August 6 edition

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AUGUST 6-AUGUST 12, 2026

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COVERING BEAUFORT COUNTY

So what’s the problem?

Commentary: Will Beaufort County come clean about its own issues?

The general election in November could impact seven seats on the 11-member Beaufort County Council, with at least five new members guaranteed to take office.

Lolita Huckaby/The Island News

By Scott Graber and Lolita Huckaby The Island News or those who often travel north from the Lowcountry on I-95, they know Rocky Mount, N.C.’s Exit 138 signifies one is about halfway to Washington,

F

D.C. There is no reason to stop, or eat, unless one departs Beaufort around 8 a.m., and is now craving the vinegar-based barbecue available at Gardner’s. Some may even remember Bob Melton’s former barbecue place, hard by the Tar River, knowing that nothing will ever match the taste and texture of Melton’s “whole hog,” 18 hours-inthe-pit recipe.

In the late 1800s Rocky Mount, N.C., was a major hub for “open

auction” tobacco sales. When the town’s massive brick buildings were not being used to auction-off tobacco, entertainers like Count Basie and Kay Keyser played their music for thousands of well-heeled farmers and their dancing sons and daughters.

In addition to tobacco, Rocky Mount was where the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad repaired their huge, 2,000-horsepower engines.

SEE PROBLEM PAGE A3

PRIMARY 2026

Republican Senate candidates share visions to succeed Lindsey Graham Park officials, dignitaries and area residents were among those in attendance at the reopening of the Hunting Island Lighthouse on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

Amber Hewitt/File/The Island News

Republican U.S. Senate special primary candidates (top row, from left): Duke Buckner, Russell Fry, Darline Graham and Mark Lynch. (Bottom row, from left): Ralph Norman, Glenda Gail Parker, Mark Sanford and Sam Shepherd. Not pictured: Mark McBride, who did not participate in The Island News' candidate questionnaire.

Candidates agree the national debt is an urgent threat; divided on loyalty to Trump, Graham’s legacy and the federal government’s role in growth

By Delayna Earley The Island News outh Carolina voters will return to the polls Tuesday, Aug. 11 to choose a Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate seat held for more than two decades by Lindsey Graham, who died July 11 of a believed tear in his aorta. Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham’s sister, Darline Graham, to fill the seat through January 2027, and she is among the Republicans on the special primary ballot seeking the nomination for a full six-year term.

S

Twelve candidates filed for the special primary during the window that opened July 21 and closed July 29. The South Carolina Republican Party (SCGOP) certified nine of them; the party decertified Danny Ford II, Darius Mitchell and Clark Neilson. Mitchell and Neilson did not challenge their removal; Neilson had listed a North Carolina address on his filing, and the party said he did not meet the state’s residency requirement.

Ford, a Clemson farmer who ran for state commissioner of agriculture in June, sued the SCGOP and the State Election Commission after the party disqualified him under a new rule requiring candidates to have voted in two of the last three statewide Republican primaries. A Richland County judge sided with Ford on Aug. 4, ordering the SCGOP to certify him within 24 hours and the Election Commission to add his name to in-person and early voting ballots for Aug. 11.

Absentee and military ballots already mailed before the ruling will not include Ford’s name.

The case, and Ford’s status on the ballot, could still change before the primary.

Because of The Island News’ print deadline, this reporter reached out to Ford before the Aug. 4 ruling. He declined to participate in the questionnaire at that time, saying he wanted to wait until his legal challenge was resolved.

If no candidate clears 50% of the vote Aug. 11, the top two finishers will meet in an Aug. 25 runoff. The Republican nominee will face Democrat Annie Andrews, a Mount Pleasant pediatrician, in the Nov. 3 general election. Voters who cast ballots in June’s Democratic primary are not eligible to vote in the special Republican primary; voters who participated in the June Republican primary, or who sat out both, are eligible.

Celebrate National Lighthouse Day at Hunting Island

Friends of Hunting Island Friday, Aug. 7 is National Lighthouse Day, making this week an ideal time to plan a day trip to the historic landmark at Hunting Island State Park.

The Hunting Island Lighthouse officially reopened to the public on May 26, 2026, following a four-year restoration project. Visitors can once again climb its 167 steps and explore the historic landmark.

We invite everyone to share in its wonder and give this beacon of hope a big hug – especially this week.

The Friends of Hunting Island host talks at the complex every Tuesday.

SEE SENATE PAGE A5

SEE DAY PAGE A6

NEWS

NEWS

HEALTH

INSIDE

Beaufort shoppers urged to check freezers after recall.

Several hundred mourners said goodbye to US Sen. Lindsey Graham at SC Statehouse on Wednesday, July 29.

A crowd gathered to watch “The Art of Believing” documentary.

PAGE A4

PAGES A7

PAGE A11

News Education Voices Arts Military Directory

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LOWCOUNTRY LIFE & NEWS

PUBLISHER Margaret Evans

EDITORIAL/DESIGN Editor-in-Chief

Mike McCombs theislandnews@ gmail.com

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Justin Jarrett LowcoSports@ gmail.com

SALES/BUSINESS Advertising

Amanda Hanna

The Island News photographer Amber Hewitt captured this photo of children cooling down as the City of Beaufort/Port Royal Fire Department sprays them with water from the fire engine at Waters at Ribaut Apartments on Duke Street on Saturday, July 25.

843-343-8483 amanda@ lcweekly.com

VETERAN OF THE WEEK

Advertising

American Legion Beaufort Post 207 brings you Joseph Hampton, 76, who graduated from Robert Smalls High School in 1968 and was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1969. He attended Basic Training at Fort Jackson before being sent straight to Vietnam as an infantry soldier.

He was based at Chu Lai, Vietnam with most of his tour in the

OBITUARY Martha Conway

Sept. 26, 1935 – July 16, 2026 Burton

Martha Royette Conway, 90, passed quietly in her sleep on Thursday, July 16, 2026 in Beaufort, S.C., after an extended illness.

field in combat. He spent much time in fox holes protecting helicopter operations, including Medevac, and in artillery fire support. He earned the Combat Infantry Badge and the Bronze Star.

While there he was exposed to Agent Orange, later developing cancer causing him to lose his voice box and rendering him 100% disabled. He has been cancer-free

JOSEPH HAMPTON

for 31 years.

He separated in 1971 as a Specialist (E-4) during the draw-down and returned to Joseph Beaufort. He then Hampton spent more than 30 years as a carpenter building homes in Beaufort, Port Royal and Hilton Head.

He is a member of the American Legion and AMVETS. His wife, Margie, teaches at Lady’s Island Elementary.

– Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207.

For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.

Jere Russo JereRusso@ gmail.com

Advertising and Digital Strategy Sasha Horne Hirshout

sasha. theislandnews@ gmail.com

Accounting

April Ackerman

She was born in Excelsior Springs, Mo., on Sept. 26, 1935. She was married to Robert R. Conway who died in 2015. She was a resident of Burton, S.C. She is survived by her brother Bud Cowling, from Virginia Beach, Va., her son, Robert Dale Conway

and his wife from Nashville, Tenn., and her daughter, Gwen Frances Price from Beaufort, S.C. She had five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.

april@ aandbbookkeeping. com

OBITUARIES

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Billing questions only.

obituaries, including a photo, free of charge. Please contact theislandnews@gmail.com for more information.

NEWS BRIEFS the Plan’s remaining action items. sociation meets at 8 a.m., Tuesday, Street.

Beaufort County The form will be open until Aug. 7. Aug. 11, 2026, at the Beaufort ReRoessing, a practicing attorasking for input on Participants will be able to select altors’ Association Headquarters ney and university law professor 2040 Comprehensive which remaining actions are high- at 22 Kemmerlin Lane on Lady’s for more than 30 years, will speak est priority and provide input on Island. about “The Supreme Court in CriPlan Col. Baxley will discuss hurriBeaufort County is undergoing a 5-year update of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan, the document that guides the County’s activities.

Since its adoption in 2021, many of the Plan’s recommended action items have been completed.

As a part of the 5-year update, the plan’s remaining action items are reassessed and reprioritized for the next five years. To assist in this process, the County wants to hear from the public.

The County has opened a Comprehensive Plan Update form to gather input on how to prioritize

additional action items that should be prioritized.

To participate, simply visit https://bit.ly/45AgjL8. Instructions are provided.

BCSO’s Baxley to speak at August LIBPA Meeting

Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Col. Neil Baxley, who serves as Commander of the Emergency Management Division, will be the featured speaker when the Lady’s Island Business & Professional As-

THIS WEEK IN HISTORY

sis.” cane preparation. The public is At DeSales University, Savannah invited to stop by for coffee and Law School, Armstrong State, and conversation concerning the comthe Charleston School of Law, he munity. has taught courses in legal ethics, process, healthcare law, and Indivisible Beaufort legal the Supreme Court. He will share guest speaker to his insights regarding the shadow docket, the Texas redistricting address ‘Supreme case, the presidential immunity Court in crisis’ Charles (Chuck) Roessing will case, and the gutting of the Voting be the guest speaker when Indi- Rights Act. This event is free and open to visible Beaufort meets at 11 a.m., Saturday Aug. 15, at the Beaufort the public.

Downtown Library at 311 Scott — Staff reports

August 11

2019: The Island Packet and the Beaufort Gazette announce they are discontinuing their Saturday print edition.

1940: A Category 2 hurricane makes landfall at Beaufort. Winds of 104 mph strike Parris Island, destroying barracks and doing $1.5 million in damage to the Marine Recruit Depot. Recruit training continued at Quantico, Va., until repairs could be made. There were no serious injuries. Near the point of landfall, a total of 10.84 inches of rainfall fell at Beaufort within a 24-hour period.

2021: The City of Beaufort Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBOA) granted developer Dick Stewart and 303 Associates a code variance to allow the building of a three-story apartment building at the corner of Charles and Port Republic streets.

2021: Interim coach Cory Cottrell was promoted to permanent head coach for the USC Beaufort men’s and women’s golf teams.

2021: For a record fourth time, Rob Simmons won the Beaufort City Championship golf tournament at Fripp Island by 11 strokes – Compiled by Mike McCombs

CORRECTIONS

• In the July 30, 2026, edition of The Island News, Cori Talbert’s history with the Beaufort Water Festival was misstated. Talbert served as program coordinator for the 2026 Beaufort Water Festival and has volunteered with the festival since 2009.

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DISCLAIMER All content of The Island News, including articles, photos, editorial content, letters, art and advertisements, are copyrighted by The Island News and Island News Publishing, LLC, 2026, all rights reserved. The Island News encourages reader submissions via email to theislandnews@gmail.com. All content submitted is considered approved for publication by the owner unless otherwise stated. The Island News is designed to inform and entertain readers and all efforts for accuracy are made.

Guest columns do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The Island News, its publisher or editors. The Island News reserves the right to refuse to sell advertising space, or to publish information, for any business or activity the newspaper deems inappropriate for the publication.

NEWS

Problem from page A1

If you didn’t have a tobacco farm, you were lucky to have lifetime employment keeping the EMD E3 (501) operational and running between New York City and Miami.

But that’s in the past.

Lately Rocky Mount has not been doing well. Not at all.

A recent investigative piece in the Charleston Post and Courier on municipal corruption and incompetence featured the town of Rocky Mount for its cover story, as a “model of local government failure.”

The series, entitled “Townfall: Many South Carolina towns are broken, plagued by infighting, corruption and mismanagement,” actually focused on 70-plus municipalities in the Palmetto State as examples of what happens when there are no regular audits, no stringent oversight or experienced financial officers Luckily, Beaufort County nor any of its municipalities make this list.

But recently, Beaufort County Treasurer Maria Walls, herself an elected official, stood up at the May 26 County Council meeting and reminded the elected officials there had been eight county administrators, six chief financial officers, five deputy administrators and four county attorneys in the past nine years.

Shouldn’t that have been a red flag something is wrong?

Walls, who was first elected in 2015 and is up for re-election this year, was using her time at the podium to justify her request for extra budget increases for her staff, a request she even-

tually won. But to reach her goal, she also argued that administrative instability is creating problems for the government operation.

The current council knows very well about Walls’ accusations of “instability” since for at least the past four years they’ve spent hours and hours behind closed doors, with their various attorneys talking about personnel issues dealing with administrative staff.

Administrator Michael Moore, a former naval aviator with extensive military experience, started work for Beaufort County in July 2024 after almost four years as assistant county administrator in York County, S.C. He inherited the administration of Eric Greenway, who was fired by the County Council in June 2023 after two years in the top position and months of whistle-blowers’ accusations.

There is the ongoing investigation into possible wrongdoing during the Greenway administration, which has not been concluded by the state Attorney General’s office.

The AG’s involvement came at the request of the state’s Public Integrity Unit under the First and 14th District Solicitors’offices.

And in December 2025, the County Council voted to hire the outside firm Bettis Law Group of Columbia, S.C. to determine where staff leaks were coming from. No individuals were identified but procedural changes to employee handbook were made.

Earlier this month after meeting for several hours in closed session, the council unanimously voted to hire an outside firm to review the operations of departments and personnel overseen by Moore.

This comes as, two months ago, in the middle of the FY 2027 budget discussions, Chief Financial Officer Pinky Harriott, who was promoted from budget director in November 2024, left. No explanation has been offered as to whether she left or was fired.

This all with the guidance of the council’s own law firm, Howell, Gibson and Hughes, which they agreed to hire earlier this year in addition to the county’s in-house three-lawyer legal department.

Since CFO Harriott left, the council has continued to meet in closed session “to discuss matters covered by attorney-client privilege and to discuss issues related to the employment of a person regulated by the council.”

All from County Council members who often use the word “transparency” and their desire for such; but still hire outside law firms and still use “attorney-client privilege” that keeps its citizens from knowing the exact nature of the problem plaguing Council.

So what’s the problem?

One speculation as to the cause of this “instability” charge most recently leveled

by Treasurer Walls is that part of the problem running through the entire county operation is a top-heavy administration, several of whom have been with the organization for some time, accustomed to running their departments “their way.”

Employee morale, according to some, is at a rockbottom-of-the-barrel low, which never leads to good operations.

Word is that Administrator Moore was brought in by the council to make changes, to “clean house.”

But because apparently that hasn’t happened, at

least not to the satisfaction of some council members, Moore himself may be on the hot spot with this latest “outside” study.

The results of this study are reportedly expected in the next 10 days, and with an election coming up in three months.

That election, impacting seven seats on the 11-member council, may well change the arithmetic of any solution. At this writing two members have already lost their seats in primaries and three others have chosen not to run again.

All of which means five members of County Council will be new to these internal problems.

But will the results of the new study be made public?

Will the County debate the changes in public?

When will the public be made aware of extent of the problems?

And all this is taking place as county voters – again, those paying the bills – will be asked in November to support a one percent sales tax designed to raise up to $780 million over a nine-year period for road improvements.

One thing for sure, Beaufort County voters rejected a one percent transportation sales tax two years ago, largely because they said

significant projects outlined in the 2018 sales tax referendum had not been accomplished.

Recently Charleston County Council agreed to put a half-percent sales tax referendum on their November ballot. Among their list of projects to be funded was the extension of an existing floodwall to protect the downtown Charleston Peninsula from rising waters.

The floodwall is the kind of tangible, touchable project that appeals to many voters. It’s the kind of project Beaufort County planners and engineers need to be able to point to if they hope to win voter support for road improvements that are obviously needed.

Beaufort County Council needs to tread lightly in the next few weeks with this latest “study” and how it is handled. In January, when the next County Council is sworn in and a new chairman and vice-chair will be selected to steer this merry group of 11, will there be “change?”

