No surprises: 3 men running for Sheriff
By Mike McCombs
The Island News No one filed to run at the last minute Monday, March 30, leaving the three already-filed candidates in the race to replace soon-retiring Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner as the complete field.
Longtime Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office deputy Doug Seifert, Tanner’s choice for the job, and Tanner’s two-time opponent and longtime law enforcement officer JoJo Woodward will face off in the Republican primary on June 9 Tanner told The Island Packet that Seifert was “the perfect choice” and said he would be “extremely proud” for Seifert to replace him when he retired. SEE SURPRISES PAGE A6 Doug Seifert Alphonso Small Jr. JoJo Woodward
More than 1,000 show up for ‘No Kings Day’
By Mike McCombs and Asa Aarons Smith
The Island News
Around 1 200 people turned out at noon for the “No Kings Day” protest in Beaufort on Saturday, March 28, many carrying signs and dressed in themed attire to protest the actions of President Donald Trump and his administration. The Beaufort event was one of two in the county — the other was held in Bluffton and also drew more than 1,000 people — and one of more than 3 000 planned events across all 50 states, 500 more events than the last “No Kings Day” in October. Initial estimates number the protesters at more than 8 million nationally. This is the third “No Kings Day” protest in Beaufort since Trump took office. There were also rallies on June 14 2025 and Oct. 18 2025
By Adrian Ashford SCDailyGazette.com
Groups, including Indivisible Beaufort and the Northern Beaufort County Democratic Club also protest regularly on Monday afternoons at the same location.
The protesters’ signs addressed many topics, but the four most popular were the Trump Administration’s use of Immigration and Customs
SEE KINGS PAGE A4
More than 1,000 people protested President Donald Trump and his administration’s policies in the “No Kings Day” rally Saturday March 28, in front of Beaufort City Hall at the intersection of Boundary Street and Ribaut Road in Beaufort. Asa Aarons Smith/The Island News
It Up!
Democratic Party candidates line up for a group photo after filing to run for office on Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Beaufort County Board of Elections and Voter Registration office in Beaufort. Pictured from left are Bernie Scolaro, S.C. House District 118; Shauna Bishop, S.C. House District 124; Lynn Gerson, Beaufort County Council District 5; Travis Ludwig-Hutchins, Beaufort County Council District 10; Debbie Subera-Wiggin, S.C. House District 120; Carolyn Fournier, Beaufort County Council District 6; Jannine Mutterer, Beaufort County Council District 9; and Beaufort County Democratic Party Chair Kathleen Hughes. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
LOWCOUNTRY LIFE & NEWS
Andrea Ogiony photographed this mama Great Horned Owl, who is keeping watch over 2 owlets nearby, in Habersham on Saturday, March 28. To submit a Lowcountry Life photo, you must be the photographer or have permission to submit the photo to be published in The Island News. Please submit high-resolution photos and include a description and/or names of the people in the picture and the name of the photographer. Email your photos to theislandnews@gmail.com.
VETERAN OF THE WEEK JOHN AIELLO
John Aiello
American Legion Beaufort Post 207 brings you John Aiello, 74, who joined the U.S. Army in Olean, N.Y., in 1974. After Basic Training at Fort Dix, N.J., he earned Airborne qualifications at Fort Campbell, Ky., and Fort Bragg, N.C.
Aiello served in armor recon-
Shadow Moss family displaced after morning fire
By Mike McCombs
The Island News
An early morning fire displaced a family in the Shadow Moss neighborhood on Friday, March 27
At 4:04 a.m., the City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department, as well as the Parris Island Fire and Emergency Services, were dispatched. Upon arrival, firefighters were met with heavy fire conditions with flames already through the roof. City of Beaufort/Town of Port
Royal Fire Department Deputy Chief Ross Vezin said that all family members, as well as pets, made it out safely, and there were no injuries.
The family, however, is displaced and is working with the Red Cross for immediate solutions, according to Vezin. According to Vezin, the fire remains under investigation.
Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
naissance and communications at a variety of stations including at Nuremberg, Germany. Over his career he served in the active Army, the Army Reserve and the National Guard.
April 2
2019: The Island News hires Mike McCombs as its Editor-in-Chief. McCombs replaces Justin Jarrett, who resigned in March.
April 4
1922: Harriet Keyserling, daughter of Isador Hirschfeld and Pauline Steinberg, is born in New York City. After marrying Dr. Herbert Keyserling in 1944, she moved south where she represented Beaufort for 16 years in the state legislature. She was elected to Beaufort County Council in 1974 and served one term. Then from 1977 to 1993 Keyserling spent her time in the statehouse focused on energy, nuclear waste, the arts, education, women’s rights and ending the filibuster in the House. She was the mother of longtime Beaufort Mayor Billy Keyserling.
April 5
He moved to Beaufort in 1993 and began working for a series of phone companies ending with Hargray. In 2012 he was retired at Fort Jackson as a Sergeant First Class.
– Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207 For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.
City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department firefighters found flames through the roof upon arrival at an early morning fire Saturday, March 27, in the Shadow Moss neighborhood. Photo courtesy of City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department
2019: About 50 people gather in front of Congressman Joe Cunningham’s office on Boundary Street to protest the failure of the Trump Administration to release Special Prosecutor Robert Mueller’s report on Russian interference in the 2016 election.
1839: Robert Smalls is born into slavery in Beaufort. During the Civil War, Smalls became a hero for the Union. He freed himself, his crew, and their families by commandeering the CSS Planter on May 13 1862 in Charleston harbor and sailing it through the Confederate-controlled waters of the harbor to the U.S. blockade at sea. After the Civil War, Smalls returned to Beaufort and won election as a Republican to the South Carolina Legislature and the U.S. House of Representatives during
Reconstruction. He authored state legislation providing for South Carolina to have the first free and compulsory public school system in the United States and he founded the Republican Party of South Carolina. He served five terms in Congress.
April 6
2019: Former U.S. Senator and S.C. Governor Fritz Hollings, a longtime mentor to Beaufort Mayor Billy Keyserling, dies at the age of 97
2019: The NAO Santa Maria, a handbuilt replica of the largest of Christopher Columbus’ 15th-century ships that sailed to the Americas from Spain, visits Beaufort. The ship, open for tours, would stay in Beaufort for eight days.
– Compiled by Mike McCombs
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Donations gratefully accepted at www.yourislandnews.com or The Island News, PO Box 550, Beaufort, SC 29901
Committee still collecting data for sales tax referendum
BEAUFORT
Beaufort County’s Transportation Advisory Committee is narrowing in on their recommendations for a penny sales tax referendum to be presented to the voters in November.
The committee, which began work Feb. 4, has now met with each of the municipalities to hear their councils’ priorities.
Two public meetings have been scheduled — the first, this week on April 1 and the second, April 22
The committee’s goal is to present final recommendations to the County Council on May 11 with a first reading of an ordinance to put the referendum question on the November ballot, scheduled for June 8
Curious residents can read more about the county’s history with a penny sales tax, including the 2018 referendum at beaufortcountypenny.com.
Dominion tree session draws handful of people
The Dominion Energy folks were in town last week, not to cut trees, but to talk about it.
Representatives of the utility company hosted an information session at Beaufort City Hall on Tuesday to outline plans for their next round of tree cutting expected to begin in the next few weeks.
The next round of cutting, according to maps presented at the session will include Ribaut Road and its neighborhoods — Spanish
Point and parts of Royal Oaks, for example. The work is scheduled along the Bluff area, downtown and into the Point.
Unfortunately, the audience for this information update was small — fewer than a half-dozen citizens — but rest assured, when the contract cutters show up and that cutting begins, there will be some weeping and wailing. It’s part of the process.
Jasper’s growth to fastest county in US supports need for road projects
HARDEEVILLE -- Those of us who have been here for a while didn’t need the most recent reports from the U.S. Census to prove the Lowcountry is growing.
So it was no real surprise to learn recently that our neighboring Jasper County is THE fastest growing county in the United States.
According to recent data releases by the Census Bureau, Jasper has experienced a 6 percent population growth rate between July 1 2024 and July 1 2025. That population growth percentage put Jasper ahead of Dawson County, Ga., which includes Lake Lanier and is a magnet for those leaving Atlanta, and Kaufman County, Texas, outside of Dallas.
And Jasper County’s numbers are before construction even begins on Carolina Station, the 2,600-acre D.H. Horton development at I-95 and U.S. 278 which includes construction of 3,800 homes and a Buc-ee’s.
Jasper’s current population at 38,533 compares to Beaufort County’s 201,775 as of the 2024 Census Bureau data.
While motorists continue to complain about the traffic, particularly along S.C. 170, which divides Beaufort and Jasper,
county transportation planners are trying to develop improvement plans.
Two public meetings were held last month, March 11 and 12, to showcase the S.C. 170 Corridor Study, which covers the 14-mile stretch between S.C. 46 (May River Road) to U.S. 21 Business (Boundary Street).
Planners are accepting comments through April 17. For more information, see: www.lowcountrycog.org
Lolita Huckaby Watson is a community volunteer and newspaper columnist. In her former role as a reporter with The Beaufort Gazette, The Savannah Morning News, Bluffton Today and Beaufort Today, she prided herself in trying to stay neutral and unbiased. As a columnist, these are her opinions. The Rowland, N.C. native’s goal is to be factual but opinionated, based on her own observations. Feel free to contact her at bftbay@gmail.com.
Feds to check status at Parris Island
Federal agents to verify immigration status at graduation entry points
Staff reports According to media reports, future visitors to Parris Island for Marine Corps boot camp graduations, beginning this week, will likely encounter federal agents checking their lawful immigration status.
NBC news first report-
ed the news Monday night, March 30 Phone calls by The Island News to the the Office of Communication Strategy and Operations were referred to Capt. Hardin, who did not respond to our messages prior to our Tuesday afternoon print deadline.
A message on the Marine Corps Recruiting Depot website on Tuesday read: “Due to increased force protection measures and to expedite enhanced base access procedures, federal law enforcement personnel will be present at installation access points during Recruit Family and Graduation Days.” Parris Island, according to Military Times, trains more than 20 000 recruits and holds more than 40 graduations yearly.
TAccording to Military Times, “notably, Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, the [Marine] Corps’ West Coast training base, has published no public statement or alert about a federal presence there.”
Over the past several months, the Trump Administration has deployed large numbers of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement agents to cities like Portland, Minneapolis and Chicago, and most recently, ICE agents have been sent to major airports to “assist” Transportation Safety Administration employees.
Joseph Michael DiMaria
o meet the growing demand for primary care services in the Lowcountry, Beaufort Memorial is pleased to welcome board-certified family medicine physician Dr. Joseph M. DiMaria.
Dr. DiMaria has joined Beaufort Memorial Lowcountry Medical Group Primary Care, where he provides comprehensive primary care for patients of all ages. His clinical interests include preventive medicine, women’s health, minor in-office procedures such as skin tag and mole removal, and thoughtful management of chronic conditions. He takes a balanced approach to care, combining evidence-based medicine with holistic, wellness-focused strategies.
Dr. DiMaria began his healthcare career as a pharmacist before pursuing his training as a physician, a path that shaped his commitment to building strong, meaningful relationships with patients.
“I take the time to get to know my patients and work with them to develop a care plan that fits their individual needs,” said Dr. DiMaria. “By combining traditional medicine with wellness-based therapies, we can better support long-term health.” CALL 843-770-0404 TO SCHEDULE AN
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Carl Derrick, M.D.; Nicholas Dardes, D.O.; Nikki Newman, PA-C; Craig Floyd, M.D.; Erin R. Scott, ANP-BC; Jennifer Martin, NP-C and James Varner, PA-C.
LOLITA HUCKABY
County approves $11.1M for USCB convocation center after split vote
By Delayna Earley
Island News
The
A long-discussed convocation center at the University of South Carolina Beaufort’s Bluffton campus cleared a key hurdle Monday, March 23, as Beaufort County Council voted 6-5 to commit $11 1 million to the project despite a prior deadlock at the committee level.
The funding falls well short of the $47 million university officials initially requested, but supporters framed it as a critical step toward moving the more than $100 million project forward.
million in projected tax revenue growth.
Supporters described the investment as a long-term economic and community asset, pointing to the facility’s potential to host concerts, graduations and regional events.
Some also noted the building would be designed to withstand a Category 5 hurricane, making it a potential emergency asset.
money. We should ask them how they want us to spend it instead of just doing it,” Vice Chair Anna Maria Tabernik said during earlier discussions, suggesting a referendum.
Councilman Logan Cunningham also raised concerns about committing local dollars while infrastructure needs remain unmet.
“We have to look forward to see what we expect to be happening here and then provide the support that’s necessary for this university to thrive,” Councilman Larry McElynn said. “I really believe this will pay benefits to us all in the future as we go forward.”
The first phase of the project includes a 5 000-seat arena and a sports complex with baseball, softball and track facilities.
Council’s vote came after the Finance, Administration and Economic Development Committee split 4-4 on the same proposal the week prior.
The approved plan combines $9 5 million originally set aside for a law enforcement bond with about $1 6
University leaders have already secured $47 million in state funding, but a significant gap remains.
OBITUARIES
Walter a . Gray Jr April 27, 1934 – March 24, 2026 Beaufort
Retired U.S. Air Force Master
Sgt. Walter A. Gray, Jr., 91, of Beaufort, husband of Doris K. Gray, died Tuesday, March 24 2026, at Beaufort Memorial Hospital. Mr. Gray was the retired Director for the Beaufort National Cemetery. Burial will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, April 2, 2026, Beaufort National Cemetery, 1601 Boundary Street, Beaufort, S.C. 29902, with military honors.
