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DECEMBER 18–24, 2025

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COVERING BEAUFORT COUNTY

LOWCOUNTRY LOWDOWN

LOLITA HUCKABY

Safe Harbor, Pine Island: The projects that spring eternal ’

is the season, but how often do you hear a gathering of elected officials and citizenry end a meeting with a chorus of “Jingle Bells?” That was Port Royal Town Council last week when Mayor Kevin Phillips, the father of two little ones, led the audience and his fellow officials in just such a season finale. Of course, Phillips, and the town council, had something to celebrate following the long-awaited and much anticipated presentation by representatives of Safe Harbor Marinas (SHMPR) of development plans for the Battery Creek waterfront. Town officials announced in February they had reached a detailed settlement plan but last week’s presentation to the public was the latest on a development saga which has been going on for the past four years. On top of that news, the Friends of the Cypress Wetlands announced their plans to pursue a state grant to expand the pathway around the half-acre nature park and bird sanctuary, another reason to encourage good cheer. Not so cheerful was the crowd gathered two days earlier on the other end of Ribaut Road where there was an attempt to

When a plan comes together

Town of Port Royal gets first glimpse at Safe Harbor’s master plan for Port development

t is Wednesday, Dec. 10, and I’m sitting in the Yvonne C. Butler Council Chambers at the Port Royal Town Hall just off Paris Avenue. Yvonne’s meeting room is full of town folk, some wearing their Bean-brand cold-weather fleece, and most happy with what they see on the charts that sit on the floor. Tonight there are four 2-foot-by4-foot styrofoam-mounted exhibits lined up against the wall. These graphics show future improvements consistent with the Town’s

SEE LOWDOWN PAGE A4

SCOTT GRABER

Feb. 12, 2025, Settlement Agreement with Safe Harbor. They show, in particular, the lo-

cations of the yet to be built docks; the “pedestrian promenade;” a waterside park; a half block devoted to restaurants and retail; a parking lot; and a roundabout at the foot of Paris Avenue. The charts do not include the residential areas — the Bluff and Ribaut villages — nor do they show any proposed “industrial” activities atop the concrete slab that once supported the Ports Authority

SEE PLAN PAGE A5

Wreaths honor veterans’ sacrifice in Beaufort Volunteers place almost 25,000 red wreaths on Wreaths Across America Day

By Mike McCombs and Amber Hewitt The Island News Honoring their sacrifice and service, volunteers placed wreaths on the vast majority of the headstones of heroes at Beaufort National

Cemetery early Saturday afternoon, Dec. 13, on Wreaths Across America Day. It was James Washington’s first time taking part in the event. “This is my first time coming to this event,” said Washington,

a Vietnam veteran. “I wanted to show my respect." In the end, for the first time in seven years, organizers came up just short of having every grave

Apollo Tran, a Young Marine, places a wreath on a gravesite at Beaufort National Cemetery during Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, SEE HONOR PAGE A2 Dec. 13, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

NEWS

SPORTS

EDUCATION

INSIDE

Beaufort Memorial nurse Allison Nold honored with DAISY Award.

Freeman takes gold; Mullins wins No. 100.

Five more books added to Beaufort County School District libraries restricted list.

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Lowcountry Life A2 News A2–8 Business A8 Arts A9 Sports A10–11 Education A12

Health A14–15 Voices A16–17 Directory A18 Classifieds A19 Games A19 Cartoon A19

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LOWCOUNTRY LIFE & NEWS

PUBLISHER Margaret Evans

EDITORIAL/DESIGN Editor-in-Chief

Mike McCombs theislandnews@ gmail.com

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Holly LePener took this picture of a “thankful” mermaid in Beaufort just after Thanksgiving. To submit a Lowcountry Life photo, you must be the photographer or have permission to submit the photo to be published in The Island News. Please submit high-resolution photos and include a description and/or names of the people in the picture and the name of the photographer. Email your photos to theislandnews@gmail.com.