There will be a new sheriff, for sure, with P.J. Tanner handling over the law enforcement reins after 28 years with a department grown to 245 sworn deputies and a budget of $32 million.

At the moment the

Beaufort County Council members are spending a lot of time in closed door meetings and not saying much publicly, keeping their proverbial cards close to their chest.

Their response, as well as that of the voters, may be, a part of the national anti-government sentiment which seems to be in full flower across the country.

While Beaufort County is not on that list of South Carolina local governments deemed a “failure,” it’s hard to imagine voters giving these elected officials another sales-tax penny earmarked for needed road and intersection improvements in this corner of the Lowcountry.

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

Lolita Huckaby Watson is a community volunteer and newspaper columnist. In her former role as a reporter with The Beaufort Gazette, The Savannah Morning News, Bluffton Today and Beaufort Today, she prided herself in trying to stay neutral and unbiased. As a columnist, these are her opinions. Her goal is to be factual but opinionated, based on her own observations. Feel free to contact her at bftbay@gmail.com.

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AUGUST 6-AUGUST 12, 2026

A3

NEWS

Some businesses feel the pinch as Paris Avenue streetscape project moves forward First phase of $16 million project progressing on schedule

By Delayna Earley The Island News Construction crews have spent months reshaping Paris Avenue, Port Royal’s main street, as the town works through the first phase of what officials call the biggest capital project in the town’s history.

Work underway on first phase Work began in mid-March with a Joco Construction backhoe tearing up pavement near the town’s gateway at the Cypress Wetlands. The first phase, budgeted at roughly $1.6 million, stretches from Parker’s to the Helena House assisted living facility and was expected to take about six months to complete. It is the opening piece of a $16 million overhaul of the corridor, the largest project the town has ever undertaken, Town Manager Van Willis said.

The redesign will narrow an especially wide roadway, originally built to handle truck traffic, into a more pedestrian-friendly main street

better suited to today’s mix of restaurants, shops and foot traffic.

Where the work stands now In a July 27 update, the town said road grading and compaction work was continuing, with compaction testing underway that week ahead of the road base being placed. Curb installation was also progressing, with forming expected to wrap up during the week of July 27 after the first concrete truck arrived on site July 23.

Crews were also installing conduit for new street lighting as of late July. The Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority was scheduled to relocate a fire hydrant during the week of July 27, and the town said it continues to coordinate with Southern Palmetto on installing irrigation conduit. Savannah Hardscapes was scheduled to begin work during the week of August 3.

“While construction may result in temporary inconveniences, these upgrades will enhance the safety, appearance, and functionality of the area for residents, businesses, and visitors alike,” the town said in the update.

What the redesign includes Town officials have said the project will touch nearly every part of the corridor, including a full redo of curb and gutter, underground utilities, pavers, benches and trash cans. Design plans call for new “High Rise Live Oaks” and Fringe Trees to eventually line both sides of Paris Avenue for its full length, replacing palmettos currently planted in the medians and traffic islands.

Twenty-six new oaks are planned for the section near the Cypress Wetlands, joining existing pine and oak trees along that stretch, which will be bricked over as part of the redesign.

One of the more distinctive touches in the first phase is a 15-by-20-foot brick mosaic of local wildlife, including alligators, otters, snakes, turtles and wading birds, that will be embedded in a raised brick crosswalk in front of the Cypress Wetlands.

Travel lanes are also being narrowed to make room for wider, shaded plaza-like areas along the street, plus bike racks and signage directing cyclists to the Spanish Moss Trail, which is expected to eventually run along the southwestern side of the Port

Royal peninsula with a starting point on Paris Avenue.

Some businesses feeling the strain Not every business along the corridor has weathered the construction as smoothly as town officials describe.

Griddle & Grits, a restaurant on Paris Avenue, said in a series of Facebook posts in late July and early August that ongoing construction outside its doors has cut off customer access and sent sales into a sharp decline.

In a July 31 post, the restaurant told followers it has “been having a tough time these last few months,” and asked the community to keep supporting local businesses despite the disruption. The restaurant also announced it would close for two days, Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 4 and 5, while its sidewalk was torn out and replaced as part of the streetscape work.

Days later, in an Aug. 1 post, Griddle & Grits said the construction has made it “nearly impossible for customers to reach” the restaurant and that it is now on the verge of bankruptcy, citing rent, payroll and food costs it says it is struggling to cover. The restaurant, whose GoFundMe campaign

was organized by Blake Kennedy, had raised $2,310 toward a $6,000 goal as of early August.

Other nearby businesses have stepped in to help.

Blackstone’s Cafe, a Beaufort restaurant, said on Facebook it would share half its profits from sales on Aug. 4 and 5, the two days Griddle & Grits was closed, with the Port Royal restaurant. Owner Jake Higgins encouraged customers to support Griddle & Grits directly as well.

“Griddle & Grits is a great restaurant in Port Royal, owned and operated by great people who make delicious food and serve up a true Southern meal experience,” Higgins wrote.

What’s next Town officials have emphasized that businesses along Paris Avenue remain open throughout construction, despite lane shifts and periodic disruption. Willis pointed to a recent dinner at Frank’s Bistro as evidence the corridor is still drawing crowds.

The Paris Avenue work is one piece of a broader slate of infrastructure and economic development projects Port Royal has planned for 2026, including the rebuild of the

town’s historic shrimping dock and processing facility between Shell Ring and Fishcamp, continued planning for a public waterfront promenade along Battery Creek, and the recently completed sidewalk reconstruction near the Naval Hospital.

Willis said the town is also working with the Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority on a master plan to address septic-to-sewer conversions along Ribaut Road, and is preparing to launch an economic development study, funded by a grant from the Beaufort County Economic Development Corp., to identify what types of businesses would be a good fit for the town’s commercial corridors.

Town officials have not announced a timeline for the remaining phases of the Paris Avenue overhaul.

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.

Beaufort shoppers urged to check freezers

Publix recalls frozen GreenWise berries over possible E. coli contamination

By Delayna Earley The Island News Beaufort County residents who shop at Publix are being urged to check their freezers after the grocery chain announced a recall of selected GreenWise frozen berries because they may be contaminated with E. coli O145, a potentially dangerous strain of bacteria.

The recall affects all lots of GreenWise Organic Whole Blueberries and GreenWise

Organic Whole Mixed Berries in both 10-ounce and 48-ounce packages sold at Publix stores in eight states, including South Carolina. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the recall was expanded July 29 after a public health investigation linked the product to a multistate outbreak. The affected products were also shipped to stores in Alabama, Kentucky, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia and North Carolina.

As of the FDA’s latest update, 12 illnesses and four hospitalizations have been linked to the outbreak. No deaths have been reported. Most of the confirmed illnesses have

occurred in Florida, with one reported case in Georgia.

There have been no cases reported in South Carolina as of Sunday, Aug. 2.

The recalled products include all bags sold of the store’s organic brand frozen whole blueberries and whole mixed berries in both the 10-ounce and 48-ounce sized bags, regardless of lot number, and the FDA has advised that consumers should not eat the products, even if they appear normal or have already been frozen for an extended period.

Publix said it removed the berries from store shelves through an internal stop-sale

at the end of June, but many customers may still have them stored at home.

Anyone who purchased the recalled products should throw them away or return them to any Publix store for a full refund. They are are also encouraged to wash any items and surfaces that may have touched the berries using hot soapy water.

The recall applies to Publix locations throughout Beaufort County, including the stores at Beaufort Plaza on Robert Smalls Parkway and Lady’s Island, as well as nearby Publix locations in Bluffton and Hilton Head Island.

According to the CDC’s

website, E. coli O145 is a Shiga toxin-producing strain of bacteria that can cause severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting with symptoms beginning about three to four days after swallowing the bacteria. While most healthy adults typically recover within about a week with treatment, the infection can become much more serious for young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems. In some cases, it can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure that requires immediate medical attention.

Additional symptoms to look out for is a fever higher

than 102°F, diarrhea for more than three days with no improvement or bloody diarrhea, not being able to keep liquids down due to vomiting or dehydration. Anyone who develops symptoms after eating the recalled berries should contact a healthcare provider.

Customers with questions about the recall can also contact Publix Customer Care at 800-242-1227.

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.

LEGAL NOTICES PLACE YOUR LEGAL NOTICE HERE PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF BEAUFORT STATE ACCOMMODATIONS TAX GRANT APPLICATIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE Fiscal Year 2027 (2026-2027) State Accommodations Tax (ATAX) Grant Applications are now available for the City of Beaufort. Applications may be accessed on the City’s website under Government – Tourism Development Advisory Committee - at www.cityofbeaufort.org.

Mandatory Learn and Share Workshops: All potential applicants are required to attend one of the mandatory workshops. The City of Beaufort will hold mandatory workshops at the City of Beaufort, 1911 Boundary Street, 1st Floor, Community Development Conference Room.

• August 13, 10:30 AM: Workshop 1 • August 20, 2:00 PM: Workshop 2 • September 10, 4:00 PM: Applications Due • September 24, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM: Applicant Presentations to the Tourism Development Advisory Committee (TDAC) For questions and additional information contact the ATAX Administrator by email at atax@cityofbeaufort. org or by phone, (843) 525-7071.

V & E TOWING AND SERVICES LISTS OF PUBLIC NOTICE OF ABANDONED VEHICLE AUCTION If not claimed within 30 days vehicles will be sold at auction.

Please contact ads. theislandnews@gmail.com for more information on placing your legal notice in The Island News.

2003 Ford Mustang GT VIN 1FAFP42X43F375114 Nelson Jose Rivera Sabillon 2017 Ford F150 VIN 1FTEX1EP8HFB73142 Thomas Wiggins 2016 Ford Taurus VIN 1FAHP2F88GG109594 Taisa Lee Allen/Direct Source Fnding 2015 VW Passat VIN 1VWAT7A37FC012843 Jackson EsLeider Valle Prato/Titlemax of GA 2008 Ford F150 VIN 1FTRX12W08FA63053 Harley B Turner/Quality Elec Contracting 2022 Chrysler 300 VIN 2C3CCABG8NH221759 Cheryll E Clemmon, Ellis C Clemmons/South Carolina FCU 2014 VW Passat VIN 1VWBN7A34EC075329 Kelsy R Price/VW Credit INC 2011 Dodge Avenger VIN 1B3BD1FB0BN609608 Aniya J Russell NOTICE OF APPLICATION Notice is hereby given that The Kitchen intends to apply to the South Carolina Department of Revenue for a permit that will allow the sale and on-premises consumption of beer and wine at 136 Sea Island Parkway, Suite 5, Beaufort, SC 29907. To object to the issuance of this permit, submit an ABL-20 protest form by August 20, 2026. Submit the ABL-20 online at MyDORWAY.dor.sc.gov, or email ABL@dor.sc.gov.

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AUGUST 6-AUGUST 12, 2026

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES All persons having claims against the following estates, MUST file their claims on FORM #371 ES with the Probate court of Beaufort County, the address of which is 102 Ribaut Road, Beaufort, SC 29902, within eight (8) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice to Creditors or within one (1) year from date of death, whichever is earlier (SCPC 62-3-801, et seq.), or such persons shall be forever barred at to their claims. All claims are required to be presented in written statements on the prescribed form (FORM #371 ES) indicating the name and address of the claimant, the basis of the claim, the amount claimed, the date when the claim will become due, the nature of any uncertainty as to the claim, and a description of any security as to the claim.

DECEDENT

PERSONAL PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE REPRESENTATIVE

PUB. DATE PUB. DATE

PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

PUB. DATE

JosephBenedict Frank Anastasia Anita 05/17/2025 Date of Death: 4/4/2026 2025ES0700899 Case Number: 2026ES0700753

Elisa O’Connor Susan Fern Bender 16 William Drive, Ste.Suite 202 294 C/O 1533 FordingPope Island Road, Bluffton, SC Island, 29909 SC 29926 Hilton Head

08/21/2025 07/23/2026

Frederick RaySatterwhite Liles Robin Little Date of Death: 07/05/2025 5/13/2026 Case Number: 2025ES0700943 2026ES0700818

Melaine S. Smith Trent Landon Satterwhite C/O PO Box 1107 1209 S. Green River Road Beaufort,SCSC29341 29901 Gaffney,

08/28/2025 07/30/2026

Jerry Joseph DittleBernblum Daniel Benjamin 03/01/2025 Date of Death: 7/20/2025 2025ES0700903 Case Number: 2026ES0700768

Lori R.Alan Cullen Jack Bernblum 16 William C/O POST OFFICEPope BOX Drive, 2473 Ste. 202 Bluffton, SC 29909 Beaufort, 29901

08/21/2025 07/23/2026

Alan Michaelson; AlanS.Vance J. Michaelson MarkJoel Stuart Vance, AKAAKA Mark Date of Death: 06/29/2025 12/2/2025 Case Number: 2025ES0700944 2026ES0700807

CatherineD.Grubell Jonathan Vance 16 William PopeStreet Dr., Ste. 202 C/O 233 E. Graham Bluffton,NCSC28150 29909 Shelby,

08/28/2025 07/30/2026

MargueriteVan AnneRensselaer Ford Halsey Alexander 07/01/2025 Date of Death: 3/5/2026 2025ES0700906 Case Number: 2026ES0700752

MichaelHalsey Ralph Ford David PO Box C/O P.O. BOX5098 3885 Hilton Head Island, SC 29938 Bluffton, SC 29910

08/21/2025 07/23/2026

John Miracle; AKA John E. Miracle NelsonEdward I. Adelman Date of Death: 04/05/2025 2/25/2026 Case Number: 2025ES0700932 2026ES0700852

Geraldine Miracle Donna JoyG.Adelman C/OCougar PO BoxRun 5098 10 29938 Hilton Head Island, SC 29926

08/28/2025 08/06/2026

Anna Maria Barbara AnnWilhelmina Ligeikis La Haije 07/21/2025 Date of Death: 5/10/2026 2025ES0700892 Case Number: 2026ES0700774

Helma Franisca Cap Eric Ligeikis 17 Brams Point Rd.1023 C/O P.O. DRAWER Hilton Head Beaufort, SC Island, 29901 SC 29926

08/21/2025 07/23/2026

Raymond Pettersen BhartenduCarl Ramesh Desai Date of Death: 06/09/2025 6/11/2026 Case Number: 2025ES0700929 2026ES0700833

08/28/2025 08/06/2026

Rita Marie Judith CarolO’Brien Pedrotty Date of Death: 11/28/2025 07/25/2025 2025ES0700913 Case Number: 2025ES0701387

John M. O’Brien, Jr. Stephen D. Pedrotty C/OBosley PO Drawer 710 Road1107 Beaufort SC 29901 Hunt Valley, MD 21030

08/21/2025 07/23/2026

MarilynNanette Kolbe Olsen Letitia Ryan 05/30/2025 Date of Death: 2/1/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0700359 2025ES0700733

08/21/2025 07/23/2026

Robert A.Gloria Parham, Jr. Ramona Simmons 07/09/2025 Date of Death: 7/31/2023 2025ES0700912 Case Number: 2026ES0700762

Connie L.E. Olsen Charles Ryan 112 Street Executive Center 6C/O Dove 1Hilton Corpus Christi Place, Head Island, SC #112 29928 Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 V. AlexMichele Dorobantu Dana Bloodworth 1110BOX Pick8047 Pocket Plantation Dr. Ste. A C/O P.O. Beaufort, 29902 SC 29938 Hilton HeadSCIsland,