Mr. Walter A. Gray, Jr. was born on April 27 1934, in New Orleans, La., and passed away on March 24 2026, in Beaufort, S.C.
Walter was an honorable man who served 26 years in the United States Air Force, retiring at the rank of Master Sergeant on March 1982. His military career included duty assignments spanning the United States, Germany, Southeast Asia, Greece, and Turkey. His decorations include the Good Conduct Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Service Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal.
Following his military retirement, Walter worked as a financial representative and joined the Department of Veterans Affairs in November 1984 as his career progressed, he went on to serve as a cemetery director trainee at the Dayton, Ohio National Cemetery, then joined the National Cemetery Administration on February
1991 and Director of the Raleigh National Cemetery, prior to his appointment as Director of Beaufort National Cemetery on October 1995, a position he held until his retirement in June 2006. During his tenure, Walter oversaw all burial and maintenance operations at the cemetery and led a major expansion that significantly enhanced its capacity to honor the veterans entrusted to his care.
After his retirement, he enjoyed golfing and playing cards with friends, taking cruises with his wife and family and fellowshipping with church members at Love House Ministries. Walter will be remembered for his unconditional love and for being a great friend to all who knew him.
Walter is survived by his wife Doris K. Gray; his children Walter Anthony Gray III, Anita L. Terry, and Joriné M. Morgan; and granddaughter Isabeau N. Morgan. He was preceded in death by his father Walter A. Gray, Sr. and his mother Anna Mae Gray (née Mitchell).
The Family solicits your prayer as they mourn the loss of their beloved Walter and hold fast and cherish his memory.
Naomi rebecca middletoN-SiaS Dec. 5, 1944 – March 24, 2026
Arizona
Naomi Rebecca Middleton-Sias 81, a native of the Sheldon
One of more than 1,000 people protesting President Donald Trump and his administration’s policies, Beaufort’s T. Grant, who marched with Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968 in Atlanta, participates in the “No Kings Day” rally Saturday March 28, in front of Beaufort City Hall at the intersection of Boundary Street and Ribaut Road in Beaufort. Asa Aarons Smith/The Island News
“This is going to be the hub of our community,” Councilman Joe Passiment said.
Opponents, however, questioned whether the county should redirect funds from other priorities toward a project that is not yet fully funded.
“This is [the] people’s
Community of Beaufort County, died Sunday March 24, 2026, at Abrazo West Campus Hospital in Arizona.
Middleton-Sias, a beloved daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026, at the age of 81, after succumbing to injuries resulting from a car accident. Born on Dec. 5 1944, in the quaint town of Sheldon, South Carolina, Naomi lived a life filled with love, service, and faith, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her.
Naomi was the cherished daughter of the late Harrison "Kippit" Middleton and Geneva Brown Middleton. She was predeceased by her beloved siblings, Robert Middleton, Elenora Ethel Middleton, Janine Mae Pinto and William Brown, as well as her dear children, Alex Sias, Jr., Olivia Crawley, and Thelma Sias, and her precious granddaughter, Britney Marie Sias.
Despite these profound losses, Naomi remained a pillar of strength and a source of comfort to her surviving daughter, Alexandria Sias, and her siblings, Rosa Lee White, Viola Middleton Cowart, and Ricky Cuthbert. Naomi's heart was warmed by her grandchildren: Jason Crawley, Jaylene Crawley, Jessica Crawley, Jocelyn Crawley Lockett (Mr. Lockett), Brendt Blevins (Celeste), Gaybrielle Ramadan-Sias, Calvin Harris, Jr., Genesis Sias-Scott, Sophie Sias (Kenneth), Lucelia Radabaugh (Gage), McKenzie Bornstein (Ken), Bryson Proch, and Chrystian Hess. Her legacy continues
Kings from page A1
Enforcement agents — ICE agents — to crack down on not just immigration, but dissent and protest; the war against Iran; the failure to release the complete, unredacted Epstein Files; and the belief that the United States is sliding toward authoritarianism.
T. Grant of Beaufort, who said she marched with Martin Luther King Jr. in Atlanta in 1968, reflected on the moment, saying it is “sad people are still having to protest to spread the right message.”
Hardeeville’s George Wortley, drawing on his experience in Antarctica, appeared as an imperial
The split vote reflected a broader agreement on the project’s potential, but sharp disagreement over timing and funding priorities.
USCB Chancellor Al Panu, who addressed council ahead of the vote, called the decision encouraging and said it will help the university move into its next phase of planning.
The funding is not yet
through her great-grandchildren: Jerryn, Jared, Jarryd, Madison, Santana, Ezra, Elijah, Pharaoh, and Talullah, as well as a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever cherish her memory.
Naomi's journey of service began in her youth. She attended Robert Smalls High School in her hometown, and her pursuit of knowledge led her to nursing school in New York City. Her compassionate spirit guided her to a fulfilling career at the Pennsylvania State Office of Victim Service, where she tirelessly advocated for those in need until her retirement.
A devout woman of faith, Naomi found solace and community within the walls of several churches throughout her life. Her spiritual journey included worship at Christ Gospel Temple, Bethlehem Temple, and Christian Insight Ministry in Harrisburg, Pa. Upon returning to her roots in Sheldon, she became a treasured member and usher at Mount Carmel Baptist Church of Dale, S.C., where she joyfully served her community.
Naomi's vibrant personality and zest for life were evident in the simple pleasures she cherished. She was a God-fearing woman who delighted in prayer and sermons from Mount Carmel Baptist Church. Her playful spirit shone when teasing her grandson Brendt, conversing with her granddaughter Genesis, or when savoring her granddaughter Gaybrielle's famous grits.
Naomi's adventurous nature made her a friend to many, no matter where her journey
penguin, calling it “the only king” he recognizes.
As usual, many of those passing through the protest showed signs of support by honking horns and waving, some expressed their disagreement, and a few shouted obscenities and made obscene gestures.
Miranda Glover, a retired educator, said she thought the protest went well.
“You can’t teach this in the classroom,” she said, referring to people exercising their 1st Amendment rights. “If I still had students, I’d want them here to observe this.”
Glover also said she has noticed the crowds at the protests become younger and involve more people of color.
“As things are getting worse in the White House,
finalized. County officials must still bring forward and approve a bond ordinance amendment to formally reallocate the $9 5 million tied to the law enforcement project. Even with the county’s contribution, university leaders will need to secure tens of millions more to fully fund the development. For now, though, the vote signals something that had been uncertain just days earlier: the project is moving forward, even if the path to completion is still taking shape.
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.
OBITUARIES
The Island News publishes obituaries, including a photo, free of charge. Please contact theislandnews@gmail.com for more information.
took her. She loved watching “Blue Bloods,” “Equalizer,” and “Tracker,” and took great joy in sightseeing from the passenger seat — always keeping a watchful eye on railroad tracks in hopes of spotting an approaching train. Her soul was particularly captivated by the majestic mountains of Arizona.
Family and friends will gather to celebrate Naomi's remarkable life on April 25 2026, at 1 p.m., at Mount Carmel Baptist Church, located at 367 Keans Neck Road, Seabrook, SC 29940. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Naomi Middleton Sias Usher Memorial Fund, ensuring that her legacy of service and faith endures.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the members of Mount Carmel Baptist Church of Dale, S.C., Christian Insight Ministry of Harrisburg, Pa., and precious members of Buckeye Senior Center of Buckeye, Ariz., for hosting these memorial services and for their unwavering support and love during this time of remembrance. Naomi Rebecca Middleton-Sias will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched. Her legacy of love, faith, and kindness will forever inspire those who were privileged to know her.
the crowds are getting more diverse,” she said. “The people are getting angrier.”
Martin Perel is originally from South Africa, coming to Beaufort by way of the Netherlands.
“I came over from Europe because [the United States] was the land of the free, and it feels far from it, at the moment,” he said. “That’s why I’m here today.”
Carole and Norman King, a couple from Port Royal, attended the protest together.
“I don’t like what’s happening to the United States of America,” said Carole King, who grew up in Washington D.C. “I don’t like a regime taking over and turning us into an authoritarian state and I will fight to the end.”
“I’m concerned with
what’s going on with our government now. I want to be a part of standing up to what’s going on,” Norman King said. I’m proud to be an American.”
“I came today because this country needs to … wake up. Because we’re in big trouble,” said John Glover of St. Helena Island. And if they don’t get it together. We’re in big trouble.” At 1 p.m., the protesters dispersed with many taking part in a planned walk to the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in downtown Beaufort. Like the other two “No Kings Day” rallies, the protest was peaceful with no incidents of note.
Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
Walter A. Gray Jr.
Body found behind Beaufort convenience store
By Mike McCombs The Island News
A pair of employees taking out the trash early Tuesday evening, March 24, at the Ribaut One Stop in Beaufort found a body near the dumpster behind the business.
According to the Beaufort Police, officers responded at approximately 5:40 p.m., to 1190 Ribaut Road in reference to a “man down call.”
“Officers arrived on scene and located a deceased individual near the rear of the business,” Beaufort Police said in an email. “The indi-
vidual appeared to have suffered from a suspected overdose.”
The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office confirmed there was a body found at approximately 5:52 p.m., and reiterated that the body was not found in the dumpster as initially told to The Island News. The body was in the wooden enclosure around the dumpster.
The Coroner’s Office says there is “no suspicion of foul play or trauma currently.” An autopsy was scheduled for Thursday to determine cause and manner of death.
Beaufort Police reminds the
public this is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Investigator Lynch at 843-322-7828
For those wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be reported to Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County via the P3 Tips app, online at www.TIPSBFT.com, or by calling 1-844-TIPSBFT (1-844-847-7238) please reference case #26B09553
Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
NEWS BRIEFS
Unclaimed Veteran to be honored Friday
The public is invited to pay their respects as an unclaimed veteran
— PFC William H. Mauldin of the U.S. Army — will be laid to rest at 11 a.m., Friday, April 3 at Beaufort National Cemetery.
Deford to hold town hall meeting on St. Helena
U.S. Coast Guard veteran and local government attorney Mac
Deford, a Democratic candidate for Congress in South Carolina’s 1st District, will host an open community town hall on Saint Helena Island.
The event will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Penn Center’s Emory Campbell Dining Hall on Saint Helena Island. The doors will open at 6 p.m.
The Deford campaign says they are holding an open public conversation about the issues that matter most to Beaufort County voters. This is an opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and hear directly from Deford about his plans to lower costs, protect our freedoms, and deliver real solutions for the Lowcountry.
This event is open to everyone. RSVP at https://bit.ly/487X2lV.
Beaufort County Veterans Affairs offering Life Planning seminars
Beaufort County Veterans Affairs is hosting a series of Life Planning seminars for veterans and their families. The seminars will be offered at 10 a.m. or 1:30 p.m., and will be held at the following dates and locations:
Wednesday, April 15 – St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road
Wednesday, June 10 – Hilton Head Island Branch Library, 11 Beach City Road
Wednesday, July 15 – St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road
Wednesday, September 16 –Bluffton Branch Library, 120 Palmetto Drive
Wednesday, November 18 –Burton Wells Recreation Center, I Middleton Recreation Drive
Wednesday, December 2
Hilton Head Island Branch Library, 11 Beach City Road
This seminar specifically addresses things veterans and their families can do today to ensure their personal effects are in order. The seminar also discusses Veterans Affairs benefits that surviving
spouses may be entitled to receive. RSVPs are required for space and resource purposes. Please contact Crystal at 843-255-6880 to reserve your seat. For questions and more information please contact Beaufort County Veterans Affairs at 843-255-6880
SCDOR extends April 15 filing deadline for SC returns
The South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) is extending the tax filing due date for all 2025 South Carolina Individual Income Tax returns to October 15, 2026
This extension applies only to the deadline to file a return, not to pay what is owed. S.C. taxpayers will owe penalties if they do not pay at least 90% of their 2025 tax liability by April 15 2026
According to a media release by
the SCDOR, the South Carolina Legislature is working on House Bill 3368 to conform with the current Internal Revenue Code, including the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). If passed, the SCDOR will provide additional information as soon as possible, including guidance for taxpayers who have already filed their 2025 Individual Income Tax returns. No action is required to take advantage of the filing extension. MyDORWAY is the fastest, easiest way to pay a balance. Visit and select Individual Income Tax Payment to get started. If expecting a refund, taxpayers do not need to do anything except file their return by Oct. 15
The SCDOR will publish additional guidance and updates through our website and social media channels.
– Staff reports
Holy
April 2 at 6pm Good Friday April 3 at 3pm Easter Vigil April 4 at 8pm Easter Sunday April 5 at 7am, 9am, 11am and 1pm (Spanish)
If you are unable to attend, our Easter Sunday 9am Mass will be live-streamed. Please visit stpetersbeaufort/live.
A van from the Beaufort County Coroner’s office on Tuesday evening at the Ribaut One Stop at 1190 Ribaut Road, where a body was found in a dumpster. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
City revisits short term rental rules amid debate over fairness, neighborhood impact
Residents, officials divided as Beaufort weighs how to regulate growing STR market
By Delayna Earley
The Island News
How many short-term rentals are too many, and where they should be allowed, remains an open question in Beaufort after City Council revisited the issue during a March 24 work session that drew hours of public comment and exposed sharp divisions among residents.
What began as an effort to refine the city’s short term rental ordinance instead underscored a broader tension between protecting neighborhood character and maintaining fairness across the city.
At the center of the discussion are recent changes to the ordinance, including removing a prohibition on short term rentals in The Point neighborhood and revising how a 6% cap would be applied citywide.
City staff previously warned those changes could have ripple effects, including limiting new rentals in some neighborhoods while opening the door to additional units in others.