VETERAN OF THE WEEK

American Legion Beaufort Post 207 brings you Vera Gwin, 83, who joined the United States Marine Corps in Austin, Texas in 1961. After Boot Camp at Parris Island, she was assigned to MCAS El Toro, Calif. She was meritoriously promoted to First Vera Gwin Class. While there she met and married another Marine who was could not be married then, she to be her lifelong partner for 59 was honorably discharged. She years. Since Women Marines was with her husband, Richard,

VERA GWIN

on every tour except the two he spent in Vietnam. During one Vietnam tour she used the GI Bill to earn a degree in accounting from the University of Texas in Austin. On other assignments, she worked as a special education teacher in Calif., taught English to foreign spouses at Andrews AFB in Washington D.C., was a Spanish and math teacher at Robert Smalls High School, and worked

Honor

from page A1 graved covered. “We have 23,664 sponsored wreaths,” Beaufort Coordinator David Edwards said the day before. “I'm getting 500 from VFW Sylvania for a total of 24,164. … That only leaves us 836 wreaths short. So we will try again for next year.” While Edwards wishes every headstone were covered, he also knows what an accomplishment getting this close actually is. “I feel good, I mean look at [where we were] the first of December,” Edwards said. “We did real good, I think. We did great.” As it is every year, turnout was good. Veterans and children. Boys Scouts and Girls Scouts. Family and Friends. And the effect the event has on those who take part is profound. Sherlenia Daniels, a retired veteran from Pooler, Ga., was impressed with the crowd, and honored to take part. "I am honored, I'm amazed, l am fascinated by the crowd, and I'm just happy to know that after

Girls Scouts touch the top of a headstone after laying a wreath at Beaufort National Cemetery during Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News [veterans] have served our country, they are still being honored,” Daniels said. “… It's a huge memorial service for me being that after 20 years retired, l've never been to one. And so now I can see that there are other things to look forward to that [are] still honor-

ON THIS DATE

December 19

1866: South Carolina rejects the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which contains, in the first section, the Citizenship Clause, the Privileges or Immunities Clause, the Due Process Clause, and the Equal Protection Clause. It also includes the 3/5 Compromise to apportion the House of Representatives, the Electoral College, felony disenfranchisement, disqualification for

able to the veterans and those that serve in the United States of America. So it is humbling and it is amazing. I'm honored to be here today." “It was such a beautiful experience to attend Wreaths Across America at the Beaufort Na-

DECEMBER 18–24, 2025

April Ackerman

Billing questions only.

at the Navy/Marine Corps Relief Society at MCAS Beaufort. She also works 19½ years for the S.C. Employment Office in Beaufort as the farm representative for migrant workers on the Sea Islands. – Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207. For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com. tional Cemetery in South Carolina,” said Isabella Kay of Florida. “Through Wreaths Across America, they ensure the legacy, sacrifice, and service of our fallen heros [are] never forgotten through the Christmas season. I’m grateful I was able to be a part of such a moving and wonderful cause.” Edwards hopes to once again cover every headstone next year, and he hopes to get there by starting early. Beginning [now], if you go ahead and sponsor your wreath for next year between Dec. 13 and Dec. 31, they will [match] us one-for-one. So you buy one, that gives two; you buy 10, that gives us 10 more. To sponsor a Remembrance Wreath, which costs $17, click on the QR code on Wreaths Across America Beaufort’s Facebook page or visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/GA0175P. That code at the end of the web address guarantees the wreaths purchased make their way to Beaufort. Mike McCombs is the editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.

December 24 1856: Robert Smalls marries Hannah Jones, an enslaved hotel maid five years his senior. It was Smalls’ first marriage. – Compiled by Mike McCombs

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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, 2025, 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. Content published from Care Magazine® is intended as a reference and options source only, not as a guide to self-treatment or substitute for profession medical advice. It is provided for educational purpose only. Readers assume full responsibility for how this information is used. 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

