of the Beaufort Police.

Price confirmed it is now common for municipalities to conduct searches for police chief in this manner, making an effort to “really involve the stakeholders.”

She called the process “community driven,” and said the goal is to hire a qualified individual that is both trustworthy and personable,

Vidalia onions are here

Hunting Island State Park has first turtle nests of season

By Delayna Earley The Island News

The Friends of Hunting Island Sea Turtle Conservation Project found their first two nests of the season on Monday, May, 13

In addition to the two successful nests, there have been two false crawls, which is when a turtle starts to crawl onto the beach, but something spooks it and causes it to return to the water without laying eggs.

Both nests were made by loggerhead turtles. According to the data posted on seaturtle.org, of the two nests, one

was relocated to a safer place and there are an estimated 127 eggs. These were not the first nests of the season for northern Beaufort County.

Four nests have been located on Fripp Island, who had the first nest in Beaufort County.

One nest has been found on Harbor Island as well.

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.

who “can earn the trust of the community.”

Klamar said Beaufort’s approach “seems similar and in line” with several other interview processes he’s been through. “It’s a pretty thorough assessment.”

The search

According to Marshall, the City, with the assistance of Find Great People, a search firm the City retained, began the with 94 total applicants. After a series of interview rounds, that pool was whittled down to three, he told The Island News earlier this month.

“It has definitely not taken longer than I thought it would,” Marshall said of the search process. “I’ve had experience selecting police chiefs before, and it is definitely is not a quick process.”

Marshall said, there were roughly a dozen candidates that the recruiter felt were best qualified for the position. From those, Marshall said he chose nine that he wanted to interview, initially, then narrowed it to five. Those candidates were interviewed by Marshall, City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Chief Tim Ogden, and City of Beaufort Human Resources Director Ivette Burgess. “I looked at education, experience level, were they a chief before, or the potential to be a police chief,” Marshall said.

More than once in the search, Marshall said, the City had to replace a candidate that removed them-

selves from the process. All dropped out for different reasons, he said.

“We had 3 finalists identified, then one of the finalists dropped out,” Marshall said.

Marshall said they went back through the candidates that interviewed during the semifinal round and found a replacement still interested in the position.

“Then that candidate dropped out,” Marshall said.

Then Marshall said, after they added another candidate to replace the second who dropped out, it happened again, leaving two finalists once more. Then another candidate withdrew.

“We got back to three again,” Marshall said, “Then that person that we added dropped out and left us down to two. And then one of those two dropped out, and then we added another candidate.”

Eventually, Marshall said the City settled on just two finalists.

“They are both strong candidates,” he said.

Marshall confirmed a person of color, at least initially, was a finalist for the position.

“Yes,” Marshall said. “… We had a person of color in our finalist round, one of the people that dropped out.”

Should Price be hired, she would be Beaufort’s first female Chief of Police.

Despite the shake-ups among the finalists, Marshall said he decided to stick with the May 17 date for the finale of the interview process, citing the difficulty of making sure all involved

parties were available, including Mayor Cromer, the City Council, the Citizens’ Panel, and the finalists.

The finalists

These are the biographies of the two finalists as released by the City of Beaufort.

Chief Kenneth J. Klamar: Klamar has been in law enforcement for 29 years and has been police chief of Sunset Beach, N.C., a town with 4 400 full-time residents, since 2017. Before that, he was police chief for Perkins Township in Sandusky, Ohio, for eight years.

Klamar has a Bachelor’s of Criminal Justice Administration from Tiffin University, and a Master’s in Criminal Behavior Analysis from the University of Cincinnati. He is a graduate of the Police Executive Leadership College and the FBI National Academy.

Klamar is an adjunct professor for Columbia Southern University and trains area educators and professionals on topics including workplace and school violence, and emergency planning. He is an advisory board member for the North Carolina Training and Standards Basic Law Enforcement Training and serves on the training committee for the North Carolina Chiefs of Police Association. He is also regional director of that association, serving nine counties in southeastern North Carolina.

Interim Chief Stephenie

Price: Price was appointed Interim Chief of the Beau-

fort Police Department following the retirement of former Chief McDorman earlier this year. She joined the Police Department as Deputy Chief in February 2023. Previously, she was Chief of Police for the Town of Bluffton Police Department beginning in 2020, after serving as Assistant Police Chief in Savannah beginning in 2019. Price spent most of her earlier career with the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, which she joined in 1999. She rose to the rank of Central Patrol Division captain by 2019

In Kansas City, she worked in financial services, drug enforcement, vice, domestic violence, and internal affairs. Since joining the Beaufort Police Department, she has begun initiatives bolstering community relations, youth engagement, crime prevention, and transparency and communication.

Price earned a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from Park University and an MBA from Benedictine University.

She is a graduate of the Center for Homeland Defense Executive Leaders Program, the FBI LEEDA Command Institute for Law Enforcement Executives, and she recently obtained a certification from the International City Management Association, Local Government 101

The decision Marshall told The Island News earlier this month that he was “looking for the best candidate.”

“I’d like it to be someone very personable and some-

one who can engage with the community,” he said. According to the job listing posted earlier this year, candidates must “exhibit integrity and ethical leadership, knowledge of effective policing strategies, such as Community Policing and 21st Century Policing, and expertise in developing appropriate policies and procedures that will positively affect the Department as it works to meet the City’s strategic goals for public safety. Experience addressing complex issues requiring collaboration and partnerships to resolve, like homelessness, could be particularly of interest.”

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

The chief will oversee a department of approximately 60 people, and report to the city manager. The salary range is from $100 000 to $120 000 a year.

“I will want feedback from the committee, the council and our senior staff, as well as any public feedback,”Marshall said. “And then, I’ll make an informed decision.”

Volunteers with the Friends of Hunting Island Sea Turtle Conservation Project found the first two loggerhead turtle nests at Hunting Island State Park on Monday, May 13, 2024. Submitted photo

Rotary Club of Beaufort members Graham Holcombe, left, and David Youmans sort through some of the more than five tons of Vidalia onions sold this year during the second day of the club’s 40th annual Vidalia onion drive Wednesday, May 8, at Sea Island Presbyterian Chruch on Lady’s Island. In the background is fellow Rotarian Ron Garrett. Proceeds from the sale of the popular onions will go help fund the club’s many local charitable events. The onions are grown by Henderix Produce in Metter, Ga. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

By Mike McCombs

The Island News

Mace touts her record in Beaufort appearance

Congresswoman took questions, talked policy at Bricks On Boundary

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC01) ran through the popular topics at her "Cheers With Your Congresswoman" event on Monday, May 13, at Bricks On Boundary restaurant in Beaufort.

About 70 community members came out to ask questions of the Congresswoman, many about how the Veterans Administration function, or doesn’t. More than a handful of veterans in attendance were referred directly to Mace’s aide, who took their information.

The next most popular topic was the southern border and illegal immigration.

Mace faulted the Republican Party for not tying a border security bill to the aid bill for Israel and Ukraine.

“It’s deeply frustrating,” she said. “We have to stem the tide of illegal immigration. (Republicans) have to find a wedge and we have to be able to negotiate.”

She added President Biden’s administration is “doing nothing … absolutely nothing” about immigration.

Mace emphasized the need for both parties to curb spending.

“It’s not just a Democrat problem, it’s a Republican problem,” she said.

She claimed we add $1 trillion to the national debt every 100 days.

“Eventually, you’ll borrow enough that you’ll never be able to pay it off.”

Mace didn’t necessarily separate herself from the idea of privatizing Social Security. Though she wasn’t sure what it was, exactly, “In the future, something has to change,” she said, referring to when her children will collect their Social Security benefits.

“I would love for them to have the opportunity to invest that wherever they see fit,” Mace said. “I don’t want to change anything now, but we have to change things for the future.”

She reiterated her desire for term limits … not just for members of the House and the Senate, but for their staff, as well.

Mace made it clear she voted to remove Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House because he simply wasn’t honest.

“He made a lot of promises to the party,” she said. “… he flat out lied to the party.”

Mace said she negotiated deals with the Speaker for his or the party’s support — “I voted for things I wouldn’t have voted for” — only to have him not live up to his end of the deal.

She also cited his promise to impeach Joe Biden, which never happened.

In contrast, she had nothing but good things to say

Jese Russo of Lady’s Island explains his difficulty with the Veteran’s Administration to U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) during Mace’s event Monday afternoon at Bricks On Boundary restaurant. Russo, a former artilleryman with of the U.S. Army in the mid-1960s, said his dealings with the VA had been somewhat “frustrating.” Bob Sofaly/The Island News

about current Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, though she admittedly doesn’t always agree with him.

“Mike Johnson has honesty and integrity and he’ll tell you the truth,” Mace said.

Because this was an official event, and not a campaign event, Mace would not comment on her Republican primary challengers for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional seat until after the event.

Mace told The Island News that “My opponent simply cannot tell the truth.”

Mace pointed out that on numerous occasions over the past two months, her campaign has called out Catherine Templeton for claims she has made and refuted those claims with specific information. The topics range from Mace’s record on immigration to the authorship of a bill in the S.C. General Assembly.

In her second term representing South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, Mace is facing challenges from two other Republicans — Templeton and Bill Young — in the

Tips for Daily Prayer

U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) described Washington, D.C. as a cesspool with corruption not just with Representatives and Senators, but with their staffs, as well, in her Monday, May 13 “Cheers With Your Congresswoman” event at Bricks On Boundary. Mace is in favor of replacing staff members when someone is voted out of office. Mace said decisions and research are often done by the staff leaving many of her colleagues to just push a button. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

Tuesday, June 11, primary. The Republican primary winner will face off in the Tuesday, Nov. 5, general election against the winner of the Democratic primary between Mac Deford and Michael B Moore.

“I work very hard for the Lowcounty,” Mace said. “I work very hard, and people know my record.”

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

Mace indicated she turned down the opportunity to take part in candidate forums with Templeton and Young because she simply didn’t need to. She believes everyone already knows what she’s about.

Thirty Minutes of Prayer?

How a priest learned to pray

“You need to give God thirty minutes each day.”

I sat there with the other new arrivals to the seminary, ready to begin studies for the priesthood. I was surprised. Our professors were telling us that, in addition to the hour of community prayer we had together throughout the day, we each needed to set aside a half hour of quiet time with the Lord. Wasn’t an hour in the chapel enough, I thought?

Until that point, my prayer life wasn’t very strong.

I would offer a small prayer as I rolled out of bed, thanking God for the new day, and a similar short prayer as I was about to go to sleep. I would offer little prayers from time to time during the day, thanking God or asking for help. But I had never developed the habit of giving a significant part of each day to God.

I decided to give it a try.

Even though I’m not a morning person, I went into the chapel half an hour before the morning prayer service began. I sat there quietly, saying hello to Jesus and talking to him about my experiences so far in the seminary. After a while, though, I started getting antsy. Surely the thirty minutes were almost up? It felt like I had been praying forever! But glancing at a clock, I saw that only five minutes had passed!

I kept showing up.

Our professors had told us that prayer would probably be tough at first, but it would get easier as we practiced. After a few weeks, ten or fifteen minutes would pass by before I started feeling antsy. Eventually, the entire half hour would start to pass by without me even realizing it. I discovered I was really starting to look forward to this daily prayer time, and when I missed it for some reason, I felt off all day long.

Now I can’t imagine a life without daily prayer.

I have been trying to grow and deepen my daily prayer life ever since. I receive great peace from spending time with the Lord. If I wasn’t being faithful to my daily prayer time, there’s no way I could have strength for my ministry as a priest. I still need a lot of growth, and I still struggle with distractions, but I am so grateful for this daily time with Jesus.

“I wish I had started praying years ago!” I hear things like this all the time as pastor of St. Peter’s. As people begin a daily habit of prayer, they start to see the fruit in their lives and they wish they hadn’t waited so long! Even if you start with 10-15 minutes of quiet time, I hope that you are giving God an opportunity to fill your heart in daily prayer!

Point Drainage Project meeting opposition

Neighborhood residents the project is meant to help oppose it

explain the Project.

By Scott Graber

Island News

The

Beaufort’s “Old Point” neighborhood is a collection of porched, corniced and columned homes that date back to 1720 when Thomas Hepworth built his modest house on New Street.

Hepworth, Chief Justice of the Colony, cut vertical slots into his foundation to facilitate musket fire when the Yamassee were restless. More than hundred years later — after the Yamassee had been subdued — a man named Rhodes built a slightly larger house several blocks to the north.

These days the Rhodes house, sometimes called “Little Taj”, overlooks a tidal pond that has become the epicenter in a battle between those who want to improve drainage on Beaufort’s Historic Point; and those who think these efforts are unnecessary.

On Wednesday, May 8 2024, a meeting took place in Beaufort’s City Hall just off Boundary Street. The purpose of that meeting was to get conceptual approval from the Historic Beaufort Review Board.

This meeting focused on two proposed buildings — one containing equipment that will control two pumps; the other containing a generator; both to be located in a small park (called Knott Park) adjacent the pond on the Point.

The pond in question now collects run-off that originates on 40 acres of paved streets, parking lots and rooftops throughout downtown Beaufort. That collected rainwater then runs in an Easterly direction paralleling King Street, passing under Carteret Street, and then enters the Old Point Neighborhood.

Eventually the stormwater ends up in the pond which was improved by the Civilian Conservation Corps in

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residential historic district.

Many of the neighbors of the Point district are up at arms by the design drafted by one of town’s leading architects, Rob Montgomery.

the 1930s. In recent years, however, the pond has proved inadequate. And on at least three occasions (2022-2024), stormwater poured into King Street, and in the case of Hurricane Irma in 2017, stormwater backed up and flooded Carteret Street.

The engineers at Davis and Floyd have been studying this pond and this neighborhood for several years noting that the elevation, 4 5 feet in this part of the Point Neighborhood, has been exceeded by the tide on 93 occasions in a 442 day period in 2022 and 2023. “Pumping is the only method that can reduce in-street flooding when rain and higher tide events coincide.”

The “Point Drainage Project” will upgrade the pond by providing pumps that will — prior to a “rain event” that coincides with a high tide—remove some of that water. This removed water will then allow additional capacity in the pond during the subsequent storm.

The Point Drainage Project — to be paid for by grants totaling $9 46 mil-

lion — has been criticized by various residents (on the Point) notwithstanding the fact that it is designed to relieve flooding on the Point. These folks have questioned the rainfall data; the math applied to that data; and argue that the flooding is not as frequent or as severe as is depicted by the City. A petition has been circulated and has about 300 signatories.

The engineers hired by the City, Davis and Floyd, say that the Point Drainage Project will increase the capacity of the pond and it is the same pumping concept that has been used in Mt. Pleasant, Charleston, Savannah and Georgetown. The engineers say that “The implementation of these pump stations resulted in substantial improvements in drainage performance” and have reduced flooding in each of these coastal cities.

At Wednesday’s meeting the capacity of the pond was not the issue. Rather it was the placement of two new buildings in the park adjacent the pond. The Review Board first looked at a plan that had the “Gear

tions of the funding coming from federal and state sources.

Neal Pugliese, who was the city’s contractor for special infrastructure projects until recently, warned back in 2022 when the estimated $21 million King Street drainage plan was first presented that it would be a “significant, emotional event” for residents and the council.

House” in the Southeastern corner and “Generator House somewhat removed toward the Southwest corner. But after lively, lengthy debate between the five Commissioners — and input from local architect Rob Montgomery and Davis and Floyd engineer, Mike Horton — it was (conceptually) agreed that these two buildings would both be located in the Southwestern corner of the park thereby saving a large cypress tree and the view of the pond; the Beaufort River and Lady’s Island in the distance.

After the Review Board’s decision there was a second presentation, this time involving Old Point residents who had come to City Hall to voice their concerns and deliver their Petition in opposition to the Project.

Approximately 60 people jammed themselves into a conference room on the 1st floor designed to hold two dozen people. Many of these folks appeared ready to engage the Davis and Floyd Engineers who had been summoned by the City of Beaufort to

After considerable discussion, the board, which has been the topic of much criticism from Trask for the past years, gave conceptual approval and told the architect to come back more details about the proposed building materials and mass of the whole structure.