Residents raise concerns over housing and stability
Much of the meeting was dominated by public comment, with residents raising concerns about the
impact of short-term rentals on housing availability and quality of life.
Jeff Hamrick pointed to what he described as a growing imbalance between short-term and longterm rentals, warning that the current trajectory could deepen an existing housing shortage.
“There are currently only 100 long-term rentals available in Beaufort, as opposed to over 250 shortterm rentals,” Hamrick said, adding that workforce housing is already under pressure.
Others warned that without limits, Beaufort risks becoming a place where people visit but cannot live, as rising costs continue to push residents out.
Debate centers on fairness
A key point of contention was whether certain neighborhoods, particularly The Point, should be treated differently under the ordinance. Some residents argued that lifting restrictions in The Point would create problems where none currently exist.
“If it’s a problem, fix the problem where it is. Don’t create a problem where there’s not a problem,” one speaker said.
Others pushed back on
the idea of exemptions, arguing that applying different rules to different neighborhoods is inherently unfair.
Graham Trask, who has been active in discussions surrounding the ordinance, said the issue should be addressed on a citywide basis rather than focusing on individual neighborhoods.
“Short term rentals are a problem for every neighborhood,” Trask said, arguing that the city should adopt consistent limits across all zoning districts.
In discussing potential approaches, Trask pointed to nearby Port Royal, which has implemented a moratorium on short-term rentals, as an example of how other municipalities have responded to similar concerns.
He also criticized the idea of exempting certain areas, including The Point, while others face restrictions.
“Exempting The Point is not tenable when you have other very historic neighborhoods that feel the same pressure,” Trask said.
Council explains intent behind changes
Council member Josh Scalleti said the recent changes were not intend-
Man arrested in connection with string of burglaries
Staff reports
A Burton man was arrested last week in connection with a series of residential burglaries that occurred earlier this year in northern Beaufort County.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office arrested Dante Doray Capers, 27 on Wednesday, March 25 2026, in connection to the break-ins. He was taken into custody on four counts of burglary, 1st degree. The charges stem from an investigation into multiple burglaries
Surprises from page A1
that took place over a three-day period from Jan. 31 through Feb. 2, 2026. During that time, at least nine homes were broken into in areas ranging from Lady’s Island to St. Helena Island. In each case, suspects unlawfully entered the residences, rummaged through personal property, and caused damage. Items reported stolen include liquor, power tools, firearms, and other valuables. Surveillance footage from several of the affected homes captured
Democrat Alphonso Small Jr., a member of the Beaufort County Board of Education, is his party’s nominee. The general election is Nov. 3
In other local races:
Republican incumbent David Cadd will face Democrat Carletha Frazier in the general election on Nov. 3
Republican incumbent Maria Walls will face Democrat Scott Songer in the general election.
Republican incumbent Heath-
images of the suspects, which assisted investigators in advancing the case. This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and additional charges are likely.
Anyone with information related to these burglaries is encouraged to contact the investigator, Cpl. Phillips, at 843-2553430. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County via the P3 Tips app, online at TipsBFT.com or by calling 844-TIPSBFT.
er Galvin is running unopposed for Probate Judge.
Republican incumbent David Bartholomew is running unopposed the Beaufort County Council District 2 seat.
Republican’s Michael Anderson and Thomas A. Grygowski will face off in the June 9 primary to take the County Council District 4 seat of the retiring Alice Howard, the County Council Chair. For the County Council District 5 seat, Republicans Joshua Hower, Joe Maiorano, and Mary Jeans Otto will face off in the June 9 primary. The winner will take on Democrat
ed to expand short-term rentals, but to correct what he described as uneven policies that have affected some neighborhoods more than others.
“I feel like as policymakers that represent an entire city, it is our job to pass fair and flat policies that’s in the best interest of the entire city,” Scalleti said.
Scalleti said his initial concern with the ordinance stemmed from complaints in neighborhoods such as the Northwest Quadrant, where residents said shortterm rentals had become concentrated and altered the character of the area.
He said earlier versions of the ordinance included exemptions that allowed some neighborhoods to exceed the 6% cap, while others remained restricted.
“I feel like it was a mistake for the city to allow for an exemption to the 6% cap,” Scalleti said, adding that similar carve outs should not continue.
At the same time, Scalleti said he does not support expanding short-term rentals, and that the council’s goal has been to better regulate and ultimately reduce their number.
“That is the exact opposite of what this council is advocating for,” he said.
Council weighs competing priorities
Other council members emphasized the difficulty of balancing neighborhood concerns with the need for clear and consistent policy.
Mayor Phil Cromer said the issue has been under discussion for years and remains complex, with no single solution that satisfies all sides. Cromer noted that while residents have raised valid concerns about neighborhood impacts, the city must also ensure that any ordinance is enforceable and applied consistently.
Council member Mike McFee raised questions about how the proposed changes would work in practice, particularly as they relate to definitions and implementation, noting that unclear language could create unintended consequences.
Council member Mitch Mitchell echoed concerns about maintaining balance, emphasizing the need to protect neighborhood character while also considering property rights and the broader impact on the city.
Questions remain unresolved
Council did not take action during the work session, and several key ques-
tions remain unresolved.
Among them are how to apply the 6% cap consistently, how to define what qualifies as a short-term rental for that cap, and how to balance neighborhood specific concerns with a citywide policy. As one speaker noted, even basic elements of the ordinance remain unclear.
“We can’t agree even on the numerator and the denominator as to how 6% might apply,” the speaker said.
What happens next Further discussion is expected as council works to refine the ordinance ahead of a future vote. For now, the debate reflects a larger question facing Beaufort, how to manage growth without losing the people and neighborhoods that define the city. As residents and officials continue to weigh competing priorities, the outcome will shape not just how short-term rentals are regulated, but what Beaufort looks like in the years ahead.
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.
3 displaced, 4 dogs rescued in Grays Hill fire
Staff reports On Friday afternoon, March 27, the Burton Fire District, MCAS Fire and Emergency Services, Beaufort County EMS and Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported house fire in the Grays Hill community of Beaufort County.
Just before 3 p.m., emergency crews responded to a reported house fire on Carolina Avenue in Grays Hill. Firefighters arrived to a single-story home with smoke coming from the home. Firefighters quickly brought the fire under control confining damages to the kitchen area and rescuing four dogs in the process.
Lynn Gerson in the Nov. 3 general election.
Republican incumbent Tab Tabernick, the County Council Vice Chair, will face Democrat Carolyn Fournier in the race for the County Council District 6 seat.
Republican incumbent Paula Brown will face Kraig Gordon in the June 9 primary, and the winner will take on Democrat Bill Beltz for the County Council District 8 seat in the general election.
Republican incumbent Mark Lawson will face Beth Gillespie in the June 9 primary, and the winner will take on Demo-
No injuries were reported; however, three adults were displaced. Red Cross is assisting. Bruce K. Smalls was briefly closed while fire crews operated. The cause of the fire was cooking.
crat Jannine Mutterer for the County Council District 9 seat in the general election.
Republican John Casey will face Democrat Travis Ludwig-Hodges in the general election for the County Council District 10 seat.
Republican incumbent Tommy Reitz will face Elizabeth Libby Galloway-Dextraze in the June 9 primary for the County Council District 11 seat.
Democratic incumbent Micahel Rivers will face Shannon N. DeLoach in the June 9 primary, and the winner will take on Republican Shelley Gay Yuhas for the State House
District 121 seat. Republican incumbent Shannon Erickson will face Democrat Shauna Bishop
Emergency crews responded to a house fire on Friday, March 27, that displaced three people in Grays Hill.
Photo courtesy of the Burton Fire District
Beaufort/Port Royal’s newest fire truck has mechanical issue
By Mike McCombs The Island News
The City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department’s newest fire truck had a hiccup on Friday, March 27
While responding to a motor vehicle crash just before 12:30 p.m., at the intersection of Ribaut and Allison roads in the vicinity of Beaufort Memorial Hospital, the truck, just acquired in February, had a mechanical issue.
According to Deputy Chief Ross Vezin, this issue was “just an air line maintenance issue. It happened. They just stopped it where it was. The crew was able to work on scene to get it repaired and then back to the station.”
A second Beaufort/Port Royal fire truck was on scene, as were two Beaufort Police officers, who helped with traffic flow at the intersection. The ladder was
of Port Royal Fire Department’s newest ladder truck had a mechanical issue while responding to a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Ribaut and Allison roads on Friday, March 27. Mike McCombs/The Island News
raised to allow the cab to be lifted so the crew could access the air line. “It’s like a new house,” Vezin said. “You find the quirks of them. It happened on
scene, and there was nothing we could do about it.”
Vezin said the Department “immediately put another ladder truck into service” in case it was needed.
According to the City of Beaufort/Town of Port Royal Fire Department’s social media, “Ladder 2, a 2025 Pierce Enforcer Aerial, suffered a mechanical failure today
while operating at a call for service. An air line ruptured causing the air brake system to lose pressure. When an air brake system loses pressure the brakes engage automatically as a safety mechanism. Without air pressure the brakes cannot be released.
“Thankful we have some of the best crews in the state and they were able to make a temporary repair to the air line to get the truck out of the road and back to Fire Station 2. Spartan Fire and Emergency Apparatus, our dealer and service center was contacted and immediately ordered the necessary parts to make repairs. The parts are expected to arrive next week. The truck will remain out of service until parts arrive and are installed.
“Since mechanical failures can happen at anytime, we also have a Reserve Lad-
der Truck that our crews will be operating in.”
The ladder truck has been repaired and is now back in service.
The City of Beaufort/ Town of Port Royal Fire Department welcomed its newest ladder truck with a traditional push-in ceremony on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026 The new $1.6 million truck features a 107-foot ladder and on-board crash response tools that are battery-powered and ready to operate as soon as firefighters arrive on scene. An individual custom build, the truck took the better part of two years from the time the City of Beaufort contracted for it until production was finished.
Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
Lowcountry Food Truck Festival returns to Port Royal
Staff reports In its eighth year of operation, the Lowcountry Food Truck Festival is back from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, April 4, in Port Royal, so bring your appetite.
The annual Lowcountry Food
Game
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seven Democrats vying to represent the coastal 1st Congressional District.
Sanford, who’s seeking his third stint in Congress, turned in his paperwork with less than two hours remaining in the two-week filing period. While other candidates have been running for months for the chance to replace U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, Sanford has the immediate advantage of name recognition.
Other last-day surprises for June primary ballots included state Democratic Party Chairman Trav Robertson, who is among two Democrats challenging GOP Treasurer Curtis Loftis.
This is Robertson’s first bid for office himself, though he’s been involved in party politics for decades. His experience includes working as a spokesman and assistant to the last Democrat to lead the state’s bank: the late Grady Patterson, who was defeated in 2006 after four decades in the job.
A seventh Republican entered the race Monday to replace Gov. Henry McMaster.
Jacqueline Hicks DuBose of Hartsville, who runs a cleaning company in the Pee Dee, joins Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, state Sen. Josh Kimbrell, Mace, U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, Isle of Palms
Truck Festival will feature 20 local food trucks, along with live music, more than 20 arts and crafts vendors, beer and wine, and bounce houses. The festival is open to the public with free admission. Come and enjoy foods ranging
businessman Rom Reddy, and Attorney General Alan Wilson on the GOP ballot for governor.
The first state GOP-organized debate in the race was set for Wednesday. It was unclear if DuBose would be a fifth person on the stage. Reddy and Evette aren’t participating, though Reddy says he’ll participate in the state party’s future debates.
1st Congressional District
The 10 Republicans who filed ahead of Sanford in the 1st Congressional District race, wide open because of Mace’s bid for governor, include four others with elected experience: a legislator and three county council members. None have the statewide name recognition of the two-term governor.
State Rep. Mark Smith of Daniel Island, who launched his bid last August, criticized Sanford as showing up “when it is politically convenient” and turning his back on Trump.
“Mark Sanford is back — not because the Lowcountry asked for him, but because he cannot give up the spotlight,” Smith said. Sanford did not respond to voicemail and text messages Monday from the S.C. Daily Gazette.
Known as a fiscal conservative, Sanford is expected to again focus on the nation’s debt, which has only grown since his first election to Congress in 1994
from Lowcountry seafood favorites, to Jamaican food, Filipino food, Tacos, BBQ, and more. Live music on the big stage at this year’s festival will be provided by Campfire Tyler starting at noon and Around the Fern starting at 4 p.m.
The mounting deficit is what Sanford, a long-time Trump critic, intended to spark a national debate about in 2019, during his short-lived presidential campaign that never got traction. But even the South Carolina GOP refused to hold a 2020 presidential primary, which Sanford protested by traveling the state with a cardboard cutout of Trump.
Smith also criticized Sanford as a “governor who went missing,” a reference to the scandal that forever gave new meaning to “hiking the Appalachian Trail.”
Sanford was considered a 2012 presidential contender until he disappeared for five days in 2009. Not knowing where he went, his spokesman told reporters that the governor, an outdoor enthusiast, was unreachable because he was on the trail.
Instead, as Sanford acknowledged at a Statehouse news conference when he returned, he was in Argentina visiting his mistress. Legislators voted to censure Sanford but declined calls to impeach him.
A crowded GOP field is what aided his remarkable comeback just two years after he left the Governor’s Mansion.