Burton Fire District names Firefighter, Fire Officer of Year

Staff reports During the Burton Fire District’s end of year banquet this past weekend, which was attended by past and present Burton firefighters along with their families, the 2025 Firefighter and Fire Officer of the Year, who were nominated by their peers, were announced. The 2025 Burton Fire District Officer of the Year is Lieutenant Keith Kersey. Lt. Kersey was hired in 2023 and promoted to Lieutenant just a year later in July of 2024. His firefighters describe

him as a dedicated professional who has not only set a standard for others to strive for but also works tirelessly to help them achieve it. Through his exceptional leadership and abilities Lt. Keith as an instructor, Kersey Lt. Kersey is continuously training those around him regardless of their experience levels which, according to his peers, has improved

both firefighter safety and the services provided by the Burton Fire District to their citizens. The 2025 Burton Fire District Firefighter of the Year is Engineer/ EMT Mauricio Mauricio Gallego who was Gallego also selected as the 2025 Burton Fire District Shift III Firefighter of the Year. Eng/EMT Gallego joined the Burton Fire District in 2020

and was selected by the students in his fire academy class to receive the Order of the Maltese Cross award, which is given to the student who best embodies the courage, integrity, and core valJake ues represented by Woolsey the Maltese Cross, the symbol of the fire service. Gallego, a retired U.S. Marine who served two tours in Afghani-

stan, was also selected as Burton’s Firefighter of the Year in 2021 and has been credited three times as being part of a crew that revived a person in cardiac arrest. In addition, Chandler E ng i ne e r / E MTs Parris Jake Woolsey and Chandler Parris were Selected as Burton Fire District Shift I and Shift II Firefighter of the Year respectively.

Port Royal Golf Cart Parade

Holiday cheer on wheels! The annual Port Royal Christmas Golf Cart Parade delighted the community on Saturday, Dec. 13, in Port Royal, with festive carts, costumes, and plenty of Christmas spirit. Photo by Asa Aarons Smith

Melina Lopez and Isabella, 2, watch festively decorated golf carts roll past during the annual Port Royal Christmas Golf Cart Parade on Saturday, Dec. 13, in Port Royal. Asa Aarons Smith/The Island News

Maurizio Buscarini, M.D., Ph.D., MPH-MBA

Beaufort Memorial Urology Specialists proudly welcomes Dr. Maurizio Buscarini, a board-certified, fellowship-trained urologist, to its Beaufort

and Okatie locations. With decades of experience, Dr. Buscarini specializes in robot-assisted surgery and advanced treatment for urological cancers, offering patients cutting-edge care close to home. An internationally recognized leader in his field, Dr. Buscarini comes to the Lowcountry from his most recent roles as Regional Director at Mount Sinai Queens and Professor of Urology at both Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and University Campus Biomedico in Rome, Italy. He has established state-of-the-art robotic surgery programs across the U.S. and Europe, trained more than 100 physicians worldwide, and authored over 160 scientific publications. In addition, he has participated in more than 50 medical relief missions with Doctors Without Borders over the past 25 years. Dr. Buscarini remains at the forefront of innovation, treating conditions such as adrenal, bladder, kidney, and prostate cancers with leading-edge techniques. Beyond his surgical expertise, he takes a holistic approach to care, ensuring patients understand every step of their treatment. Now, he brings his world-class expertise to the Lowcountry, combining advanced robotic procedures with personalized, compassionate care for every patient.

CALL 843-524-7607 TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT.

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City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center Duarte, Calif.

Dr. Buscarini joins board-certified urologist Dr. Louis F. Plzak and board-certified physician assistants Kristin S. Callaghan, Nancy Thomas and Matthew Baker at Beaufort Memorial Urology Specialists.

1055 RIBAUT ROAD, BEAUFORT • 122 OKATIE CENTER BLVD. NORTH, OKATIE

BEAUFORTMEMORIAL.ORG • MOST MAJOR INSURANCE PLANS ARE ACCEPTED. DECEMBER 18–24, 2025

NEWS

Pedestrian killed by pickup truck on Lady’s Island By Delayna Earley The Island News A pedestrian was struck and killed on Lady’s Island on Monday night by a pickup truck, according to the South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP). At around 8:45 p.m., on Dec. 15, a 2019 Ford F-350 was traveling south on U.S. 21 (Lady’s Island Drive) and collided with the pedestrian near the highway’s intersection with Rue Du Bois in the area of St. John’s Lutheran Church. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene, according to SCHP Master Trooper Hannah Davidson. No criminal charges are pending against the driver of the pickup truck. The driver stayed on the scene following the collision, according to Davidson. As of Tuesday afternoon, the deceased pedestrian had not been identified by the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office.