Petitions signed by more than 280 individuals oppose the “big, ugly, concrete box” in the park, contending it’s overkill … over-designed … basically “taking a cannon to a bird hunt.” Opponents contend it won’t really help with major hurricane flooding, will jeopardize the historic character of the neighborhood, and hurt property values.

The city’s Historic Review Board, which oversees construction within the town’s Historic District, saw the plans for a second time last Tuesday with a request for conceptual approval. After considerable debate, the board gave it.

Following the HDRB meeting and another public information session for the neighborhood, the City Council then held a special meeting to review the plans with the goal of moving the plans forward toward construction.

The debate even brought out former Mayor Stephen Murray who introduced himself as a Point homeowner and “recovering politician” and said he was disappointed with some of his neighbors’ opposition to the plans, noting they’re part of a massive drainage improvement plan developed by the City Council, with large por-

He wasn’t wrong. But as supporters of moving the drainage improvements forward argue, the next flooding is not a matter of “if” but “when.”

And hurricane season officially starts June 1

Trask building proposal latest move in downtown development saga

BEAUFORT – The latest move in the proverbial chess game being played by downtown property owners Dick Stewart and Graham Trask was made last week with the city’s Historic Review Board, once again, in the middle.

For those who may have missed it, online or at the HDRB meeting, Greens Drugstore LLC, aka Trask, submitted preliminary plans for a 49 5-foot tall, three and two floors tall building to be built next to Saltus restaurant. The building would include a second-floor restaurant and roof-top bar overlooking the waterfront park and the Beaufort River.

The three small retail stores facing Bay – Rustic Pup Boutique, Cook on Bay and Yo-Yo’s Frozen Yogurt – would remain with the 18 000 square foot building addition facing the river.

Even Historic Beaufort Foundation which also has a long history of criticism but primarily from Stewart and his 303 Associates when they, the HBF, questioned the designs of his multiple downtown projects – being the three-story hotel with roof-top bar on the corner of Port Republic and Scott Street, the parking garage and the retail-apartment complex on the corner of Port Republic and Charles Street – kinda liked Graham’s plans. Their spokeswoman noted the design continued the original warehouse character of pre-development Bay Street even if it did extend further toward the waterfront park than any other structures and would require the demolition of the stand-along ice cream shop so popular with families frequenting the playground.

And then there’s the three oak trees that would have to be removed but no one seemed to have any objections with that issue.

Trask and his designer had already met several times with the city’s technical review team to discuss details, and because of that, the city planning staff recommended the HRB go ahead and give preliminary approval, skipping over the conceptual phase.

No so fast, said the HDRB. They agreed to the conceptual phase

The second meeting began with another presentation by Mike Horton, Chief Project Engineer of Davis and Floyd, who took his audience through dozens of charts, renderings and the flood data collected over the years.

After Horton’s presentation, Stephen Murray, former Mayor of Beaufort, made an eloquent appeal to those in the small conference room, saying future residents of the Point, including his own children, would benefit from the Point Drainage Project.

Others, however, spoke about damage to property values; questioned whether or not Carteret Street had actually flooded; and asked Horton if a second pump was necessary. Finally, one resident said that 300 residents who had signed the petition did not want the project.

Murray then picked up what appeared to be a copy of the Petition, saying, “Even my son could see the bias in this paper …” Horton came in a dark suit, tie and wore thick-rimmed glasses answering the questions simply, using tables and charts that demonstrated what was going to happen if nothing was done; or what would happen if the

pipes were only cleanedout or resized. He spoke at length about what could happen if the second pump was eliminated, He would say, “Point noted” when an unhappy resident made an argumentative or combative comment that was not a question. Horton dealt with the crowd with quiet professionalism.

This meeting was in pleasant contrast with recent City meetings where tempers have flared and comments have been threatening. Throughout these two meetings there was reference to the approved federal funding — $9,460,299 — that must be expended by December 31 2026 Several times residents spoke to this issue and Beth Grace, former member of County Council, suggested that South Carolina’s two U.S. Senators should be approached about getting an extension on this spending deadline. However, J.J. Sauve, Assistant City Manager replied, “We are mindful of the short time frame, but it is more important that we get this right …”

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

but weren’t cool with skipping any phases. The legal hassles the city planners have encountered and are still dealing with concerning the past HDRB approval of Stewart’s hotel, parking garage and retail-apartment complex, may have been ringing in their ears.

Also adding to the drama was the reappearance of former Mayor Stephen Murray, who urged the HDRB to proceed with caution on approving the project which, among other things, would remove 22 parking spaces from the downtown area.

“Once this is built, we’ll be stuck with it for generations. Let’s make sure we get it right,” he stated.

All this, and both players are still in the midst of a $120 million lawsuit filed last July by Stewart against Graham and his father, George Trask, contending the two used misinformation and threats of litigation to stop his downtown projects.

Work has yet to begin on the objects of that lawsuit – the hotel, parking garage and retail-apartment project although holes for the project at Port Republic and Scott streets were dug, then refilled. Fencing and screening was installed on the site but then removed most recently reportedly at the request of a bridal party who didn’t want to see the blue tarps in the background of their wedding festivities.

One can’t help but wonder how many of us will live to spend a night in 303 Associates’ proposed new hotel or have a drink overlooking the Beaufort River

in Trask’s proposed roof-top bar. Projects have a way of moving slowly here in the Lowcountry –look at the Alison Road sidewalk project, which has been on the drawing boards for years and finally has work crews out there.

Unless it comes to tree removal. Those guys on the front-line of development really manage to get their part of the work done.

Steve Brown left his mark

BEAUFORT – A lot of nice things were said and written two weeks ago about the late Steve Brown whose life left quite a mark on this growing city.

Brown, who ran restaurants and a catering service in the 1980’s and 1990’s, passed away at age 74 with an obit that described him as “an extrovert who lived larger than life.”

A habitual reader of obituaries sees this type of accolade from time to time in the comments about loved ones who have moved on. But fellow The Island News columnist Bill Rauch quoted a Beaufortonian speaking about Brown when he said “Steve had the light and we need to keep that light burning in Beaufort.” Amen.

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

An 18th century map of what is now the Old Point Neighborhood shows the prevalence of waterways, which have long since been filled in. Submitted

During Hurricane Irma in 2017, stormwater backed up in the Old Point Neighborhood and contributed to the flooding of Carteret Street. Submitted photo

Original Gullah Festival is coming to Beaufort rain or shine

By Delayna Earley The Island News

The 2024 Original Gullah Festival is gearing up for three days of festivities celebrating the Gullah Geechee culture in Beaufort.

The festival will start on Friday, May 24, and will continue through Sunday, May 26, at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in downtown Beaufort.

The vendor market is free and open to the public and tickets are available to attend additional events and workshops.

The festivities will run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

The event is rain or shine, so they recommend bringing an umbrella if rain is forecast. There will be no refunds due to inclement weather. Pets, tents, alcoholic beverages, drugs and fireworks are prohibited from the event. Coolers are allowed, but they will be searched for alcoholic beverages before entry.

The Hour of Power Worship Service will take place on Sunday at 9 a.m. at Waterfront Park.

On Friday, the All White Party will be held from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the Waterfront Park Pavilion and will feature DJ Snipes, a Gullah Caribbean meal, Comedian Bam Robinson and the band Fresh Vibe. Tickets are $45 online and $50 at the door.

On Friday and Saturday, Lest

We Forget – Times to Remember will be available for the public to walk through at Tabernacle Baptist Church on Craven Street. This event is free and will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Schedule Friday’s main stage events

10 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. – "Drum Call"

Spiritual Vibrations

10:20 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Area

Beaufort County School Performances (w/Red Cedar Elementary Drummers and Dancers, Pritchardville Elementary School Choir, Robert Smalls Leadership Academy Choir, Robert Smalls Leadership Academy Step Team, Whale Branch Middle School Choir, Whale Branch Middle School Concert Band, Battery Creek High School Band, Whale Branch Early College High School Band, Nacir Keen – Spoken Word)

3 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Deninufay African Dancers and Drummers

Saturday’s main stage events

10 a.m. – Drum Call

Spiritual Vibrations

10:20 a.m. – Aunt Pearlie Sue and Gullah Kinfolk

11:30 a.m. – Official Welcoming Ceremony – Hosts Sharon Millen

and Rayburne Turner

12:35 p.m. – Voices of de Gullah People Singers

1:10 p.m. – Louise Cohen – Gullah Storyteller

1:45 p.m. – Wona Womalon African Dancers & Drummers

2:20 p.m. – Gullah Geechee Ring Shouters

2:55 p.m. – Marlena Smalls & The Hallelujah Singers

3:30 p.m. – Renesha Hendrix – Interpretive/Inspirational Dance

4:05 p.m. – Beth Inabinett and The For The Funk Of It Band

4:40 p.m. – Dani's Dance Dynamics

5:15 p.m. – Angela Bonaparte Ministries

5:50 p.m. – Ronald Daise

7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. – Gwen Yvette Band

Sunday’s main stage events

2 p.m. – Drum Call – Spiritual Vibrations

2:20 p.m. – Beaufort Mass Choir

2:55 p.m. – Devin Smalls - Gospel

Mime Artist

3:30 p.m. – Gospel Proclaimers of the Lowcountry

4:05 p.m. – Gullah Historical Reenactment Group

4:40 p.m. – Latrise Bush and Band

5:15 p.m. – Quinton Smalls - Gullah Rapper

6:00 p.m. – Parris Island Marine Band Presents – "Dirty Boots Brass Band" Concert 7:05 p.m. – Unity Circle w/"God Bless America" (Form a circle around the park and connect)

Tickets will be available for purchase on site but can also

Beaufort Memorial Hospital’s Terwilliger wins Daisy Award

Special to The Island News

A patient arrived at the orthopedics floor of Beaufort Memorial Hospital (BMH) in January with two problems: a broken leg and overwhelming worry. Her partner had passed away a mere three months prior, and she had traveled to Hunting Island on a camping trip in her partner’s honor. Unfortunately, the patient broke her leg while there and was brought to BMH, leaving her camper and gear deserted.

Thankfully, Lisa Terwilliger, RN, BSN, a medical, surgical, and orthopedic nurse with more than 25 years of service on the orthopedics floor, was present when she was admitted.

Terwilliger sensed the patient’s anxiety and inquired about her concerns. Upon learning about the camper, Terwilliger immediately took it upon herself to arrange for its relocation and storage, ensuring the patient could undergo surgery and recovery free of heightened stress.

For this act of compassion and numerous other instances where Terwilliger has exceeded expectations, she

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need.

was honored with a DAISY Award for Exceptional Nurses on May 10

"I’m not the type who likes being the center of attention,” said Terwilliger when attendees at the surprise celebration called for a speech. “I much prefer to work behind the scenes. When I see something that is troubling a patient I want to help.”

"Lisa’s heart knows no boundaries!" said Dana Aiken, RN, BMH total joint and spine orthopedic care coor-

military operation, he told the S.C. Daily Gazette on Monday, May 13

“Harriet Tubman is a world-renowned figure, and right now, South Carolina isn’t putting any resources into the fact that she was here,” Hodges said.

In 2016, the members of Tabernacle Baptist Church decided to change that. Despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the church raised $600,000 for the sculpture itself, plus another $100 000 for other expenses such as landscaping.

The money, all private donations, also covered the funding for an interpretive center on church grounds nearby, where people can go to learn more about Tubman.

The church will unveil the sculpture as part of a three-day celebration of the anniversary of the Combahee River Raid. The celebration, beginning May 31 will feature speeches from experts on Tubman, as well as her

dinator, who nominated Terwilliger for the award. "This isn’t the first time she’s gone above and beyond. She will help anyone, even if it means exhausting herself to do it."

The prestigious international honor is bestowed upon registered nurses who demonstrate extraordinary clinical skill and compassionate care for patients and their families.

"Truly there is not anyone more deserving of the DAISY Award than Lisa Terwil-

great-great-great grand niece, said Hodges, who represented that area of Beaufort and Colleton counties for 12 years in the House.

The festival will also have food trucks, a nod to the fact that Tubman once worked in a bakery in Beaufort, Hodges said.

Tubman, who escaped slavery alone to Philadelphia in 1849, first arrived in South Carolina in 1862

Using a network of spies, the abolitionist spent the following year gathering information about the plantations lining Beaufort’s Combahee River, where hundreds of slaves farmed rice, according to the National Parks Service.

The night of June 1, 1863, Tubman — called the Moses of Her People — led three ships up the river that carried around 300 African American soldiers from the 2nd South Carolina Volunteer Infantry, a regiment consisting largely of freed men from the sea islands.

Using Tubman’s knowledge of the area, they avoided explosives and navigated to strategic points.

From the river, the ships sounded their whistles, and hundreds of slaves, including children, came

liger," said Julie Schott, RN, BSN, department director for the hospital’s orthopedics unit and Joint Replacement Center. “She is an extraordinary nurse who is devoted to helping others. She is a nurturer who brings joy into the lives of others by seeing beyond obvious needs and showing an immense amount of kindness, compassion and empathy while finding solutions.”

Schott also noted how Terwilliger’s passion for helping others is contagious, as on many occasions she has rallied co-workers and others in the organization to take part in efforts to help a patient in

running to the river. Soldiers waiting in rowboats took them to the steamships, where they escaped to safety.

Infantrymen burned the plantations behind them, striking a blow to the Confederacy with the destruction of several million dollars’ worth of homes and crops.

By guiding the ships, Tubman became the only Black woman to lead troops in a military operation during the war, according to the National Parks Service.

The 14-foot-tall sculpture will show Tubman flanked by soldiers, with people running toward them, just as the slaves ran toward the boats.

The story was so evocative, the design came easily, said sculptor Ed Dwight, who lives in Colorado.

“That was the fun part, going back in history and seeing her being commissioned by the U.S. government,” Dwight said.

Dwight finds that his sculptures, which include the African American History Monument on Statehouse grounds, teach white and Black people alike about parts of history they didn’t know. Often,

During the award presentation, Terwilliger received "A Healer’s Touch," a handcarved sculpture, along with a bouquet of daisies. As different nursing leaders took their turn explaining the meaning behind each element of the celebration, Terwilliger’s great compassion and actions to ensure all feel welcome and well cared for was a recurring theme.

"Lisa not only shows immense compassion to her patients but also to the other nurses, including the new ones," said Aiken. "Every time someone has a problem, she takes it on as if it were her own. Whenever young nurses seek opportunities to learn, she facilitates their growth.”

Know a nurse who goes above and beyond? Anyone can nominate a BMH nurse for the DAISY Award. Applications are available throughout the hospital and online, at BeaufortMemorial. org/Daisy.

In addition to her nursing duties, Terwilliger serves as a career coach for nursing students interning on the orthopedics floor, finding ways to enrich their educational experience and expose them to various medical career pathways.

they walk away with more empathy than they had before, he said.

“That’s the ever-so-quiet effect of doing memorials down there” in the South, said the Black sculptor.

People might forget Tubman’s operation in South Carolina without reminders like the sculpture or the bridge over the Combahee River bearing Tubman’s name, Hodges said.

In 2006, while he was a state representative, Hodges sponsored the resolution to name the bridge before its construction.

“If we didn’t put emphasis on that, that part of her life would be void,” Hodges said. “It’s going to be a big, big thing for South Carolina.”

Tabernacle Baptist Church, officially organized the same year as the raid, is known for its historical connections, Hodges said.

Smalls, who was a state legislator and five-term congressman along with being a Civil War hero, is buried on the church’s ground.

Born enslaved in Beaufort, Smalls hijacked a Confederate ship to steer his family to free-

dom and deliver the ammunition on board to the Union on May 13, 1862. Last year, legislators approved designating every May 13 as Robert Smalls Day in South Carolina. Lawmakers agreed unanimously this year to create a commission tasked with recognizing Smalls on Statehouse grounds.

The monument will be the first to memorialize an individual Black person on the capitol complex.

Tabernacle is ahead of the state, Hodges pointed out: The church already has a bust commemorating Smalls.

“Tabernacle has always been associated with history and culture,” Hodges said. “That’s just an extension of our ministry, of our service to the community.”