William Annette M. Roberson, Corinne BakerJr. 05/20/2025 Date of Death: 5/4/2026 2025ES0700645 Case Number: 2026ES0700800

Lacey L.Michelle Carrie KleinjanGodec C/OStonegate PO DrawerDrive 1023 23 Beaufort, 29901 SC 29926 Hilton HeadSCIsland,

08/21/2025 07/30/2026

Andrew June AnnGerard Beck Schiavone, III 06/09/2025 Date of Death: 4/26/2026 2025ES0700751 Case Number: 2026ES0700813

MelissaMarie M. Schiavone Adele Cooney PO Drawer 1107 C/O P.O. BOX 7906 Beaufort, 29901 SC 29928 Hilton HeadSCIsland,

08/21/2025 07/30/2026

Ronald C.Gene Robert Beck,Tune III 06/30/2025 Date of Death: 6/26/2026 2025ES0700914 Case Number: 2026ES0700811

RodneyMarie A. Schaake Adele Cooney PO Box C/O P.O. BOX22230 7906 29925 Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

08/21/2025 07/30/2026

Melva Jean SheltonBreen Wheeler James Langhorne 07/16/2025 Date of Death: 6/24/2026 2025ES0700893 Case Number: 2026ES0700796

Teresa Lynn Anthony Ann Elizabeth Harr PO Box C/O P.O. BOX7906 5098 Hilton Head Island, SC 29938

08/21/2025 07/30/2026

Charles Williams Kerri AnnFain Kolwicz 07/23/2025 Date of Death: 4/10/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0700814 2025ES0700889

Laura AnnHenry Richardson Thaddeus Kolwicz, Jr. 2662P.O. Broad Street6067 C/O DRAWER Beaufort, SC 29902 Hilton Head Island, SC 29938

08/21/2025 07/30/2026

DonaldXavier Simeon Zuidema; AKA Donald S. Zuidema Frank Land 04/29/2025 Date of Death: 6/18/2026 2025ES0700904 Case Number: 2026ES0700784

MarianneBridget Zuidema Michele Land-Hartman C/O 3404 1208 VerdeSalterbeck Farm RoadStreet, Ste. 204 Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466 Raleigh, NC 27603

08/21/2025 07/30/2026

PatriciaDarby Francis Crocco Anne Mobley 07/29/2025 Date of Death: 6/5/2026 2025ES0700931 Case Number: 2026ES0700812

John F.M.Crocco James Mixson PO Box 118Court 1310 Gatch Southport, 06890 Milford, OH CT 45150

08/28/2025 07/30/2026

Charles Gary JonOliver RiellyGolson III 09/28/2024 Date of Death: 6/2/2026 2024ES0701357 Case Number: 2026ES0700791

Nancy L.Joan Golson Jennifer Rielly C/O 16Trojan William Pope Dr., Ste. 202 1084 Horse Circle Bluffton, SCNC 29909 Fleetwood, 28626

08/28/2025 07/30/2026

Richard Donald Gassner Patricia Ann Wilson Date of Death: 5/19/2026 Date Death: 2026ES0700850 07/12/2025 Case of Number: Case Number: 2025ES0700916 David Edward Heiser, Sr. Mary Grey Boatwright Date of Death: 6/11/2026 Date Death: 2026ES0700838 08/04/2025 Case of Number: Case Number: 2025ES0700963 Ryan Matthew Hester Francis Brien; AKA Francis C. Brien Date ofCharles Death: 7/1/2026 Date Death: 2026ES0700828 07/11/2025 Case of Number: Case Number: 2025ES0700946 Wayne Edward Hills Arthur Emerson Date ofAndrew Death: 5/29/2026 Date Death: 2026ES0700785 07/27/2025 Case of Number: Case Number: 2025ES0700956 Emily M. Howard Ervin Fitzgerald Date ofGene Death: 12/31/2025 Date Death: 2026ES0700829 12/24/2024 Case of Number: Case Number: 2025ES0700948 Elender Hardin Barrett Jahde Robin Date ofRaines Death:Hoffer 2/9/2026 Date Death: 2026ES0700836 04/27/2025 Case of Number: Case Number: 2025ES0700964 Rosalyn Riddle Kolb Stanley M. Lawson Date of Death: 5/14/2026 Date Death: 2026ES0700839 06/21/2025 Case of Number: Case Number: 2025ES0700961 Samuel McGowan III Joe Lieser DateWilliam of Death: 6/18/2026 Date Death: 2026ES0700848 07/12/2025 Case of Number: Case Number: 2025ES0700857 Mary Kathryn Scanlin Date of Death: 2/3/2026 Larry Cecil Millender Case Number: 2026ES0700694 Date of Death: 02/19/2025 Case 2025ES0700974 SusanNumber: Anderson Wilson-Rich Date of Death: 6/24/2026 Suzanne Rekate2026ES0700834 Post Case Number: Date of Death: 07/21/2025 Case Number: 2025ES0700962

Cynthia K. Hutcheson Tejal Desai Christina R. Lesher C/O P.O. BOX 7906 C/O 10 Head Hospital Center Commons, Ste. 400 Hilton Island, SC 29938 Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 Randi Melzer Edward Harry Tobergte C/O 852 Orleans Road C/O PO Box SC 7906 Charleston, 29407 Hilton Head Island, SC 29938 Reggie Jay Heiser & Kelly Ann Heiser Louise Broken BrunsonWheel Road 38084 C/O PO Drawer 1107 Polson, MT 59860 Beaufort, SC 29901 Sarah Eans Hester Lisa 935 BrienEquestrian Drive C/O C/OPleasant, PO DrawerSC1107 Mt. 29464 Beaufort, SC 29901 Nicolas A. Hills ClaraSchool MarieStreet, Emerson 140 Apt. 3 C/O PO BoxMA3435 Waltham, 02451 Bluffton, SC 29910 Lillian Seigler Daniel Fitzgerald 42 MaryGene Jenkins Circle 27187 Helena, Chippendale Ter. Saint SC 29920 Salisbury, MD 21801 Heather E. Nagle William Myers7906 Hoffer, II C/O P.O. BOX C/O 2015 Boundary #227 Hilton Head Island, St., SC 29928 Beaufort, SC 29902 Benjamin J. Kolb Melissa L. Davis Village C/O 17 Professional C/O PO Drawer 1107 Beaufort, SC 29907 Beaufort, SC 29901 Virginia Anne Bohler-McGowan Matthew Lieser 34 FiddlerJ.Drive C/O 112 Executive Beaufort, SC 29907Center 1 Corpus Christi Place, #112 HiltonVincent Head Island, John ScanlinSC 29928 1 Myrtle Bank Road JaneseHead W. Davis Hilton Island, SC 29926 180 Pearl Davis Road Springfield, GA 31329 Noah S. E. Wilson-Rich C/O P.O. BOX 7906 R. WillisHead PostIsland, SC 29938 Hilton C/O 17 Professional Village Beaufort, SC 29907

Kelly Lynn Sullivan

James F. Holland

09/04/2025

Gladys Kline Legare Date of Death: 04/27/2025 Case Number: 2025ES0700933

08/21/2025 07/23/2026

DECEDENT DECEDENT

08/06/2026 08/28/2025

08/06/2026 09/04/2025

08/06/2026 09/04/2025

08/06/2026 09/04/2025

08/06/2026 09/04/2025

08/06/2026 09/04/2025

08/06/2026 09/04/2025

08/06/2026 09/04/2025

08/06/2026

09/04/2025 08/06/2026

09/04/2025

Date of Death: 07/21/2025 PO Box 7906 Heather R. Galvin, 08/28/2025 Probate Judge, Beaufort County, SC C/O Charisse Parker Case Number: 2025ES0700954 Hilton Head Island, SC 29938 C/O PO Box 2478 Beaufort, SC 29901-2478

James Franklin Willard Date of Death: 07/02/2025 Case Number: 2025ES0700957

Heather R. Galvin, Probate Judge, Beaufort County, SC

Deborah F. Kopp C/O PO Drawer 1023 Beaufort, SC 29901

09/04/2025

NEWS

Senate

from page A1 The Island News distributed a questionnaire to the nine certified candidates, asking them to address issues including affordability, the national debt, growth and infrastructure, the state’s economy, political division in Washington, Graham’s legacy, President Donald Trump’s agenda and military and veterans’ issues.

Who responded?

The Island News received questionnaire responses from eight of the nine candidates seeking South Carolina’s U.S. Senate seat.

Candidates Duke Buckner, Russell Fry, Mark Lynch, Ralph Norman, Glenda Gail Parker, Mark Sanford, Samuel “Sam” Shepherd, Darline Graham all sent in responses to the questionnaire. Mark McBride did not return a questionnaire.

Complete candidate responses to the questionnaire are available online at yourislandnews.com.

National debt draws near-unanimous alarm Nearly every candidate who responded pointed to the national debt, approaching $40 trillion, as one of the race’s defining issues.

Former Gov. Mark Sanford, who represented Beaufort County’s 1st Congressional District in Congress, said the debt threatens far more than the federal balance sheet.

“We will add a trillion dollars of debt to the national debt in the next hundred days, and it is not getting the attention that is needed,” Sanford wrote, citing former Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen’s assessment that the debt itself is the country’s biggest national security threat.

U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, who represents South Carolina’s 5th Congressional District, made the debt central to his campaign, warning that the interest payments on it now exceed the national defense budget.

“I’ve said for years that I believe our growing national debt, which is quickly approaching $40 trillion, is also a national security crisis waiting to happen,” Norman wrote.

Businessman Mark Lynch said he would cut “wasteful foreign aid, any welfare for illegal aliens, programs, unnecessary bureaucracy, and reckless spending hidden inside massive omnibus bills” while protecting Social Security, Medicare, veterans’ benefits and defense.

Attorney Duke Buckner proposed a 20% across the board reduction in federal spending, excluding Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security, to pay down the debt. U.S. Rep. Russell Fry said “Washington doesn’t have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem,” and pledged to protect Social Security and Medicare while cutting waste.

Retired budget analyst Glenda Gail Parker took a different approach, arguing that reducing dependence on fossil fuels and investing in rail transportation would lower inflation and, in turn, reduce the interest burden on the debt. Technology consultant Sam Shepherd said simply he has “a plan to reduce the debt” built around cutting wasteful spending, though he did not provide additional detail in his response.

Candidates split sharply on Graham’s legacy Asked which parts of Graham’s more than two decades in the Senate they would continue and where they would differ, candidates largely praised his constituent service and support for the military while distancing themselves from his foreign policy record.

Sanford, who overlapped with Graham for years in South Carolina politics, offered the most pointed contrast, referencing a line Trump used at Graham’s funeral.

“President Trump jokingly said at Lindsey’s untimely funeral that Lindsey never saw a war he didn’t like, and I, in my approach to foreign policy, would be a bit more restrained and more in line with Teddy Roosevelt’s notion of speaking softly and carrying a big stick,” Sanford wrote.

Norman said he would continue Graham’s role as “a fierce advocate for South Carolina” but described himself as more of a budget hawk than his predecessor.

“I’m not for endless wars, and I’m not for funding each and every project that comes along the pipe in other countries,” Norman wrote. “We need to take care of our country and our people first and foremost.”

Fry struck a similar note, saying he respected Graham’s commitment to veterans and constituent service but that “it’s time for a new generation of conservative leadership.”

Lynch said he would continue fighting for South Carolina’s military installations but differed with Graham “on foreign policy, spending, immigration and the Washington establishment,” saying he opposes “endless wars” and “backroom deals.”

Buckner said he would

continue Graham’s work “strengthening our partnerships and relationships with our allies around the world” but broke with the late senator’s support for red flag laws, which Buckner said “slowly chip away at our right to keep and bear arms.”

Parker, who said she has heard from South Carolinians that Graham “responded to his constituents with thoughtful replies,” said she planned to continue that level of accessibility. Shepherd’s response focused on continuing Graham’s record on “military support and jobs and energy.”

Candidates diverge on loyalty to Trump All the candidates expressed support for Trump’s broader agenda, but several drew lines around where they would break with the president if they believed South Carolina’s interests were at stake.

Norman pointed to his voting record as evidence of his alignment with the president, saying he has backed “96% of the vote for legislation that moves President Trump’s agenda forward.”

Lynch, however, used his response to break with Trump directly over the president’s endorsement of Darline Graham in the race.

“I would support President Trump’s America First agenda when it strengthens our economy, secures the border, keeps us out of endless wars, and protects our freedoms.

But my responsibility is to my constituents in South Carolina,” Lynch wrote. “His endorsement of Darline Graham is one example. I respect the president, but I believe South Carolinians should choose a proven conservative who has earned their support, not accept the coronation of another member of a political family.”

Darline Graham, for her part, said Trump’s backing reflects her own commitment to his agenda.

“President Trump gave me his complete and total endorsement because he knows I’ll fight for his America First agenda,” Graham wrote.

Sanford said he voted with the Trump administration nearly 90% of the time during his last term in Congress but pointed to his opposition to offshore drilling, a position that put him at odds with the administration and, he said, cost him politically.

“Those disagreements cost me very significantly in political terms, but I think they represented the will of the people I was elected to represent,” Sanford wrote.

Buckner said he supports Trump’s America First agen-

da but would part ways with the president on anything he believes “promotes the socialist revolution or adds to the national debt or brings harm to the people of South Carolina or the environment.”

Parker said she would try to “disagree without being disagreeable,” expressing support for stronger immigration enforcement while opposing what she called the SAVE Act. Shepherd said simply that he supports Trump and would “test every bill to understand its effect on our state.”

Growth, infrastructure, the federal role produce a range of answers Asked what role the federal government should play as South Carolina absorbs rapid population growth, most Republican candidates called for a limited federal role paired with reduced regulation, while Parker offered a distinct alternative built around rail investment.

Fry and Lynch offered nearly identical framing, both describing the federal government’s role as a “partner, not a planner” (Lynch’s phrasing) that should reduce regulations and return tax dollars for local infrastructure while leaving zoning and development decisions to state and local governments.

Norman said the state’s growth “is a sign that we’re doing something right” and called for the federal government to help maintain roads and bridges while removing regulations that drive up housing costs. Buckner tied the state’s growth pressures to illegal immigration, citing an estimate of 139,000 people living in South Carolina illegally and calling for state and local cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to reduce demand for housing.

Parker broke from the field,

proposing a shift in federal transportation funding away from highways and toward high speed and regional rail.

“Reduce the federal subsidies for roadways (which increases the demand for fossil fuels) from 80% federal funding to 20%,” Parker wrote, calling for federal rail subsidies to rise from 20% to 80% in response. She also called for local governments to require new developments to include at least 25% affordable housing units.

Sanford, drawing on his work as governor, said the federal highway trust fund needs to be restructured to be more merit based, which he said would favor a fast growing state like South Carolina.

Shepherd’s response on the topic was brief, calling simply for the federal government to “reduce rates.”

Military and veterans’ care draw detailed proposals Given South Carolina’s large population of service members, veterans and military families, several candidates offered specific proposals for improving their care beyond defense spending.

Norman pointed to legislation he has already worked on in the U.S. House, including H.R. 6398 and the Ensuring Quality Care for Our Veterans Act, both aimed at improving oversight of veterans’ health care. Fry and Buckner both called for greater accountability at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and expanded access to mental health care for veterans transitioning to civilian life.

Sanford returned to his concerns about the national debt, warning that failing to address it threatens military pensions and other benefits troops have been promised. Parker’s response emphasized reducing American involvement in foreign conflicts tied to oil,

saying she wants veterans’ “major ailment” to be growing old with a good quality of life, and proposed federal support for research into herbal remedies in military medicine.