City of Beaufort bans outdoor balloon releases

By Delayna Earley The Island News The City of Beaufort has enacted a ban on the release of balloons filled with helium into the air – a first for the state. Beaufort’s City Council members passed the ordinance unanimously during their Dec. 9 meeting on its second reading and this extends an existing ordinance banning the release of balloons from city-owned

property. Jenn Clementoni, executive director of the Carolina Bight Birding Center, was a large proponent of the ordinance, said that releasing balloons is dangerous to domestic and wild animals and pollutes our water, marshes and shorelines. She said that the balloons are not biodegradable and they do not just go away. The ordinance was introduced in November with

language modeled after the bill proposing a statewide ban, H-3047, that was introduced in January 2025 in the statehouse but has not yet made it out of the House. City Councilman Josh Scallate said before council voted that the city’s ban will hopefully just be the first and actions have already been taken to try and encourage Beaufort County and other municipalities in

the region to adopt similar ordinances. He stated that a formal presentation about the ban is expected to be made during the Southern Lowcountry Regional Board’s Jan. 27, 2026, meeting in hopes of getting more ordinances passed to show support for a statewide ban. Violation of the ordinance is a misdemeanor offense and is punishable by a fine. The ordinance does al-

low for balloons released indoors, hot air balloons that are recovered after launching and balloons released by governmental agencies intended for meteorological studies and research. 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.

Lighting of the Menorah

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.

Port Royal man convicted of sexually abusing girl Staff reports A 37-year-old Port Royal man has been convicted of sexually abusing a 14-yearold girl. Mark William Wurm of Cedarwood Street pleaded guilty Wednesday, Dec. 10, to incest and se co nd - d e gree criminal sexual conduct with a minor between the Wurm ages of 11 and 14 at the Beaufort County Courthouse. Wurm was sentenced to 16 years in prison. “This defendant preyed upon the most vulnerable,” said Meghan Estenson of the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office. “The young girl is to be commended for standing up to her abuser. Shining light on such insidious acts and the perpetrators who commit them is the best way to end the stigma for victims and encourage their healing.” The girl disclosed the abuse to a cousin and aunt, who alerted the girl’s mother. Law enforcement was notified quickly afterward. The girl said the abuse occurred between November 2023 and August 2024. When confronted by the girl’s mother, Wurm admitted to the accusations. He also confessed to Port Royal police investigators. In addition to serving his prison sentence, Wurm must register as a sex offender. Circuit Court Judge Robert Bonds handed down the sentence. If you, or someone you know, has been the victim of sexual assault, help is available by visiting the https:// scsolicitor14.org/victim-services-center/ or calling 843790-6220.

DECEMBER 18–24, 2025

Rabbi Mendel Hurtz of Chabad House of Hilton Head lights the Menorah during the traditional Lighting of the Menorah to kick off the eight days of Hanukkah in December on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in downtown Beaufort. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Beaufort man sent to prison for rape of 13-year-old

Staff reports A 42-year-old Beaufort man who sexually assaulted a teen runaway at a Port Royal motel is being sent to prison. Nicholas Antonette Todd of Elizabeth Lane pleaded guilty Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the Beaufort County Courthouse to second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor between the ages of 11 and 14,

Lowdown from page A1

reconsider an earlier decision to reject the Pine Island development agreement While the standing-room only crowd was generally pleased that a majority of County Council members rejected the idea in September, there was concern surrounding the vote this time to possibly rescind that vote and three more council members switched sides — David Bathomew of Lady’s Island, Paula Brown of Bluffton and Thomas Reitz of Hilton Head. The motion to rescind failed, 6-4. When the 10-1 vote to reject further discussion was made in September, Councilman Logan Cunningham of Bluffton cast that lone vote.

and to contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Todd was sentenced to 15 years in prison. He also must register as a sex offender. Todd “Instead of helping a vulnerable 13-year-old, this defendant chose manipulation, coercion and deceit for his own

depraved gratification,” said C.J. Lent of the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, who prosecuted the case. “He ultimately caused untold harm to a young person. Prison is exactly where Mr. Todd needs to be.” On Jan. 10, Port Royal police were called to the Super 8 Motel on Ribaut Road after someone spotted a teenage girl with an unknown man, later identified as Todd. Offi-

cers found the girl in a hotel room with Todd. She had hickeys on her neck, which she later told officers Todd gave her. After being arrested, Todd admitted to having sex with the girl multiple times after he picked her up the day before. She had asked him for a ride to her grandparents’ house in Walterboro. Circuit Court Judge Carmen T. Mullen handed down the sentence.