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

“Lisa’s heart knows no boundaries!” said Dana Aiken, RN, left, who nominated Lisa Terwilliger for the DAISY Award. Photo courtesy of Beaufort Memorial Hospital

Beaufort Memorial Hospital’s fourth-floor nursing staff celebrates with DAISY Award recipient Lisa Terwilliger (center). Photo courtesy of Beaufort Memorial Hospital

Beaufort’s Robert Smalls will be memorialized outside Statehouse

By Abraham Kenmore SCDailyGazette.com

COLUMBIA — Legislators agreed unanimously to memorialize Robert Smalls on Statehouse grounds with a monument that itself will make history.

The bill legislators sent Thursday, May 9, to the governor’s desk creates a commission to design the monument, decide where to put it, and raise money to pay for it.

Smalls, who was enslaved when he piloted his family to freedom to become a Civil War hero and later a state lawmaker, will be the first individual Black South Carolinian recognized with a statue on Statehouse grounds.

It will also be the first monument period since dedication of the Law Enforcement Memorial in 2006. A year later, legislators enacted a moratorium to adding any more monuments to the capitol complex.

“Considering we’re the

A century after death, the Civil War hero, former SC lawmaker will be first Black person with an individual statue

state that initiated the Civil War … I think it says a lot,” Sen. Darrell Jackson, D-Hopkins, told the S.C. Daily Gazette after the Senate’s 44-0 vote. “I want to commend my colleagues for supporting it overwhelmingly.”

Smalls, born a slave in Beaufort in 1839, was sent to Charleston at age 12 to be hired out. When the Civil War began, he was an enslaved crew member of the steamship Planter contracted out to the Confederate army.

In 1862, he hijacked the boat and, after picking up his family at a wharf, steered them through a gauntlet of Confederate guns to the Union blockade, winning freedom for his family and the other enslaved crew members. Smalls went on to become a state legislator and five-term congressman. He died in 1915

The monument will enable future visitors to learn about Smalls, “an outra-

geous African American guy who put his life in danger when he kidnapped that ship,” said Jackson, whose effort six years ago to honor Smalls went nowhere.

When the bill came up for approval Wednesday in the Senate, one senator asked for more information on who Smalls was, prompting a history lesson from Sen. Chip Campsen, R-Isle of Palms.

Campsen, whose family owns and operates the boats that take visitors to

Fort Sumter, even educated them on what the Planter looked like, noting his company’s most recent purchase is similar, complete with a faux side-wheel – although it uses a modern hybrid propulsion system.

Senate Majority Leader

Shane Massey said the senator’s question highlights the need for a statue, so all generations of South Carolinians can learn Smalls’ story.

“He’s significant to South Carolina and even the country as a whole,” said the Edgefield Republican.

“There aren’t a whole lot of folks I think we should be adding to the Statehouse grounds, but I think Robert Smalls is worthy.”

The legislation gives the commission a deadline of Jan. 15 to come up with a design and location for approval by the joint State House Committee.

Jackson said the monument will provide visitors to the Statehouse — including students who come to the

Statehouse on field trips as they learn South Carolina history — the opportunity for a broader education.

All of the stand-alone monuments, markers and statues memorializing specific South Carolinians on Statehouse grounds honor white men, many of them with controversial pasts.

There is a monument that honors the struggles and contributions of Black South Carolinians from the slave trade through the 20th century. However, while Black trailblazers are recognizable in the carved panels, no one is identified.

“(It) doesn’t just have to be a story about Ben Tillman, John C. Calhoun,” Jackson said of other statues visitors see. Plaques on a statue of Calhoun on the front lawn of the Statehouse notes he founded both Clemson and Winthrop universities. What they don’t say is that the former post-Reconstruction governor and U.S. sen-

ator was an avowed white supremacist who advocated killing Black people who tried to vote, or that he was the architect of Jim Crow laws that spread across the South.

Calhoun, whose statue is in the Statehouse lobby, died before the Civil War started. He was a congressman, secretary of war, vice president, U.S. senator — and champion of slavery. Some have called for removal of statues on Statehouse grounds, particularly Tillman’s. Others counter their monuments need plaques with more context, so that visitors learn their full history.

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 statefocused nonprofit news organization.

Beaufort paramedic honored by SC Senate for saving life

From staff reports

Lt. Matt Domanowski, a paramedic with the Beaufort/Port Royal Fire Department, was honored on May 8 by the South Carolina Senate with a resolution for “decisively and courageously taking action that saved the life of a gunshot victim on Nov. 1 2023.”

In the early morning of Nov. 1, Lt. Domanowski was asleep at home and off-duty when he was alerted by the Fire Department that there was a gunshot wound victim in the Abberly Point Apartments, which is where he lived.

He then walked to the scene and discovered that a young male had been shot several times, was semiconscious, and had difficulty breathing. He then began work-

ing to save the life of the victim, who was a Marine. The victim had a severe chest wound. Once a fire engine arrived, Domanowski used equipment from the truck to perform a needle decompression through the patient’s chest wall, which allowed the victim to breathe more easily. He also gave the patient fluids to help mitigate blood loss.

Since then, Lt. Domanowski has received a lifesaving award from the commanding officer of the Marine Corps Air Station, Col. Mark D. Bortnem.

Fire Chief Tim Ogden said, “It was an honor to see Lt. Domanowski recognized in the South Carolina Senate Chambers. He is a very passionate firefighter/para-

medic and is always willing to help make a difference, on or off duty.”

Beaufort City Manager Scott Marshall added, “This is well-deserved recognition for Lt, Domanowski. It reflects accurately and positively on the professionalism of the department under Chief Ogden’s leadership.”

Lt. Domanowski was accompanied to the ceremony at the Senate by Chief Ogden and Deputy Fire Chief Ross Vezin.

The Senate said in its resolution, “With great pride, the members of the South Carolina Senate add their united voice of praise to the many encomiums flowing in to salute the courage, lifesaving skill, and dedication of Lieutenant/ Paramedic Matt Domanowski.”

Mother's Day special delivery!

It was a particularly memorable Mother's Day for two Beaufort moms who welcomed their new babies on Sunday, May 12. First to arrive at the Beaufort Memorial Collins Birthing Center on Mother's Day morning was Thaine Smith, son of Jordan Mathison and Logan Smith, who made his appearance at 10:12 a.m. Later that evening, Monserrath Ramos, daughter of Maria Velasquez and Oscar Ramos joined him at 9:54 p.m. While a Mother's Day birthday makes for an extra special celebration, the next time Thaine and Monserrat will have birthdays that coincide with Mother's Day will be May 12, 2030, when they turn six. Birthing Center staff members Donna Mixon, LPN, and Merrick Murdaugh, CST, designed the roses for the Mother's Day families. Photos courtesy of Charlotte Berkeley

NEWS BRIEFS

Council member Dawson to host Sheldon Township Heirs Property workshop

County Council Member Gerald Dawson (District 1), along with Beaufort City Councilman Mitch Mitchell, and Luana Graves Sellars of Lowcountry Gullah Foundation, are hosting a workshop on Sheldon Township Heirs Property.

It will be Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. until noon at Booker T. Washington Center, Yemassee. Guest presenters will be Beaufort County Treasurer Maria Walls and Beaufort County Assessor Ebony Sanders. The workshop is free and open to the public. For questions and more information please contact Lowcountry Gullah Foundation at 843-715-3506 or www.lowcountrygullahfoundation.org; or Council Member Dawson at 843-986-7265 or gdawson@bcgov.net.

Port Royal Police Spring Fling

The Port Royal Police Department is hosting a Spring Fling event from noon to 2 p.m., Saturday, May 18, at Live Oaks Park in Port Royal. There will be free food, face painting and games to be enjoyed by all.

Child Identification Kits will be available from the Port Royal Police Department.

County offering free electronics recycling event

The Beaufort County Department of Solid Waste and Recycling will host two free electronics recycling events for County residents Saturday, May 18. They will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the following locations: River Ridge Academy 3050 Raider Drive, Bluffton; and Beaufort County Public Works, 140 Shanklin Road, Beaufort.

Items that will be accepted for recycling include personal computers, laptops, CRT monitors, LCD monitors, CRT televisions, non-CRT televisions, printers, hard drives, and miscellaneous electronics (cell phones, tablets, and fax machines). Items not accepted at this event include microwaves, vacuums, stereos, speakers, tuners, VCRs, DVDs, lamps, etc. These can be taken to the Convenience Centers for disposal and will not be unloaded at the event. If you have questions, please call 843255-2736 or visit the Beaufort County Department of Solid Waste and Recycling website.

Robert Smalls. Photo courtesy of Library of Congress

From left, State Rep. Shannon Erickson, Lt. Domanowski, Beaufort/Port Royal Fire Chief Tim Ogden, Deputy Chief Ross Vezin. Submitted photo

From staff reports

Leadership Beaufort graduates 39th class

Hosted by the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Leadership Beaufort program celebrated its 39th class of graduates this week. The program is a nine-month program that guides a select group of local professionals through an in-depth view of cultural, economic, historic, social, educational, environmental and government resources.

Participants not only learn what is going on but how to make a difference in the community. The program builds community trustee leadership, and as a result, hundreds of alumni have made countless contributions to the region and quality of life.

The Leadership Beaufort program connects participants with prominent civic, business and government leaders. It is an interactive process for the “movers and shakers,” and also a way to form bonds between participants from a diverse array of backgrounds, demographics, employment sectors and more.

“The relationships cultivated over the course of this program will be as valuable to graduates as the lessons learned,” Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce Interim President & CEO Megan Morris said in a news release. “The notion of teamwork and applying each other’s strengths for the best outcome is integral to the program.”

The program is administered by Connie Hipp and Rob Bridg-

ers, along with a strong committee of alumni, who all share a passion for Leadership Beaufort. With this year’s graduation successfully completed, they look to the next class in this legacy. Applications for the 40th class are now available on the Chamber website, and the deadline is May 24

Leadership Beaufort –

Class of 2024

Ashley Amundson – Attorney, Harvey & Battey, P.A.

Gina Baucom – Teacher, Edmentum

Mark Bortnem – Commanding Officer, Marine Corps Air Station

Beaufort

Scott Bowman – Director of Membership, Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce

Donna Bradley – Senior Finance Manager, 303 Associates LLC

Cody Cannon – Assistant Community Manager, Parc at Broad River

Linda Coe – Broker/Agent, Homesfinder Realty Group

Kim Coolican – Realtor, Keller

Williams Realty

Willard Fosberry – Parish Manager, St. Peter’s Catholic Church

Curt Freese- Community Development Director, City of Beaufort

Greg Godfrey – Sr. Clinical Research Associate – Molecular Diagnostics at Abbott Laboratories Tim Green – Business Development, Creative Interiors/Carpet One

Brian Hakes – Firefighter, City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal

Dannon James – US Probation Officer, United States Courts

Alana Jenkins – Director, Sea Island Heritage Academy

Shane Kimble – Supervisor Engineering, Dominion Energy

Andrea LaBonte – Cosmetologist, Hair Play Salon

Chris Lyon – Commanding Officer, H&HS MCAS Beaufort – USMC Lawrence Maldonado – Opera-

tions Director, Sea Island Heritage Academy

Kathryn Mammel – Senior Counselor, InGenius Prep Bri Martin – Social Media Manager, MCCS South Carolina

Jana Martin – Paralegal, Schiller & Hamilton

Danny O’Brien – Operations Director, ClickGiant

Elizabeth Palmer – Executive Director, Lowcountry Outreach

Meghan Pierro – Front Office Manager, Riverview Charter School

Christine Rogers-Raetsch –CEO/Owner, CRR Strategy

Sam Servick – Owner/CEO, Seagrass Exterminating

Jane Shanley – General Manager, Hargray/Cable One

Lana Simmons – Data Specialist, Beaufort County Schools

Marc Sviland – Retired

Joey Swearingen – Dean of Health Sciences, Technical College of the Lowcountry

Cori Talbert – Media Assistant, Beaufort County School District

Barbara Thomas – Retired

Ashton Viterbo – Business Development & Employee Relations Manager, Beaufort Memorial Hospital

Michelle Voegtle – Director, Clinical Programs, TryCycle Data Systems

Beaufort Housing Authority names

Davis new Executive Director

From staff reports

The Beaufort Housing Authority (BHA) Board of Commissioners announce May 7 the appointment of Julie Davis as its new Executive Director, effective immediately. Davis will lead the agency, which serves the needs of more than 2,000 individuals residing in approximately 980 quality, affordable homes throughout Beaufort County.

“We are extremely excited to welcome Julie as our new

Executive Director,” said Ethan James, Chairman of the Beaufort Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. “She is a seasoned leader who understands the critical role BHA plays in our community. Her remarkable track record in real estate and commitment to community service are precisely what we need to lead the Beaufort Housing Authority into a new era of growth and effectiveness.” Davis joins Beaufort

LEGAL NOTICES

Housing Authority from the South Carolina State Housing Finance & Development Authority, where she led efforts as Development Director to improve housing conditions, enhance community engagement and streamline finance processes. Previously, as Chief Operating Officer for Humanities Foundation & James Doran Company – a real estate investment and development firm specializing in affordable and workforce

housing and community and resident services – she managed a wide range of responsibilities, notably supervising more than 2,500 apartment homes throughout the Southeast.

The BHA Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Davis’s appointment during a March 1 Special Meeting. The Beaufort Housing Authority’s portfolio includes more than 290 public housing units, 647 Housing Choice Vouchers, a

non-profit affiliate Lowcountry Housing and Redevelopment Corporation (LHRC) consisting of 30 units of affordable housing, and 13 single-family Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) homes.

“Joining the Beaufort Housing Authority as its Executive Director is a profound opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Beaufort families,” Davis said in a news release. “I am eager to contribute to

our mission and excited to engage with and learn from our partners as we work together to create communities that make Beaufort proud.”

Davis holds an MBA from Southern Wesleyan University and a bachelor’s from Limestone College, along with certifications in paralegal studies and real estate. To learn more about the Beaufort Housing Authority and its programs, visit www. beaufortha.com.

OF JOSEPH GREENE INCLUDING ESTAE OF ADDIE MAE

FRANCES GREEN, ROSE

LINDA GREEN, BESSIE M. GREEN, AND BETTY MITCHELL AND JOHN DOE AND MARY ROE FICTITIOUS NAMES REPRESENTING ANY UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW, INCLUDING UNKNOWN PERSONS IN THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ANY MINORS, PERSONS NON COMPOS MENTIS AND PERSONS UNDER DISABILITY OF ANY KIND OR NATURE WHO MIGHT CLAIM TO BE HEIRS-ATLAW OF JOSEPH GREENE, RESPONDENTS. IN THE PROBATE COURT CASE NUMBER: 2024ES0700057 AMENDED NOTICE OF HEARING TO DETERMINE HEIRS-AT-LAW TO THE RESPONDENTS ABOVE-NAMED: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a hearing has been scheduled for July 25,2024 at 2:00 PM ET at Beaufort County Probate Court, Beaufort County Courthouse, 100 Ribaut Road, Beaufort, South Carolina, for the purpose of determining heirsat-law of Joseph Greene. This action was commenced by Petitioner on January 11th, 2024, at the Beaufort County Probate Court to have the Probate Court declare that the Estate of Addie Mae Green, Frances Green, Rose Green, Linda Green, Bessie M. Green, and Betty Mitchell were the sole heirs-at-law of Joseph Greene upon his death on November 30, 1982. Any objections to the Petitioner’s right to commence this action, as the current owners of the real property that was owned by Joseph Greene at the time of his death, or to Petitioner’s prayer for relief declaring the aforementioned persons to have been the sole heirs-at-law of Joseph Greene must be filed with the Beaufort County Probate Court on or before July 25, 2024 at 2:00 PM ET or advanced in person at the scheduled hearing. /s/ Mikayla Mangle Mikayla Mangle, Esquire Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation 8570 Rivers Ave, Suite 170. North Charleston, SC 29406 Phone: 843-745-7055 Fax: 843-745-7054 mmangle@heirsproperty.org Attorney for Petitioner North Charleston, South Carolina April 15, 2024 STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF BEAUFORT FRANCES GREEN, PETITIONER V. HEIRS-AT-LAW OF ADDIE MAE GREEN INCLUDING FRANCES GREEN, ROSE GREEN, LINDA GREEN, BESSIE M. GREEN, BETTY MITCHELL AND JOHN DOE AND MARY ROE FICTITIOUS NAMES REPRESENTING ANY UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW, INCLUDING UNKNOWN PERSONS IN THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ANY MINORS, PERSONS NON COMPOS MENTIS AND PERSONS UNDER DISABILITY OF ANY KIND OR NATURE WHO MIGHT CLAIM TO BE HEIRS-AT-LAW OF ADDIE MAE GREEN, RESPONDENTS.