In 2013, Sanford won a 16way Republican primary to fill the vacancy created when then-Gov. Nikki Haley appointed Tim Scott to the U.S. Senate. He returned to Washington as the 1st District rep-
& 10:30
Lady’s Island Drive Pastor Steve Keeler (843) 525-0696
Food Trucks attending include: Golden Sun Filipino Cuisine, The Sno Bar, Food Savvy, Sweet Spice, Mother Smokin’ Good BBQ, Kona Ice of Hilton Head, Daskin Wagon, The Rusty Bucket, Royal Tasty Avenue, All About That Bean &
resentative after defeating Democrat Elizabeth Colbert Busch, the sister of late-night comedian Stephen Colbert. Sanford was re-elected twice before narrowly losing the 2018 GOP primary to then-state Rep. Katie Arrington, who received Trump’s endorsement. Democrat Joe Cunningham then won that November to flip the seat blue for a single term before Mace flipped it back red in 2020
Treasurer’s office
Loftis, first elected 16 years ago, has fought back efforts for his removal over a $1 8 billion accounting error that went unreported for a decade. Senators voted 33-8 last year to take the unusual step of ousting a statewide elected official. But the House declined to take up the issue.
A forensic accounting firm hired by the state ultimately found that all but $200 million of the mystery money was never real. No misspending was found.
Amid a grilling from senators, Loftis said in April 2024 that he would not seek another term. But he later reversed course and maintains he did nothing wrong.
Robertson, who worked for Patterson during his last two terms as treasurer, said he decided to challenge Loftis because “somebody needs to bring some type of financial stability back to the treasurer’s office,” which
Boba, Grillin Like a Villin, Will Yum’s, Tacos El Padrino, Keller Wood Fired Pizza, Bennett’s BBQ, The Big Cheese, Papa’s Kitchen, Golden’s Bar B Que, Chazito’s Latin Cuisine, and Philly Boyz Cheesesteaks.
he called “woefully mismanaged.”
Referring to Loftis, Robertson said, “He has one job, and he failed at that one job. If any CEO or CFO of a company managed their business like this, the stakeholders would fire him immediately.”
Robertson will face Vincent Coe of Florence in the Democratic primary. The longtime banker filed for the race two weeks ago.
In response, Loftis’ campaign consultant pointed out the treasurer is already the GOP winner, as no Republican filed to oppose the treasurer in the primary.
“Treasurer Loftis is thankful to once again be the Republican nominee,” Justin Evans said in a statement that did not address the treasurer’s Democratic opposition.
“He is grateful for the continued trust of South Carolina voters and looks forward to serving another four years as State Treasurer,” Evans said.
No Democrat has won statewide office in South Carolina since 2006
Both parties claim wins
Democrats celebrated Monday having a candidate on every ballot statewide. For the first time in more than 50 years, a Democrat is running for every statewide and federal office, as well as all 124 state House seats, said state Democratic Party Chair
Christale Spain.
A group of Democrats who call their initiative Comeback SC pointed out they need to flip six seats in the state House to break the GOP supermajority in the chamber.
The party “has succeeded in bringing in a groundswell of candidates and activists who represent a new day for our party and the beginning of a comeback,” the group said in a release. “Now we get to work breaking the Republican supermajority in November.”
The state Republican Party responded with a different set of figures: 464 GOP candidates will appear on June ballots for all offices, compared to 384 Democrats for their party’s nomination.
“The reason for that is the same as why so many people are leaving the Democrats behind: because the Republican Party represents the vast majority of voters in South Carolina and our shared conservative values,” Chairman Drew McKissick said in a Monday news release.
Adrian Ashford covers campaigns and elections for the SC Daily Gazette. Before moving to South Carolina, he covered faith and religion for The Dallas Morning News. He studied religion and politics at Harvard and wrote a thesis about evolving interpretations of the First Amendment. The S.C. Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
The City of Beaufort/Town
Beaufort/Port Royal Fire Department again offering Sparking Embers Bootcamp
Staff reports
The City of Beaufort/ Town of Port Royal Fire Department is once again offering an exclusive free opportunity for rising female high school students (freshmen through seniors).
Sparking Embers Fire Bootcamp is a hands-on training program designed to empower young women, build
confidence, and introduce potential careers in the fire service.
This is the second year of the program, according to Deputy Chief Ross Vezin, and it was highly successful last year.
“It was great,” Vezin said.
“Everybody really enjoyed, everybody learned a lot. We’re going to keep do-
ing it. Everybody will be CPR certified, learn some firefighter skills and learn about station life, and pick up some easy skills.
Vezin said there is no hard limit, but participants would likely be between 15 and 20
The event runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon, Monday through Thursday, June 22
to June 25 at Station No. 2 at 1120 Ribaut Road.
Participants will learn about CPR and first aid, firefighting techniques, auto extrication, life at the firehouse and leadership and community engagement.
Students who complete the program will graduate with a certificate from the command staff — an excit-
ing first step toward a career in the fire service.
All participants must complete their application fully and have their own transportation. A letter of recommendation from a current teacher is required
The application deadline is Friday, May 8 2026
Mail or drop-off applications to City of Beaufort/
Town of Port Royal Fire Department, Headquarters Fire Station, 135 Ribaut Road, Beaufort, S.C. 29902 – or email applications to rvezin@cityofbeaufort.org or thodges@cityofbeaufort.org. For any questions or to obtain an application, contact Deputy Fire Chief Ross Vezin at rvezin@cityofbeaufort.org.
Scales and Tails fishing tournament
INTEREST
SUBJECT TO A DEFICIENCY JUDGMENT AND PERSONAL LIABILITY FOR THE LIEN BEING FORECLOSED IF THE SALE OF YOUR TIMESHARE ESTATE RESULTING FROM THE JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE IS INSUFFICIENT TO SATISFY THE AMOUNT OF THE LIEN BEING FORECLOSED. FURTHERMORE, YOU ALSO MAY BE SUBJECT TO A PERSONAL MONEY JUDGMENT FOR THE COSTS AND ATTORNEY’S FEES INCURRED BY THE
LIENHOLDER IN THE JUDICIAL FORECLOSURE PROCEEDING IF THE COURT FINDS THAT THERE IS COMPLETE ABSENCE OF A JUSTIFIABLE ISSUE OF EITHER LAW OR FACT RAISED BY YOUR OBJECTIONS OR DEFENSES. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO CURE YOUR DEFAULT AT ANY TIME BEFORE THE SALE OF YOUR TIMESHARE ESTATE, BY PAYMENT OF ALL PAST DUE LOAN PAYMENTS OR ASSESSMENTS, ACCRUED INTEREST, LATE FEES, TAXES, AND ALL FEES AND COSTS INCURRED BY THE LIENHOLDER AND TRUSTEE, INCLUDING ATTORNEY’S FEES AND COSTS, IN CONNECTION WITH THE DEFAULT. Any response or inquiry should be made in writing to King Cunningham, LLC, Attn: Jeffrey W. King, Esq. who is serving as Trustee in this matter, at the following address: 1000 2nd Ave S, Ste 325, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582.
EXHIBIT “A” Owner(s), Address, TS Interest, Interval Control No. (Unit, Week, OEB), Deed BK/PG, MTG BK/PG, Default Amount, Costs, Attorney Fee, Total Amount Due, Per Diem; RAYANN AYMAN NASSER&ABDULMOHSAN AMEER ALOBAIDAN, 180801 N SUNITA AVE APT 1210, HIGHLAND VILLAGE, TX 75077, 0.0147723220820258%, U2204 -W38B, 4065/2209, 4065/2214, $25,743.04, $50.26, $450, $25,893.30, $9.17.; JULIUS QUINTIN MALLETTE&SHARON FREEMAN MALLETTE, 517 CRESTLINE BLVD, GREENVILLE, NC 27834, 0.0147723220820258%, U2202W47B, 3724/2518, 3724/2523, $15,585.72, $50.26, $450, $15,735.98, $7.49.; JAMES DAVID DELOOF&LORETTA ANN SANDORA-DELOOF, 1102 OTTAWAS LANE, EAST TAWAS, MI 48730, 0.0147723220820258%, U2405W9B, 4048/603, 4048/608, $25,606.03, $50.26, $450, $25,756.29, $7.51.; SHANNON ADRIANSE&RONALD ADRIANSE, 166 ROBBINS DR, FOREST CITY, NC 28043-9504, 0.0073861610410129%, U2405-W3E, 4197/812, 4197/818, $25,517.73, $50.26, $450, $25,667.99, $13.49.; MICHAEL J. SEILER JR&JENNIFER FULTZ SEILER, 1460 BRENTWOOD WAY, EARLYSVILLE, VA 22936, 0.0147723220820258%, U1202-W9B, 4338/1544, 4338/1549, $36,545.85,
private use, at 39 Golden Dock Rd, St. Helena Island, SC on Jenkins Creek. Comments will be received by the Bureau of Coastal Management 1911 Boundary Street Suite 104 Beaufort SC 29902, by April 8, 2026
NOTICE OF APPLICATION
Notice is hereby given that La Nopalera Downtown Beaufort intends to apply to the South Carolina Department of Revenue for a license and/or permit that will allow the sale and on-premises consumption of beer, wine, and/or liquor at 906 Port Republic St, Beaufort, SC 29902. To object to the issuance of this license and/or permit, you must submit Form ABL-20, postmarked no later than April 23, 2026. Submit protests online at MyDORWAY.dor.sc.gov, or email ABL@dor.sc.gov. NOTICE OF DEFAULT AND INTENT TO SELL
Name and address of Purchaser: SEE EXHIBIT A, A fee simple undivided ownership interest (SEE EXHIBIT A) in the Project as tenants(s) in common with the holders of other undivided interests in and to the timeshare property known as MBV VACATION SUITES, as established by that certain Declaration of Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions and Vacation Ownership Instrument for MBV Vacation Suites, recorded at Book 3406, Pages 1312- 1365, et seq., of the records of the R.O.D. Office for Beaufort County, South Carolina, as amended or supplemented (the “Declaration”), having Interval Control Number (SEE EXHIBIT A). You are currently in default under certain provisions for the mortgage referenced in Exhibit A. The total amount presently delinquent, with Attorney fees and costs is listed below in Exhibit A. As provided for in paragraph 4. of the aforementioned mortgage, the lien-holder has chosen to proceed with a non-judicial foreclosure procedure in accordance with Article 3 of Chapter 32 of Title 27 of the Code of Laws of South Carolina. PURSUANT TO SECTION 27-32325, S.C. CODE ANN., 1976, AS AMENDED, YOU ARE HEREBY ADVISED OF THE FOLLOWING: IF YOU FAIL TO CURE THE DEFAULT OR TAKE OTHER APPROPRIATE ACTION WITH REGARD TO THIS MATTER WITHIN THIRTY CALENDAR DAYS AFTER RECEIPT OF THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL RISK LOSING YOUR INTEREST IN THIS TIMESHARE ESTATE THROUGH A NONJUDICIAL FORECLOSURE PROCEDURE. HOWEVER, UNDER THE NONJUDICIAL PROCEDURE, YOU WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO A DEFICIENCY JUDGMENT OR PERSONAL LIABILITY FOR THE LIEN BEING FORECLOSED EVEN IF THE SALE OF YOUR TIMESHARE ESTATE RESULTING FROM THE NONJUDICIAL
Eleven-year-old Collin Carrick shows off his catch, an 11½-inch whiting, the first catch of the Junior Service League of Beaufort’s second annual Scales and Tails kids fishing tournament at The Sands boardwalk in Port Royal. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
Mount Pleasant’s Eloise Tumbleston, 2, came to Port Royal just for the Junior Service League of Beaufort’s second annual Scales and Tails kids fishing tournament on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at The Sands boardwalk in Port Royal. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
Beaufort’s Emily Zaptka sits in a piece of 3D chalk artwork during Chalk it Up! on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Beaufort. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
Annual Chalk It Up! wraps up a successful weekend
Mike McCombs The Island News
Members of the Beaufort High School National Honor Society were the local middle/high school winners of Chalk it Up! on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Beaufort, but anybody who came out knows that every artist who participated was a champion.
There was no grand champion this year as the artists who make the festival possible eschewed any prizes, instead choosing to ensure everyone who traveled to Beaufort got any help they needed.
Brittany Williams from Buford, Ga., and Beaufort’s Macey
Estrella pose for a photo next to the chalk artwork created by Williams at Chalk it Up! on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Beaufort. Williams’ artwork was inspired by Lacy Evans, a former WWE Wrestler and U.S. Marine known locally as Macey Estrella. When asked why she chose this as her artwork, Williams said, “It's one of my favorite things that inspire me, the women that get out there and put their bodies on the line, whether they are currently wrestling or former wrestlers. What better way to honor the festival that always takes care of the artist than by chalking somebody who's part of the community here.” Amber Hewitt/The Island News
“This year’s Chalk It Up was truly something special,” said Cherimie Crane Weatherford, Executive Director of the Freedman Arts District. “We welcomed a record crowd, and you could feel the energy the moment you stepped onto the street artists and community members connecting, young students proudly sharing their creativity, and visitors experiencing something joyful and unexpected. What stood out most was the sense of wonder. People of all ages were completely mesmerized, watching these incredible works of art come to life right before their eyes. It reminded us how powerful creativity can be, it brings people together, sparks conversation, and creates lasting memories.
and positivity.
“We also saw a meaningful impact across our downtown, with local businesses experiencing increased traffic and sales, which speaks to the importance of investing in arts and culture as an economic driver. More than anything, Chalk It Up! was a celebration of connection
“In a time when people are craving shared experiences, this event offered a moment of joy, inspiration, and community pride, and that’s exactly what the arts are meant to do.”
Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
USCB Center for the Arts presents
‘Always … Patsy Cline’
Staff reports
USCB Center for the Arts, located at 801 Carteret Street in Beaufort, will present the musical “Always … Patsy Cline” at 7:30 p.m., on Saturday, April 11; Friday, April 17; and Saturday, April 18; as well as at 3 p.m., Sundays, April 12 and April 19
“Always … Patsy Cline” is a heartfelt celebration of the legendary country songstress. From the moment Texas housewife Louise Seger (played by Melissa Florence) first heard Patsy Cline’s (played by Elaine O’Connell Lake) voice, she was hooked.
After quickly becoming Cline’s biggest fan, Louise was able to meet her idol before a show one surprising evening in Houston. That night sparked a deep friendship between the two wom-
en which continued through the years, writing letters to each other as Cline’s fame skyrocketed.
Years after Cline’s tragic death, Louise reminisces on their friendship and her love for the singer. Based on a true story, the musical features 23 of Patsy Cline’s greatest hits and a heartfelt, down home good time. Patsy [Lake] is backed up by The Bodacious Bobcats, whose members include Bruce Kimball on keyboard, Bob Higgins on guitar, Tom Cox on bass, Tim Belk and Dan Hodges on drums, and Elyse Stromer on fiddle.
Tickets are $35 for adults, $30 for seniors and military, and $20 for students and may be purchased online at USCBCenterForTheArts. com or by calling the CFA Box Office at 843-521-4145
WANT TO GO?
Who: Beaufort Theatre
Company
What: “Always … Patsy Cline”
When: 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 11; Friday, April 17; and Saturday, April 18 — and — 3 p.m., Sundays, April 12 and April 19.
Where: USCB Center for the Arts, 805 Carteret
Street, Beaufort
Tickets: $35 adult, $30 senior/military, $20 students
The USCB Center for the Arts is wheelchair accessible, with free parking next to the theater. For a complete listing of adult and children's events, visit us online at USCBCenterForTheArts. com.
“Always … Patsy Cline” is licensed by the family and estate of Patsy Cline.
By Justin Jarrett LowcoSports.com
Beaufort High’s Freeman named all-American
It’s been more than a month since Beaufort High wrestler Colton Freeman captured the Class 4A 215-pound state title, and now Freeman can add another line to his resume. Freeman represented Reverence Wrestling Club at NHSCA High School Nationals last weekend in Virginia Beach, Va., placing eighth in the Junior 220-pound division to claim all-America honors. He breezed through his first match, earning
a 23-5 technical fall over Lucas Norinder of New York, then recorded a 7-3 decision over Massachusetts’ Max Thomas.
That earned Freeman a quarterfinal matchup with Maximus Konopka of Connecticut, a multitime national champion and Virginia Tech commit, and although Freeman scored a takedown on Konopka, he couldn’t keep it up, losing by pin in the second period.
Freeman bounced back a day later to control Kenneth Hamilton of Virginia in a 10-1 major decision and clinch a top-eight finish.
A 6-1 loss to Pennsylvania’s Mark Feldman sent Freeman to the seventh-place bout, which he lost by third-period pin to Sawyer Ermigiotti of Pennsylvania.
Freeman captured the second state title of his career last month after winning a SCISA championship as an eighth-grader at Thomas Heyward. He missed his freshman season due to injury and was state runner-up as a sophomore before rolling through the 215-pound bracket this season.
16th annual Beaufort Twilight Run
With a time of 14.40, James Quattlebaum comes in first place overall in the 5K race and with a time of 47.59 also first place overall in the 10k race in the 16th annual Beaufort Twilight Run on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Habersham. Complete results can be found at https:// groundedrunning.com/content/results. Amber Hewitt/The Island News.
Daniel Hackenberger showed off both his speed and his style at the 16th annual Beaufort Twilight Run on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Habersham, crediting his fast finish, at least in part, to his standout shirt. Complete results can be found at https://groundedrunning.com/content/ results. Amber Hewitt/The Island News.
SCORES AND SCHEDULE
Colton Freeman
Battery Creek’s Talvin Peeples puts the ball in play against Hanahan on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Battery Creek High School. Battery Creek swept the doubleheader, 16-0 and 18-0. Amber Hewitt /The Island News
Battery Creek’s Stella Schubert pitches against Hanahan on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at Battery Creek High School. Hanahan won, 17-0. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
HEALTH
Could an Endometriosis Diet help you manage pain?
Special to The Island News
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, and an estimated 200 million women live with the condition worldwide.
What causes endometriosis is unknown, and it often goes undiagnosed. While there is no cure, research suggests that a special endometriosis diet may help manage pain and inflammation.
The uterus is lined with endometrial tissue. In endometriosis, similar tissue grows outside the uterus and throughout a woman’s pelvic cavity. In addition to painful periods, endometriosis can cause infertility and symptoms such as:
Bladder discomfort or urinary issues
Chronic pelvic and lower back pain
Fatigue
Gastrointestinal problems
Heavy bleeding or irregular
periods
Painful periods
Painful sex
“Because there is no cure for endometriosis, treatment focuses on managing symptoms,” said Dr. Tiffany Bersani, a board-certified OBGYN at Beaufort Memorial Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists. “Although medical treatments are often necessary, changes in diet can help women with endometriosis alleviate symptoms.”
Research has shown that changing your diet can:
Minimize pain — Oxidative stress, an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants,
can lead to pain. Women with endometriosis are more likely to have oxidative stress in their pelvic organs. Foods high in antioxidants can help counter oxidative stress.
Reduce inflammation — Endometriosis often causes chronic inflammation. Anti-inflammatory diets, particularly those rich in healthy fats found in fish and avocados, may help reduce symptoms associated with the disease.
“Since each woman with endometriosis experiences the disease
differently, no single diet is right for everyone,” Dr. Bersani said. “Before starting a new diet, it’s often helpful to speak with your OBGYN. We can help you identify which foods to eliminate and give you tips for gradually adding them back to see if symptoms return.”
Anti-inflammatory diets involve removing food groups and ingredients that cause inflammation throughout the body. Foods to avoid include:
Alcohol Caffeine
Fatty cuts of meat
Processed foods
Sugary beverages
The FODMAP diet eliminates fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAPs). These carbohydrates are poorly absorbed into the intestines and can cause gas and bloating.
A FODMAP diet typically requires the supervision of a health care provider. Some high FODMAP foods to avoid include:
Dairy Garlic
Onions, including shallots and spring onions
Pears, apples and stone fruits
Some sugar substitutes
Sweeteners that contain fructose, such as high fructose corn syrup and honey
Tips for starting an Endometriosis Diet
• Talk with a health care provider or OBGYN. Health care providers should oversee any dietary changes. They may also provide recommendations and guidance.
• Meet with a nutritionist or dietitian. These experts have the training and experience to explore how diet affects chronic illness. They can also ensure you get the nutrients you need as you eliminate certain foods from your diet. Keep a food journal. Writing down what you eat and drink every day helps establish dietary patterns and connect them to symptoms.
If you don’t want to adopt sig-
nificant dietary changes, you can still see if a healthier diet alleviates your symptoms. Start with eating healthy portions of the following foods:
Fruit — 1 5 to 2 cups of fruit or 100% fruit juice or 1/2 cup of dried fruit per day
Vegetables — 2 to 3 cups daily of raw or cooked vegetables. A serving can include 1 cup of cooked vegetables, 1 cup of 100% vegetable juice, and 2 cups of fresh vegetables or raw, leafy greens.
Whole grains — A 1-ounce serving of whole grains could be one slice of bread, 1/2 cup of cooked rice, pasta or cooked cereal. Aim for 5 to 8 ounces a day, depending on your age, making sure that half of those are whole grains.
• Healthy fats — Try to get 1 1 grams of omega-3 fatty acids per day, unless you are pregnant (pregnant women need 1 4 grams per day). These healthy fats exist in fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna and sardines; avocados; and plant oils, such as soybean and canola oils.
• Protein — Women need only 5 to 6 ounce-equivalents of protein per day. Aim for lean animal protein sources, such as chicken, turkey and fish, and protein from plants. An “ounce-equivalent” equals 1 ounce of meat, poultry or fish, 1 egg, 1/4 cup of cooked beans, 1 tablespoon of peanut butter, and 1/2 ounce of nuts or seeds.
Occupational therapy plays key role in supporting children with autism
Special to The Island News
April marks both Autism Awareness Month and Occupational Therapy Month — a fitting pairing, since occupational therapy (OT) is often an important component of care for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
ASD is a developmental condition that can affect communication, behavior and social interaction. To receive a diagnosis, a child typically shows challenges in three main areas: social interaction, communication and repetitive or restrictive patterns of behavior.
“Signs may be present as early as 16 to 18 months of age,” said Katie Pazur, OT, an occupational therapist at Beaufort Memorial HealthLink for Children. “They can include seeking or avoiding certain sensory experience – like reactions to different sounds, textures or movement – difficulty with imaginative or interactive play or strong interests in specific topics or parts of toys.”
Children with ASD may also display other characteristics, such as:
Speech and language delays
Difficulty with backand-forth conversations
Inconsistent eye contact
Limited use of gestures or facial expressions
Repeating words or phrases
A preference for routines or completing tasks in a particular, structured order
Closely inspecting objects or parts of objects
The importance of early screening
Screening for ASD can begin as early as 18 months.
Parents may complete the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revises (M-CHAT-R), a free online questionnaire, or speak with their child’s pediatrician about screening.
For children between 24 and 26 months, a healthcare provider may recommend the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers and Young Children (STAT), an interactive, play-based assessment.
Children who show potential signs of ASD during
screening are referred for a comprehensive diagnosis and evaluation. These assessments typically include observation during structured activities, caregiver interviews and standardized questionnaires. Occupational therapists with specialized training may be involved with both screening and diagnostic evaluations as a part of a child’s multidisciplinary care team.
“It’s important to identify and diagnose ASD at an early age when the brain is more malleable and the opportunity is greatest for learning new skills,” Pazur said. “While the brain can adapt at all stages of life, early childhood is the stage where it is most responsive to change.”
How occupational therapy fits in Early diagnosis allows children to access supportive services such as applied behavioral analysis, physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy.
Occupational therapists focus on helping individuals develop the skills
needed for everyday activities. For children, those activities include playing with peers, participating in school tasks and learning self-care skills.
“For children, ‘occupations’ can also include tasks like writing, using scissors, and activities like dressing, grooming and feeding themselves,” Pazur said.
“Pediatric occupational
therapists address these skills through fun, playbased activities.”
For older children and adults, occupational therapy may also address daily living tasks like bathing, dressing and grooming, as well as more complex responsibilities like managing finances, driving, shopping or organizing medications.
Because ASD can affect a
child’s ability to participate fully in everyday routines, occupational therapy often plays a key role in helping children build independence and confidence.
“Since ASD can interfere with a child’s ability to engage successfully in daily activities,” Pazur said, “occupational therapy can be vital for helping each child reach their full potential.”
Democracy doesn’t fear protest … dictators do
Time and time again, history has shown that protest works. In fact, it is no stretch to say that our nation was founded through and grounded in protest.
To give you an idea of when and how many protests of import have been carried out in our country, I did my research, and what I discovered took me by surprise. We, the people, have a history of making our displeasure and discontent known by showing up in person. Consider the saying, “History repeats itself,” something the current administration seems to have forgotten or chooses to ignore. Our history is rife with protest; we know that March 28 2026 was the third No Kings Day, the current movement decrying the actions of 47 and his minions.
What follows is a long list leading to this history-making event ... First, let me define protest.
It is, according to the Freedom Forum, “Two First Amendment freedoms that are the least known: freedom of assembly and freedom to petition. Freedom of assembly protects the right to gather peacefully. Freedom to petition protects the right to tell government officials without fear of punishment if you think a policy is good or want something to change. When people hold a protest, march or rally, they use
Ifreedom of assembly.”
One of the most famous protests historically is the Boston Tea Party, held Dec. 16 1773 American colonists were upset about British tax policies, particularly on tea. On that day, a group donned blankets, along with paint and feathers, to look like indigenous people. They went to the harbor and dumped the tea from a British ship into the water. Keep in mind there was no First Amendment yet.
The impact of this incident, however, was significant enough to influence the founding fathers when they wrote the Constitution.
Fast forward to March 3 1913
At that time, only nine states permitted women to vote; Alice Paul found that unacceptable, wanting voting rights for all women. A march was organized for Washington the day before President Woodrow Wilson would be sworn in.
On that day the police and military could not control the crowd, and there were injuries, causing
the police chief to resign. Six years later the 19th Amendment gave all women the right to vote.
Think about the assault on voting rights taking place today, 100-plus years later. Not a digression, dear reader, but rather a heads-up!
Of course many of us are of the generation of the Civil Rights Movement, myself included. The time from 1963 to 1965 was particularly heated, with marches in Alabama protesting to seek equal rights for Black Americans.
In March 1965, activists planned a march from Selma to Montgomery for voting rights. The governor said the march would not be permitted. Police at the Edmund Pettus Bridge beat the marchers. After footage was shown on TV, President Lyndon B. Johnson promised a voting rights bill. Two weeks later, protesters tried the march again; this time they had federal protection.
A national voting rights act became law that August.
The year 1967 saw growing opposition to the Vietnam War, especially among the counterculture movement. The National Mobilization Committee to End the War in Vietnam organized a protest march from the Lincoln Memorial to the Pentagon.
On the day of the march, music groups like Peter, Paul and Mary performed at the Lincoln Memorial. As the crowd marched toward
the Pentagon, police partially blocked the route. Protesters sat until the march could continue.
Popular opinion against the war continued to grow.
History does, indeed, repeat itself. Think Iran.
In January 1972, the Supreme Court ruled in Roe v. Wade that a Texas law banning most abortion violated a constitutional right to privacy. The landmark ruling made abortion legal nationwide. Catholic lawyer Nellie Gray was among the religious leaders who protested the decision. She organized the March for Life a year later in Washington, D.C.