Shepherd said he would focus on identifying problems within the VA system directly from veterans.

Candidates flag underrated issues from privacy to political disillusionment Asked what issue has received too little attention in the race, candidates offered some of their most distinct answers.

Fry pointed to the unchecked expansion of surveillance technology and data centers.

“The unchecked expansion of Flock cameras and massive data centers has received too little attention. These systems threaten privacy, consume enormous resources, and give government and corporations unprecedented power over citizens’ data,” Fry wrote.

Buckner warned repeatedly throughout his questionnaire responses about what he called a “Socialist Revolution,” arguing that government control of private property and agriculture represents a necessary precursor to communism. Parker and Norman both returned to the national debt, while Sanford emphasized how quickly it continues to grow. Shepherd offered a more general critique of the political process itself, writing, “Political Insanity, we keep electing the same people expecting a different outcome.”

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.

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Investment and Insurance Products:

Public defender charged with petit larceny

Beaufort County man arrested after alleged thefts from Ridgeland convenience store

By Delayna Earley The Island News A Beaufort County man who serves as a Jasper County deputy public defender has been charged with petit larceny after state investigators allege he repeatedly stole merchandise from a Ridgeland convenience store over a period of more than two months.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) charged Patrick Alan Hall, 59, on Tuesday, July 28 with one count of petit larceny involving $2,000 or less. The investigation was conducted at the request of the Ridgeland Police Department. Hall was booked into the Jasper County Detention Center.

According to the South

Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense, Hall serves as deputy public defender for Jasper County, based out of the office in Hampton.

According to Jasper County court records, the case was filed in Central Traffic Court on July 28, with a personal recognizance bond of $2,125 set the same day. Hall's case is scheduled for a Criminal/ Traffic Court hearing on Aug. 19 before Magistrate Jacqueline S. Lee. According to the arrest warrant affidavit, the alleged thefts occurred between March 3 and May 19 at the Enmarket gas station located at 8250 E. Main Street in Ridgeland.

Investigators allege surveillance video reviewed by an Enmarket employee showed Hall entering the store, selecting items and leaving without paying for some of them. The affidavit states additional surveillance footage showed Hall

using the self-checkout kiosk on 15 separate occasions and intentionally failing to scan some of the items.

According to SLED, Hall later admitted during an interview to intentionally stealing beverages from the Enmarket on 17 occasions during the period under investigation, with the total value of the merchandise remaining below $2,000.

When reached for comment the Jasper County Public Defender’s Office confirmed that a Patrick Hall works for them but declined to comment.

Petit larceny involving property valued at $2,000 or less is a misdemeanor under South Carolina law.

Steve von Clausburg NOT FDIC Insured NO Bank Guarantee Branch Manager, Vice President

MAY Lose NewValue Address:

By appointment only Wells Fargo Advisors Whitney McDaniel, CFP® AAMS® 1011 Bay Street, Suite 2E Financial Advisor, First is Vice President Investment Officer Wells Fargo Advisors a trade name– used

by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Beaufort, SC 29902 Member a registered broker-dealer and non-bank ailiate of Wells Fargo & Katie C.SIPC, Phifer, CFP®, CDFA®, RICP® Phone: (843) 524-1114 Financial Advisor, Senior President – Investment Officer WellsVice Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. CAR-0322-01749 Company. © 2020 Correspondence: William Abbott 400 Merchant St. Financial Advisor Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 (843) 689-6700

The use of CDFA® designation does not permit Wells Fargo Advisors or its Financial Advisors to provide legal advice, nor is it meant to imply that the firm or its associates are acting as experts in this field.

Investment and Insurance Products: 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.

NOT FDIC Insured

NO Bank Guarantee

MAY Lose Value

Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. ©2026 Wells Fargo Clearing Services. [PM]-11122027-5483169 AUGUST 6-AUGUST 12, 2026

A5

SPORTS & NEWS

Nancy Lecore visits Beaufort Trash fire spreads, damages Burton home

Burton Fire District Friday afternoon, July 31, 2026, the Burton Fire District, MCAS Fire & Emergency Services, Beaufort County EMS and Sheriff’s Office, responded to a reported house fire in Grays Hill.

Just after 12:30 p.m., today, emergency crews responded to a reported house fire on Chisholm Hill Road in Grays Hill. Initial reports stated that smoke and flames were visible and people were still inside the home.

Firefighters arrived on scene to find residents using a garden hose to contain and extinguish an exterior fire on the side of the home. While firefighters ensured that the exterior fire was extinguished, crews also entered the home to ensure that the fire had not spread inside

No injuries were reported and damages were limited after emergency crews responded Friday, July 31, 2026, to a reported house fire on Chisholm Hill Road in Grays Hill. Photo courtesy of Burton Fire District and found it clear.

The fire was caused by an unattended trash fire which

spread to the home and threatened a nearby shed.

No injuries were reported and damages were limited to the exterior of the home.

Burton fire officials remind citizens that it is a violation of both the Beaufort County Outdoor Burning Ordinance and the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services’ air pollution regulations. Those in violation are subject to jail and/or fines.

“In addition to ordinance and regulation violations, burning trash is also significant health hazard and especially dangerous for children and those with underlying respiratory issues,” said Burton Fire District Lt. Jon Calcorzi.

“Burning trash can also release ... carcinogens.”

Beaufort Memorial adds radiation oncologist

Special to The Island News Beaufort Memorial is expanding its cancer services with the addition of Dr. Glenn Mieszkalski, an experienced, board-certified radiation oncologist who will see patients in Beaufort and Okatie, according to a media release.

Dr. Mieszkalski brings decades of experience to the Lowcountry and will treat patients with a wide range of cancers – including prostate, breast, lung, head, neck and rectal – at Beaufort Memorial Radiation Oncology’s two locations: the Keyserling Cancer Center, located in Beaufort, and the New River Cancer Center in Okatie.

At the practice, Dr. Mieszkalski will use external-beam radiation to treat a range of cancers, delivering focused external radiation beams to shrink or

destroy tumors.

A New Jersey native and longtime Pennsylvania physician, Dr. Mieszkalski was always interested in science and engineering, but found that he was drawn to connection and patient care after being inspired by a family friend who was a pediatrician.

Radiation therapy is one of the most common treatments for cancer with more than half of patients receiving it while on their treatment journey. No one wants to go through radiation therapy, Dr. Mieszkalski said, but he’s passionate about making sure the process is friendly and relaxed, putting patients at ease during what is often one of the most difficult periods of their lives.

His approach is collaborative with an emphasis on

building relationships with his patients that often continue after they complete their cancer treatment.

“I treat every patient as if they were family, tailoring their care to their needs, educating them about their cancer and treatment and making their process as comfortable as possible,” he said.

The New River Cancer Center is located in the Beaufort Memorial Okatie Medical Pavilion at 122 Okatie Center Blvd. North, Suite 130, in Okatie. The Keyserling Cancer Center is located at 989 Ribaut Road in Beaufort.

To schedule a consultation, call 843-522-7800 in Beaufort; 843-273-7980 in Bluffton/Okatie.

Day

Lighthouse and all that it has experienced.

children ages 6 to 15, and free for kids 5 and younger.

Climbing hours are from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., daily (weather permitting, firstcome, first-served basis). Tickets can be purchased in person at the Oil House on site.

from page A1 Docents provide valuable information about the buildings and the history of the

Park Admission & Lighthouse Tickets The entry fee for Hunting Island State Park is $8 for adults, $5 for seniors, $4 for

Nancy Lacore, a U.S. Navy veteran and Democratic candidate for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District seat currently held by Rep. Nancy Mace, held a happy hour meet-andgreet on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, at Gilligan's Seafood Restaurant in Beaufort. Amber Hewitt/ The Island News

SCDNR invites public input on hunting deer with dogs

S.C. Department of Natural Resources South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) staff have been asked by the SCDNR Board to gather public input regarding hunting deer with dogs, including perspectives on areas of conflict and potential solutions.

At this time, there is no pending legislation, and SCDNR is not proposing or recommending any changes to current laws or regulations related to hunting deer with dogs.

To ensure all perspectives have an opportuni-

ty to be heard, SCDNR is hosting a series of public meetings, focus groups, and a statewide public survey. The information collected will help the agency better understand public perspectives and provide factual, comprehensive information to the SCDNR

Board and, if requested, the South Carolina General Assembly.

These engagement opportunities are intended solely to gather public input. SCDNR's role is to listen, document the information received, and ensure that a broad range of viewpoints is represented. Any changes to state law must be made by the South Carolina General Assembly.

The remaining public engagement forum is scheduled for 6:30 to 8 p.m., Monday, Aug. 10 at FAITH Church at 858 Bells Highway in Walterboro.

Experience the joy of worship with St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Sunday Services 9:00 AM | 11:00 AM *Nursery & Children’s Sunday School at 11:00 AM

Wednesday’s Service

Hope & Healing Service at 12:00 PM

NEWS BRIEFS

For questions regarding the specific criteria: County to hold State ATAX Grant Program • Eligible applicants must mandatory state or the application process, be 501(c)(3) nonprofit orplease contact the Beaufort ganizations whose mission ATAX grant program workshop County Finance Department aligns with the program's The Beaufort County Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee will be accepting applications for the FY2026– 2027 State Accommodations Tax (State ATAX) Grant Program from eligible organizations seeking funding from the two percent (2%) State Accommodations Tax Fund.

Attendance at a State ATAX Grant Workshop is mandatory for all applicants.

Each applicant organization must have at least one representative attend a required workshop to be eligible to apply for funding.

The mandatory workshop will be held at 9 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026, in the Beaufort County Council Chambers at 100 Ribaut Road.

Applications submitted by organizations that do not attend a required workshop will not be accepted for review.

The application window will close at 5 p.m., Friday, Sept. 11, 2026.

All applications must be complete, include all required supporting documentation, and be submitted by the published application deadline.

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at atax@bcgov.net.

Beaufort County Community Services Grant Program accepting applications

Beaufort County is accepting applications for the FY27 Community Services Grant Program. Applications will be accepted until Friday, Aug. 28. Any applications received after that date will not be considered. Interested organizations may access the application at https://bit. ly/4wDFbwW. Funds for this grant program are provided by County Council of Beaufort County. Established in 2013, the Beaufort County Community Services Grants Program supports local non-profit human service organizations in enhancing residents' quality of life. All grant awards are contingent upon the availability of funding.

To be eligible for the Community Services Grant, organizations are required to meet

AUGUST 6-AUGUST 12, 2026

goal of improving quality of life for Beaufort County residents with an emphasis on enhancing the well-being and self-sufficiency of vulnerable or disadvantaged populations • Agencies must directly serve Beaufort County and use all awarded funds for the benefit of its residents • Only one application per organization (identified by EIN) will be accepted, and fiscal agents are not permitted Eligibility, criteria, application timeline and the application itself are all outlined at https://bit.ly/4f3eSck for interested groups.

Funds may not be used for: • Fundraising or capital campaigns • Endowments or scholarships • To reduce debt of any kind • Religious or political activities • Legal services.

For questions or more information, please call Beaufort County Finance Director Sandra Novak at 843-255-2314.

— Staff reports

FOR MORE DETAILS: VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR LIKE US ON FACEBOOK www.stmarksportroyal.org www.facebook.com/stmarksportroyal 1004 11th Street Port Royal, SC

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

NEWS & SPORTS

Mourners say goodbye to US Sen. Lindsey Graham

Several hundred people gather near Statehouse to watch procession carry late senator’s casket down Main Street

By Skylar Laird SCDailyGazette.com COLUMBIA — South Carolinians said their farewells Wednesday as U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham made his last stop at the Statehouse, where his political career began 34 years ago.

The longtime Republican senator died July 11, at age 71, of a tear in his aorta. A horsedrawn caisson carried his casket to First Baptist Church for a memorial service attended by many past and present state lawmakers.

National and foreign leaders, including President Donald Trump, paid their respects during ceremonies Tuesday in Washington, D.C. to the senator influential on the world stage.

Back home in South Carolina, people lined up on the Statehouse grounds to watch the half-mile procession.

Starting on the south side of the Statehouse, the caisson stopped at the bottom of the steps for about 10 minutes.

State leaders, including Gov. Henry McMaster and Attorney General Alan Wilson, watched from the grass nearby.

At 11 a.m., four F-16 fighter jets from McEntire Joint National Guard Base flew overhead, and the procession carried on down Main Street.

Harry Best, a retired teacher from Columbia, reflected on Graham’s constituent service.

Despite his busy schedule, Graham always made time to respond to emails and letters from South Carolinians. The 74-year-old often sent missives to his senator, mostly about foreign affairs, and always got an answer, he said.

Sometimes, Graham sent back both an email and a physical letter. And he always responded quickly, Best said.

“This is a senator that had his constituents at heart and wanted to make sure they were taken care of,” he said.

A caisson carries U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham’s casket away from the Statehouse in Columbia, S.C., on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. John A. Carlos II/Special to the S.C. Daily Gazette The procession was quiet.

A single protester silently held a sign opposing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “Lindsey Graham’s friend. Try him for war crimes,” the sign read.

Netanyahu did consider Graham a “dear friend,” both personally and to the country of Israel. The prime minister was among world leaders attending Tuesday’s service in Washington.

Michelle Leitner watched the caisson pass with five of her children and a friend from Montana. Leitner planned on bringing her friend to tour the Statehouse anyway, so they figured they’d stop and watch, she said.

A resident of Hopkins for the past three decades, Leitner heard about Graham a lot, she said.

“He either made me angry or made me happy,” the 52-year-old stay-at-home mom said.

She appreciated his unwavering support for Israel, since she’s Jewish, she said. He was a leading advocate for opening an embassy in the nation’s capital of Jerusalem, and Leitner celebrated when

that came to pass in 2018.

She disagreed with him on some issues, and she wavered on whether to vote for him in the most recent primary. As she saw him off Wednesday, though, she couldn’t remember which of his positions she didn’t like. She ultimately voted for him in June, she said.

Graham easily won that primary with 57% of the vote, defeating five challengers for the Republican nomination.

A special primary to replace Graham on the ballot will take place Aug. 11. Nine candidates, including Graham’s sister, a former governor, and two sitting congressmen, are running.

A win in November would have sent Graham into a fifth term in the U.S. Senate. He was first elected to Congress as part of the 1994 Republican Revolution, becoming the first Republican to represent the 3rd District since Reconstruction. But his first election was to the state House two years earlier.

Leitner didn’t know much about Graham’s background until after his death. Hearing stories about who he was as a person “did wake me up a

bit,” she said.

“Sometimes, we think politicians are this image, or we forget they’re human,” Leitner said. “Whether you disagree or agree, they’re human.”

For instance, Leitner said she’d never heard the story of Graham adopting his younger sister, Darline Graham, after their parents died. He was 22 and she was 13 when their father died of a massive heart attack, just 15 months after their mother died of cancer.

That story drives home what a dedicated and family-loving man Graham was, said Neil Derrick, a 74-yearold retired personal trainer.

Derrick stopped to salute Graham during his daily run to the Statehouse.

“He was a great patriot,” Derrick said. “He was a great American.”

Derrick also disagreed with Graham on some issues.

He didn’t always find the senator conservative enough for his taste, he said. He sometimes left negative comments on Graham’s Facebook page, which he regretted after the senator’s death.

A lifelong Columbia resident, Derrick met Graham a

couple times over the years and always found him likable, he said. Graham signed a baseball for Derrick, which he keeps in a cabinet of similar trinkets at home.

“He was generally just a good guy, just a personable guy who dealt with world leaders and the person who served the food” the same way, Derrick said.