Appointing Guardian ad Litem, Order of Publication, and Notice to Respondents were filed in the Office of the Probate Court for Beaufort County, South Carolina, and Sarah L. Clingman, Esquire, 3321 Forest Drive, Ste 1 Columbia, SC 29204, was appointed Guardian ad Litem, her appointment to become absolute twenty (20) days after the service of the Summons. STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF BEAUFORT

FRANCES GREEN, PETITIONER V.

IN THE PROBATE COURT CASE NUMBER: 2024ES0700058 AMENDED NOTICE TO RESPONDENTS, INCLUDING PERSONS UNKNOWN, MINORS, INCOMPETENTS, AND UNDER ANY OTHER DISABILITY TO THE RESPONDENTS ABOVE-NAMED: And to any thereof that may be residents or non-residents of South Carolina, and to the natural, general, testamentary or other guardians therefor, and to the persons with whom they reside or by whom they may be employed if any there be, and to all other Respondents whose whereabouts cannot be ascertained. TAKE NOTICE, that the Summons, Petition, Order

HEIRS-AT-LAW OF JOSEPH GREENE INCLUDING ESTAE OF ADDIE MAE GREEN, FRANCES GREEN, ROSE GREEN, LINDA GREEN, BESSIE M. GREEN, AND BETTY MITCHELL AND JOHN DOE AND MARY ROE FICTITIOUS NAMES REPRESENTING ANY UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW, INCLUDING UNKNOWN PERSONS IN THE ARMED FORCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ANY MINORS, PERSONS NON COMPOS MENTIS AND PERSONS UNDER DISABILITY OF ANY KIND OR NATURE WHO MIGHT CLAIM TO BE HEIRS-ATLAW OF JOSEPH GREENE, RESPONDENTS. IN THE PROBATE COURT CASE NUMBER: 2024ES0700057 AMENDED NOTICE TO RESPONDENTS, INCLUDING PERSONS UNKNOWN, MINORS, INCOMPETENTS, AND UNDER ANY OTHER DISABILITY TO THE RESPONDENTS ABOVE-NAMED: And to any thereof that may be residents or non-residents of South Carolina, and to the natural, general, testamentary or other guardians therefore, and to the persons with whom they reside or by whom they may be employed if any there be, and to all other Respondents whose whereabouts cannot be ascertained. TAKE NOTICE, that the Summons, Petition, Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem, Order of Publication, and Notice to Respondents were filed in the Office of the Probate Court for Beaufort County, South Carolina and Sarah L. Clingman 3321 Forest Drive, Ste 1 Columbia, SC 29204 was appointed Guardian ad Litem, her appointment to become

/s/ Mikayla Mangle Mikayla Mangle, Esquire Center for Heirs’ Property Preservation 8570 Rivers Ave, Suite 170. North Charleston, SC 29406 Phone: 843-745-7055 Fax: 843-745-7054 mmangle@heirsproperty.org Attorney for Petitioner North Charleston, South Carolina April 15, 2024 STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF BEAUFORT FRANCES GREEN, PETITIONER V. HEIRS-AT-LAW OF ADDIE MAE GREEN INCLUDING FRANCES GREEN, ROSE

The 39th graduating class of the Leadership Beaufort program. Submitted photo

Foods and drinks that can irritate your bladder

Eliminating

Your bladder is a balloon-like organ that’s tucked away behind your pelvic bone. It’s part of your urinary system, and it collects your urine until the time comes when you have to urinate (pee).

It’s a dirty job: Your pee contains the liquid waste that’s filtered from your food by your kidneys. So, traces of what you eat and drink end up in your urine. What is bladder irritation?

If you’re sensitive to anything you eat or drink, your urine can irritate your bladder. And just like any other part of your body, when your bladder gets irritated, it can act up. You might notice: You have a sudden strong urge to pee (urgency).

You need to pee more often (frequency).

You experience leakage (urge incontinence).

You have pain in your lower belly (abdomen).

Could bladder irritation be a sign of disease?

Most times, bladder irritation isn’t a medical emergency. But sometimes, bladder irritation can be caused by problems in your urinary tract. These include: A urinary tract infection (UTI), which can cause short-term (temporary) discomfort and an urgent need to use the bathroom. Interstitial cystitis (IC),

a chronic (long-term) condition that causes your bladder wall to swell and creates ongoing bladder pain. Very rarely, new bladder irritation can be a sign of a tumor in your bladder or urethra and a sign of urinary tract cancer.

Remember, if you’re running a fever, have chills, have pain in your lower back or side, or if you see blood in your urine, it’s time to see a healthcare provider.

Do certain foods irritate the bladder?

Your morning coffee, that after-work spritzer, even the tomato sauce on your pizza: All these foods—and many more—can irritate your bladder and trigger symptoms. Some of these foods may be things you eat or drink often. Others may be ones you rarely touch. Some foods may bother you when they’re raw, but not when they’re cooked. And just in case you still aren’t entirely confused, there’s this: The triggers vary a lot from person to person. “What triggers my bladder symptoms may not trigger yours,” says dietitian Courtney Barth, RD, LD. As a result, “It can be a long process to figure out the cause of your particular situation.”

What foods and drinks can cause bladder irritation?

Some foods are more likely than others to be the culprits. The following items can often be the source of

bladder irritation:

Caffeinated drinks, such as coffee, tea and energy drinks.

Carbonated beverages, like soda.

Artificial sweeteners, found in diet sodas and many “reduced sugar” candies, baked goods, chewing gum and breakfast cereals. Alcohol, including beer, wine and spirits.

Acidic foods, like citrus fruits and tomatoes.

The list of triggers is extremely individualized. One of the most common triggers is acidic foods, like tomatoes or orange juice. Coffee is also a big one because of the caffeine. Some people even find that chocolate can be a trigger because it contains caffeine. For many people, artificial sweeteners are a problem. And alcohol, as well, can be a trigger.

If you’re experiencing signs of bladder irritation, such as urinary frequency, urgency, leakage or pain, the food and drink categories above are a good place to start looking for your triggers.

How to identify bladder-irritating foods and drinks

Figuring out if a food irritates your bladder is a process of elimination. Again, it’s important to remember that not all people with bladder irritation are bothered by the same foods or drinks. But there are ways to figure out which foods or drinks may bother you.

A good place to start is with a food diary. It can be your very best tool for keeping track of what you eat, what you drink and when you have symptoms of bladder irritation.

How to manage bladder irritation

You can manage your bladder discomfort by avoiding the foods and drinks you’ve identified as irritants.

Here are some other steps that can help:

Drink plenty of water. This helps dilute your urine and can reduce the pain caused by bladder-irritating foods you might have eaten. What does “plenty of water” mean? For most

people, it means drinking enough water that you don’t feel thirsty, and that your urine is pale yellow or clear in color and has no odor. It is true that some people don’t drink enough water.

But it is also possible to drink too much, which can overwhelm the bladder and create a sense of urgency.

For most people, drinking between four and eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day is plenty.

Try to manage your stress. When you’re stressed, it can affect your whole body, including your bladder. Get enough good quality sleep, exercise regularly, eat a well-balanced diet, and take brief breaks during the day to relax.

Work with a dietitian. This can be especially beneficial in dealing with your bladder irritation. A dietitian can help you identify your specific triggers and find bladder-friendly substitutes for each meal.

It all comes back to the basics. Aim for a variety of foods. Eat in moderation, drink an adequate amount

of fluids and watch your intake of sugar, salt, alcohol and fats—especially saturated and trans fats, which can contribute to overall inflammation, including in the bladder. While it’s sometimes considered a cause of bladder irritation, yogurt is recommended by Barth. “While yogurt is naturally acidic,” explains Barth, “the high level of probiotics (beneficial bacteria) that it contains actually benefit the urinary tract.” But beware of sweetened yogurts, including the fruitfilled types, which can contain high levels of sugar. Also avoid those that contain artificial sweeteners, which are high on the list of potential bladder irritants. Plain, nonfat yogurt is the best. Both original and Greek-style are excellent sources of protein, calcium and probiotics and can contribute to a healthy diet— and a happy bladder.

Sources: https://health. clevelandclinic.org/foods-thatirritate-the-bladder?; https://health. clevelandclinic.org/health-conditions/ urinary-kidney-health

The health benefits of sunflower seeds

These tiny but mighty seeds can help fight cancer and inflammation and support thyroid health

You can buy sunflower seeds hulled or still in the shell. They’re great both ways, but we think the satisfying crack of the shell somehow makes the nutty seed inside taste even better.

Sunflower seeds come from the sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Most farmed sunflowers go to sunflower oil production, with only certain varieties raised for eating.

There’s so much nutrition packed into sunflower seeds,” says registered dietitian Gillian Culbertson, RD, LD. “Plus, they’re delicious. I love them as toppers on salads and yogurt, and of course, they’re a classic in trail mix.”

Are sunflower seeds good for you?

Most seeds and nuts are loaded with nutrients, but sunflower seeds are especially impressive. “They have even higher amounts of some vitamins, minerals and healthy fats than other seeds,” says Culbertson.

“They are one of the most nutritious foods you can eat. And some of their benefits, like supporting healthy thyroid function, are somewhat unique.”

Health benefits of sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds are an excellent source of antioxidants like vitamin E, healthy fats, B vitamins, and copper and other minerals. They contain nutrients that fight cancer, lower your risk of heart disease, balance blood sugar, support thyroid health and lower inflammation.

Here are the top five benefits of eating sunflower seeds.

1. Provides anti-cancer nutrients

You can help prevent many cancers through healthy lifestyle choices. Eating nutrient-dense foods is one of the most important steps you can take to lower your cancer risk. Sunflower seeds are a rich source of antioxidants such as vitamin E and flavonoids. “Antioxidants prevent free radical damage that can lead to cancerous changes in your cells,” notes Culbertson. The powerhouse seeds are also packed with beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acids. Studies identify conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) as an anti-cancer fatty acid. You can get CLA in many foods. But sunflower seeds have the highest CLA content compared with most other seeds, such as sesame, flax and peanut.

Studies show that getting plen-

ty of vitamin E through your food (rather than supplements) protects against cancer. “Sunflower seeds are one of the best sources of vitamin E,” says Culbertson. “In 1 cup (about 45 grams) of in-the-shell seeds, you get more than 100% of your daily vitamin E requirement.” (But make sure you crack open the shell and eat only the seed — the shell isn’t edible.)

2. Promotes a healthy heart

The vitamin E in sunflower seeds isn’t just a cancer fighter. It also helps reduce inflammation, a risk factor for heart disease. In addition, studies show it lowers LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides.

Sunflower seeds contain compounds called phytosterols,” shares Culbertson. “They prevent your body from absorbing additional cholesterol, providing yet another way to keep your cholesterol numbers in a healthy range.”

What does this all mean? Great things for your heart. “Inflammation and high cholesterol both contribute to hardening of your ar-

teries, or atherosclerosis,” explains Culbertson. “So, sunflower seeds are truly a heart-healthy food.”

3. Supports thyroid health

“Thyroid disorders are very common,” says Culbertson. “And they can really wreak havoc on your life and well-being.”

Your thyroid plays a role in several functions in your body, including:

Bone maintenance

Cell growth

Digestion

Heart function

Metabolism

Getting enough iodine and selenium is critical for thyroid health.

A cup of hull-on sunflower seeds provides about 24 micrograms of selenium, about 35% of what you need in a day.

4. Fights inflammation

“Inflammation” is a word that gets tossed around a lot, and for good reason. The link between chronic inflammation and serious diseases is well known. It’s a risk factor for conditions such as:

Allergies

Arthritis

Cancer

Cardiovascular diseases

Diabetes

Stroke

Eating sunflower seeds regu-

larly may be an easy way to lower inflammation, measured as the level of C-reactive protein in your blood. In a large study, researchers compared people who ate seeds (including sunflower seeds) five or more times a week with people who didn’t eat any seeds. The seed eaters had 32% lower C-reactive protein scores than the no-seed group.

5. Prevents muscle cramps

Sunflower seeds are rich in several essential minerals. Two of them, magnesium and pantothenic acid, are great for keeping muscle cramps away.

A deficiency in magnesium or pantothenic acid can lead to muscle cramps and spasms,” says Culbertson. “However, it’s important to note that a deficiency in pantothenic acid is very rare, and usually only happens with severe malnutrition or a rare inherited metabolic disorder. But 1 cup of sunflower seeds with shells provides 150 milligrams of magnesium and half a milligram of pantothenic acid. That’s 37% of your daily magnesium requirement and 5% of your daily pantothenic acid requirement.”

And it’s easy to add sunflower seeds to your diet. Munch on them plain, toss some on your oatmeal or salads.

Source: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/ are-sunflower-seeds-good-for-you?

Melanoma in darker skin tones: Race and sex play a role

Melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer that accounts for 75% of all skin-cancer-related deaths, is often detected later in people with darker skin complexions—and the consequences can be devastating, a Mayo Clinic study reveals.

While melanoma may be found less frequently in people with darker complexions than fair ones, this potentially serious form of cancer can strike anyone. The study, which consisted of 492,597 patients with melanoma, suggests that added vigilance in early screening is particularly needed for Black men, whose cancers are often found at later stages, leading to worse outcomes compared to white patients.

"We compared non-Hispanic Black patients to white patients and saw striking differences in how patients presented with the disease," says surgical oncologist Tina Hieken, M.D., senior author of the study and a researcher at Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center. "We saw more extremity melanoma, and more later-stage disease."

Extremity melanoma refers to skin cancer that can develop on the arms, legs, hands and feet. Various factors, including social risk factors and biological components, could be at play,

but further research is needed to help determine why these differences exist.

Revealing differences in sex-based immune response

The research found that Black female patients with melanoma fared better than Black male patients. Men tended to be older at diagnosis and more likely to have cancer that had spread to their lymph nodes compared to women. This translated to worse survival rates. The researchers learned that Black men with stage 3 melanoma have only a 42% chance of surviving for five years, compared to 71% for Black women.

Most research on melanoma hasn't focused on how race and sex affect outcomes and hasn't looked at the influence of race and ethnicity across all groups. Dr. Hieken says the study highlights the need to understand these differences better, noting that this is the first large study to confirm that sex-based differences in melanoma outcomes exist within the non-Hispanic Black population.

"When we talk about later-stage melanoma patients who are female versus male in that non-Hispanic Black patient cohort who ended up doing worse, some biological things may be going on here that are interesting,"

says Dr. Hieken.

One theory centers on variations in immune response.

"Several immune signals suggest that women may respond better to some immunotherapies than males," says Dr. Hieken.

Identifying the need

Researchers note that more studies focused on melanoma in a broader range of people, including more Black participants in clinical trials, is key to bridging this knowledge gap and potentially identifying more effective treatments.

"We want to broaden and deepen our reach to better understand the disease

Do you know your ABCDEs of melanoma? Keep these in mind when looking at your skin and your family members’ skin!

A – Asymmetry. A mole whose two halves look different.

B – Border. An irregular or poorly defined border that “fades” into the surrounding skin.

C – Color. A mole that is a lighter or darker color than most of the other moles on your body or has different colors within itself.

D

– Diameter. A mole that is larger than 6 millimeters—about the size of a pencil eraser.

E – Evolving. A mole that is changing in size, shape, or color.

that affects all patients," says Dr. Hieken.

A wake-up call in the battle against melanoma

Dr. Hieken notes that this study is a wake-up call for everyone battling to diagnose and cure melanoma, regardless of the patient's sex or skin tone.