The event sometimes generated counter protests from supporters of abortion access. Thanks to the First Amendment, people of all views did and still can assemble to share their messages.
The year 1990 saw a protest, the nature of which had never been seen before. Numerous disabled individuals, including an 8-year-old wheelchair-bound girl, dragged themselves up 83 steps to the Capitol building to bring about reform. These acts of courage resulted in the Disabilities Act.
March 24 2018 broguth The March for Our Lives. One million across the nation marched in support of gun control after many students from Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida were gunned down. These
protesters included those not yet old enough to vote but certainly old enough to exercise their first amendment right.
And so I return to last week’s protest. As I watched TV coverage later in the day, I was at once encouraged, and in one case, amused. The latter focused on a man wearing a light blue hat sporting MAGA. I’m not sure if he was as confused as 47 often appears to be, with the hat’s color, or if that was a message that went over my head. He seemed to be alone and hell-bent on antagonizing the other protesters. This was in West Palm Beach, Fla., interestingly enough.
On Saturday, the people of this country rose up in vast numbers to protest. Some 3,300 events (and an early estimate of 8 million people) protested the current administration and all it is doing to bring down our democracy. Make no mistake, the world watched, and some even contributed. It was Germany who surely recognizes the path we are on that flew a banner in Berlin stating, “We See You, We Are With You.”
I suspect last week’s protest will not be the last. It is, after all, the heart of our nation’s identity.
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.”
A lesson learned from an audit
t’s a good thing for accountants that I decided not to be one. Experiences that teach us what we shouldn’t do are as valuable as those that teach us what we should. I was an accountant for a time; enough to teach me I shouldn’t be one.
But I learned how to audit a scrap pile.
When I graduated from high school, I received an accounting scholarship to our community college from a local firm of Certified Public Accountants. The firm paid my tuition and provided part-time and summer employment.
In time, I was assigned to help the CPA’s with audits. One of those audits was of a local manufacturing firm that used scrap iron in its manufacturing process. The company had a scrap iron pile for which its accounts
Freflected a value. The CPA asked me how we could verify its validity. I replied that we could compare the in- and outscale receipts to determine the current weight of the pile, then determine the market price for that amount of material, or we could measure the dimensions of the pile and, using appropriate formulas, determine the weight and, from that, the corresponding value.
The CPA’s response was simple. “Follow me,” he
said. We headed outside to the factory yard, and there it was — the scrap pile. He looked at me, I looked at him — he nodded. Then we went back inside; he put a check mark next to the scrap pile’s stated value.
As simple as this scrappile audit technique is, it eludes many.
Consider the Flint, Mich., water disaster of a few years ago, where the people of Flint were subjected to lead-contaminated water because those in charge of its purification failed to properly treat it and ignored the complaints of the people forced to drink it.
It was a failure to look, to simply check the lead content. The consequence was a public health disaster. A failure that cost the State of Michigan, which had assumed responsibility for the city’s water supply,
$400 million in water line repair and $625 million in monetary damages, 80% of which went to lead-poisoned children. Remember Billi Sal Estes? This goes back a few years, too, but Billi was a born dealer in things that did not exist. He used tanks of stored fertilizer to secure substantial government-guaranteed loans, but no one looked to see if there was any fertilizer in those tanks. There wasn’t. I could fill pages with current administration positions that don’t hold water. To look only is to find the lack of substance.
I suspect your surmise is that the originator of this cunning, Look-to-See audit technique was some shrewd, sharp-eyed accountant, likely an accounting professor at a notable university.
Not so. It was wily old farmers who developed the method.
When a new barn needed to be built, the neighborhood farmers would gather together and select one of their own — usually an older, experienced fellow who could cipher. This old guy would cut a stout stick to a predetermined dimension. Thereafter, he would employ it to guide the barn’s creation. Many a fine barn with walls true and sound was built using this old stick method.
Occasionally, prankish youth would conspire to whittle a little off the old man’s stick. But their mischief-causing efforts invariably failed. Those old farmers knew to look — they never failed to look — to confirm that, before their day began, the dimensions of their stick was accurate.
Only after that affirmation did the new day’s work begin. Some folks maintain that problems won’t exist if you don’t go looking for them, and that you don’t need to go looking for problems said not to exist.
I can’t account for that, and neither can accountants.
Consider instead using the old Scrap Pile Audit Technique based on that tried and true Look-and-See methodology of barn-building farmers: Get yourself up, have a look around, then measure the stick.
Always measure your stick.
Doug Pugh is a retired judge from northern Michigan. He and his wife are wintering on Fripp Island and are pleased to be there. He can be reached at pughda@gmail.com.
Resurrection ferns, resurrection grace
rom our back porch, we are blessed to see Resurrection ferns climbing up the mighty trunks of live oaks, cypresses and magnolias. They get their name from their "resurrection response." In dry weather, the native fern curls up brown to keep from losing moisture. Within less than an hour of rain, the fronds open up and turn vivid green. Non parasitic resurrection ferns do not rob trees of nutrients or water. They are harmless to the trees and simply use the branches as support structures. The ferns are epiphytes, or "air plants," and obtain moisture and nutrients from rain, dust and debris in the air rather than through the tree. We see that they can also be found on brick walls or pavements, so we know that they are using these as anchors only. They take their sustenance from the air we all breathe without sucking
energy from the host.
Because of their unique attributes, resurrection ferns were taken to space along with the space shuttle Discovery in 1997 to better understand nature from the perspective of space. The resurrection fern proved to be a fit space traveler, successfully "resurrecting" without gravity.
According to early accounts, European settlers and indigenous people of the Florida Seminole and Miccosukee tribes made a root mixture of the resurrection ferns to use in baths to treat
mental health issues. The humble resurrection fern reminds us that renewal is possible, when life turns challenging, when we feel unanchored, lacking in grounding, nourishment or gravity. By simply taking in a deep breath of the precious air we have been given, we become "Resurrection people."
In John 3:8, Christ tells the Pharisee Nicodemus, "The wind blows where it wills," or one cannot control or understand the source of the wind. The Holy Spirit works as freely and unpredictably as the wind to create spiritual rebirth in us. However, it grieves my soul that so many religious settings have been sites of humiliation and shame for people, especially children. I mourn that a place that taught a little child that they could go to college and succeed is the same place that tells them they are going to suffer and burn for who they love or who they marry. I grieve the private and public humiliations suffered by those whose truths and identities are dismissed from the pulpit. I grieve with those whose humanity, calling, or salvation is scrutinized by way of selective scriptural literalism. We can relate to the fern
curling up, turning brown, and feeling like our life is over.
As Resurrection people, we look past the time when life seems all but lost toward the grace of Holy Week. In all of his teachings, Christ lifted up the actions of love, justice, grace, humility, mercy, and compassion. He condemned violence, hard-heartedness, shame and social injustice.
We only have to consider the Easter grace of the Resurrection fern. As Apostle Paul, who once persecuted others then saw the light, says, “to make every effort to preserve the Unity of the Spirit in a bond of peace.” (Eph. 4:3). May the Spirit fill you with grace and the new life of resurrection this Easter season!
CAROL LUCAS
DOUGLAS PUGH
KEVIN DE L'AIGLE
VOICES
Editor’s Note: The opinions of our columnists in the Voices section are not necessarily the opinions of The Island
I despair at the silent hallways, darkened courtrooms
It is Tuesday, and I’m at Bricks Bar and Grill on Boundary Street.
Normally I would be sitting at the bar with a mushroom swiss burger; a Blue Moon beer; and an eye on the Cooking Channel. But today I’m in a booth with Charles B (Mike) Macloskie.
Mike Macloskie is a lawyer — a trial lawyer who often begins his working day saying, “Good Morning ladies and gentlemen of the jury.” Mike has been saying those words for the past 60 years.
Forty-five years ago I happened to be standing in the Beaufort County Courthouse — the old, cream-colored building that still stands at the corner Bay and Bladen streets — waiting for Macloskie to give his closing argument in the case of State of South Carolina vs. Clemmie Moultrie.
I was in that linoleum-tiled, spittoon-accessorized Courtroom — jampacked with spectators
who were following this trial —knowing Macloskie’s closing would be in the same rhetorical category as the (fictitious) Atticus Finch closing in “To Kill A Mockingbird.”
Would it be enough to turn this jury away from the death penalty?
Clemmie Moultrie was a 64-year-old Black man living in Walterboro, S.C. He lived in a ramshackle house that he believed he was buying. He made payments every month and was angered one day when several men showed up and began systematically removing his roof.
Moultrie threatened them with his Winchester
When people ask whether I am tough enough to run for public office, I find myself reflecting on the question itself. Would you ask a man the same question?
And then I consider something else: at this moment, was anyone else in this district willing to step forward and run on the Democratic ticket?
In Beaufort County, that choice is not always the easiest one. But public service is not about choosing the easy path. It is about choosing to serve — especially when it requires courage.
For more than 30 years, I have worked as a software project manager, leading diverse teams and delivering complex initiatives. Much of my career has been spent in male-dominated environments, where I learned
32/20 rifle and they retreated.
Thereafter the owner, a magistrate, side-stepped the normal eviction process issuing an arrest warrant. When the Sheriff’s deputies came swarming onto Moultrie’s property, the Black man opened fire killing a well-known, well-liked deputy named Stephen Breland.
I was not there when this happened, but newspaper accounts report hundreds of rounds were pumped into the house. Somehow Moultrie survived the tear gas and the lead-based broadside that effectively took down what remained of the dilapidated dwelling.
The lawyers in Walterboro did not want this trial in their small town believing this explosive issue that would lead to riots. They petitioned the Court to remove the case saying that Moultrie would not get a fair trial in Colleton County. And so the trial was
moved to our bluff-side courthouse on Bay Street. Mike had the obvious self-defense argument but was fighting the fact that Deputy Breland arrived on the scene with an arrest warrant issued by a sitting magistrate.
That magistrate could have used the eviction process that comes with written notices posted on one’s dwelling. And, of course, that process would have come with a hearing. But that was not done; the magistrate in question happened to own the house in question.
Macloskie’s motion to dismiss on basis of self defense was rejected by Judge Clyde Eltzroth. But the lawyer also made yet another motion based on the fact that Blacks had been historically under-represented on the grand juries in Colleton County.
Macloskie needed help and reached out to the Southern Poverty Law
Center in Atlanta. They responded by sending down a young lawyer, Dennis Balskie, who showed the Court that Blacks were under-represented on Colleton County grand juries by more than 12% between 1971 and 1977
But 12% was not enough — and would not be enough for the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals that would eventually uphold Eltzroth’s dismissal.
This meant that Macloskie would have to win with a Beaufort County jury. He would have to convince the mostly white jury that the death penalty was not warranted. And I can report he came within 2 jurors of acquittal; some of the jurors visibly sobbing as Mike made his closing. The dead-locked jury eventually settled on manslaughter; Judge Eltzroth awarding 30 years.
But if you want to watch a jury trial you had better hurry on down to the courthouse — one study in 2002
Am I tough enough?
early on that leadership requires preparation, resilience, and the ability to bring people together to achieve results.
Those lessons have shaped who I am.
But they are not the only experiences that define me. I have flown airplanes, completed a marathon, spent a year on my sailboat and walked the Camino de Santiago — twice. Each of those challenges required discipline, endurance,
and a willingness to keep moving forward, even when the path was difficult.
These experiences have taught me that toughness is not about appearances or rhetoric. It is about persistence, accountability, taking risks and commitment.
The real question facing voters, however, is not whether a candidate is tough enough.
It is what kind of leadership our community needs.
Across our district, I hear from neighbors who are concerned about rising costs, the future of our libraries and schools, and whether our infrastructure will keep pace with growth. I hear from friends who feel that their voices are not being heard and that public discourse has become more focused on division than on solutions.
TThese concerns are not partisan. They are shared by families and businesses across our community. Beaufort County has long been defined by a spirit of cooperation and service. We see it in how neighbors support one another and in how communities come together during times of need. Those same values should guide our representation.
I am running for the South Carolina House of Representatives, District 124, because I believe our community deserves leadership that reflects those principles — leadership that listens carefully, works collaboratively, and focuses on results.
This campaign is not about ideology or labels. It is about ensuring that every voice in our district is heard and that
found that cases reach a jury less that one percent of the time; and these rates are even lower today. In civil cases we have court required mediation as well as lengthy of pre-trial discovery (that tease-out the issues) and a growing distrust of juries who remain inscrutable in spite of experts and Artificial Intelligence. Today’s young lawyers lose out on the experience that comes with a full-blown, weeks-long jury trial. And, of course, judges also lose out on lessons learned in the heat and haze of head-on legal debate.
Jury trials were once a big part of small town entertainment and, of course, a staple of Southern fiction. Some, including myself, despair at the silent hallways and darkened courtrooms.
Scott Graber is a lawyer, novelist, veteran columnist and longtime resident of Port Royal. He can be reached at cscottgraber@gmail.com.
decisions are made with the full community in mind.
Public service is a responsibility. It requires not only strength, but also humility and a willingness to engage with differing perspectives. I believe I am prepared to meet that responsibility.
And I ask for your support. Bishop for US All. With gratitude, Shauna Bishop, P.O. Box 4274, Beaufort, S.C. 29903. Act blue URL: https://secure.actblue. com/donate/shauna-bishop-4usall.
Shauna Bishop and her husband, Huett, have lived in Beaufort County since 2014 They share their home with a German Shepherd named Ranger and two cats, Forrest and Jenny. She is a candidate for the South Carolina House of Representatives, District 124, on the Democratic ticket.