This latest vote means the two lawsuits filed by the Pine Island company to challenge the Council’s actions remain, AND with seven of the 11 council members up for election next year, there’s concern the developer’s perseverance could pay off and the currently restricted 18-hole-golf course and gated community could get built. Yes, the last County Council meeting of the year, at least on the Pine Island subject, drew some sighs of relief but certainly no signing of glad tidings.

had an ordinance banning the balloon release on city-owned property but last week’s vote extends the ban city-wide. Supporters of the effort are hoping Beaufort County officials and the other municipalities will follow suit in this effort to protect the environment. There is also a bill introduced in the S.C. House of Representatives making the ban state-wide. The county environmental planners along with Keep Beaufort County Beautiful are also promoting an extension of the current plastic bag ban to include plastic straws and eating utensils. The planners have been making presentations to the municipal councils with hope they will join in the extended ban effort if the County Council takes the lead for passage next year.

St. Helena Island Correction: In the report last week about the potential development of an RV park on Sea Island Parkway near the Corners community, it was incorrectly stated that the property was outside of the St. Helena Cultural Protection Overlay District, which has been the primary reason why the Pine Island development cannot proceed as planned. Final approval of the park is still under review by the county Design Review Board.

Beaufort gets balloon ban BEAUFORT — Last week, the Beaufort City Council’s final meeting of the year drew some praise — but again, no singing — following an unanimous vote making it illegal to release balloons in the city limits. The municipality already

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

NEWS

Lady’s Island man who robbed former co-worker sent to prison

Staff reports A Lady’s Island man who robbed a co-worker at gunpoint in a dispute over a $40 loan has been sent to prison. On the day his jury trial was to begin, Charles Jamie Manigo, 53, instead pleaded guilty as indicted Monday, Dec. 15, 2025, to armed robbery and possession of

a weapon during commission of a violent crime. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison. “This was a dangerous and brazen crime that put multiple people at risk,” said J.B. Bryant of the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, who prosecuted the case. “The defendant chose to escalate a minor dis-

pute into an armed robbery, and the 10-year sentence reflects the seriousness of that conduct and the threat it posed to the community.” Manigo and one of the victims were former co-workers at a local car dealership. Manigo loaned the man $40. Several months later, the debt had not been repaid.

On Jan. 3, 2019, Manigo encountered the victim, who was working another job as a tow-truck driver, at a stoplight in the city of Beaufort. The victim sped away when he saw Manigo had a gun in his lap. Manigo then chased after him several miles until the victim pulled over on St. Hel-

ena Island’s Tom Fripp Road. Manigo then approached the victim’s vehicle while armed with a handgun and demanded money. He shot into the air when the victim did not immediately comply. Manigo ultimately took $200 before leaving the scene. The victim’s nephew was present during the inci-

dent and recorded part of the encounter. Circuit Court Judge Robert Bonds handed down the sentence during Beaufort County General Sessions Court. Bryant is a Beaufort County team attorney. He has worked for the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office since 2025.

14th annual Nativity Celebration

Featuring a beautiful collection from the women of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, the 14th Annual Nativity Celebration at First Presbyterian Church of Beaufort showcased more than 200 unique displays. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Seven year old Lawson Crosby and her grandmother, Marsha Mincey, admire one of the 200 unique displays showcased at the 14th Annual Nativity Celebration at First Presbyterian Church of Beaufort. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Plan