She emphasizes that healthcare professionals should carefully examine areas like palms, soles and under fingernails, where melanoma might be more challenging to spot on darker skin.

"We can incorporate screening for skin lesions or lesions under the nails into the visit for patients as part of their regular checkups," says Dr. Hieken. "What we

want to do is elevate care for our patients."

The Mayo Clinic Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery and Breast and Melanoma Surgical Oncology in the Department of Surgery supported this research. Review the study for a complete list of authors, disclosures and funding.

Learn more: Mayo Clinic Minute: Melanoma misconception — dark skin tones at risk too Mayo Clinic Minute: Men need to take melanoma seriously

Source: https://newsnetwork. mayoclinic.org/discussion/melanomain-darker-skin-tones-race-andsex-play-a-role-mayo-study-finds/; Vincent Jacobbi, Mayo Clinic Communications, newsbureau@mayo. edu

Wash your fruits and vegetables care TALK ©

A registered dietitian explains why it's important to wash your fruits and vegetables before eating them, and what's the best method to get them clean.

There are plenty of fruits and vegetables in season right now, and they can be a great addition to any meal. But, before you take that first bite, it’s important to wash them first.

“It’s really important that you wash them ahead of time because for example, if you are cutting up a melon, it’s got a hard rind and you’re not necessarily going to eat that, but if there is bacteria or pesticides on the outside of that

rind, it’s going to get transferred into the flesh of that fruit through that knife,” said Beth Czerwony, RD, registered dietitian for Cleveland Clinic.

Czerwony said the most common bacteria found on fruits and vegetables include salmonella, E. coli and listeria – all of which can make you very sick.

Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. In severe cases, you could be hospitalized.

What is the best way to wash your fruits and vegetables? Simply running them under cold water. If there’s some dirt, use a brush.

You don’t want to wash the fruits and vegetables right after you buy them, either. It’s best to do it right before you plan to use them, that way it doesn’t impact the texture or flavor.

“There’s necessarily no need to soak it in vinegar. I’ve seen some recommendations for baking soda,” said Czerwony. “Of course, there’s some commercial products that some people like to use to kind of get the wax or potential pesticides off the fruits and vegetables, and that’s certainly your own personal preference. Usually just running water is going to be the best way.”

She also suggests removing any bruised or damaged areas from the fruit or vegetable ahead of time to help preserve their shelf life.

Source: Cleveland Clinic newsroom, newsroom.clevelandclinic.org.

Rostan

Charlie Moseley Clemson Univsersity Reagan Nelson Clemson Univsersity

Jakob Stepp Career / Auto Industry

Rachel Wilkinson Career / Childcare

BASKETBALL CAMPS

4th-6th

Holy Trinity Classic Christian School’s girls soccer team capped off a perfect, undefeated season by winning the Class 2A SCISA State Championship game Saturday afternoon against Beaufort Academy, 2-0. Here, the Holy Trinity Mighty Lions proudly raise their trophy high into the air for all to see. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

STATE CHAMPS

Mighty Lions turn tables, take state title from BA

LowcoSports.com

The stage was set with the same principal players as last spring’s act, but the Holy Trinity girls soccer team was determined to write a new ending for the encore.

Izzy Harter converted a pair of headers off perfectly-placed corner kicks to the far post, and goalkeeper Abby Schaub and the Mighty Lions’ back line made the margin stand for a 2-0 win and a SCISA 2A/1A title to cap a perfect 12-0 season for Holy Trinity, which lost to the Eagles in last year’s championship game.

“This is our team. This is our school,” said captain Laney Sheehan. “To have an undefeated season after seasons of loss is just insane.”

Harter put the Mighty Lions on the board in the first half and provided the dagger with just over 11 minutes remaining in regulation, both the result of beautiful corner kicks sent in by Harper Squires.

“I mean, the corner kicks? Perfect,” Harter said. “Amazing. I just saw it coming, and I was praying it would go in, and it did.”

Warriors, Eagles sending numbers to state track meet

LowcoSports.com

They’re getting accustomed to hanging state championship banners around the track in Seabrook, and it might be time to make room for a couple more after the Whale Branch Warriors had a huge number of athletes qualify for the SCHSL Track and Field Championships.

Whale Branch will send 15 girls and 11 boys, plus all three relays from both teams, to the Class 1 A state meet Thursday at Spring Valley High School, and a number of the qualifiers will compete in multiple events, giving the Warriors an excellent shot at bringing home some hardware.

On the girls side, Destiny Pryor, Grace Bing, and Larmore Pryor each qualified in three events, while Faith Eugene, Makeima

Adams, and Talaijah Bartley will compete in two events. Plus the Whale Branch girls won all three relays at the Lower State qualifier.

For the Whale Branch boys, Bradford Thompson, Jesse Richardson, Keith Chisholm, and Laron Wright each qualified in three events, and Jonathan Kelley advanced in two individual events. The Warriors also qualified in all three relays.

Beaufort High will send nine individuals to the Class 3 A state meet Friday at Lower Richland High School. Anaiya Houseal and Eric Smart will lead the way, qualifying in three events, while Yzeult Antia and Amare Patterson each qualified in two events and the Eagles advanced all three girls relays and the boys 4 x 100 relay to state.

Whale Branch girls

Alani Crawford (3200m)

Alayah Brown (400m)

Alicia Smalls (Disc)

Ariehanna Wiltshire (800m)

Ayaunna Reid-Wright (TJ)

Destiny Pryor (100m, 200m, LJ)

Faith Eugene (100m, 400m)

Grace Bing (100H, 400H, HJ)

Imani Blackwell (100H)

Janiah Pryor (TJ)

Larmore Pryor (100m, 200m, LJ)

Makeima Adams (800m, TJ)

Natalia Aburto (100m)

Talaijah Bartley (400m, 100H)

Xzoriona Frazier (Disc)

Relays (4x100, 4x400, 4x800)

Whale Branch boys

Bradford Thompson (100m, Disc, SP)

Derrick Roberts (TJ)

Dorien Alson (SP)

Greggory Gilbert (HJ)

tries to head the ball as John Paul II’s goalkeeper Trinity Grace, deflects it just enough to miss the goal, while Hollis Melnick, left, and Finlay Henderson move in to assist during the first half of their Class 3A SCISA State Championship match Saturday, May 11 in Blufton. The Hilton Head Prep Dolphins went on to win the match, 1-0, to become the new 3A State Champions. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

JPII’s best effort not enough in state finals

LowcoSports.com

After two regular-season losses at the hands of rival Hilton Head Prep, the John Paul II girls soccer team knew it would take a special effort to unseat the defending SCISA 3A champions. They gave it, and they nearly did it. The Golden Warriors went toeto-toe with the Dolphins on Saturday at Hilton Head Christian Academy, but they couldn’t find the back of the net, which Prep’s Ashley Brothers did on a rebound with just more than 17 minutes left in regulation to lift the Dolphins to a 1-0 win.

“An incredible milestone for these girls to finish second in the state,” JPII coach Hayley Piña said. “We could not be prouder of the girls’ attitude, effort, and heart that they played with all season. With a young group of girls, the future is bright for the soccer program.”

Jayden Young (PV)

Jesse Richardson (800m, 1600m, 3200m)

Jonas Foskey (800m)

Jonathan Kelley (200m, 110H)

Jordan Cowan (TJ)

Keith Chisholm (110H, HJ, TJ)

Laron Wright (HJ, LJ, TJ)

Relays (4x100, 4x400, 4x800)

Beaufort High girls

Aleeyah Echols (400m)

Yzeult Antia (800m, 1600m)

Anaiya Houseal (100H, HJ, LJ)

Amir Harrison (Jav)

Divaria Smith (SP)

Relays (4x100, 4x400, 4x800)

Beaufort High boys

Amare Patterson (100m, 200m)

Edward Green (400m)

Eric Smart (110H, 400H, PV)

Naiim Pope (HJ)

Relays (4x100)

LowcoSports.com

After an undefeated run through the district tournament, Beaufort High’s baseball team saw its postseason run come to a crashing halt with a pair of losses in the Class 3A Lower State tournament. The Eagles were undone by four errors that led to five unearned runs in an 8-5 loss at Waccamaw to open the Lower State bracket Thursday night, as their late comeback fell short despite a 3-for-3 night and two RBIs from Dom Camacho. That dropped Beaufort into the elimination bracket and sent the Eagles to Camden on Saturday, and after rallying for two runs in the sixth to tie it, Beaufort came up empty in the seventh and the Bulldogs walked it off in the bottom of the inning to end the Eagles’ season. Hudson Mullen had a pair of doubles and an RBI to lead Beaufort.

Hilton Head Prep’s Riley Wilbert, center,

Holy Trinity’s Millie Scarpa reacts after heading the ball away from Beaufort Academy’s Kaylee Bartholomew, center, and Maylen Brandy during the second half of their SCISA Class 2A State Championship soccer match Saturday in Bluffton. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

Beaufort High’s Thompson wins 5th annual Ann Head Literary Prize

From staff reports

Beaufort High School senior Rebecca Thompson has been selected as the winner of the fifth annual Ann Head Literary Prize for short story fiction. Thompson will receive a $500 cash award, publication of an excerpt from her prize-winning story

“The Canary Rain Boots” in Lowcountry Weekly, and her addition to the award plaque at Beaufort High School, joining previous winners Claire Bowden, Holland Perryman, Christine Conte, and Mickie Thompson.

Ranked academically in the Top 10 of her BHS graduating class, Thompson is a past commander and current member of the Junior ROTC, the Green Team, and the Kitty Hawk Honor Society. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, DAYLO (Diversity Aware-

pha Kappa Alpha, the Air Force ROTC Scholarship, the Air and Space Forces Association Award, the Distinguished Cadet Award, and National Sojourners Award, among other honors. Thompson will begin her studies in the Honors College at the University of South Carolina this fall, majoring in psychology.

In addition to writing her prize-winning short story, Thompson is also the author of two published novels, “The Girl in the Tree” and its sequel, “Seeking the Truth.”

Daniels for her story “One Day,” and fellow freshman Shaniya Martin for “The Death of an Artist and the Resurrection of the Muse.”

The Ann Head Literary Prize is coordinated on campus at Beaufort High School by English teacher Michael Gautier and off campus by Pat Conroy Literary Center Executive Director Jonathan Haupt. The competition is judged and sponsored by members of Ann Head’s family.

ness Youth Literacy Organization), BHS orchestra, and Beaufort Children’s Theatre. A Beaufort County School District Senior Scholar and

AP Scholar, Thompson has also been honored with the Palmetto Fellows Scholarship, the Nu Delta Omega Chapter Scholarship of Al-

Graduation season is starting in Beaufort

By Delayna Earley

The Island News

The school year is coming to an end, which means it is graduation season.

Seniors are preparing to don their caps and gowns at schools all over northern Beaufort County so that they can celebrate the achievement of graduating from high school.

There are nine public, private and charter schools in northern Beaufort County who all have talented, graduating seniors who will be receiving diplomas this year.

Here is a list of the high school graduations in northern Beaufort County: Lowcountry Montessori on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 10 a.m. at Henry C. Chambers

Waterfront Park.

• Holy Trinity Classical Christian School on Saturday, May 18 2024, at 12:30 a.m.

Beaufort Academy on Friday, May 24 2024 at 9 a.m. at the school.

John Paul II Catholic School on Friday, May 31 2024, at 5 p.m. at the school.

Bridges Preparatory School on Friday, May 31, 2024, at 7 p.m. at the school.

Beaufort High School on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 7 p.m. at the school.

Battery Creek High School on Thursday, June 6 2024, at 10 a.m. at the school.

Whale Branch Early College High School

EDITOR’S NOTE The times and dates listed are as they are known at press time on Tuesday, May 14, 2024. Dates, times and locations are

school prior to the ceremony to confirm.

on Friday, June 7 2024, at 10 a.m. at the school.

The Complete Student on Saturday, June 8 2024, at 10 a.m. at the school.

Delayna Earley, 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.

JPII students selected for SC Governor's School

From staff reports

Two John Paul II Catholic School middle school students have been admitted into the SC Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities.

Shae Chandler, a 7th grader, and Ashley Haley, an 8th grader, will be attending the Creative Writing Summer Program held this summer in Greenville.

“What an amazing opportunity for Shae and Ashely to be accepted into this program,” said Kara Miletic, the students’ JPII English teacher. “As avid readers and writers, this is a wonderful way for them to continue their academic growth. They are such hard workers in class and are always more than willing to revise and edit their writing.”

Both students had to submit an application which included a portfolio of five poems or one fictional short story.

During the immersive one-week summer program, Chandler and Haley will discover their talents in poetry and fiction tailored for students in Grades 6-11. Each day the workshops, under the guidance of published authors, will provide constructive critiques, broaden their knowledge of contemporary authors, and enhance their critical vocabulary through diverse reading materials. By the end of the week, all students will have the opportunity to showcase their creations in a reading ses-

John Paul II Catholic School students Ashley Haley, left, and Shae Chandler have been admitted into the S.C. Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities. Photo courtesy of John Paul II Catholic School

sion, sharing their fresh inspirations with fellow attendees.

"Kudos to both Shae and Ashley on their acceptance to the Creative Writing Summer Camp,” JPII Principal Heather Rembold said. “We are proud of their initiative and desire to improve their passion for creative writing. What an incredible honor to be chosen for a competitive program. This selection is a testament to their hard work and desire to get better at what they love to do!"

In that capacity, she will be the featured writer at the Pat Conroy Literary Center’s monthly Open Mic Night from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, July 11

This year, two Ann Head Literary Prize finalists were also identified by the judges: BHS freshman Kenadie

The prize was established by the family of Beaufort-born writer Ann Head, the pen name of Anne Wales Christensen Head Morse (1915–1968). Head published more than fifty short stories and serials in the major national magazines of her day, with many of her stories set in a small town much like Beaufort.

She wrote of divorce, snobbery, affairs emotional and sexual, prejudice, death, and out-of-wedlock childbirth, championing the non-typical heroines of the magazines that eagerly accepted her work. In addition, she authored four novels which were published internationally, most notably Mr. and Mrs. Bo Jo Jones, a compelling story of teen pregnancy which was on school reading lists for 50 years and is credited with helping create the Young Adult novel genre. Head was also Pat Conroy’s first creative writing teacher at Beaufort High School and became Conroy’s mentor, confidante, and friend. She was posthumously inducted in the South Carolina Academy of Authors, the Palmetto State’s literary hall of fame, on May 4, 2024

BCSD announces teachers, support staff of the year for 2024-25

From staff reports Some Beaufort County School District teachers and staff were surprised and treated with flowers, balloons, and other goodies Friday, May 10, as Board of Education members and district administrators made surprise visits to their classrooms and work areas to announce the 2024-25 Teachers of the Year and Support Staff of the Year for each school.

“This is an amazing opportunity to celebrate our best and brightest teacher and staff leaders,” BCSD Superintendent Frank Rodriguez said. “Winning awards like Teacher of the Year or Support Staff of the Year is a testament to their incredible impact and unwavering commitment to education, and future generations. Today,

we thank them for all they do.” Teachers of the Year are selected by their peers according to criteria established by the schools, the South Carolina Department of Education and the district’s Teacher Forum. Teachers honored will be eligible for District Teacher of the Year honors next fall. Support staff honorees are selected by school staff and can include social workers, school nurses, bookkeepers, office managers, teacher assistants, school secretaries, and technology and data specialists. Staff honored will be eligible for District Support Staff Person of the Year.

The 2024-2025 Beaufort County Teachers of the Year and Support Staff of the Year:

Ann Head Literary Prize winner Rebecca Thompson, center, with Beaufort High School English teacher Michael Gautier, left, and Pat Conroy Literary Center Executive Director Jonathan Haupt, right. Submitted photo

BYU’s International Folk Dance Ensemble

VOICES

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

Legislative session was most regressive in decades

The most regressive legislative session in a century just ended.

On one hand, thank goodness. The amount of damage that state lawmakers can keep doing is now limited. All they’ve got left to do is deal with the $13 billion state budget in a conference committee plus some other matters.