Watching a livestream of the services in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday, Derrick started to tear up as Democratic members of Congress paid their respects to Graham’s casket. Seeing that show of unity struck a chord, he said.

Whether people loved or hated Graham, everyone could acknowledge he was a go-getter always on the move.

He seemed to advocate without rest for the causes he believed in, Derrick said.

At 74, Derrick said he struggles to imagine how much stress wears on politicians around his age, such as Graham, three years his junior, and Trump, who is 80. Yet, they continue to do what they think is best for the country, Derrick said.

“That’s a blessing for all of them, to be able to just say, ‘Hey, I might be tired, but man, I’ve got to force through and get this done,’” Derrick said. “Hats off.”

Don Mobley, a 67-yearold retired accountant, was shocked when he heard about Graham’s sudden death, as many people were. A longtime supporter of Graham’s, the Columbia resident was sad to see him go, he said.

Graham, who never married and had no children, gave everything he had to his work, Mobley said. As for what he contributed to South Carolina, “there’s no telling what he got for us,” Mobley said.

“It’s not a happy day for South Carolina,” Mobley said.

“We were lucky to have him.”

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

S.C. Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest statefocused nonprofit news organization. It’s coverage of state news can be found at SCDailyGazette.com.

Rays win Beaufort County Adult Baseball crown

The Rays’ Weldon Smith slides safely into home while Red Snappers pitcher Garrison Gunby rushes in to cover the plate after a wild pitch during the second inning of the Summer Series Championship game Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Burton Wells Recreation Center. The Rays went on to win the game 11-3 to become the Adult League champions. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

Rays second baseman Dustin Peper, scoops up the ball with his glove and tosses it to first base without changing hands to save time in the second inning against the Red Snappers during the Summer Series Championship game Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Burton Wells Recreation Center. The Rays went on to win 11-3 to become the Adult League champions. Bob Sofaly/The Island News

In the third straight championship matchup between the same two teams, the Rays downed the Red Snappers 11-3 Wednesday night, July 29, 2026, to claim the Beaufort County Adult Men’s baseball League Summer Series championship at Burton Wells Recreation Center.

Team photo courtesy of Beaufort County Parks and Recreation AUGUST 6-AUGUST 12, 2026

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EDUCATION & COMMUNITY

FWDG donates $5,000 to local teachers, schools during Restock My Classroom event Staff reports FWDG (Furniture Warehouse Design Gallery) has donated $5,000 to schools and teachers of Beaufort and Jasper counties as part of its annual Restock My Classroom giveaway event.

Members of the community were invited to nominate outstanding local schools and teachers who go above and beyond for their students. Five teachers received

$500 worth of supplies, while one local school received a $2,500 donation presented to its principal for school-wide needs.

Each year, teachers spend hundreds — often thousands — of dollars out of their own pockets to provide classroom essentials, educational materials, and enriching experiences for their students.

From books and art supplies to flexible seating and

science equipment, these purchases help create environments where children can thrive.

Through the Restock My Classroom Giveaway, FWDG hopes to ease some of that financial burden while recognizing the incredible dedication of educators who work to make a difference every day.

The Healianthus Project Back-to-School event

The Ladies of the Auxiliary of AMVETS give school supplies to families during The Helianthus Project’s inaugural Back-toSchool event on Saturday, Aug.1, 2026, at Naval Heritage Park in Port Royal. The event provided school supplies and community resources to close to 250 children as students prepared for the upcoming school year. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Rachel McBride, founder of The Helianthus Project, welcomes families to the nonprofit's inaugural BackThe Helianthus Project held its inaugural Back-to-School event on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, at Naval to-School event on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, at Naval Heritage Park in Port Royal. The event provided Heritage Park in Port Royal. The event provided school supplies and community resources to close to 250 school supplies and community resources to close to 250 children as students prepared for the upcoming school year. Amber Hewitt/The Island News children as students prepared for the upcoming school year. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Gift funds hands-on learning for USCB students

Staff reports A recent gift to the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) will help more students gain real-world experience to prepare them for the workforce, according to a media release.

Kathleen and Jim Jordan of Callawassie Island have established the Experiential Learning Fund at USCB with a five-year, $50,000 pledge.

The fund will support students seeking to enhance their classroom education with practical training, such as research, clinical placements and internships.

“Experiential learning is an exciting advancement in higher-level education,” Kathleen Jordan said. “This program enables USCB students to relate their course

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work to the real world and better prepare them to face the challenges and seize upon the opportunities of the workplace upon graduation.”

About 70% of USCB’s more than 2,200 students participate in at least one experiential learning opportunity during their college career, according to Kim Dudas, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs.

“Our goal is for all USCB students to benefit from experiential learning,” Dudas said. “Learning beyond the classroom in a real-life setting is an essential part of a purposeful college experience and this gift from the Jordans will help make that possible for our students locally, nationally and globally.”

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The Jordans moved to Callawassie Island 30 years ago after careers in corporate and international finance.

Kathleen currently serves on the board of the USCB Education Foundation and on the Curriculum Committee of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at USCB. Jim is an author and historian.

This fall, OLLI will present a program for its members to learn more about experiential learning and hear about its benefits firsthand from USCB students.

For more information about creating opportunities for USCB students, contact Tim Daniels at 843-208-8258 or tdaniels@uscb.edu.

A USCB student conducts water quality research on the university's Beaufort campus. Photo courtesy of USC Beaufort

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

Better water planning would help state B ack in 1929, the man who became South Carolina’s longest-serving state superintendent of education (19221947) included a quote in a state report about the need to be prepared.

“Failing to plan is planning to fail,” said the report

by James H. Hope.

It’s still true today. With recent news around the state about two challenges related to the state’s waters, maybe it’s time for South Carolina to get a little more serious about water planning.

Last week, Statehouse Report outlined how millions of tiny plastic pellets called nurdles are finding their way into state waters due to carelessness, accidents or something else.

The United States produces about 60 billion pounds of these granular plastics that make the plastic products

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we use everyday like toothbrushes, water bottles and lawn chairs.

The big problem with nurdles is they get into the food chain because they look tasty to small fish, who eat them. Then big fish eat the small ones. And then we eat the bigger fish and end up with more pieces of microplastics floating around our bodies – not healthy.

Also last week, the Charleston City Paper reported how state waters may be at increasing risk from development. New

knows the rules.

These days with all of the hullabaloo over data centers, which use huge amounts of fresh water to cool electronics that keep information flowing, and over continuing environmental threats to water supplies, maybe it’s time to bring more certainty to how we manage water, just as we did with managing land.

If each county had a comprehensive water management plan, for example, it might not have to spend so much time on a moratorium here or a reaction there when a crisis pops up. Why? Because the plan would help mitigate future crises.

“I think it’s government’s responsibility to include the assurance that every citizen has the ability to depend on whatever public water supply is being provided and for it to not be affected

by any contaminant,” said Johns Island conservationist Michael McShane, a Ducks Unlimited board member who recently won South Carolina’s highest civilian award for his decades of conservation commitment.

Economic development and conservation can co-exist – and flourish – when rules are clear, said McShane, a former chair of the S.C. Department of Natural Resources board of directors and the S.C. Conservation Bank.

McShane said offering more certainty in water planning would benefit everyone. It’s a logical step forward from the state’s 1994 land planning, too.

And to ensure it wouldn’t be an unfunded mandate, the state should provide some financial assistance to local governments to assist water conservation

planning efforts.

“Do a water wetlands plan,” McShane said. “It ought to be part of what they’re doing with comprehensive planning anyway.”

As General and later President Dwight D. Eisenhower once said, “In preparing for battle, I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable.”

With increasing threats to South Carolina’s much-heralded abundant waters from nurdles, pollution, development and storm-related flooding, the General Assembly in 2027 should help local governments get on top of water conservation planning with guidelines and funding to make it happen.

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

The Fryemont is a time machine

t is Wednesday morning, early, and we’re in the wood-paneled lobby of the Fryemont Inn overlooking the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. We’ve packed our bags, paid the tab, assured Denise, the desk clerk, that “We’ll back in October when the leaves begin to turn.”

This is not our first visit to this historic, Poplar-clad hotel.

The hotel was built by Amos Frye who made a fortune cutting down trees in this area. In 1923, he decided to build an inn, made entirely of Oak, Maple, Locust and American Chestnut; enhanced with huge stone fireplaces in the lobby and in the dining room. Susan and I started coming here sometime in the 1970s.

The Fryemont is not for everybody. There is no central air conditioning, no big screen televisions in the rooms, no mini-bar, no

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ANDY BRACK

research shows rainwater that hits temporary waterways called “ephemeral streams” to feed reservoirs and creeks may no longer have federal protections following a 2023 judicial decision. While some state protections remain, the rules are now a little more unsettled.

Squishier rules make for more conservation volatility. This brings us back to planning. More than 30 years ago, the state passed a zoning measure to encourage local governments to do comprehensive land planning. Having more certainty where housing and industrial sites can develop, as well as knowing the areas where conservation is a priority, makes for better, more responsible long-term use of land. It also brings more certainty to economic development – and to conservation – if everyone

SCOTT GRABER

spa, no wake-up service or any “amenities” that one would expect at a Hilton or a Kimpton.

Our room, 117, featured a queen-sized bed, a porcelain sink with a skirt together with a linoleum-tiled bathroom one might find on Amtrak. But what one gets here is time travel — a time machine that takes one back to 1923 when Amos opened-up his inn to shoe salesmen and tennis celebrities who wanted a mountain view, sautéed trout and a hearth-heated lobby where they could read into the night.

We came for the view

and the trout; but we also wanted to hike — the Alum Cave Trail being our favorite. That particular trail — labelled “strenuous” and having an elevation gain of 3,000 feet — takes one to the top of Mt. LeConte.

Early on, I persuaded my father to make this ascent.

Dad — though he had heart disease — was game and somewhere beyond the Alum Caves told me his biggest disappointment in life was not going to medical school.

“We were a poor family — it was the depression — but after sending my older brother to law school my parents had no money for me.”

(World War II came along and he didn’t have to worry about his post graduate education; he only had to worry about surviving the Japanese in the Aleutian Islands and then in the Philippines.)

Some years later, I was

feeling depressed, emotionally played-out, and figured-out the hike up Mt. Leconte might help. But I didn’t want to do the four hour-long climb alone. I called three friends asking the same question; “Do your love me?”

After a lengthy pause each said, “Yes, upon reflection, I suppose I do …”

“I’ll be in front of your house in 30 minutes.”

“Why would you do that.”

“We’re going to climb Mt LeConte tomorrow.”

That particular climb involved Dean Moss, David Taub and Tom Davis and proved more difficult than I anticipated — one of our number visibly limping, grimacing with each step and muttering, “I can’t believe anyone thinks this is fun!”

But, of course, there were the celebratory drinks at the end of the trail — actually in the dining room at the Fryemont — and I can still point out the table where

we drank those drinks.

When my son, Zach, came of age I took him up to the Alum Caves explaining that this is where the Confederacy got its Saltpeter (Potassium Nitrate) keeping them in the fight long after they had lost.

After we got back to the Fryemont he came to the lobby and played “skittles” long after the other older guests had gone to their rooms.

From where I stand I can see a small sign — “Skittles is a noisy game and is not allowed after 10 pm” — and I’m pretty sure that sign was put up (35 years ago) because Zach would spin the wooden top knocking over the tiny ten-pins past midnight.

On this visit, an ascent on Mt. LeConte was not on the program. Actually the rustic, llama-supplied lodge atop LeConte is being demolished as I write this.

Although there will be a

new lodge, I can’t believe they will replicate the tiny, two-man bunkhouses that were, truly, smaller than an Amtrak bathroom.

But the Alum Caves Trail is now beyond my ability — way beyond my lung capacity; my ability to hold the steel cable that gets one across the narrow ledges near the top.

But as my wife and I exit the lobby, I take one last look around the room seeing my long-dead father and mother; my son at age 10; and three old friends telling stories about their climb.

The Fryemont is a time machine.

And that, for me, is enough.

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

Back to ‘The Real Food Show’: Beyond the boundaries of ‘taste’

id you ever have one of those moments when it seems that everything around you is so off kilter, so removed from the norm that you say to yourself, “You simply cannot make up this stuff”?

Please note that I used verbiage acceptable to those with sensitive ears.

The rest of you know what I wanted to say ... but I digress way — too early in the article.

The latest news blurb that has me somewhere between amusement and disgust deals with RFK Jr. and his new cooking show. You read correctly, a cooking show.

Step aside Gordon Ramasay, Paula Deen and Emeril Lagasse; you are so yesterday. And Anthony and Julia, quit rolling your eyes over there.

When you have stopped laughing, let’s take a look at the person who is being paid (handsomely, I assume, and not just with your tax dollars) to be the Health Secretary of our country. To say his resume is questionable is an understatement.

Remember when his cousin, Caroline Kennedy,

CAROL LUCAS

wrote a scathing letter to Congress before his confirmation hearings? She called her cousin, Bobby, a “predator,” adding that he is addicted to attention and power, and she finally stated that he “is unqualified to shape the nation’s health policy.”

She then alleged that her cousin at one point put mice and baby chicks into food blenders to feed his pets of prey, his pet of choice, which she says is indicative of his own mentality. The following is a direct quote: “Bobby preys on the desperation of parents and sick children — vaccinating his own children while building a following by hypocritically discouraging other parents from vaccinating theirs. Even

before he fills this job, his constant denigration of our health care system and the conspiratorial half-truths he has told about vaccines, including in connection with Samoa's deadly 2019 measles outbreak, have cost lives.”

It is worth noting that other relatives have also rebuked this man and his appointment to such a critical position.

Let’s take a look at some of the antics RFK Jr. has to his credit.

For instance, there is the dead bear cub story. Kennedy said he saw a woman kill the bear with her car when he was driving outside the city, and he stopped to put the carcass in his van with the intention of harvesting its meat.

Mr. Kennedy was "tickled" by the discovery of the bear, but he later dropped it in Central Park along with an old bicycle, staging something he found to be hilarious.

Then there is the story of his stopping (with his children in the car) to retrieve the genitalia of a raccoon. I won’t even try to comment

on this.

And let’s not forget where he took his grandchildren to swim. Kennedy shared a photo of himself submerged in Washington D.C.'s Rock Creek, which is under a swimming ban, deemed a hazard to human health, due to high bacteria levels.

By now, you surely have asked yourself what kind of person does this, especially with children involved.

And so I come back around to his occupying the position where he can impact your health and mine.

Under Kennedy’s leadership, the Department of Health and Human Services revised the childhood immunization schedule to recommend four fewer vaccines. These vaccines, which include those for rotavirus, influenza, meningococcal disease, and hepatitis A, have been moved from standard recommendations to a model of shared decision-making between parents and healthcare providers.

At first glance, this may seem inconsequential. However, I ask you to consider the number that choose not

to have their child vaccinated and then read the following.

Measles cases in the United States have reached a 35-year high, with 2,318 confirmed cases reported so far in 2026. This surge represents more cases than the entire year of 2025 and is primarily driven by declining vaccination coverage, as 93% of new cases involved individuals who were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.

The policy change also impacted the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, with guidance shifting to a single-dose recommendation rather than a two- or three-dose series. Additionally, the CDC updated recommendations for hepatitis B and COVID-19 shots.

Many medical experts and organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, have characterized the changes as dangerous and unnecessary.

Then there is Kennedy’s claim that autism is connected to early circumcision. Makes one wonder if there are no autistic females. And his astute

observation that infertility is genetically passed on.

Should I continue?