Harbor) does allow “up to eight portable storage/shipping containers or Conex from page A1 boxes on the ground and unstacked.” Transit Shed — a huge strucParts of The Settlement ture that handled Kaolin Agreement were also clay, frozen chicken parts presented to the public and and prefabricated houses. that Agreement allows for What we are shown an 18-month long period of tonight is area somewhat “dock manufacturing” on (or South of the Fish Camp near) the slab site. restaurant; and East of BatAt one point, Councilman tery Creek; and just West of Jerry Ashmore reminded where we are now gathered those present that the promin Town Hall. enade would be built on Dan Keefer — a young, solid ground and would not, earnest land planner — was presumably, have the piling hired to fill-in the “improve- problems now emerging ments” and he took to the at the Henry C. Chambers podium speaking his way Waterfront Park. through Phase One. This The Spanish Moss Trail process — actually more — now being constructed of a conversation between across Ribaut Road and into Mayor Kevin Phillips and the Town proper — will also Keefer — did not include descend through the Fish any renderings of what the Camp property. However, promenade or the buildthe bike path is currently ings would actually look slated to turn easterly at like. There were no styl8th Street and it would not ized drawings of children merge into the walking kicking soccer balls in the promenade. park; or old folks sipping Phase One also features margaritas under red and a half (city) block devoted blue Cinzano umbrellas. to “mixed use retail.” This But Phillips and Keefer took parcel is bordered by Windtime to emphasize connechorse Gallery on the North, tivity and access. the new waterfront park Mayor Phillips said there on the West, and appears will be no gates — there located just across the Paris would be no segregation of Avenue from Town Hall. The this recreational area from graphic of this “mixed use the Town. The Mayor said retail” area has the outline that town folk could walk of four buildings and one asor drive their golf carts into sumes these are shops, bars this area and share the view and restaurants that, when of Battery Creek and Parris built, will become the heart Island in the distance. of a revitalized, reimagined The proposed park and downtown. the waterfront will be conPhase One also comes nected to Paris Avenue by with an 80-space parking lot westward extensions of 7th that will be used by Marina and 8th Streets. The park customers and, apparently, will also be connected by by the public as well. The a walking promenade that parking lot is bounded by will follow the shoreline in a several Safe Harbor adminisSoutherly direction from the trative buildings that appear Fish Camp restaurant. to mark the entrance to the The promenade comes slips. to an end at a huge, bilThe Marina slips are liard table-smooth slab of outlined in white; extending concrete. It is not clear what northerly into the immedithis slab area will eventually ate view of those who may look like, but Mayor Phillips be recreating in the park. said that the “multi-million However, in one of the four dollar sailboats” anticipated renderings the proposed by Safe Harbor are accompa- outline (of the slips) extends be circumscribed by masts, nied by their own equipment northward into the vicinity rigging and the sound of containers or “Conex boxes,” of Fish Camp parking lot. and the Feb. 7, 2025, SettleThis means one’s water view stainless steel stays. ment Agreement (with Safe Another graphic prefrom the promenade may

it will create a circular, hikeable route that will introduce many to the fat, lush Salicornia; to fiddler crabs and to a multitude of birds that feed in this South Carolina high marsh. This boardwalk extension, together with the promenade and bike trail, will bring a host of new folks into a once-slumbering village that was the home to hard-scrabble shrimpers; crabbers who took shots and each other; and retired Gunnery Sergeants — some of whom spent their evenings at the Last Chance Saloon. The Settlement Agreement provides Safe Harbor with a five-year extension that began on Feb. 12, 2025. During the presentation it was stated that the first three years of this period would involve construction of the docks and improvements in the Port Village — presumably 7th and 8th Streets, the waterside park, drainage and other infrastructure connected to Phase One. After that would come the improvements in the area between the new park and Fish Camp and that area seaward of the dry stack building. In terms of residential development, the Settlement Agreement provides that “build to rent” construction will be limited to 15 percent of the residential units in the residential areas and that “multi-level apartments or condominium developments shall be prohibited in the Residential Areas.” The plan presented earlier tonight — though it gives only a partial picture of what’s in store for the Town — represents determination and creativity by Mayor Kevin Phillips, Town Administrator Van Willis as well as Council-members Ashmore, Heyward, Guerrero and Owens. It has been a long, difficult road, but I think Yvonne Butler would be beaming with pride if she could see what is slated to happen in the next five years. sented tonight shows an extension of the existing Henry Robinson Boardwalk that meanders from its

current (tower) terminus through the marsh to the new London Avenue park. When this extension is built

Scott Graber is a lawyer, novelist, veteran columnist and longtime resident of Port Royal. He can be reached at cscottgraber@gmail.com. DECEMBER 18–24, 2025