But on the other hand, they proved this year they are hellbent on pushing us back to times when things were not too great for everyone in South Carolina.

ANDY BRACK

With a supermajority in the S.C. House and almost the same in the state Senate, the Republican Party is firmly in control. And when its factions want to work together, they hurt South Carolinians. In this session, for example, they legislated discrimination in schools against LGBTQ+ students. They made the state less safe by allowing people to carry guns without permits. And by adopting an overthe-top abortion ban, they sent a clear message to the

state’s women that they are second-class citizens.

“Most days it felt like we were racing to undo things we’d done less than a year ago,” observed state Rep. Spencer Wetmore, D-Charleston. “For example, undoing the open carry law we’d passed last year to race to permitless carry.

“Or undoing a limited income-based school voucher to move to an unlimited voucher system – which thankfully didn’t pass the Senate. All so we could prove to the 7% of South Carolinians who vote in Republican primaries how ‘conservative’ we are.”

If there’s one good outcome of the session, it’s

Osomething that lawmakers did not do yet – pass a controversial energy production bill pushed by House Speaker Murrell Smith, R-Sumter. The bill, which faced withering criticism for its breadth and the speed that House members pushed it through without thorough consideration, would have had hugely negative impacts on South Carolina’s energy policy. Yes, it would have allowed much-needed energy production in the Palmetto State, but at the cost of a new large-scale natural gas plant and gas pipeline to Colleton County that would destroy too much land and open it to pollution. It would have created oversight

issues at the state Public Service Commission. It would have allowed energy insiders to get their way without much public scrutiny. And it would have put barriers on some renewable energy projects.

But while that kind of dysfunctional karma had a good policy impact in this instance, the dark side won too much. Not only did state lawmakers fail again to pass a hate crimes law, but they again failed to show a little empathy for people suffering from pain by passing a long-proposed measure to allow medical marijuana.

Lawmakers also failed to pass a bill to allow liquor stores to open on Sunday.

And as the clock wound down Thursday, one frustrated Republican lawmaker angry at being mocked by colleagues even blocked a bill to consolidate six health agencies into one. That’s the kind of year it was. Legislators seemed to keep their eyes more on themselves than the people of the state and their general welfare.

Remember at the polls in November. But also remember to pick non-yahoo candidates.

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

Trying to comprehend why so many are dying

ver the past several weeks I have given consideration to writing about the horrific situation in Gaza. Anyone watching the humanitarian situation there has to be appalled. This is a story that has what I think of as tentacles that slither into other news stories, campus protests, to name one. But then malevolence has a tendency to wander aimlessly.

Please understand that I don’t see the protests, themselves, as negative. Rather, there are those who are injecting themselves into these groups and using well-intended, peaceful protest as a way to create greater chaos. But that is a topic for another time.

Early on the Gaza story became one area of interest for me, and yet I consistently backed away from writing about it because of so much convolution. I confess to knowing little of the history, and I was motivated to find out more.

There is no “taking one side or another” for me. I do believe, however, that by parsing the many components and drawing a timeline, some of this can be clarified to the point of better comprehension.

Day to day, the news presented Israel’s justified retaliation for the October attack, but then this retaliation began to take on tones of more than just routing Hamas.

It is probably best to begin with the founding of Gaza and how that came about. Briefly stated, in the early 16th century, this piece of land was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire. During World War I, it fell to the British forces and became part of the British Mandate of Palestine. Following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Egypt administered the newly formed Gaza Strip, but then it was captured by Israel in the Six-Day War in 1967

The Gaza Strip refers to a narrow strip of land wedged between Israel and Egypt on the Mediterranean Sea that is roughly the size of Washington, D.C., and it forms the smaller of the two Palestinian territories — the other being the West Bank.

After the creation of Israel in 1948, Egypt controlled Gaza for nearly two decades. Then, with Israel's victory in the 1967 Six-Day War against its Arab neighbors, Israelis gained control of the Gaza

Strip and the West Bank. For the next 38 years, it controlled the strip and enabled the construction of 21 Jewish settlements.

While the State of Israel was established on 15 May 1948 and admitted to the United Nations, a Palestinian State was not established. As one might gather, the history of the Gaza strip is a tormented one.

What is the story behind the Gaza Strip?

Gaza came under Egyptian rule until it was occupied by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War. Gaza became a center of political activism during the First Intifada, and under the Oslo Accords of 1993, it was assigned to be under the direct control of the newly established Palestinian Authority.

It was during this time of control that unrest was followed by resistance, and Hamas, one of the two major political parties in the Palestinian territories, emerged. Founded in 1987 during an uprising against Israel’s occupation of Gaza and the West Bank, the group was originally a branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, which favors Islamist principles — a belief that Islam should play a major role in political life.

Given this situation, despite pleas from the United Nations and human rights groups, Israel has maintained a land, air and sea

blockade on Gaza since 2007 that has had a devastating effect on Palestinian civilians.

It must be noted, however, that for decades, Hamas called for the destruction of Israel. In 2017 30 years after its founding, the group issued a new charter that appeared to stop short of that goal.

What I have provided doesn’t begin to provide the in-depth information necessary to assess with credibility what is taking place today. What we do see is simply this: Israel, in its attempt to eradicate Hamas completely, has obliterated Gaza almost in its entirety. And with that came the deaths of innocent Palestinians, the majority of whom are said to be women and children. Furthermore, what faces those who have managed to live through this trauma is starvation.

How do we put into juxtaposition the October attack and the response to that attack? My guess is that we will never be able to do so. In the last century, Jews were faced with a demon who called for their extinction. Adolf Hitler made this his primary goal with the Holocaust, and for a while, the world looked away till they could no longer do so. One would like to think that this horror would not be repeated by anyone, much less the state of Israel. And yet the

eradication of what may well be a generation of people seems to be happening before our eyes. I don’t pretend to have the slightest idea of the means by which this can be resolved. What I do know is this: Israel was warned two years ago through their highly reputed intelligence service that the October attack was being planned. They chose to believe, however, that Hamas was incapable of such. I am tempted to ask, “Does this extreme retaliation come as a result of injured egos?” I would like to think otherwise.

The United States has always been a friend of Israel, and in this crisis situation has provided support and arms. However, President Biden has made it clear that our provision of bombs will cease if Netanyahu continues with his present approach.

Make no mistake that this hasn’t taken its toll on our own country. The protests to which I alluded earlier is just one example. That our already divided congress is also impacted is simply another nail in the coffin.

But then, it is about the people who are dying, after all. Or has that also become commonplace?

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

Social issues are economic issues — make wise investments in our future

SC Department of Juvenile Justice Director Eden Hendrick recently testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee that our state is the only state in the nation that detains children in a juvenile detention center for running away, skipping school or being hard to manage. As shocking as that may be, it comes as no surprise to children’s advocates. After all, our policymakers don’t have a very good track record when it comes to addressing our state’s toughest problems related to kids. Director Hendrick pretty much summed it up when she said, “We are the outliers. We are the ones who do not follow the best practices, do not follow the research, do not follow what everyone else does and has

proven to produce better outcomes for youth.”

She’s right. We don’t. Even though there are compelling social and economic benefits to investing in prevention.

Research tells us that students who see no hope for a prosperous future are much more likely to fall behind, act out, end up incarcerated in DJJ or the Department of Corrections, become addicted to drugs and/or alcohol, drop out of school or engage in other risk behaviors. Many of these kids are

living in poverty and don’t see a viable way out. These young people are our 21st century workforce. Yet rather than investing in their well-being now and helping them find a better way that will help them and our state grow and prosper, we spend exorbitant sums on the consequences instead of on proven effective programs.

Issues pertaining to children are not afforded the attention they deserve from policymakers, yet in reality these are economic issues of gargantuan proportion that negatively impact us all.

The need for state services would be decidedly reduced if we exercised foresight and invested in strategies that keep children healthy, help them develop vital interpersonal skills necessary for school, work and life success, ensure

they succeed academically and then provide access to higher education and pathways to quality workforce opportunities.

The outcome: Healthy, educated, adults and a more prosperous state economy.

It would certainly behoove our cost-conscious, business-minded policymakers to pay attention to data from Kids Count, the state Department of Education’s school report cards, pupils in poverty and the Youth Risk Behaviors Survey that tells us our children aren’t doing very well. And then to pay attention to the voices of experts like Director Hendrick who know we have to invest in students before they fall behind and get in trouble.

If policymakers followed the data, they’d know that — according to the SC Department of Education

— there are 484,651 K-12 students living in poverty, 68% of our students are not reading on grade level by the fourth grade and 78% are not on grade level in math by eighth grade. Those students are practically ensured to perpetuate the cycle of poverty.

This past school year, 101,407 students were sent to in-school suspension; 95 982 were in out-of-school suspension; 3,414 were referred to law enforcement and 1 600 were sent to DJJ, putting those kids at risk of falling behind and dropping out of school.

If we invest up front, we would all reap the benefits. Otherwise, we will continue to pay exponentially for the consequences of inaction.

When children don’t get what they need to help them succeed, our businesses, our

schools, our taxpayers and our state ultimately suffer the consequences. And the costs escalate every year that we delay. We know what works. Why don’t we do what works?

After the Senate Judiciary hearing, Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey said there’s got to be a better way to address problems than locking children up. There is, Sen. Massey. Help policymakers understand that supporting evidence-based prevention programs not only saves thousands of children’s lives, it is also a financial investment in the future economic well-being of our communities and our state.

Joy Campbell retired after 30-plus years in nonprofit management and continues to advocate for children in South Carolina. She lives in Columbia.

CAROL LUCAS

JOY CAMPBELL

VOICES

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

The Sahara is a fabulous destination

It is Saturday afternoon, and I’m on my pineplanked, leaf-littered deck listening to guitar music drifting over from Paris Avenue.

Guitar music — always featuring “Proud Mary” — is a reliable part of any Port Royal street festival.

Today my aging mind is focused on a just finished novel, “The English Patient”, written by Michael Ondaatje; not to be confused with the movie of the same name directed by Anthony Minghella.

For those of you who saw the movie, and think you remember the details of this war-time romance, think again. Ondaatje’s novel is a different story.

Yes, the book gives us the horribly burned, faceobliterated patient; as well as the mentally shattered nurse who is strangely, inexplicably devoted to the dying patient.

Now I must admit I loved this novel set down

SCOTT GRABER

in the Apennine hills that characterize Umbria and Tuscany. I am familiar with this vertical, stone-built, hill town landscape and the 5th U.S. Army’s long, bloody advance through this area in World War II. But the novel gives its biggest role to the Sahara Desert in all of its empty, brown and ochrehued topography. In this connection one must remember that in 1943 Britain still had a huge investment in Egypt — and one might argue that it owned India — and getting to India had become much easier with the completion of the Suez Canal through

a part of that vast Saharan sand dune.

Prior to the 1900s various European explorers and geographers, beginning with Herodotus 400 years before Christ, traveled into the desert looking for fabled kingdoms like Mali and Sokoto.

Herodotus was followed by Major Daniel Houghton in the 1700s, searching for Timbuktu; by Friedrich Hornnemann who followed the Niger River; by Alexander Laing who managed to “discover” Timbuktu; by Dixon Denham who took a threeyear-long hike looking for Lake Chad; by Jeremy Keenan who wrote about the Tuaregs. And many others who often died in the course of their thousandmile, camel-and-compassassisted trek through the shifting sands.

Should one actually return, to London or Berlin, one was wined and dined by Queen, celebrated by

the newspapers, and a successful explorer like Grosvenor, Tristram or Todd could publish their journal and thereafter live a good life on the proceeds of lectures at the Royal Geographical Society.

But these expeditions to Kharg Oasis, Gilf Kebir, El Taj were made with the knowledge that sudden sand storms could stop anything and kill everyone.

“It is though the surface is underlaid with steam pipes, with thousands of orifices through which tiny jets of steam are puffing out. The sand leaps in spurts and whirls. Inch by inch the disturbance rises as the wind increases its force. It seems as though the whole surface of the desert is rising in obedience to some upthrusting force beneath … the sky is shut out, all but the nearest objects fade from view, the universe is filled.”

What, you ask, motivated these otherwise rational,

Oxford-educated men to hike into these sandstorms? Boredom? Adventure?

Cave drawings?

In the movie (and in the novel) the dying burn patient — who we come to know as Count Ladislaus de Almasy — had previously done some Saharan exploration; discovering a cave where there are drawings of animals and ancient “swimmers.”

In the book the burn patient grudgingly reveals his identity all the while giving us a history of Northern Africa and the Sahara. He mesmerizes the beautiful nurse, a Sikh bomb-defuser and a character named Caravaggio—this fourth character knowing the “English Patient” was actually a spy in the service of General Erwin Rommel, a/k/a the “Desert Fox.”

I have encountered the Sahara once — in a place called Sokoto (Nigeria) — when my wife

and I were helping with a documentary. I was taken with its severe beauty; and the dark, chiseled beauty of the Hausa people who somehow survive in this empty, red and rust-colored place.

I was not taken with the fact that the hotel’s bar only served Fanta; and the pool did not allow laps. When I inquired with the concierge about this strange rule; he said “You will be beaten if you swim.”

“I know I look ridiculous in a Speedo,” I replied, “but being beaten seems harsh.” Once one gets past the absence of Scotch, and 1500 yard work-outs, (learning that Islamic law forbids recreational alcohol and the display of the uncovered human form) the Sahara is a fabulous destination.

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

Preserving St. Helena: Upholding zoning laws, cultural boundaries to protect the Gullah Geechee

In the heart of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, St. Helena Island stands as a beacon of the rich and resilient Gullah/Geechee culture. This unique community, with its deep-rooted traditions and profound significance evident in two national historic sites, continues to face an existential threat — a threat not from natural disasters or economic downturns but from the specter of aggressive overdevelopment. After purchasing Pine Island for $18 million in March 2023 Pine Island Property Holdings, LLC said it would transform this serene cultural enclave into a bustling golf club and resort.

This deal represents a critical decision point for both the community and Beaufort County’s leadership: Will we choose our history and heritage or lose them to yet another nondescript playground that caters mostly to the wealthy?

Threat of overdevelopment

The allure of economic development can often blind people to the irreversible damage it can cause. In the case of Pine Island, the proposed development contradicts the established Cultural Protection Overlay (CPO) zoning laws

specifically designed to preserve the Gullah/Geechee heritage on St. Helena. This overlay, established in the late 1990s and reaffirmed just one year ago, serves as a crucial legal safeguard against overpriced golf courses, exclusive gated communities, and other large-scale developments that could destroy the island’s cultural and ecological balance.

Despite these protections, rumblings of potential development continue.

Pine Island development would not only violate the overlay but also strain the already limited local infrastructure. Residents would be forced to endure increased traffic, higher density, strain on utilities, and more flooding — a problem they already contend with due to the island’s vulnerable topography.

Historical context and the loss of culture

The history of the Gullah/ Geechee people on St. Helena Island is one of endurance. Descendants of enslaved Africans, the Gullah/Geechee, have managed to safeguard their cultural heritage, language, and land-use practices for generations.

As highlighted by the National Wildlife Federation, however, the encroachment of high-priced residential developments and vacation resorts poses a significant threat to this community. These developments often result in higher property taxes and costs of living that pressure longtime residents, many of whom hold their property as heirs, to sell their ancestral lands.

The cultural implications of such development are profound.

Transforming St. Helena from a rural community where the famous Penn Center sits into a resort-based economy would fundamentally alter its character and heritage. The loss of Gullah/ Geechee culture would be an irreplaceable cultural tragedy, not just for South Carolina but for the nation.

The environmental implications of developing Pine Island are equally concerning. The area’s natural beauty and biodiversity are invaluable, serving not only as a habitat for local wildlife but as a buffer against storms and flooding. Overdevelopment could disrupt these natural defenses, leaving the island more susceptible to environmental disasters.

Proponents have said development plans would have limited impact. However, the history of overdevelopment with inadequate infrastructure and environmental protections in the Lowcountry tells a different story.