Beaufort Economic Development Corporation defies Beaufort County
he Beaufort Economic Development Corporation (BCEDC) spit in the face of Beaufort County Council at their March 26 2026, board meeting. Back in December 2025 County Council and even the BCEDC’s own board refused to fund a $1 6 million purchase for 10 overpriced acres on St. Helena for a “cultural arts center and entrepreneurial market.” The construction of the buildings themselves would have cost yet another $14 million dollars. However, unknown to the public and some Council members, the BCEDC director and board apparently schemed in secret to buy this land anyway, ignoring the County’s express wishes against it.
This flimflam involved re-routing $1 million dollars that the South Carolina Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Agency (SCPRT) specifically earmarked, and entrusted to, the BCEDC
for the purchase of vacant land for an arts center/market, conditioned on County Council’s approval. After the County voted against it because the land was overpriced, the BCEDC and its Board did an end-run of the decision by seemingly “laundering” the money through the Open Land Trust (OLT) on the sly. A maneuver like this is commonly referred to as a “straw man” or “pass through” transaction, so named because the entity which consummates the transaction is not the intended buyer (in this case, the buyer was supposed to be the BCEDC, not the
OLT). This subversive tactic may sidestep Council’s previous decision, although it’s unclear whether Council must still give final approval to yet another one of BCEDC’s circumventions.
The “brains” behind this underhanded ploy appear to be the BCEDC’s executive director, John O’Toole, and the County’s District 3 representative, York Glover, along with the sellers, one of whom is conveniently married to the vice chair of the OLT itself. What a cozy arrangement!
Recall during the land parcel rejection by County Council this past December, council members questioned the excessive $1 6 million-dollar ($160 000 per acre) price tag, far above comparable market prices on St. Helena. In his used car salesman way, O’Toole justified the excessive cost by providing an appraisal which erroneously asserted land prices on St. Helena were comparable to prices
along some of Northern Beaufort County’s most commercial, and therefore expensive, roadways.
It’s not clear if re-routing the money to the OLT is legal. The BCEDC and OLT apparently tried to enlist Tom Davis, District 46 S.C. Senator, to apparently not only represent them in Columbia toward SCPRT, but also for his firm, Harvey and Battey, to represent both the seller and the buyer on the transaction itself.
Colden Battey, who is both counsel and partial namesake at Harvey and Battey, is also on OLT’s board. It is now understood that both Senator Davis and Harvey and Battey are no longer involved in the transaction nor will Sen. Davis be involved in lobbing SCPRT on behalf of the BCEDC and OLT — good call!
All this gets us to the core issue: why is this particular parcel so important to O’Toole and Glover? Why would these two exert
so much time, energy and machinations to spend your money, well over market value at that, for a single parcel of land, while openly defying County Council in the process?
It also begs the question how the original need on St. Helena for a $3 million dollar community center, to include land and buildings, morphed into a $14 million-dollar cultural arts center and entrepreneurial market. A million dollars would have gone a long way to fund the former community center, while it is just a drop in the bucket for a bloated, questionable $14 million-dollar project.
The role of the OLT also remains puzzling. Why agree to effectively intermediate a deal that has the appearance of “laundering” $1 million dollars for the BCEDC? The related party conflict between the seller parties and the OLT’s vice chair also raises speculation (and eyebrows).
While a community center on St. Helena is understandably needed, a $14 million-dollar taxpayer funded boondoggle to Glover is not. O’Toole and the BCEDC board, chaired by Joel Braun, an executive at Palmetto Rural Telephone Cooperative, seem prepared to play fast and loose to get this transaction done. It is hoped that County Council not only insists their legal counsel evaluate this scheme but also blocks it once again! Graham B. Trask
SCOTT GRABER
GRAHAM TRASK
SHAUNA BISHOP
Editor’s Note: The opinions of our columnists in the
Iran’s “Great Satan” strikes back
It appears that the latest fixation for the Perpetually Outraged is No Wars, funded by the same anti-United States billionaires who underwrite the No Kings inanity. The new target is what they have termed the “War on Iran.” These folks may believe that history began with their birth. I remember when Iran declared war on us.
Throughout my life, there have been wars and rumors of wars. I was born during the Korean conflict and spent my teenage years watching Vietnam on the evening news. There were terrible threats, too. I remember my mother, who lost her first husband in World War II, watching television during the Cuban Missile Crisis, clutching her rosary, with tears trickling down her face.
Later, wars such as Panama and Grenada were small, contained. I was driving the 30 miles between remote classes and my home when reports of Desert Storm’s “shock and awe” first came over the radio. That seemed like the real deal, a big war. The first Gulf War ended quickly. It was declared a success although, at that time, the USA and allies stopped short of toppling Saddam Hussein.
The response to the massacre of September 11 2001 was never-ending wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Twenty years of conflict wore out more than those beleaguered nations. The resulting American reticence to engage in forceful foreign policy led to decisions our enemies interpreted as weakness. They took our cash and laughed at American attempts to buy them off. Which leads me back to
1979, when a revolution in Iran deposed the Shah and ushered in a theocracy led by the Ayatollah Khomeini. The new Iranian regime and its followers screamed “Death to America!” We feared for the lives of 66 Americans hostages, most of whom were imprisoned for a year and a half.
This was only the beginning of a 47-year shadow war Iran has waged against the United States which it routinely calls “the great Satan.” We were more concerned with domestic issues and events in other nations than we were with Iran. We hardly noted that Iran was waging war through client organizations such as Hamas and Hezbollah, a Shia Islamist terrorist militia with a political wing. In 1982 Iran helped create Hezbollah with financing, training, and arms.
To think that Iran has not targeted Americans over the past four and one-half decades is foolhardy. Some of us remember the overwhelming sadness of an October Sunday in 1983 when a truck bomb loaded with the equivalent of 12,000 pounds of TNT penetrated the four-story cinder block Marine headquarters of a multinational peacekeeping force at Beirut International Airport. The massive blast killed 241 American military personnel. Sixty were injured. On the same morning, a car bomb
CancerSupport
killed 58 French peacekeepers in Beirut.
Hezbollah conducted the operation, but Iran directed it. The United States government kept this information secret for 20 years because it involved a grievous failure in our intelligence community.
According to a 2009 Heritage Foundation study of the Beirut bombing, the commanding officer of the Marine unit targeted by Hezbollah wrote: “Unknown to us at the time, the National Security Agency had made a diplomatic communications intercept on 26 September … in which the Iranian Intelligence Service provided explicit instructions to the Iranian ambassador in Damascus (a known terrorist) to attack the Marines at Beirut International Airport. The suicide attackers struck us 28 days later ... (www.heritage.org/ defense/commentary/the-1983marine-barracks-bombing-connecting-the-dots).
Osama bin Laden, mastermind of the 2001 attacks that killed more than 3 000 people, was inspired by the murderous explosion of the Beirut Marine Barracks. He viewed the United States as a “paper tiger” because troops were withdrawn from Lebanon a few months after the horrific bombing.
Hezbollah, using supplies provided by Iran, also killed 63 people including 17 Americans, in a 1983 suicide truck bombing of the American embassy in Beirut. In 1984, Hezbollah bombed a restaurant near the U.S. Air Force Base in Torrejon, Spain killing 18 U.S. servicemen and injuring 83 In 1996, Hezbollah steered a truck bombing at the U.S. portion of the Khobar Towers
housing complex in Saudi Arabia in which 19 American Air Force personnel were killed and 372 injured. This list includes only those attacks in which multiple Americans were killed; individual Americans have been killed in numerous Hezbollah operations.
With its oil money, Iran has functioned as the master puppeteer behind thousands of killings throughout the world including the Hamas massacre of Israelis in October 2023 and the January 2026 murder of 30,000 of its own citizens.
The shadow war became increasingly dangerous as Iran focused its treasure on a concealed program of uranium enrichment. Once discovered, international pressure forced Iran to shut down the program in 2003 under a Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. When the U.S. withdrew from that agreement in 2018, Iran began outwardly enriching uranium again. Iran said it needed to fuel its one operational nuclear power plant despite the world already having reached over-capacity of enriched uranium for power generation.
On June 12, 2025 the International Atomic Energy Agency declared Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations as it was producing highly enriched uranium (HEU). The next day, Israel began attacking Iranian nuclear enrichment sites. The United States blasted two underground nuclear bunkers near the end of June in Operation Midnight Hammer.
In October 2025, Iran officially declared that all restrictions on its nuclear program were void.
Despite Israeli attacks and Midnight Hammer, Iran signaled its
intention to produce highly enriched uranium which could lead to its having nuclear weapons.
For years, Democrat and Republican presidents have warned that if Iran develops highly enriched uranium that can be deployed on ballistic missiles, it will use them. They have cautioned that once Iran had enough HEU, it could launch nuclear attacks “in a matter of weeks.”
Reports suggested Iran had reached the 60% benchmark for enrichment. Enrichment at 20% qualifies as HEU, and weapons grade uranium is 90% uranium 235. The higher the percentage, the smaller the amount of HEU needed for a weapon.
There may be publicly unknown reasons why President Trump decided to attack Iran now, but it appears he believed Iran would continue its nuclear agenda. This threat from the regime that has never lessened its belligerence to the U.S. posed a grave enough hazard to justify launching Operation Epic Fury. Whether or not Iran has enough weapons-grade uranium to imminently attack is not the question. Is a small cancer tumor an imminent threat to a person’s health, or should the medical team wait until it is big enough to actually kill the patient? As it has proven for almost half a century, the Iranian regime is a cancer on the world, and the United States finally has a President with the resolve to excise it.
Louise Mathews retired from a career in community colleges, and before that, theater. A 13-year come-by in Beaufort, she has been a dingbatter in North Carolina and an upstater from New York.
LOUISE MATHEWS
LOCAL MILITARY
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, 3 April 2026
Recruit Training Regiment • Commanding Officer, Colonel A. P. Bariletti 3rd Recruit Training Battalion • Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel B. L. Tye Commander of Troops, Captain B. C. Dao • Parade Adjutant, Captain S. A. Carrol Company “I”, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion • Captain B. C. Dao Drill Master • Staff Sergeant M.D. Brodie, Staff Sergeant T. Washington
PLATOON 3016
Senior Drill Instructor
SSgt T. M. Gifford
PFC Alfaro, Kyle L.
PVT Amayagomez, Elijah D.
PVT Anderson, Hunter G.
PVT Ballesteros, Fernando D.
PVT Benitezosuna, Gregorio
PVT Benjamin, Micheal G.
PVT Blackman Jr, Javan A.
PVT Burrows, Franklin D.
PVT Caffrey, Jakob D.
PVT Castanedanieto, Giovanni
PFC Chen, Tony F.
PVT Clark, Donovan
PVT Coronaavila, Angel E.
PFC Current, Luke A.
PFC Delahaye, Andres D.
PFC Edwards, Skyler R.
PFC Escobedo, Jacob T.
PVT Espinalhernandez, Jussiel J.*
PVT Farrdaly, Deshaun A.
PVT Freeman, Daryll T.
PVT Garaypazmino, Mathias S.
PVT Gibbs, Dillon L.
PFC Goossens, Tyler M.
PVT Goulette, William T.
PFC Hall, Bryce M.
PVT Henry, Ethen R.
PVT Hernandez, Edgar
PVT Hockaday Jr, Kyle D.
PVT Homoly, Nathan A.
PFC Izquierdo, Gabriel D.
PVT Johnson, Joseph T.
PVT Kelley, Spencer P.
PVT Kickery, Ty M.
PFC King, Jaron I.
PVT Len, Belswi
PVT Lewis Jr, Micheal A.
PFC Lomax, Devin D.*
PVT Lowery Ii, Andrew B.*
PVT Maynard, Gabriel M.
PVT Meza, Jacob D.
PVT Mikeff, Orion
PVT Molina, Armando
PVT Morton Iii, Michael B.
PVT Murphy, Jeremiah K.
PFC Oliver, Jaden X.
PFC Pena, Yuardyn L.
PFC Perez, Donald O.
PVT Reese, Benjamin C.
PVT Rogers, Jacobi Y.
PVT Sanchez, Fabio A.
PVT Santiago, Noah I.
PVT Schweitzer, James D.
PVT See, William J.
PVT Shelton, Harrison M.*
PVT Smigaj, Anthony I.
PVT Teresi, Carter D.*
PVT Terrazas, Alexis R.
PFC Thomas, Jaiden K.
PFC Tinklepaugh, Daniel L.
PVT Turner, Ashton T.
PVT Via, Ryan M.
PVT Ward, Ashton R.
PVT Winans, Jacob B.
PVT Wood, Keishun R.
PVT Wright, Andrew C.
PVT Wright, William A.
PVT Wyatt, Ahmari Z.
PVT Zaragozaortiz, Alexis L.
PLATOON 3017
Senior Drill Instructor
SSgt M. K. Carson
PFC Abramowicz, Robert C.
PVT Ashworth Jr, Jon P.*
PVT Averitt Jr, Chad L.
PVT Bailey, Zechariah K.
PFC Benson, Wyatt P.
PVT Bernadeau, Tony
PFC Brown, Andrew I.
PVT Brown, Jacobie M.
PVT Buford, Trevon A.*
PVT Casteel, Raymond J.
PVT Chilambe, Leonard O.
PVT Clark, Shawn*
PVT Clase, Jesus A.
PVT Collins, Tristen V.
PVT Costa, Jeremy D.
PVT Cregger Iii, Carter E.
PVT Cruz, Mauricio M.
PVT Dalton, Vashaun D.*
PFC Delva, Caleb M.
PVT Enamorado, Joseefrain
PVT Ferrier, Ian S.