NEWS

City of Beaufort hires new Assistant City Manager

Staff reports The City of Beaufort has announced the selection of Eric Claussen as its new Assistant City Manager in a news release, bringing more than two decades of executive leadership in municipal and county government to the role. “We are beyond excited that Eric is joining our executive team,” City Manager Scott Marshall said in the release. “He brings depth of experience in areas where he can positively impact our operations right away and also brings leadership acumen that will continue to benefit this community for the long haul.” Claussen, who previously called

Beaufort home, said returning to serve this community is both meaningful and inspiring. “I am honored and humbled to Eric accept this role Claussen with the City of Beaufort,” Claussen said in the release. “Having previously called this community home, I am eager to hit the ground running by building strong partnerships, supporting challenging projects, and helping advance the City’s vision for the future. The opportunity to serve in this capacity in a place

that my family and I love is truly a blessing.” Claussen most recently served as Assistant Director of Public Works for the City of Springfield, Mo., where he provided executive oversight for major operational divisions including street operations, transportation, facilities, and fleet services. He led more than 200 employees, managed a $55 million annual operating budget, and played a key role in the department’s successful national APWA re-accreditation. During his tenure, Claussen helped build community trust and advance long-term infrastructure

goals through major initiatives such as sales tax referendums, business district improvements, neighborhood enhancement programs, and community-focused safety efforts. Prior to his work in Springfield, Claussen served as Director of Engineering for Beaufort County, where he was part of the County’s Leadership Team and directed countywide engineering, traffic operations, capital improvements, and facilities programs. He also served as Director of Public Services for the Town of Nags Head, N.C., overseeing streets, stormwater, utilities, sani-

tation, fleet operations, parks, and facilities management. Claussen holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Iowa State University and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration from Missouri State University. He is licensed as a Professional Engineer in Missouri and South Carolina and is a Professional Traffic Operations Engineer. His career includes numerous regional and statewide awards recognizing excellence in public service and leadership. Claussen is expected to begin with the City on or about February 16, 2026.

Beaufort Railroaders 32nd annual Christmas Model Train Display

Hamilton and Anderson, right, watch the vintage railroad engine glide past, while friend CJ’s attention drifts to another part of the display during the Beaufort Railroaders’ 32nd annual Christmas Model Train Display at the Beaufort Library. Asa Aarons Smith/The Island News

OBITUARIES Nina Delk

her mother’s support, Jessica’s childhood obsession turned into a lifelong career with March 16, 1955 – December 5, 2025 horses. Nina Delk loved a good story. If you Because being a single mother to a talked with her for more than a minute, you horse-crazy daughter wasn’t enough advenwould surely hear about the latest book she ture and challenge, Nina ventured into unwas reading or movie she had watched. Her charted territory in 2000 and became the favorite stories were real life accounts of founding principal of Saint Francis Cabrini unique people and their influential accom- Catholic School in Savannah. She lovingly plishments. So in her honor, here’s a bit of poured eight years of blood, sweat, and her own true tale … tears (literally, all three of those) into that Nina’s father, Glindon Alfonso Delk, was school, nurturing it from a little startup all injured in the Berlin Air Lift. While recovthe way into a full grown K-8 school. ering from his injuries, he As they say, all good things must come met and fell in love with one to an end. Nina retired in 2019 after a of his nurses, Muriel Lee 34-year career in education. But endings Delk. On March 16, 1955, are really just new beginnings. And so it Nina was born to Glindon was with Nina. Not yet done with her story, and Muriel, their first girl. she bought a camper trailer, learned how Nina grew up in Savanto haul it, and traveled the country as a Nina nah, Ga. She had an older work camper. She lived in South Carolina, Delk brother, Glenn, and two Texas, Montana, Arizona, Colorado, and younger sisters, Marcia several places in Georgia. She had so many and Lisa. There was only one bathroom adventures and left behind a trail of friends in the family home. Yet somehow they all all over the country. survived into adulthood. Glenn Delk now Nina was a lover of Ireland and traveled lives with his family in Atlanta, Ga. Marcia there five times. This October, she snuck Payne and family are in Woodstock, Ga. in one last trip there with Jessica and Bob. And Lisa Morris (the youngest) lives in In November, she was diagnosed with Harbor Island, S,C. metastatic breast cancer, which had spread Nina journeyed from her childhood to her brain and spine. Nina died on Dec. 5, home to the far off land of Nashville, where 2025, with friends and family there to send she earned her teaching degree from her off right. Peabody College. As a classroom teacher, Longfellow wrote “Dust thou art to dust she taught hundreds of elementary school returnest, was not spoken of the soul.” kids how to sit still and not pick their nose. Nina’s story doesn’t end here. She’s just Just as important, she inspired them to turned the page to her next chapter. love reading and books. A trendsetter in She’ll be remembered for her generosity, promoting children’s literacy, she started selflessness, yearly handmade Christmas many outside-the-box programs to turn ornaments, ability to talk your ear off, and innocent little kids into bookworms and of course her Kahlua cake recipe. reading addicts. Services will be held on Friday, Dec. 19 In 1981, Nina entered the realm of at 1 p.m., at Saint Peter’s Catholic Church parenthood, giving birth to her daughter in Beaufort. There will be a rosary service Jessica. At the time, Nina was married to preceding at noon. A reception will follow Ralph Nickerson, but they later divorced. the service at 2 p.m., at the church. There Nina never remarried, instead devoting may be Kahlua cake. herself completely to her career and family. Nina relentlessly encouraged Jessica’s Christen Noelle Miller obsession with horses. Against the advice Nov. 15, 1985 – Dec. 8, 2025 of friends and family, she bought a horse Beaufort, S.C. for Jessica, a 3-year-old appaloosa named Christen Noelle Miller, LMT, PTA, ES, Bandyt. He turned out to be an excellent investment because he’s still around 30 years age 40 of Beaufort, S.C., died Dec. 8, 2025. Christen was born to Larry Miller and later. Bandyt is now 33 years old and lives with Jessica and her husband Bob on their Betty Rhoads Miller (Ennis) on Nov. Dabkowski ranch in Colorado. Thanks to 15, 1985, in Beaufort. She was raised in