Standing against gentrification, for preservation

As a steadfast advocate for preserving culturally significant lands, I firmly oppose the development of Pine Island. We must prevent the gentrification and cultural dilution that so often follows large-scale developments like the one proposed. It is not merely a matter of maintaining scenic landscapes but of preserving a way of life.

The CPO zoning law and the Beaufort County 2040 Compre-

hensive Plan are not just regulatory documents; they are commitments to protect and respect the heritage of the Gullah/Geechee people. Developers' attempts to circumvent these protections through rezoning or other means must be met with firm resistance from the community and its allies. The threat unfolding on St. Helena Island is a bellwether for how we value and protect heritage in the face of modern development. We need robust and actionable commitments from local government, community leaders, and citizens to uphold the integrity of zoning laws and cultural protection boundaries.

Mac Deford is running for U.S. Congress as a Democratic candidate in South Carolina's 1st Congressional District, a seat presently occupied by Nancy Mace. A U.S. Coast veteran and attorney, Deford has extensive experience as a top legal advisor for local governments in the Lowcountry. He received his undergraduate degree from The Citadel and his law degree from the Charleston School of Law. In June

MAC DEFORD

2 women, 1 man among finalists for SC Supreme Court STATE NEWS

By Jessica Holdman SCDailyGazette.com

COLUMBIA – A pair of state Appeals Court judges and a Circuit Court judge are among finalists for South Carolina’s next Supreme Court justice. A legislative panel that screens judicial candidates forwarded Blake Hewitt, of Conway; Jocelyn Newman, of Columbia; and Letitia Verdin, of Greenville, to the full Legislature for a vote next month. They were chosen from among six candidates vying to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Chief Justice Don Beatty.

Hewitt, a white male Appeals Court judge, was first elected to the bench in 2019 after years as an appellate lawyer. Newman, a Black female judge and the daughter of recently retired Circuit Court Judge Clifton Newman, has spent eight years as a Circuit Court judge in Richland County. Verdin, a white female judge from the Upstate with more than 15 years of experience, has spent the past year on the state Court of Appeals.

The election by a joint General Assembly is scheduled for June 5 South Carolina is one of only two states where the Legislature elects nearly all judges. Virginia is the other. Who lawmakers choose will shape the look of the state’s highest court for some time. A seat isn’t likely to come available for more than four years. That’s when Justice John Kittredge, who will become chief justice this summer, ages out. (State law requires judges to retire from full-time work by Dec. 31 of the year they turn 72.)

Beatty, a former legislator from Spartanburg, is retiring when his term ends this summer, after he turns 72

‘Bona fide conservatives’

The election of a new justice comes as South Carolina’s judiciary has been under intense scrutiny. The state high court’s recent decisions on laws banning abortions

politicized a judicial selection process historically based on personal relationships and geography.

When the U.S. Supreme Court overthrew Roe v. Wade in June 2022, it left the state court to decide the legality of the state’s abortion laws. After the ruling, a law legislators passed in 2021 that banned abortions once an ultrasound detects cardiac activity temporarily took affect, prompting abortion providers to sue.

In a 3-2 decision in early January 2023, the state Supreme Court threw out the so-called “fetal heartbeat” law as violating the state constitutional protection from unreasonable invasions of privacy. The only woman on the court, Justice Kaye Hearn, wrote the majority opinion that was blasted by GOP lawmakers as judicial activism. It was her last opinion before she retired.

In the race to replace Hearn, two female judges ultimately dropped out before the Legislature elected Justice Gary Hill, the male judge who had the votes. Then in August, the country’s only all-male state Supreme Court upheld a tweaked version of the law that bans abortions around six weeks into pregnancy.

In selecting Hill, lawmakers had cited his reputation as a “strict constructionist,” meaning he interprets the literal meaning of statute when it was written. It’s the same label that soon-to-be Chief Justice Kittredge used to describe himself before he was unanimously elected in March as the judicial branch’s next leader.

South Carolina House Speaker Murrell Smith trumpeted the election of Kittredge during a tele-town hall Wednesday hosted by Americans For Prosperity, the conservative political group founded by the Koch Brothers.

“I’m proud to say we’ve elected for the first time, I believe, in modern history in South Carolina a chief justice who is a conservative — a well-known conservative,” Smith said.

With the exception of a one-year interim, South Carolina’s judicial branch has been led by a former House Democrat since 2000

Chief Justice Jean Toal and Beatty were both initially elected from the House directly to the bench — back when that was still allowed — though in different decades: Toal to the high court in 1988 and Beatty to the Circuit Court in 1995. (Costa Pleicones became chief justice when Toal retired in December 2015 after turning 72, until he aged out a year later.)

Smith told listeners on the call that when the Legislature elects its new justice, he’s hopeful there will be five “true, bona fide conservatives” on the court.

“That really shows how we have turned this ship in South Carolina in trying to get a judiciary that doesn’t make laws but that interprets laws. So, that will be a huge win for us,” Smith said.

That deference to the Legislature was a theme in the latest Supreme Court candidates’ answers.

“Yes, we interpret statutes. Yes, we apply them, but we do so with the recognition that is the General Assembly’s prerogative to set public policy and the General Assembly’s actions get every presumption of constitutionality,” Hewitt said.

“Our purpose is to interpret the intent of the Legislature. We don’t make laws,” Newman said to questions. “The court often makes decisions to highlight certain deficiencies in legislation that has been passed. … But the judiciary should never overstep its bounds.”

“I understand I am not a policy maker. I am not a lawmaker, but an interpreter of the law, and I take that very seriously,” Verdin said.

Backlog

A second theme in questioning by the screening panel was related to the backlog of court cases across the Palmetto State.

Both Hewitt and Verdin serve on an Appeals Court committee trying to find solutions to the backlog at

that level. Verdin said one area of success she’s noticed is in the use of technology and video proceedings to handle more administrative proceedings.

“Our legal profession is changing. I welcome those changes because change is inevitable,” she said.

Being behind on issuing orders is one area where Newman was dinged in her screening.

The Fifth Circuit of Richland and Kershaw counties, where Newman holds court, has seen a number of judicial retirements in the last couple years, and Newman has been left to handle the lions-share of the caseload. She’s also been without the aid of a clerk since December, she explained.

The Legislature certainly didn’t help last month, when GOP lawmakers broke precedent and refused to elect former House Democrat and Columbia lawyer James Smith to a new seat on the Fifth Circuit bench. No one was running against him, after his challenger dropped out months ago. Still, Republicans chose to restart the application and screening process. So that seat, among those the Legislature created, won’t be filled until next year sometime.

Pete Strom, a Columbia lawyer who sits on the judicial screening panel, recognized Newman’s workload.

“It’s not fair that it’s all on your plate. But it’s all on your plate,” he said.

That’s not an excuse, said Andrew Safran, also a Columbia-area lawyer on the panel.

“If you want to make a viable run, these things have to be addressed because we can’t ignore them,” he said about the backlog.

Both also assured Newman they felt the issue was fixable.

Inexperience

When it came to criticisms lobbed at the other two candidates, the concerns centered around their lack of experience.

Hewitt was never a judge before he was appointed to the Court of Appeals. As a lawyer, he largely argued cases at that level.

“I think of appellate courts as being greater than the sum of their parts and that their secret sauce is the blending of different experiences and perspectives,” Hewitt said when questioned about his experience. “I hope that my experience as a litigator is adding something to the value that the Court of Appeals produces.”

Verdin, who has family and circuit court experience, has only been on the Appeals Court for a year.

“They’re right,” Verdin said of her lack of experience, adding that she would have rather waited before making a run, but high court openings don’t come up often.

But Verdin also received glowing reviews from the anonymous polling of lawyers — 927 lawyers weighed in on her candidacy, including more than 200 who chose to add comments praising her and only four commenting in the negative.

“In a state full of talented, intelligent judges and justices, Judge Verdin is the finest judge South Carolina has to offer,” one wrote.

“I don’t have any doubt that you’re up to the task,” Safran said. By comparison, Hewitt had 550 lawyers weigh in on his candidacy, with 23 out of 141 comments being negative.

Lack of appellate experience was also a shortcoming for Newman. More than 800 weighed in on her candidacy, with 43 out of 159 comments being negative.

Editor Seanna Adcox contributed to this report.

Jessica Holdman writes about the economy, workforce and higher education. Before joining the S.C. Daily Gazette, she was a business reporter for The Post and Courier. S.C. Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.

Senator: SC public health overhaul could be resurrected

By Jessica Holdman and Skylar Laird SCDailyGazette.com

COLUMBIA — One of the architects of legislation restructuring South Carolina’s public health system still hopes to resurrect the issue this year.

Lawmakers could amend this year’s so-called sine die resolution — the temporary law that allows chamber leaders to bring legislators back after Thursday and limits what they can do — to allow discussion of the health care merger bill to resume. And Sen. Tom Davis is urging for that to happen.

The Beaufort Republican said he continues to work with House leadership on a compromise proposal that could be brought up in June, when the Legislature is expected to return to vote on the next Supreme Court justice and finish work on the state budget.

The move comes after an ultra-conservative faction of the House used a procedural maneuver to kill the bill in the last five minutes of the regular legislative session Thursday, May 9.

The idea of merging South Carolina’s health care agencies has been studied for more than two years by a private consultant hired by the state, who concluded in a report that “South Carolina is the most fragmented structure for health and human services delivery in the country.”

MERGING AGENCIES

The following agencies would be combined into the SC Executive Office of Health and Policy:

• Department on Aging Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services

Department of Disabilities and Special Needs

Department of Health and Human Services Department of Mental Health

Department of Public Health*

* The Department of Health and Environmental Services is set to split into two this summer under a law passed last year.

If recent House and Senate votes on the legislation are any indication, an effort to resurrect the bill from the dead could succeed.

Before a series of last-minute amendments, the bill had passed in the Senate by a vote of 44-1, with only Sen. Tom Corbin, R-Greenville, voting no.

The last vote in the House was 98-15, with all of the opposition coming from the hardline House Freedom Caucus.

Davis said the House and Senate versions only differ on a few major points.

220-page restructuring bill to the chamber. After nearly an hour, the Anderson Republican backed down.

The House returned the bill to the Senate with amendments, but its troubles were not over.

With just an hour left in the session Thursday, Sen. Shane Martin, R-Pauline, proposed half a dozen of his own changes to the bill which would need agreement from the House.

“A handful of Freedom Caucus members objected and burned it down and the people of South Carolina lost here,” Davis told reporters immediately after.

Still, while the agencies will not be combined in state law, they can start combining services in the interim, including relocating to one central campus, Smith said.

The Freedom Caucus called the bill’s death Thursday a win for South Carolina.

Freedom Caucus members tried to amend the bill to their liking, but other members shot them down or ruled them irrelevant, said Rep. Adam Morgan, R-Taylors.

Ordinarily, lawmakers frown on amending the law governing what’s supposed to be the off-session for parttime legislators. Altering it is intended to be difficult: A two-thirds majority of both the House and Senate must agree to any changes.

But Davis said if there’s any bill legislators should support adding to the agenda to get over the finish line, restructuring public health should be it.

“It’s not trivial,” Davis said. “South Carolinians are not getting their money’s worth when it comes to public health care delivery.”

“Too much time has gone into this, too much effort,” Davis told the S.C. Daily Gazette on Friday. “That’s why it’s important to not give up on this. We’d be letting the people of South Carolina down not to get this across the finish line.”

Those include whether the House gets a role in who leads the new Cabinet agency — rather than confirmation of the governor’s pick only going through the Senate, as usual for agency heads — and whether the secretary should be able to have police enforce mandates issued during public health emergencies. (That authority has rested with the Department of Health and Environmental Control since 2002 as part of the post-9/11 Emergency Health Powers Act.)

Other differences added Thursday are what allowed the Freedom Caucus to run out the clock.

‘Play stupid games, win stupid prizes’

The antics that killed the bill started late Wednesday.

Rep. April Cromer invoked a rarely used rule forcing House staff to read every word of the roughly

Facing warnings from his colleagues, he sped through proposals such as requiring informed consent for administering vaccines. He eventually withdrew his final amendment.

“There are a lot of dangerous moves going on,” Sen. Nikki Setzler, R-West Columbia, said at one point. “Don’t take it too far, now.”

“I’m not trying to,” Martin replied.

The Senate got the bill back to the House with about half an hour left in the day. (By law, business must stop at 5 p.m. the second Thursday of May.)

But when asked for unanimous consent to bring it up, Rep. Josiah Magnuson, objected, effectively blocking the House from considering it.

Davis came to the House floor to plead with the Campobello Republican to let the bill go to a vote. He went to the dais to ask House Speaker Murrell Smith to keep trying to push it through. But it died as the clock struck 5 p.m.

“Play stupid games, win stupid prizes,” Morgan told reporters after session ended.

What happens next?

The Freedom Caucus has opposed the bill from the get-go, saying it would create a “health czar” to enforce public health emergencies.

But Davis said combining the agencies under a single Cabinet-level director who answers to the governor would actually eliminate that concern, as a number of the agency directors currently only report to governing boards.

“That’s what we’re trying to cure,” he said.

Smith, a Republican from Sumter, said the bill would have consolidated services, making it easier to get resources to people who need them, such as people with drug addictions and mental health issues.

“Holding hostage bills like that only harms South Carolinians,” Smith said.

“I don’t see any reason that the merging of these agencies should not start being deployed,” Smith said. If lawmakers don’t succeed in amending the sine die resolution in June, the bill would have to be introduced for the new session that starts in January. And the whole process, to include subcommittee hearings, would start over.

“Maybe we can restart this process and actually listen to all voices and not play petty political games, which is exactly what this leadership does every single day,” Morgan told reporters Thursday.

Smith said he hoped to get it through as quickly as possible.

Reporter Abraham Kenmore contributed to this report.

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

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 statefocused nonprofit news organization.

STATE NEWS

A look at the 2024 legislative session and what’s still left to do

By Seanna Adcox SCDailyGazette.com

COLUMBIA — The 2024 legislative session was marked by Republicans fighting each other as they pushed legislation on guns and transgender youth across the finish line, but bills on college hiring, insurance rates, and teacher contracts fell short.

However, while last week’s chaotic close to the regular session put legislation in the trash heap, compromises on some bills are still possible in extended sessions that start next month.

And much work remains on the state budget that takes effect July 1. Key differences the chambers must sort out include how much is spent on road and bridge work, and whether a surplus in sales tax collections goes toward a one-time property tax credit or lowering income taxes.

What’s left to do?

Efforts that stay alive for potential compromises include changes to the Legislature’s judicial selection process. Prosecutors across the state, including Attorney General Alan Wilson, have called for reform, saying the system gives legislators too much power over the judicial branch.

Both chambers passed their own version of how to tweak the system, to include giving the governor appointments on the judicial screening panel and forwarding more qualified candidates to a joint General Assembly for election. Neither chamber had any interest in a complete overhaul.

Whether the magistrate system controlled by senators sees any change may be the biggest sticking point. The House bill lessened senators’ control. The Senate version didn’t touch that.

Still, Wilson was hopeful that something will reach the governor’s desk next month.

“Our judicial selection process desperately needs reform, and we’re almost there,” he said in a statement after the chambers agreed in the regular session’s waning hours to send their differing versions to a negotiating committee. “This bill is not perfect, but it is progress.”

As a six-member panel hashes out any changes to how legislators pick judges in the future, the entire Legislature will vote on the next

state Supreme Court justice.

Legislators will choose between three candidates selected Thursday, May 9, by the screening panel. Their decision will determine whether South Carolina has the nation’s only all-male, allwhite state Supreme Court, or whether the seat’s filled by the state’s third-ever female justice or first Black female justice.

Work will also continue on a massive energy bill that became a lightning rod of controversy from consumer advocates and conservation groups. But that issue won’t be resolved next month.

Senators refused to agree to the bill as pushed by House Speaker Murrell Smith, but they could reach consensus later this year on a new version to replace it.

How to handle data centers — energy hogs that have become a focal point of the debate over the need for more electricity — could be decided in a separate bill sent to a negotiating committee.

Gov. Henry McMaster said Monday he will sign whatever compromises legislators reach on the judicial reform and energy bills.

“This is something that we cannot put off,” he said about electricity needs.