This is a man who was a heroin addict for over a decade; he also turned many others to this, including his siblings. Given all that I have presented here, do you really think he is fit for the position?

Back to “The Real Food Show.” Yes, that is the name of the production on which he appears. I wonder just what delicacies he will present and who will be the sous chef to these efforts.

Perhaps a fillet of raccoon genitalia with a smooth creamy garlic sauce, or maybe a spicy bear stew with gravy enhanced with residue of Rock Creek will headline the show.

Perhaps I shouldn’t be so disdainful, dear reader.

Maybe, just maybe, that’s a better place for Bobby, and for the country, than the position he now holds.

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.”

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

An offer Graham couldn’t refuse

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feel like Darline Graham deserved better.

The sister of South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham was appointed to finish out his term after he died recently, a gesture that has rubbed a lot of people the wrong way.

What felt like a harmless tribute to a longtime reliably conservative voice took on a different tone when President Trump suggested she become the Republican nominee to fill the seat full-time. That would require her to win a special primary Aug. 11 against eight other announced candidates before facing Democratic nominee Dr. Annie Andrews in November.

GOP lawmakers in the state told CNN the Trump endorsement looked like a “backroom deal” and made the post look like “a family Senate seat being passed down.” The same article referenced comments on social media that tossed around terms such as “coronations”

TERRY MANNING

and “monarchies.”

Others tried to downplay the controversy, saying voters will ultimately decide who they want to serve, and that is true. It’s hard, though, to ignore the weight the president brings to bear when he wants to tilt the scales.

At some level, it echoes the discontent many Democrats felt when Vice President Kamala Harris was tabbed to face Donald Trump just a few months before the 2024 election.

Years later, what some called Harris’ anointing is blamed for why she lost the election.

More accurately, it fits a pattern the president has fol-

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consider how Trump views giving and receiving favors.

As poorly as the conflict with Iran has gone since its start, Trump has played down the need for broader international support. When asked in May if he would seek help from China with the effort, Trump told the press pool aboard Air Force One, “I’m not asking for any favors because when you ask for favors, you have to do favors in return.”

Former U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade compares Trump to the fictional Don Vito Corleone in her book “The Fix: Saving America from the Corruption of a Mob-Style Government.”

She writes about Trump’s second term in office: “He has learned this time around that what he should prize instead of expertise and competence is loyalty – people who will do his bidding and sing his praises as he wishes.”

So the premise isn’t so far-fetched, is it? But while a

senator Trump thinks is in his pocket could deliver wins for the state down the road — government contracts for large employers; easing regulatory oversight; staging large political events here — the flip side is what we are seeing from U.S. senators who have escaped Trump’s thrall.

Texas Sen. John Cornyn was about as solid a “Trump man” as you could think of.

Axios states he voted for Trump policies “more than 99 percent of the time,” but Trump endorsed his opponent because the opponent sucked up to Trump just a little harder.

Trump endorsed scandal-ridden Ken Paxton over Cornyn because Paxton was “a true MAGA warrior,” according to The Texas Tribune. Cornyn’s sin? He criticized Trump after the Jan 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.

Now Cornyn is among the outgoing lawmakers who are holding the president’s feet to the fire on releasing the

Could we survive?

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s summer wears on, I have pondered an opinion piece by Les Rubin entitled, “John Adams Made a Terrifying Prediction.

America is Close to Proving Him Correct.” Rubin reported that our second President said, “Democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself. There was never a democracy yet that did not commit suicide."

This dire prediction contrasted with an experience I had last week.

Rubin outlines the grave danger the always increasing national debt places on our nation, its current social, political and economic health, and its future. I had not realized that the debt is somewhere in the cosmic environs of $40 trillion. The gross domestic product (GDP) is somewhere around $32 trillion meaning our national debt is now 125 percent of GDP. Rubin compares the annual addition of $2 to $3 trillion to the debt to death by “… a thousand cuts; the damage appears manageable. Eventually, however, the cumulative

lowed for years with political appointments. In both his terms in office, Trump chose people who were grossly unqualified to fill high-ranking, powerful positions.

The man they call Don the Con behaved more like Don the Don, as in mob boss, making these future lackeys offers they couldn’t refuse.

In many instances, the important positions quickly overwhelmed Trump’s picks, leading to bad outcomes for constituents and leaving the appointees to default to holding their posts by blindly following Trump’s dictates.

Given how disheartening it was to watch her brother protest and then kowtow to Trump, it would be just as disheartening to see Darline Graham put in a position where genuflecting to Trump would be expected from Day 1.

If you think I'm making too much of all this, that I’m making too much of a leap in how I think he’d view her,

LOUISE MATHEWS

effect becomes fatal.”

Over a decade ago, I attended a quarterly report by financial advisers to the college foundation board. They described countries that were in danger of collapse and referred to Greece which at that time had a debt equaling 100 percent of GDP. The Rubin article explained how the European Union bailed out Greece.

It further stated that no entity or country is big enough to bail out the United States.

If we fail, the world fails, with “far worse devastation than the Great Depression.”

My parents vividly remembered the Great Depression.

My father always fretted that the Depression would return. His worries created

an imagined “wolf is at the door” scenario that haunted my early working years in the 1970s and 1980s.

In 1930s America, they might not have needed wheelbarrows full of worthless Reichsmarks to buy food, but my parents ate a lot of bread and gravy made from one small piece of meat during their Depression era childhoods. My husband’s Southern family ate biscuits and gravy often created from a squirrel or rabbit and survived because they lived on a farm and grew most of their food.

The post-World War I German economic collapse in part contributed to the rise of Hitler and the horrors of 1933 to 1945. A friend who survived the Holocaust as a child hidden in a convent once told me, “Always have a diamond that’s big enough to cut in half to buy a loaf of bread.”

In contrast to my ruminations about economic collapse and the subsequent political and social chaos that would ensue, I thought about

an extraordinary encounter last weekend.

One of my brothers is a permanent deacon in the Catholic Church. As a deacon, he can preach and perform baptisms, marriages, funerals, and worship services other than the Mass. The weekend I visited with them, his parish hosted a nun from the Comboni Missionary Sisters who serve the poor in Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. My sister-in-law, who is as much a minister as my brother, offered Sister Tsega a room and dinner with the pastor and the family.

It was quite the international event, with two missionaries from Africa (a fellow Comboni sister came for dinner), the pastor from the Philippines, and three suburbanites eating a Charleston recipe, Tradd Street Chicken, in Victor, New York.

Both sisters came from Eritrea, located in the horn of Africa, bordering the Red Sea. After a disastrous 30-year war, their country obtained its independence from Ethiopia in 1993. A president, Isaias

Afwerki, was elected. Still president 33 years later, he might be the poster person for the word “dictator.” Eritrea saw its first Christians in the third century CE, and the population is almost evenly split between Christians and Muslims.

The per capita GDP (PPP) for Eritrea is about $2,500. For the United States, it is $90,027.

Sister Tsega, with whom we spent the most time, joined the Comboni Sisters in the late 1980s and worked as a midwife in Sudan and Uganda. Despite a childhood marked by war and innumerable difficulties, living with very little among people who have even less, she was one of the most cheerful, optimistic people I have ever met.

I wonder how people who have next to nothing survive and do so happily. Certainly, they have great faith and trust in the Lord who feeds us. We know that some of our neighbors experience real hunger and need, but most of us have the means to eat three squares a day. We fall apart when our cell phones don’t

Epstein files and shutting down a proposed payout fund for the Jan 6 attackers.

For the record, Lindsey Graham also criticized Trump in the wake of that attempted insurrection, so who knows what the president has in mind, asking Graham’s sister to step into that post?

Darline Graham seems like a decent enough person, one who has dedicated her life to a different kind of public service than politics.

She deserves better than to be a play toy for Trump and his desire to bolster his lineup of sycophants in Congress.

However long she is in the Senate, I hope she knows whatever she thinks she might owe him must come a distant second to what she owes the people of South Carolina.

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

work. A storm that takes out the electricity for a day really derails us. Could we survive not having cars or gas to fuel them, or empty supermarkets, or shuttered stores that have nothing to sell? I wonder.

In his article, Les Rubin warned that America needs to get its financial house in order if we are to have a future. Until voters demand that Congress and the President pay attention to the national debt, they will probably continue to add to it. I believe that as individuals we must also consider how we might live more frugally, what we truly do not need, and what is most important in our lives.

If we count our blessings, we might just achieve true happiness.

Louise Mathews retired from a career in community colleges and before that, theater. A 13-year come-here in Beaufort, she has been a dingbatter in North Carolina and an upstater from New York.

Finding comfort in depressing times

n this complex, rapidly changing, and unpredictable world, do you find yourself in need of comfort?

Are you having trouble finding it?

You’re not alone.

Things being what they are, I have started dunking again. I used to dunk both Oreo cookies and graham crackers, but sugar and calorie concerns now favor graham crackers alone.

It’s a pause that, for me, causes memories to roll, memories of sitting at a kitchen table with a box of Oreo cookies or a stack of pre-sectioned Nabisco Graham crackers, anticipating their enhancement from the creamy smoothness of a glass of milk.

Is the tension ebbing?

My cookie/cracker con-

DOUGLAS PUGH

sumption would soon reach the limit of my stomach’s distention. Lately, I’ve been following a more moderate dunking course, savoring the calm but forgoing the discomfort of expansion.

Sylvester Graham developed the graham cracker in the mid-19th century, motivated by a search for nutritional value and biblical correctness.

Biblical correctness?

Sylvester preached that simple, bland food would

control his and others’ carnal desires. His cracker recipe used water and coarsely ground unleavened wholewheat flour. He would roll the dough, bake it without yeast or salt, and then bake it again.

The result was no cookie.

But it failed to attract young people to the kitchen table.

Sylvester also avoided meat and alcohol, eschewed warm baths, slept with an open window in winter on a rock-hard mattress, and sanctioned sexual engagement for reproduction purposes only.

Later, commercial bakers got their hands on Graham’s recipe and changed it. Not only did they improve the recipe, they closed the window and took a warm bath.

Whole-wheat flour was still used, but it was enhanced

with shortening, sugar, and salt. By 1898, the National Biscuit Company (Nabisco) produced a line of graham crackers so tasty they triggered runs on kitchen tables, resulting in multiple instances of abdominal distention.

However, Sylvester’s boxed-in approach, while less pervasive than it once was, is still a necessary ingredient; left to their own devices, graham crackers can be led astray by cheesecakes and seduced by s’mores.

That’s not all that went astray.

In 1981, Nabisco merged with Standard Brands to form Nabisco Brands.

In 1985, Nabisco Brands merged with R.J. Reynolds Tobacco to form RJR Nabisco.

In 1988, Kohlberg Kravis

Roberts, a private equity holding company, purchased Nabisco and spun off the tobacco business, leaving Nabisco Holdings.

In 2000, Phillip Morris acquired Nabisco Holdings and merged it with Kraft Foods.

In 2012, Kraft Foods split, and the portion that assumed Nabisco was renamed Mondelez International. Nabisco had developed Oreo cookies, so when Mondelez International acquired it, it acquired the two big-name dunking entities: Oreo cookies and Graham crackers.

You could say it has a monopoly on dunking.

Which prompts the question: “Who is getting dunked?”

Nabisco acquired the Jackson Cracker Company of Jackson, Michigan in 1919.

If Trump would have been President during D-Day and she had her way, she would have stopped it-- resulting in her now speaking German with a swastika on the side of her BMW. Lecture, instead, the

Democrats to stop spending our hard-earned money on illegal immigrants, and put the money toward a cure for Cancer and TDS.

In 1934, it changed the name of its cracker from Jackson to Ritz.

Why? Well, it was a name they believed would appeal to folks living through the Great Depression by offering them a high-end “Ritzy” product, one augmented by an upscale promotional assurance: “A bite of the good life.”

A marketing technique no longer limited to crackers, and one that can be incorporated into a comfort-producing dunking regimen during depressing times: “Dunk for the good life” I hope this helps.

Doug Pugh is a retired judge from northern Michigan. He and his wife winter on Fripp Island and are pleased to be there … when they are. He can be reached at pughda@gmail.com.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR I hope Carol Lucas is cured I hope someday a vaccine is found to cure folks like Carol Lucas from the dreaded Trump Derangement Syndrome. It is painful to

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see these people disrespect everything about our country and leadership when the political party in power is not of their choosing.\ The dead were erased only in Carol's own mind because she looks for any

AUGUST 6-AUGUST 12, 2026

insignificant detail that would make the President look bad. The "war of choice " she speaks of is preventing some mentally ill Muslims in Iran from sending a nuclear missile into her big comfortable home on Lady's Island.

-- Franklin Skala Jr., Beaufort

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters to the Editor should consist of fewer than 275 words and be emailed with a name and contact information to TheIslandNews@gmail.com.

ARTS & HEALTH

'The Art of Believing’ documentary screening

Artists featured in “The Art of Believing” documentary screening answer audience questions during a Q&A session at The Penn Center on St. Helena Island on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

The makers of the documentary “The Art of Believing” held a screening and a question-and-answer session with the three artists featured in the film on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, at The Penn Center on St. Helena Island.

Amber Hewitt/The Island News

A standing-room-only crowd watches “The Art of Believing” documentary screening at The Penn Center on St. Helena Island on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

ARTS BRIEFS BAA’s Featured Artist for July, August — John Meckley

The Beaufort Art Association Gallery is hosting a Featured Artist solo exhibit by local artist John Meck-

ley. Meckley’s signature show, “Wings Over the Lowcountry,” will be on display through Sunday, Aug. 30 at the Beaufort Art Association Gallery located on Bay Street in downtown Beaufort.

For more information about Meckley and his art,

visit LowcountryFineArtBy- Penn Center’s JohnMeckley.com.

Bailey Museum For additional information about the Beaufort Art hosting Ingram Association, visit the Gal- exhibition lery at 913 Bay Street TuesPenn Center’s York W. Baiday through Sunday from 11 ley Museum is hosting a solo a.m. to 4 p.m., or go online at exhibition featuring painting beaufortartassociation.com. and sculpture by the South

Carolina folk artist Bruce Ingram through Monday, Nov. 30, 2026.

The exhibition showcases Ingram’s mastery of visual storytelling through memory and found objects.

An opening reception will be held from 6 to 9 p.m., Sat-

urday, July 18, providing an opportunity for the public, collectors, and press to meet the artist and view the collection first-hand.

Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.

— Staff reports

Questions to ask your Primary Care Provider

Special to The Island News Your primary care provider (PCP) is an important partner in your long-term health.

From preventive screenings and annual physicals to managing chronic conditions and addressing everyday health concerns, a trusted PCP helps you stay healthy at every stage of your life.

Many patients, however, leave their appointments with their PCP wishing they had asked more questions.

“Patients should take an active role in their health. Asking your healthcare provider questions during your visit is one great way to do this,” says Dr. Joseph DiMaria, a board-certified family medicine physician with Beaufort Memorial Lowcountry Medical Group Primary Care. “The best healthcare conversations can happen when patients feel comfortable asking questions, sharing concerns and working together alongside their provider to make informed decisions.”

Even if a symptom feels minor (or a question feels embarrassing), your provider needs the full picture to deliver the best care possible.

“There are no ‘dumb questions,’ and no question is too small when it comes to your health,” Dr. DiMaria says. “Primary care is about caring for the whole person, physically, mentally and emotionally.”

10 important questions to ask your Primary Care Provider What health screenings, tests or vaccines do I need?

Preventive care is one of

the top benefits of having a primary care provider.

Some serious conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure), diabetes, heart disease and even certain cancers often develop without any symptoms in their early stages. Regular screenings can detect problems early, when they’re easier to treat.