PVT Fillingane, Matthew D.
PVT Fletcher, Hoquan L.
PVT Forbes, Aiden J.
PFC Friedle, Riley D.
PVT Gies, Connor W.*
PVT Gonzalez, Jeffrey J.
PVT Gonzalezcalmo, Levis D.
PVT Greene, Clayton L.
PVT Griffin, Alik T.
PVT Groves, Matthew C.
PVT Hagopitmartinez, Phoenix K.
PVT Hall, Julian L.
PVT Henderson, Joshua J.
PFC Hopkins, Jacob A.
PVT Howard, Benjamin N.
PVT Ishac, Allen M.
PVT Jackson, Sean T.
PFC Jacob, David M.
PVT Johnson, Zackary L.
PVT Jones, Festus K.
PVT Key, Jordan R.
PFC Lambright, Samuel M.
PVT Lavalley, Landon L.
PFC Lynch, Daniel M.
PVT Melendezpallens, Brian M.
PVT Melvin, Dylan T.
PVT Molina, Ronny A.
PVT Mruzek, Brian A.
PVT Omary, Carson M.
PVT Pinson, Brennan M.
PFC Pursley, Wesley K.
PVT Retama, Gustavo A.
PFC Rowland, Ryne J.
PVT Sanchezalmirola, Michael A.
PVT Sebastian, Michael D.
PFC Silvarodriguez, Alexander M.
PVT Sosa, Angel A.
PVT Stewart, Ethan T.
PVT Stribling, Michael S.
PVT Theaux, Matthew A.
PVT Troja, Troy A.
PVT Tyus, Kalidyn T.
PVT Vicuna, Willem
PVT Watterman, Joshua D.
PVT Weverink, Dakota M.
PVT Whitley Jr, William S.
PVT Williams, Jaylen S.
PVT Williford, David L.
PLATOON 3018
Senior Drill Instructor
SSgt J. H. Sprouse
PVT Abdulrub Jr, Abdulaziz A.
PVT Ashmore, Matthew C.
PVT Atkins, William W.
PVT Basalduaromo, Miguelangel
PVT Brown, Nethanael B.
PVT Camacho, Omar
PVT Casteel, Bryce A.
PVT Cathule, Ederson
PFC Catule, Jshamar T.
PVT Chavez, Viggo L.
PVT Chery, Fritzneidjee M.
PVT Cossio, Aaron G.
PFC Couey, Riley M.
PFC Crymes, Jared T.
PVT Dada, Opeyemi Y.
PVT Danielhegg, Jonathan J.
PVT Davis, Jordin D.*
PVT Demirandamedeiros, Rafael
PVT Diaz, Michael A.
PVT Eller, Hoyt J.
PVT Frechette, Jordan I.
PVT Galvez, Nikolas S.
PVT Garulay, Gavin M.*
PVT Gibson, Andrew O.
PVT Gilmore, Caleb E*.
PVT Gomezorellana, Jonatan
PFC Gordon, Orville L.
PVT Hawthorne Jr, David L.
PVT Higgs, Joshua D.
PFC Joseph, Manace A.
PVT Kelleher, Mason T.
PVT Kressly, Peterson T.
PVT Kritski, Andrei
PVT Latham, Dalton M.
PFC Lewis, Zackery C.
PVT Marino, Giordano A.
PVT Mckinney, Damian R.
PVT Medina, Gabriel A.
PVT Mongetroche, Yariel A.
PVT Murphy, Jamere D.*
PVT Navarrocastro, Yomar A.
PFC Navas, Josue R.
PFC Nelson, Jewelius P.
PVT Nigro, Luca G.
PFC Oforikumi, Isaac
PFC Olivera, Daniel
PVT Orellana, George D.
PVT Pandolfini, Roy S.
PFC Pires, Thomas M.
PVT Porter, Lashaud J.
PVT Powers, Daemein M.
PFC Schmitt, Keith W.
PVT Spooner, Adrian C.
PVT Swimm, Jason S.
PVT Tiffin, Connor J.
PVT Torrescolon, Yisael Y.
PVT Toussaint, Joshua D.
PFC Troyani, Wilson T.
PVT Tuttle, Julian N.
PVT Uchigasaki, Yuzo
PVT Valcin, Kendre T.
PVT Vargasgonzalez, Abimael*
PVT Velasquez, Joel A.
PVT Velazquez, Diego I.
PVT Venable, Daniel C.
PVT Wild, Nathan J.
PVT Zammit, Julian A.
PLATOON 3020
Senior Drill Instructor Sgt D. A. Brown
PFC Albrecht, Samuel P.
PVT Angulo, Daniel A.
PFC Armstrong, Kruz J.
PVT Bailonalban, Harley S.
PVT Baker, Aidan R.
PVT Baretramirez, Breily
PFC Barrett, Raheem C.
PFC Bilardo, Louis R.*
PVT Bramlett, Aidan M.
PVT Capshaw, Gage L.
PFC Cederquist, Benjamin S.
PVT Chadwick, Michael A.
PVT Coimbratakana, Samuel
PVT Collier Jr, William A.
PVT Davis, Dawson O.
PVT Dean, Jacob P.
PVT Delaney, Joseph A.
PVT Diaz, Jordan G.
PVT Drake, Conner J.
PVT Forgy, Caelum M.
PFC Franco, Seth G.
PVT Frank, Shaun A.
PVT Fuentesgarnica, Gerardo D.
PVT George, Kayden D.
PVT Gillen, Liam E.
PVT Glover, Andrew M.
PVT Grant, Brenan R.
PVT Grogg, Dylan M.
PVT Harrison Jr, Joseph D.
PVT Hohman, Gavin M.
PVT Jackson, Mark C.
PVT Karas, Riley J.
PVT Kelley, Ryan A.
PVT Kleiman, Robert A.
PVT Lambert, Christofer E.
PVT Lindholm, Jack G.
PVT Lingenfelter, Alex J.*
PVT Marland, Timothy D.
PVT Martin, Gavin E.*
PVT Martinezcollado, Erick S.
PVT Martinezflores, Brandon D.
PVT Maryasz, Vincenzo L.
PFC Mason, Jamari M.
PVT Mcguigan, Connor J.
PVT Moralessanchez, Braden S.
PFC Paneto, Daniel J.
PVT Patzelt, Christopher R.
PVT Pickett, Nathaniel I.
PVT Powers, Kendall W.
PVT Ritter, Gaige S.
PVT Rivera, Abiezer M.
PVT Robinson, Jack B.
PFC Rodrigues, Michael L.
PVT Rutter, Jonathan O.
PVT Ryan Iv, Philip J.*
PVT Sanchezvelasco, Axel J.
PFC Scott, Caleb M.
PFC Sims, Zachary R.
PVT Singh, Manraj
PVT Smith, Peter R.
PVT Span, Ty B.
PVT Squiciari, Anthony S.*
PFC Stacey, Jacob C.
PVT Taylor, Owen J.
PFC Tepan, Jayce A.
PVT Tolliver, Ethan A.
PFC Vega Jr, Ray M.
PVT Walker, Evan D.
PLATOON 3021
Senior Drill Instructor
SSgt G. L. Jones
PVT Alcantaradiaz, Lisselott D.
PFC Alonsocornejo, Jollette M.
PFC Alvarenga, Samantha R.
PFC Amayachavez, Dayana Y.*
PFC Arrington, Carolyn G.
PVT Austria, Beverlyjane E.
PVT Aviles, Klarissa
PFC Bentley, Kiya S.
PVT Bishop, Karley A.
PVT Bowie, Triniti M.
PVT Britt, Hannah R.
PVT Cahoon, Makenzie M.
PFC Canoluna, Lidia
PVT Chamberlainyates, Gabrielle L.
PVT Crespo, Catherine A.
PFC Degraaf, Joanne
PVT Drew, Ava G.
PFC Elma, Michelle S.*
PVT Encinascastilleja, Katherine D.
PVT Garciacampos, Maria
PFC Gordonfrancis, Gianna A.*
PVT Henderson, Isabella C.
PFC Hernandezlora, Yeneisy
PFC Horner, Maura L.
PFC Johnson, Ziya Z.
PVT Keifman, Theresa L.
PVT Kihota, Bernadette L.
PVT Klouse, Alyssa D.
PFC Klugo, Zoie T.
PFC Lang, Zajariana G.
PVT Leslie, Lela K.
PVT Lopez, Alexandra R.
PFC Lopezsantana, Raimely J.
PFC Mazura, Alexis S.
LCPL Mccall, Lauren A. *
PVT Mcduffie, Martia D.
PVT Meregildomanuel, Magdalena
PFC Moralessamayoa, Emelyn
PVT Narcizonavarrete, Michelle G.
PFC Nelson, Erin L.*
PFC Nichols, Makayla G.
PVT Niebles, Valeri A.
PVT Nitschke, Yanna S.
PFC Ortizruiz, Stephanie
PVT Owens, Katelin P.
PVT Pachecozapata, Ashly M.
PVT Patlanrobles, Diana
PVT Pino, Arianna G.
PFC Pocono, Shelby R.
PFC Powers, Rebekah E.
PVT Quijada, Daniela
PVT Ramirezgarcia, Aly E.
PFC Rawls, Sophia A.
PVT Rendon, Krystene
PVT Rodgers, Kayleen S.
PVT Rodriguez, Nicole M.
PFC Sanmartin, Katherine M.
PVT Scott, Akeela N.
PVT Thomas, Trinity A.
PFC Tsinkoutakoutsing, Davy*
PFC Villegasolguin, Cristal A.
PFC Vondra, Margaret L.
PVT Warfield, Abbie M.
PVT Ynoa, Esmeralda
PVT Zelaya, Ashley G.
PLATOON 3022
Senior Drill Instructor
SSgt E. Martinezgarcia
PVT Ahenkora, Micheal O.
PVT Albright, Isaac
PFC Baires, Jeffrey A.
PVT Barr, Patrick T.
PVT Bravolarrazabal Jr, Jairo
PVT Brining, Wade W.
PVT Buck, Edward A.
PFC Castillo, Daniel E.
PVT Concha, Sebastian G.
PVT Dellorto, Matthew P.
PVT Dixon, Gabriel U.*
PFC Eilerman, Carter J.
PFC Elwood, Hunter W.
PVT Escalanterosales, Kevin E.
PVT Estremera, Gabriel A.
PFC Fahim, Shah M.
PFC Fontenot, Hayden M.
PFC Fromkin Jr, Norman
PFC Galicia, Vyctor F.
PVT Gappa, Matthew T.
PVT Garcia, Jean P.*
PVT Gomezsanchez, Daniel E.
PVT Grant, Collin L.
PVT Guskinromero, Branden M.
PVT Herbert, James J.
PVT Hernandez, Christian M.
PVT Hernandezhernandez, Denis J.
PVT Horner, Landen J.*
PVT Kamps, Noah R.
PVT Karle, Logan S.
PVT Katz, Joshua D.
PVT Lewis, Christopher J.
PVT Liang, Henghui
PFC Lignugaris, Griffin M.
PVT Lyons, Charles F.
PVT Mangosing Jr, Chad D.*
PVT Martinez, Christian D.
PVT Mcallister, William E.
PFC Milton, Eli T.
PFC Murray, Ian T.
PVT Padron, Diego
PVT Perdomo, Miguel D.
PVT Perez, Jonathan A.
PVT Rea, Jace A.
PVT Recker, Kayden M.
PVT Reyes, Bryan A.
PVT Rivera, Jonathan J.
PVT Rodrigues, Brandon D.
PVT Ruperto Jr, Joseph F.
PFC Ryvkin, Dylan
PVT Salaneck, Bladen
PVT Saracino, Gabriel V.
PVT Say, Tamlahtoo
PVT Selbert, Parker M.
PVT Shine, Nehemiah C.
PVT Simon, Andrew M.
PVT Stringer, Aidan B.*
PVT Talley, Ziheed J.
PVT Thakurdin, Dhanraj
PVT Torresfajardo, Luis A.
PVT Torressosa, Jhony A.
PVT Tucker, James M.
PVT Wolfe, Gavin W.
PVT Zambranovicario, Antonio J.
PVT Zitlexicotencatl, Javier K.
*Denotes Meritorious Promotion
IRON MIKE BIKE TOUR 2026
Helen Johnson, the sister of Medal of Honor recipient Ralph Johnson, lays a memorial wreath at the grave of her brother during the Vietnam Veterans Day ceremony held Saturday, March 28, at Beaufort National Cemetery. Johnson attended the ceremony with John Abney. Asa Aarons Smith/ The Island News
Medal of Honor recipient Maj. Gen. James Livingston, USMC (Ret.), served as guest speaker at the Vietnam War Veterans Day ceremony hosted by the Beaufort County Veterans Affairs Department on Saturday, March 28, at Beaufort National Cemetery. Asa Aarons Smith/The Island News
Members of the Young Marines serve up spaghetti dinners during The Marine Corps League annual Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at AmVets in Port Royal. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
A volunteer with the Parris Island Historical and Museum Society gives local cyclists from the Beaufort and the Port Royal area a brief introduction to the history of the Depot on Saturday, March 28, 2026, during the Iron Mike Bike Tour. The Parris Island Historical and Museum Society hosted the Iron Mike Bike Tour, allowing the local community to better understand the history of the depot. Cpl. Noelia Vazquez/USMC
Local cyclists from the Beaufort and the Port Royal area pedal their way around Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island on Saturday, March 28, 2026, during the Iron Mike Bike Tour. The Parris Island Historical and Museum Society hosted the Iron Mike Bike Tour, allowing the local community to better understand the history of the depot. Cpl. Noelia Vazquez/USMC
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