Also still in negotiations is a bill unresolved from last year that’s supposed to clear up existing law prohibiting racist lessons in South Carolina classrooms. But even the House’s chief sponsor objected to changes made during floor debate in that chamber.

Before passing its version a year ago, the Senate removed sections seen as stifling instruction and allowing for a litany of lawsuits. A House-Senate panel met last week but language on a potential compromise is still in the works.

Because this is an election year, resulting in a new Legislature in January, all bills that don’t become law by session’s end die and must be reintroduced next year for the process to start all over. The extended sessions are limited primarily to negotiations on the budget and bills sent to a negotiating committee after separate versions passed both chambers.

What’s dead?

A bill merging six agencies and touted as removing bureaucratic inefficiencies in South Carolina’s fragmented public health system officially died as the clock ran out Thursday. But there could be a vote next month to allow that to be added to the extra-session agenda.

Both chambers passed separate versions of the bill, but the House Freedom Caucus blocked a vote that could have sent them to a negotiating committee.

On Monday, McMaster urged legislators to resurrect the bill, which will require two-thirds approval by each chamber to amend the temporary law governing the extended sessions.

“We have way too many things happening to our people that could be prevented if we could get organized and streamlined,” the governor said. “I believe that enacting that reorganization of our health care institutions is the best answer

that we have so far.”

Legislation that truly died — again — with no chance of being taken up again this year included yearslong efforts to legalize medical marijuana, allow betting on horse races through online apps, and allow curbside and home delivery of alcohol.

It was the second time in three years that a bill legalizing cannabis for certain illnesses passed the Senate but died in the House. This time, it never reached the House floor.

Smith said it didn’t have the support to pass in that chamber.

“What I’ve told the advocates is, we need to reach some accord with law enforcement and not try to shove it down their throats because they’re on the front line of this issue and they deserve the respect, at least, for us to slow it down and make sure they’re safe and they’re OK with it,” the Sumter Republican told reporters after session ended.

Bills that passed the House but died in the Senate would have barred colleges from using diversity statements in hiring and admission, required age verification to access social media, greatly expanded South Carolina’s one-year-old private school choice law, and allowed campaign donations to pay for childcare expenses.

Also dying in the Senate was an effort to reduce insurance rates for restaurants that serve alcohol, despite having the backing of Senate Majority Leader Shane Massey, who told reporters Thursday he hopes to get that done next year.

Since 2017, businesses that serve alcohol past 5

p.m. have been required to carry a minimum $1 million in liability insurance. The rising cost and shrinking availability of this insurance — known as liquor liability insurance — has hit establishments of all sizes, even causing some to close.

A potential fix proved elusive, as opponents argued against any change that would make it harder to sue bars that continue serving drunk patrons who go on to injure or kill someone.

The House and Senate came up with different strategies. The House version passed that chamber 106-2 while the version that advanced in the Senate never got a floor vote.

What passed?

House Republicans gave final approval Thursday to the bill they called their top priority for the session.

The legislation bans transition-related hormone treatments and puberty blockers for transgender youth under 18. It criminalizes transition surgeries on minors, though both sides agreed that’s not happening anyway in South Carolina. It additionally bars Medicaid government insurance from paying for transition-related surgeries and hormones for transgender South Carolinians of any age.

Gov. Henry McMaster has said he will sign it. A lawsuit could follow.

A bill allowing adults to legally carry a handgun in South Carolina without a permit was among the few pieces of legislation to become law early in the year.

Legislation sent to the governor’s desk in a flurry of activity in the final days

include bills that:

Require age verification to access online porn

Designate Fort Eisenhower in Augusta, Ga., as a South Carolina military installation for state grant purposes

Allow colleges to represent student athletes in personal branding and sponsorship deals

Increase tax breaks for companies with apprenticeship programs for high schoolers and adults

Criminalize the misuse of the animal tranquilizer xylazine Call for a memorial to Robert Smalls on Statehouse grounds

While the chambers approved final versions of those bills, the clock for McMaster hasn’t officially started. The bills must be signed by the House speaker and Senate president before they actually go to his desk, and no signing ceremony was held after the session closed Thursday. Whenever those two get together and sign bills, McMaster will have five days — excluding Sunday — to sign legislation, veto it or let it become law without his signature.

Reporters Abraham Kenmore and Skylar Laird contributed to this report.

Seanna Adcox is a South Carolina native with three decades of reporting experience. She joined States Newsroom

The South Carolina Statehouse in Columbia. Travis Bell/File/STATEHOUSE CAROLINA/Special to the S.C. Daily Gazette

LOCAL MILITARY

Beaufort honors pair of unclaimed veterans

From staff reports

The public came out Friday, May 10, to honor a pair of unclaimed veterans from Berkeley County who were laid to rest at Beaufort National Cemetery.

The two veterans — Navy Gunners Mate Petty Officer 1st Class Lewis Melvin Coy III and Air Force Senior Airman Benjamin Harrison Hyder III — died without any friends or family who could claim them, but due to their veteran status and the persistence of the Berkeley County Coroner’s Office, Beaufort County Coroner’s Office and Beaufort National Cemetery, they were buried with full military honors.

The Patriot Guard Riders were present and the ceremony, presided over by a local pastor, was conduced as if the men had families present.

A member of the U.S. Navy brings forward a veteran’s' urn

Service for two

South Carolina military and veterans benefits

South Carolina may be the most military- and veteran-friendly state in the union. My next four articles will cover S.C. military and veteran benefits. You can find summaries and explanations of SC military and veteran benefits online at: My Army Benefits (South Carolina) webpage at https:// bit.ly/3JXFY5P.

Military.COM (State Vets Benefits) webpage at https:// bit.ly/3UI6QLX.

The Island News article titled “Veterans should want to live, work, retire in SC,” dated June 1, 2022, at https://bit. ly/3UZ0NUv. Provides more than 20 reasons why veterans want to live in S.C.

The S.C. Department of Veteran Affairs Consumer Affairs webpage at https:// bit.ly/4bkkA6I. This page covers benefits including Credit of State Retirement for Military Service, Admissions Tax Exemptions, Income Tax Exemption on Military Retired Pay, Real Property Taxes- Homestead Exemption, Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans, State Parks Benefit for Totally Disabled Persons, Special License Plates, Home and Auto Property Tax Exemptions, Specially Adapted Housing, Tax Exemption for Compensation, Pension, Disability Retirement Pay and VA Payments, Driver Services for Military and Veterans, and Active Duty Pay Relevant to the S.C. Department of Revenue and Taxation.

The S.C. Department of Veteran Affairs Consumer Affairs webpage

The following 12 S.C. Veterans’ Benefits are summarized at the SCDVA “Consumer Affairs” webpage at https://bit.ly/4bkkA6I.

1 Credit of State Retirement for Military Service: An active member of one of the

retirement systems administered by the SC Public Employee Benefit Authority may establish up to six years of service credit for any period of military service for which he or she does not already have service credit in one of the correlated defined benefit plans. Visit the “Public Employee Benefit Authority” website at https:// www.peba.sc.gov and log into Member Access to request a cost estimate.

2 Admissions Tax Exemption: Provides for the exemption of admissions taxes to athletic contests in which junior American Legion athletic teams are participants unless the proceeds are given to individual players as salary or otherwise. For more information, call 803-612-1171

3 Income Tax Exemption on Retirement Pay: H.3247 signed into law in 2022 exempts military retiree pay from taxation. The law is effective beginning tax years after 2021 making military retiree pay 100-percent exempt from state income tax with no earned-income cap. Learn more at the SCDVA “Claiming Military Retiree State Income Tax Exemption in S.C.” webpage at https:// bit.ly/3UJC6dC.

4 Property Taxes – Homestead Exemption: All persons who have been declared permanently and totally disabled by the Social Security Administration, VA, or other state or federal agencies, are eligible for a homestead

exemption in an amount set by the S.C. General Assembly. This also applies to persons over age 65. For more information, go to the S.C. Department of Revenue (DOR) “Homestead Exemption” webpage at https://bit. ly/3UFT24D and contact the County Auditor's Office.

5 Free Hunting and Fishing Licenses: South Carolina provides free hunting/fishing licenses to disabled veterans. The license must be applied for directly from S.C. Department of Natural Resources showing proof of disability. For more information, call S.C DNR at 803-734-3838 or visit the DNR website at https:// bit.ly/4bxLTtO.

6 State Parks Benefit for Totally Disabled Persons: S.C provides that any S.C. resident who is a permanently and totally disabled veteran may enter any state park at a reduced rate upon presentation of supporting disability documentation. The veteran may also apply for a reduced fee “Palmetto Passport.” Certain services may require an additional fee. For more information, call the S.C. Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism at 803-734-0156 or visit the website at https://www.scprt. com.

7 Special License Plates: Upon establishing proof of eligibility for entitlement, the S.C. Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) may issue special motor vehicle license plates to the following: National Guard, National Guard Retirees, Purple Heart Recipients, Disabled Veterans, U.S. Armed Forces Retirees, Ex-Prisoners of War, Medal of Honor Recipients, Pearl Harbor Survivors, Normandy Invasion Survivors, and Marine Corps League. Learn more at the SCDMV webpage at https://bit.ly/3QJFyng,

EDITOR’S NOTE This article is the first in a series of four.

watch the SCDVA YouTube News Video at https://bit. ly/4bj4FW7, or call 803-8965000. Learn more by reading The Island News article titled “S.C. military license plates,” dated January 25, 2023, at https://bit.ly/3WG13sL.

8 Property Tax Exemption: The S.C. (Real) Property Tax exemption (see the S.C. DOR webpage https://dor.sc.gov) provides that the dwelling house in which a veteran resides who has been rated as one hundred percent permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability by the VA, an ExPOW, or a Medal of Honor recipient may be tax exempt. The tax exemption applies to the surviving spouse and may be transferred when purchasing another dwelling. Contact your local Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to help you file for real (home) and personal (autos) property tax exemptions if you are 100% service-connected disabled. For more information, contact your VSO and county/municipal tax offices, visit the S.C. DOR website at https://dor. sc.gov, or call 803-898-5700 for help. Download the SC DOR Property Tax Exemption Form (application) For Individual Form PT-4301-I at https://bit.ly/4bypxIK.

9 Specially Adapted Housing Tax Exemption: South Carolina provides for the exemption of state, county, and municipal taxes on the residence of veterans who have lost the use of their lower extremities or who have paralysis of one lateral half of the body resulting from injury to the motor centers of the brain. For more information, contact your county and municipal tax offices, or visit https://dor. sc.gov or call 803-898-5700

10 Tax Exemption for Compensation, Pension, Disability Retirement Pay, and VA Payments: South Carolina provides that federal tax-exempt money received from pension or compensation provided by the VA, or disability pay from the Armed Forces will not be included in S.C. tax. For more information, call 800-827-1000

11 Driver Services for Military and Veterans: South Carolina provides for an exemption of municipal parking meter fees when a veteran’s vehicle bears a disabled veteran (“V” tag), Purple Heart, or Medal of Honor license plate. For more information, read the The Island News article “S.C. military license plates,” dated January 25 2023, at https:// bit.ly/3WG13sL and contact your county and municipal government offices.

12 Active Duty Pay Relevant to the SC Department of Revenue & Taxation: Non-resident armed services personnel, who are legal residents of other States, stationed within South Carolina under military orders are not subject to South Carolina income tax on their service pay. They are, however, subject to tax on any other income earned in South Carolina by spouses of service personnel. For more information, visit the DOR website at https://dor.sc.gov or call 803-898-5700

Larry Dandridge is a Vietnam War wounded warrior, disabled veteran, ex-Enlisted Infantryman,

LARRY DANDRIDGE

during the Committal

unclaimed veterans, Benjamin Harrison Hyder III and Lewis Melvin Coy III, on May 10,2024 at Beaufort National Cemetery. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Athans Furr carries the flag representing an unclaimed veteran during the Committal Service at Beaufort National Cemetery on Friday, May 10, 2024. The service honored Navy Gunners Mate Petty Officer 1st Class Lewis Melvin Coy III and Air Force Senior Airman Benjamin Harrison Hyder III, both who died in Berkeley County. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Alison Chambers sings “Amazing Grace” during the Committal Service honoring two unclaimed veterans at Beaufort National Cemetery on Friday, May 10, 2024. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

LOCAL MILITARY

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, 17 May 2024

Recruit Training Regiment • Commanding Officer, Colonel C. B. McArthur

2nd Recruit Training Battalion • Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel A. Yang Commander of Troops, Captain D. P. Krueger • Parade Adjutant, Captain A. L. Johnson Company “G”, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion • Commanding Officer, Captain D. P. Krueger Drill Master • Staff Sergeant J. M. Kivett

PLATOON 2024

Senior Drill Instructor

SSgt M. S. Campbell

PVT Albaymbert, Diego A.

PVT Alexander, Dylan L.

PFC Autry, Justin M.

PFC Brown, Aodhan C. *

PVT Carrillo, Sergio

PVT Castellon, Xavier

PVT Chambliss, Austin M.

PFC Cochrane, Makiah L.

PVT Cross, Jack W.

PVT Cruz, Edwin

PVT Cruz, Leonel

PVT Flippo, Jacob T.

PVT Focht, Carson J.

PVT Franciscoacosta, James

PVT Giles, Darell L.

PVT Hart, Christian J.

PVT Harvey, Yuseff H.

PFC Hassettchambers, Parker K.

PVT Hernandezsotelo, Dario

PFC James, Xavier T.

PVT Janigan, James A.

PVT Johnson, Edward E.

PVT Kirk, Braden C.

PFC Knox, Johnathan R.

PVT Linger, Phillip W.

PFC Lowther, Aiden L.

PFC Luther, Steven C.

PFC Mack, Jakeevious D.

PFC Mackey, Logan D.

PVT Marais, Henry S.

PVT Mcmahon, Jerel J.

PFC Mcmillan, Camern J.

PFC Mcnutt, Joseph W.

PVT Milner, Hudson J.

PVT Montanye, Christian J.

PFC Moore, Skyler P.

PVT Murphy, David N.

PFC Padgett, Cole B.

PVT Peeler, Javon D.

PVT Pierce, Caden E.

PFC Pina, Angel M.

PFC Ramos, Edward R. *

PFC Rice, Joshua B.

PVT Rocaverastegui, Jeremy F.

PVT Ryan, Layton M. *

PVT Silaphet, Justin

PVT Simms, Samajai A.

PFC Smith Jr., Paul T.

PVT Stewart, Devin R.

PVT Thomas, Noahrider G.

PFC Tlapa, Marc G. *

PFC Tuggle, Skyler A.

PVT Tyler, Zachary M.

PVT Vegapaliza, Jesse E.

PVT Wells III, Conrad

PVT Whitney, Brenden J.

PLATOON 2025

Senior Drill Instructor

SSgt D. Vila

PVT Bautistacruz, Darlene D.

PVT Brightley, Alexis L.

PFC Bunch, Jayleigh E.

PVT Cordovamorejon, Amy K.

PFC Cruz, Ruby

PFC Cuxtzunun, Julia V.

PFC Diehl, Totianna R.

PFC Flemming, Abigail A.

PVT Forbes, Vanessa C.

PVT Goldman, Kayla E.

PFC Grayton, Adriorria L.

PVT Guillengrajales, Rosi Y.

PFC Hamilton, A. J. *

PVT Hayes, Eva J.

PVT Hoke, Joshlynn O.

PVT Howell, Kaitlyn E.

PVT Kidd, Amber C.

PFC Marinlopez, Crystal

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PLATOON 2028

Senior Drill Instructor

SSgt K. M. Fields

PFC Acostavargas, Ian Y.

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PLATOON 2029

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*Denotes Meritorious Promotion

SERVICE DIRECTORY

ATTORNEY

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Criminal Defense & Civil Litigation

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Dr. Larry Bridge, AU.D./CCC-A 206 Sea Island Parkway, Suite 31, Beaufort thebeaufortsound@gmail.com www.thebeaufortsound.com | 843-522-0655

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THURSDAY’S CARTOON

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HELP WANTED – DRIVERS ADVERTISE YOUR DRIVER JOBS in

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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!