“Preventing a disease is always easier than treating a disease,” Dr. DiMaria adds.

Ask about: • Blood pressure screenings • Cholesterol testing • Diabetes screenings • Colon cancer screenings • Mammograms • Prostate cancer screenings • Bone density testing • Skin cancer checks • Flu, pneumonia, shingles and COVID-19 vaccines “Preventive care allows us to identify risks before they become serious health issues,” says Dr. DiMaria. “This proactive approach can make a big difference in a patient’s quality of life.”

How does my family medical history affect my health?

Family health history can provide valuable insight into your future health risks. Before you go to your appointment, it’s important to create a picture of your family health history that is as complete as possible. Gather health information from your: • Parents • Siblings • Grandparents • Aunts and uncles

• Half-siblings • Children “Understanding family history helps us to identify patients who may benefit from earlier screenings or lifestyle interventions,” Dr. DiMaria says.

Is my weight healthy?

Maintaining a healthy weight supports overall health, including heart and joint health, mobility, sleep and blood sugar control.

A “healthy weight” is not the same for everyone. Your provider may evaluate: • Body mass index (BMI) • Muscle mass • Activity level • Existing conditions • Medications that affect weight Instead of focusing on the number on the scale, ask about realistic goals and sustainable habits that support overall wellness.

Should I continue taking my medications or supplements?

Medication reviews are an important part of primary care, especially as our health needs change over time.

When you come to your appointment, bring an updated list of: • Prescription medications • Over-the-counter medicines • Vitamins • Herbal supplements “Patients often assume that supplements and vitamins are always safe because they are sold over the counter,” says Dr. DiMaria. “But some supplements can actually interfere with your medica-

tions or create unwanted side effects, so it’s best to ask your provider before starting any of these products.”

Is this symptom, pain or discomfort normal?

Patients frequently avoid discussing any symptoms they consider to be minor, uncomfortable or unrelated. Ongoing symptoms, however, may signal underlying health issues.

When talking with your provider, be prepared to explain when the symptoms started, how often they occur, what improves them or makes them worse and why they concern you. The more information your PCP has, the better they can evaluate your overall health.

Is my stress, anxiety or sadness normal?

Mental health is a critical component of whole-person wellness.

If you have experienced any changes in your mood, motivation, sleep or concentration for more than two weeks, it’s important to discuss them with your provider.

“Mental health and physical health are deeply connected,” Dr. DiMaria says.

“Primary care providers can help connect patients to the support and treatment they need.”

Can you please explain that in simpler terms?

Questions that you should never hesitate to ask include: • “Can you explain that to me again?”

• “What does that medical

term mean?”

• “Can you walk me through my treatment plan?”

• “Did I understand that correctly?”

Good communication between patient and provider aids in shared decision-making and improved outcomes, as well as improved patient confidence and adherence to treatment.

One helpful strategy is repeating instructions back to your PCP in your own words to confirm understanding.

Why is this test or treatment needed?

If your provider recommends a test, imaging or a procedure, asking about it can help you feel more informed and prepared.

Consider asking: • What is this test for?

• How should I prepare?

• Are there any risks or side effects?

• How long will it take to get my results?

• What happens after the test?

How often should I schedule checkups?

Routine primary care visits are essential, Dr. DiMaria says, even if you feel healthy.

Regular appointments can help: • Detect silent conditions early • Monitor chronic diseases • Review medications • Update vaccinations • Track changes to your health over time General recommendations include • Wellness visits every one

to two years for healthy adults • More frequent visits for patients with chronic conditions • Annual Medicare visits for adults 65 and older How can I access my medical records and test results?

Many healthcare systems now offer secure online patient portals that allow patients to: • View lab results • Request prescription refills • Schedule non-urgent appointments • Message providers or the provider’s office • Access visit summaries Patient portals can improve communication between the patient and their provider and help patients stay engaged in their care between appointments.

The importance of having a Primary Care Provider Research consistently shows that patients with a regular primary care provider experience better overall health outcomes “A primary care provider is your central healthcare partner, someone who understands your medical history, coordinates your care and helps guide your long-term wellness,” says Dr. DiMaria.

“Our goal is to build lasting relationships with patients and help them live healthier lives.”

AUGUST 6-AUGUST 12, 2026

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LOCAL MILITARY

The Ehret legacy grows

Parris Island grad joins Marine father, Navy mother, grandparents in service

By Lance Cpl. Ayden Cassano USMC MCRD PARRIS ISLAND — The Ehret family has a new service member in their legacy. Pvt. Jacob Ehret with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, graduated from boot camp July 31, 2026.

Pvt. Ehret comes from a strong military background.

His father, Jason Ehret, is a retired Marine Corps major, and his mother, Carmen Ehret, is a retired Navy Captain, with his grandparents also serving in the military.

Carmen Ehret commissioned in the Navy after attending college and spent her first five years as a Surface Warfare Officer. After having twins, one of whom was Jacob Ehret, she left the Navy for nearly two years. Eventually, she returned to the Navy as a reservist until her children entered kindergarten. She signed a package to return to active duty, where she became a Human Resources Officer, and completed her service at 23 years.

Mrs. Ehret has since been diagnosed with cancer, making Pvt. Jacob Ehret's graduation even more meaningful.

Despite her battle with cancer, the disease couldn’t stop her from seeing her son graduate in person.

“It’s overwhelming,” said Mrs. Ehret about being there in person. “Just the amount of pride, and I guess the relief too. I mean I can’t think of anything better” His father also made it to the graduation ceremony.

Jason Ehret enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1990 at 18 years old and was stationed

U.S. Marine Corps Pvt. Jacob Ehret (left) a new Marine with Echo Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, poses for a photo with his mother, retired U.S. Navy Capt. Carmen Ehret, after the Graduation Ceremony on Friday, July 31, 2026, on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Lance Cpl. Ayden Cassano/USMC at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Tustin, Calif., as a CH-53 Avionics Technician, later becoming an Aerial Observer.

Later in his career, he applied to the Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training (BOOST) program. The defunct program positioned him to become an officer through Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. He eventually became a CH-53 pilot and returned to his previous unit at MCAS Tustin.

“I went back to the same squadron I was in when I was a lance corporal,” said Mr. Ehret, “So now my roommates that were all lance corporals with me are now all staff sergeants and gunnery ser-

geants, and I was lieutenant.”

After an honorable discharge, he moved to his farm in Virginia.

Jacob Ehret received plenty of mentorship from his parents. His mother ensured he stayed in shape throughout his childhood. His father taught him discipline, Marine Corps history and orders, and even drill before enlisting.

Carmen Ehret would yell motivational phrases to her son as he trained for running, often saying, “You have to push yourself because the enemy is out there training harder! Is that the choice you want to make?”

Mrs. Ehret ensured Pvt. Ehret continued to participate in sports throughout childhood.

When he finished playing football, he started swimming, and Mrs. Ehret motivated him to make it to practice on time every day and stay disciplined.

Pvt. Ehret attended college for a short time after high school, later deciding that enlisting in the Marine Corps was a better path for him.

“I got into college and for about a year,” said Pvt. Ehret.

“Seeing those classes just wasn’t something I could see myself doing any longer than I wanted to, so I pivoted into enlisting, and that's how I ended up here.”

Mr. Ehret advised his son on the option for enlisting, stating that he “thrives on structure and discipline.”

After choosing to enlist as a Combat Engineer Pvt. Ehret received mentorship from Mr. Ehret.

“We talked a lot, especially when we started talking about going into the Marines,” said Mr. Ehret. “If you go to the Marines, you have to start on your general orders. You need to work on your rank structure. I literally took him out and was showing him the basics on how to march.”

Pvt. Ehret credits much of his success throughout recruit training to his parents, who both prepared him for the difficult 13 weeks of boot camp.

“That was the biggest thing, hearing their voices in my head,” said Pvt. Ehret.

“Telling me what to do was the biggest help for me to get through everything.”

Pvt. Ehret carries on a military legacy within the Ehret family – from his grandparents to his parents and now himself. Pvt. Ehret is proud to have earned the title of U.S. Marine and carry their legacy forward.

“It’s really a beautiful thing,” said Pvt. Ehret. “Getting to learn everything and becoming part of what I had seen my whole life with my father and mother. Getting to see that community, that family, that brotherhood, and getting to carry on that tradition of the military and the Marine Corps.”

VA decision reviews and appeals (Part 1)

This is the first in a series of five articles on VA decision reviews, appeals, and what veterans need to know about: • Reviews and appeals of Non-Medical Treatment Decisions.

• Appeal of a VA Medical Treatment Decision.

• Patient Advocates and the Ralph H. Johnson VA Patient Advocate Team.

• The top nine reasons why veterans’ VA disability claims are denied.

• What to Do If Your VA Disability Claim is Denied.

• How to check your claim status.

• Managing your legacy appeal.

• Getting help requesting a decision review.

• Choosing a decision review option.

• Answers to frequently asked questions.

• What happens after you request a decision review.

• The Appeals Modernization Act.

LARRY DANDRIDGE

your care, first speak with your treatment team. Your treatment team includes your doctor, nurse, social worker, dietitian, pharmacist, chaplain, therapist, and other medical care professionals. If you feel your concerns are not being addressed by your treatment team, you may contact a VA Patient Advocate.

Patient advocates A Patient Advocate is a VA employee specifically designated and empowered at each Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facility to manage feedback from veterans, family members, and friends. The Reviews, appeals of VA Patient Advocate works directly with non-medical treatment decisions management and VA employees to According to the “VA Decision facilitate resolutions for the veteran Reviews and Appeals” webpage or the veteran's family member, (https://www.va.gov/decision-resurvivor, or caregiver. Find VA views/) if you are a veteran, or the facility locations using the VA “Find spouse, dependent, survivor, or VA Locations” search tool at https:// family caregiver of a veteran, who disagrees with a VA decision, contact www.va.gov/find-locations. Learn more about VA Patient Advocates a VA-accredited Veterans Service at https://www.va.gov/HEALTH/ Officer (VSO), whose services are FREE, or a VA-accredited attorney or patientadvocate/.

VA-accredited Claims Agent. These The Ralph H. Johnson VA VA-accredited representatives can Medical Center and Healthcare help you find the decision review System (RHJVAMC&HCS) Patient option that is right for you.

Advocates According to the RHJAppeal of a VA medical treatVAMC&HCS “Patient Advocates” ment decision If you disagree with a VA medical webpage (https://bit.ly/45368i6) their patient advocates are specially treatment decision, a VA-Patient Advocate can help you file a Clinical trained to help you resolve issues with your care. If you have experiAppeal. If you have a compliment, suggestion, or concern regarding enced any problems that you haven't

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AUGUST 6-AUGUST 12, 2026

a veteran applies for service-connected disability, and the VA denies the claim. Nine of the most common reasons why a veteran’s VA DisabiliThe RHJVAMC&HCS Patient ty Claim is denied include: Advocate Team 1. The veteran gave incomplete Hanna McCoy is the VA Charlesinformation on the application forms. The VA prefers what it calls ton Health Care System Patient Advocate Supervisor, with six Patient Fully Developed Claims (FDCs), which are complete claims with as Advocates on her team. Traviell much information and evidence as Hartsfield is the North Charleston the veteran can muster to help the and Goose Creek VA Outpatient VA decide as quickly and easily as Clinics Patient Advocate; Amanpossible. The FDC process includes da Ware is the Myrtle Beach VA a built-in layer that allows for reconOutpatient Clinic Patient Advocate; Elisha Boyd is the Patient Advocate sideration. If the veteran disagrees for the Beaufort, S.C., Clinic, and the with all or part of the decision on Savannah, Hinesville, and Brunswick their FDC, they can work with their VA Outpatient Clinics; and Traciee VA-accredited VSO (or VA-accreditPrioleau, Valerie Edwards, and Cleon ed attorney) to obtain any additional Smith are VA Charleston Patient evidence needed and, if possible, Advocates. resolve the issue by requesting Call 843-789-6066 to speak with a reconsideration. With FDCs, the VA Charleston, North Charleston, Goose usually notifies the veteran in detail Creek, or Myrtle Beach VA Patient of the reasons for denial. The veteran Advocate. Call 912-920-0214, Ext. then has the option to obtain any 412205 to speak with the Savannah, necessary evidence and request reHinesville, Beaufort, and Brunsconsideration as an FDC. Learn more about FDCs at the VA webpage wick VA Outpatient Clinic Patient “Fully Developed Claims Program” Advocate. at https://bit.ly/4pT8CsE. 1. The veteran submitted the Top 9 reasons why a veteran’s wrong forms. For the VA to consider VA disability claim may be denied a Fully Developed Claim (FDC), the One of the most important and generous of the many VA benefits is veteran must submit an Application military service-connected disability for Disability Compensation and compensation. According to the “VA Related Compensation Benefits (VA Disability compensation” webpage From 21-526EZ), submit all evidence (https://www.va.gov/disability/), (supporting documents such as “VA disability compensation (pay) medical records, military personnel offers a monthly tax-free payment records, Lay Witness Statements, to veterans who got sick or injured Nexus Letters, Personal Statement, while serving in the military and Line-of-Duty Investigation Reports, to veterans whose service made an Photos, Accident Reports, Purple existing condition worse. You may Heart awards and citations, etc.) the qualify for VA disability benefits for veteran has along with the claim, physical conditions (like a chronic certify that there is no more evidence illness or injury) and mental health the VA needs to decide the claim, conditions (like PTSD) that develand attend any and all VA medioped before, during, or after service.” cal exams (called Cost & Pension It is a terrible disappointment when Exams or C&P Exams) that the VA been able to resolve by talking with your care team, please reach out to one of our patient advocates.

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

schedules. Download the VA Form 21-526EZ at https://www.va.gov/ forms/21-526ez/. Find out if a veteran needs to complete additional forms for his or her disability claim at the VA “File Additional Forms for Your Disability Claim” webpage https:// bit.ly/4fJH5a1 and the VA webpage “Supporting Forms for VA Claims” at https://www.va.gov/supportingforms-for-claims/.

1. The veteran missed a deadline. The VA does not require a veteran to apply for VA disability within a certain time after their injury or illness. However, it might give you deadlines for furnishing additional evidence or forms necessary to process your claim. The VA may also require you to schedule doctor’s visits to support your claim within a specific period. Veterans must also complete a C&P exam, which will assist the VA in determining your disability rating and compensation.

If you miss this appointment or any other deadline set by the VA, your claim could be denied.

Larry Dandridge is a Vietnam War wounded warrior, disabled veteran, ex-Enlisted Infantryman, ex-Warrant Officer Pilot, and retired Lt. Colonel.

He is a past VA-accredited VSO, a Patient Adviser at Charleston and Durham VA Hospitals, a Fisher House Charleston/Friends of Fisher House Charleston Goodwill Ambassador, and the Veterans Benefits Adviser for his local Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) Chapter and Cary, N.C., VFW Post 7383. Larry is also the author of the award-winning “Blades of Thunder (Book One)” and a contributing freelance writer with The Island News. Contact him at LDandridge@earthlink.net or 843-276-7164.

LOCAL MILITARY

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, 10 July 2026 Recruit Training Regiment • Commanding Officer, Colonel A. P. Bariletti Third Recruit Training Battalion • Lieutenant Colonel S. L. Gross Commander of Troops, Captain B. C. Dao • Parade Adjutant, GCaptain S. A. Carrol Company “I”, Recruit Training Battalion • Captain B.C Dao Drill Master • Staff Sergeant M.D. Brodie • Staff Sergeant T. Washington PLATOON 3056

Senior Drill Instructor SSgt S. L. Rowe PVT

Addison, Jeremiah E.

PVT

Alligood, Maurice D.

PFC

Andradefernandez, Omar

PFC

Banks, Ahron I.

PVT

Barclay, Mario D.

PVT

Bennett, Anthony R.

PVT

Brown, Jamare D.

PFC

Carino, Joshua D.

PVT

Castillo, Dominic A.

PVT

Castro, Christopher D.

PVT

Crews Jr, Christopher M.

PFC

Deoleolopez, Yovanni M.

PFC

Diaz, Job A.

PFC

Ervin, Elijah J.

PFC

Foster, Ajarion Q.

PVT

Fox, Bradley W.

PVT

Garcia Jr, Jose M.

PFC

Garcia, Daniel E.

PFC

Gaston Iii, Thomas E.

PVT

Georgeff, Delaney R.

PVT

Hannel Jr, Bradley J.

PVT

Harrod Jr, Tallon R.

PVT

Her, Leo

PVT

Holmes, Jerry T.

PFC

Keen, Deric C.

PVT

King Jr, Jonathan D.

PVT

Levesque, Brody V.

PVT

Lumley, William E.

PFC

Mcleod, Olendextera N.

PVT

Meadows, Andrew R.

PVT

Menix, Jett R.

PVT

Mertins, Ayden J.

PVT

Nichols, Jaxson A.

PVT

Ortizlopez, Kevin I.

PVT PVT PVT

Perritt, Phoenix B. Pioquinto, David R. Price, Jonathan P.

PFC

Cornejo, Elizabeth R.

PVT

Conklin, Christopher L.

PFC

Kalani, Makaio

PVT

Sanford, Davon K.

PVT

Cornelison, Kelsey A.

PVT

Cooper, Connor A.

PVT

Littlefield, Gary A.

PVT

Schutz, Troy D.

PVT

Delarosasantos, Jocelin

PVT

Corbin, Walker J.

PVT

Lowe, Theodore J.

PFC

Sinanisorto, Billy M.

PVT

Dematosklipp, Rafaela

PVT

Cotton, Tanner S.

PFC

Lwanga, Sebastiane G.*

PVT

Soler, Kyler S.

PFC

Edwards, Emma L.

PVT

Cournoyer, Christopher J.

PVT

Macona, Austin T.

PVT

Sputore, Benjamin M.

PVT

Edwards, Jennifer C.

PVT

Dennie, Michael J.

PFC

Marketich, Quinn D.*

PVT

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PFC

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PFC

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PVT

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PFC

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PVT

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PFC

Pamula, Luthfi B.

PVT

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PVT

Jack, Gage M.

PFC

Perez, Jorge A.

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PFC

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Holman, Savannah M.

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Kirkland, Zackary R.

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PFC

PFC

Jordan, Kaylee E.

PFC

PFC

Alonso, Didier

Phillips, Caleb L.

PVT

Avilesrivera, Dionel

PFC

Piatt, Zane L.*

PFC

Barker, Tobias X.

Lewis, Walter G.

PFC

Prokop, Jacob W.

PFC

Batistadiaz, Eddy

PVT

Littlecalf, Cessna M.

PVT

Reh, Boe

PVT

Benavidezcano, Benjamin A.

Kamara, Kadiatu P.

PVT

Lodico Jr, Michael J.

PVT

Reyesalegria, Jeffrey A.

PVT

Bradfield Ii, William J.

PFC

Keast, Nicole B.

PFC

Logan, Aden Z.

PFC

Romano, John B.

PVT

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PVT

Keys, Evette M.

PVT

Maldonadovelasco, Roberto

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Rosario Jr, Angel L.

PFC

Bruno, Anthony J.

PVT

Khung, Sreylairk A.

PVT

Mccreary, Christopher J.

PVT

Sanchez, Joshua J.

PVT

Camacho, Justin A.

PVT

Lance, Gracie N.

PFC

Mcguff, Alexander R.

PVT

Serranogonzalez, Gael

PVT

Casagrande, Dominic J.

PFC

Lawson, Zoey G.

PFC

Medinaramos, Ibis P.

PVT

Vonehr, Alexander M.

Mendezvail, Omar B.

Chilson, Kaleb T.

Lopezcruz, Jennifer

PVT

PVT

PVT

PVT

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Cutman, Zachary A.

Lucero, Yaretzi S.

Millssherman, Dominic J.

PVT

PVT

PVT

PVT

Watson, Connor J.

PVT

Lyndaker, Skye S.

PVT

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PVT

Dennis, Raymond C.

PVT

Martinez, Natasha

PVT

Muellecker, Logan D.

PFC

England, Jared L.

PVT

Mateomartinez, Rosalia

PVT

Murphy, Drake R.

PVT

Feinberg, Drew D.

PVT

Mccatty, Jalena A.

PFC

Reducindonavarrete, Alexander

Senior Drill Instructor SSgt T. M. Gifford

PVT

Fernandezestevez, Elian

PVT

Mellott, Lia C.

PVT

Rilea, Blake A.

PVT

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PFC

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PFC

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PVT

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PVT

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Sarver, Keandre N.

PVT

Bardall, Justice S.

PVT

Gross, Xavier I.

PVT

Miller, Chloe

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PFC

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PFC

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PVT

Shepard, Michael J.

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Buto, Tanner J.*

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PVT

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PFC

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Ellerbee, Devin J.

Ianovale, Wesley L.

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Pepke, Layla S.

PVT

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PVT

PVT

PVT

PFC

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Juradopalacios, Daniel M.

Perezflores, Brisa Y.

PVT

PVT

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Rainey, Ayanna J.

Franklin, Amaree A.

PFC

PVT

PFC

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Reinosoperalta, Miriam A.

PVT

PVT

PFC

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Ray, David P.

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Riveraperez, Jenri D.

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Seigler, Matthew A.

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Toxtleherrera, David

PVT

Vazquez, Samuel J.

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Rhodes, Dani R.

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Velasquezvasquez, Miguel A.

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Richardson, Elayjah M.

PFC

Walker Jr, Dennis G.

PVT

Riverapolanco, Jocelyn R.

PVT

Washington Iii, Everett L.

PFC

Rodgers, Kylee L.

PVT

Winters, Johnathan A.

PFC

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Shelton, Nakiah R.

PFC

Spott, Jessica J.

PFC

Thoxcle, Yaretzi

PVT

Todd I, Erickisha Y.

PVT

Whittle, Shani E.

PFC

Williams, Ileana R.

PFC

Williams, Kymiah Y.

PFC

Xochicale, Kelly P.

PVT

Yingling, Edith L.

PLATOON 3057

Senior Drill Instructor Sgt M. L. Gaspar

PLATOON 3062

Senior Drill Instructor SSgt A. A. Sandoval

PLATOON 3060

Senior Drill Instructor SSgt M. K. Carson

PLATOON 3061

PVT

Almanzavillalobos, Mario G.

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PVT

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PVT

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PFC

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PFC PVT

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PFC

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PVT

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*Denotes Meritorious Promotion

PLATOON 3058

AUGUST 6-AUGUST 12, 2026

A13

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YOUR AD HERE Looking to advertise your business, announce a yard sale, or share other classifieds? Contact Amanda Hanna (amanda@lcweekly.com) or Sasha Horne Hirshout (sasha.theislandnews@gmail.com). It’s an easy and affordable way to reach thousands of local readers right here in the Lowcountry.

THURSDAY’S CARTOON

Read with caution; not necessarily the opinions of the editorial staff.

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THEME: HAPPY BIRTHDAY ACROSS 1. Thanksgiving tubers 5. ____ Patrol 8. Boohoos 12. Burn soothing plant 13. "Frat Pack" member Wilson 14. ____ ligation 15. Sound an alarm 16. Marvin, Majors and Greenwood 17. O. Henry's specialty 18. *Marilyn Monroe: "Happy Birthday, Mr. ____" 20. Sporting sword 21. Blue pencil marks 22. Knight's title 23. *One for every year 26. Custodian 30. Be in debt 31. Stay clear of 34. Accompanies relief 35. #1 Down, pl.

37. Owned 38. Subway in Paris 39. Shore extension 40. Per ____ 42. Even, poetic 43. City in Netherlands 45. Like voice during laryngitis 47. Barents or Laptev, e.g.

48. Noah's passengers

50. Type of code 52. *Astrological sign for those born on New Year's Eve 56. Black one and white one, for Tchaikovsky 57. Crematorium jars 58. "The Odyssey," e.g.

59. Make this, not waste 60. Let it stand, to proofreader 61. Governmental space agency, acr.

62. The windows to the soul 63. Money in Myanmar 64. Theodora or Dorothea DOWN 1. Bark or yelp 2. Relating to armpit 3. *"...and many ____" 4. Detected 5. *Like 16 6. Hiking sandals of a certain brand 7. Of the present month 8. *Greeting to the birthday honoree, sometimes 9. Bassoon cousin 10. Misery cause 11. Canny 13. Dated tunes 14. Make a logical connection (2

words) 19. Runs without moving 22. Lumberjack's tool 23. Another word for nutria 24. Look forward to 25. Not as old 26. George Lucas' warrior-monk 27. Concentration of a solution lab test 28. Shrek and Fiona, e.g.

29. Cotes du ____, wine region 32. Online room 33. As opposed to mishap 36. *"We want your presence, not your ____" 38. New Zealandian minority 40. Cuban dance syllable 41. *Quench it with punch 44. Precedes desist 46. Antonym of descent 48. *Traditional birthday celebration 49. Sleeper's woe 50. Up, up and there 51. Level a building 52. Crescent point 53. Colorful fish 54. Greet the judge, e.g.

55. March Madness org.

56. Pronoun

LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORD & SUDOKU SOLUTIONS

A14

AUGUST 6-AUGUST 12, 2026

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Amanda Hanna – amanda@lcweekly.com | Sasha Horne Hirshout – sasha.theislandnews@gmail.com

E-Edition

Digital Newspaper

START READING

YOURISLANDNEWS.COM

TODAY

A customer favorite! Enjoy the classic newspaper format in a digital environment. Published every Thursday, the E-Edition is a digital replica of the print newspaper, with all of the same news issuu.com/theislandnews and advertising content, on your computer, tablet or smartphone.

Meet ATHENA! She truly is a goddess. Athena has the most kind eyes that stare into yours with pure love. She would love nothing more than a comfortable lap to lie in.

Handsome ASTER! is a 1½-year-old brown tabby with a very sweet personality! This snuggly boy loves staying close to his favorite people and soaking up all your affection.

IRENE is an irresistible, adorable dilute tabby with the sweetest little face — and no eyes. But don’t let that fool you. Her blindness doesn’t slow her down or dim her spirit one bit.

Meet GERRY, a spunky 4-month-old kitten with a loud purr!

He loves chasing toys, and snuggling after playtime. Could your family be the one to watch this little guy grow up in a very happy, loving home?

KATARA is a gorgeous tabby girl with truly eyecatching markings — she’s the kind of cat you notice right away. Even better, her personality is just as lovely as her looks.

Sweet baby LUCY is an adorable 2½-monthold black and white tuxedo kitten! She is full of playful kitten energy, ready to grow up surrounded by love, and loves cozy naps.

Give this little girl the home she deserves!

At 9 years old, LEXI is ready to settle in a home filled with love and cuddles.

She prefers a quiet home, with the softest blankets, and a nice long lasting bone to chew on.

Meet GERRY, a 2-yearold Shepherd mix with a huge smile! At 30 pounds, this happy girl loves adventures and greeting you with a wagging tail. Bring home this loving companion to brighten up your daily routine!

Meet MOLLY! This sweet and gentle girl was found as a stray, completely malnourished.

With the help of our staff, she has reached a healthy weight and is as happy as ever.

Meet SNOOP! This handsome 9-monthold Cocker/Lab mix is 25 pounds of playful black-and-white energy. He loves toys, exploring, and cozy cuddles after a fun day. Ready for a loyal best friend?

ZADIA is a lovely young orangeand-white tabby who strikes that balance between social and independent. She gets along well with the people she meets.

Meet WALLEN! This sweet, smart 3-yearold Great Dane mix weighs 62 pounds.

He learns tricks fast, loves playing and will shower you with affection. Adopt this big boy to make your family whole!

All animals above are available at Hilton Head Humane’s Hilton Head campus at 10 Humane Way, Hilton Head Island, S.C. 29926. Open Mondays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 843-681-8686 or email adoptions@hhhumane.org.

AUGUST 6-AUGUST 12, 2026

A15

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THE BLUFF | MLS 193576 4BDRM | 3.5B | 4450sqft Amy McNeal 843.521.7932

$1,550,000

DISTANT ISLAND | MLS 195245

.65 Acre Homesite | Private Deepwater Dock Panoramic Views Edward Dukes 843.812.5000

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r e c n a C t r o pp u S JOIN IN-PERSON OR ONLINE

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Second Wednesday of the Month | 6 – 7pm*

The SCIIJ supports the development and production of independent and nonprofit news in S.C. to promote democratic ideals.

ALL CANCER SUPPORT GROUP Fourth Wednesday of the Month | 1 – 2pm* Beaufort Memorial Medical and Administrative Center 990 Ribaut Road, Beaufort • Room 317, 3rd Floor

SCAN TO RSVP

To RSVP for a free Support Group, scan our code or visit:

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*Meeting schedule subject to change and may be impacted by holidays.

for generously sponsoring this ad.

QUESTIONS?

Donate now at SCIndependentJournalism.org

Call Kianna Brown, LMSW • 843-522-7328

Seeking God

What’s Holding You Back?

Friendship of a Lifetime

Think about the close friends in your life.

Perhaps with most of your friends, you hit it off right from the start and have been close ever since. But you might also have a close friend who was an acquaintance for a long time before you became friends. You may have known each other in passing at work or at school, and something held you back from getting to know him or her. Looking back, you’re now amazed that it took so long for you to become friends!

Many things can keep us from getting to know someone.

You might think you don’t need any more friends, or you don’t want to open yourself up to new people. The person might strike you as a bit odd, or you have heard negative things about him.

With all the distractions of daily life, you may never have noticed him, or didn’t realize that he was interested in a friendship with you.

Our relationship with God can be the same way.

Perhaps you have been friends with God as long as you can remember, and friendship with him seems to come naturally. Or it could be that God seems to you more like a classmate or co-worker whom you only know in passing. You may have heard a bit about him, but something is keeping you from getting to know him.

We don’t want to miss out on such a friendship!

It’s not easy to reach out to someone and try to build a new friendship, but an amazing friend is worth the effort. The same is true with God. With some time and effort, we can seek out a relationship with him. If Christians are wrong and God does not exist, then we will have spent worthwhile time thinking about life’s big questions; no harm done! But if God does exist, then we have an opportunity to enter into the greatest and most beautiful relationship of our lives.

What obstacles might you be experiencing?

There are many reasons to believe in God. But before exploring arguments for his existence, it is worth considering what obstacles might be keeping us from being open to him in the first place.

In this message series, we will explore some common obstacles and suggest ways to overcome them.

Many obstacles can keep us from faith in God. We may assume that God is a fairy tale, invented to give people comfort. We could have some misunderstandings about him. We might have experienced hurt or rejection from a particular church or its members. Perhaps we are just really busy, and we don’t feel like we need God. Maybe we have never realized that God is interested in us, deeply desiring for us to know him.

Next Week Too Much Noise

Seeking God 1 of 8 LightForBeaufort.org 70 Lady’s Island Drive, Beaufort • 843-522-9555 • www.stpetersbeaufort.org • office@stpetersbeaufort.org