DECEMBER 18–24, 2025

A vintage locomotive circles a winter village at the Beaufort Railroaders’ 32nd annual Christmas Model Train Display, at the Beaufort Library in downtown Beaufort, S.C. The long-running exhibit is a cherished holiday tradition, bringing families together through nostalgia, craftsmanship and community spirit. Asa Aarons Smith/The Island News

Beaufort, where she graduated from the Technical College of the Lowcountry with multiple degrees. She was a Licensed Massage Therapist, a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant, and later became a Licensed Esthetician graduating from A3 Academy Christen in Bluffton, SC. Christen Noelle Miller dedicated her life to her professions of Massage Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Esthetics working in several job settings including private Massage Therapy Clinics, Physical Therapy Clinics and Esthetics Settings. She owned the Spa at Celadon in partnership with her stepfather, Kevin Ennis, for several years. Christen provided Massage and Physical Therapy services to local patrons of all ages and individuals from around the globe. She devoted immeasurable time and talent to the care of others. Christen was a member of the American Massage Therapy Association and the American Physical Therapy Association. More than anything, Christen cherished the loves of her life, her family and friends, and her professions. Christen was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Richard and Betty Rhoads, three uncles, Rick, Daryl, and Jeff Rhoads, and her cousin, Glenn Rhoads. Christen is survived by her parents, Betty and Kevin Ennis, her biological father, Larry Miller, uncles Cameron and Paul Rhoads, two stepbrothers, Hunter and Tyler Ennis, multiple cousins, aunts, nieces, and her paternal grandparents, Cliff and Carol Miller. Christen fought her battles with CHF and cancer with vigor and ultimately succumbed to complications of cancer. Christen loved and lived her life HARD. She was a brilliant and complicated girl with a “spitfire” personality who utilized her talents to benefit others. Christen continues to care for others, by having donated her body to science. Her parents wish to express their gratitude to her care team at the MUSC and Beaufort Memorial Keyserling Cancer Center Radiation Oncology, Oncology Specialists, Low Country Medical Group Gastroenterology, Publix Pharmacy (Lady’s

Island), CVS Pharmacy (Port Royal), Agape Care Palliative and Hospice services, and our community for the unwavering support during this most difficult of times. “I wish I had the chance to tell you, once, twice, ten more times, that I am grateful for you, and every moment we shared.” -Chelsea Hui Respecting Christen’s wishes, her services will be private.

Claire DeVaux “Doadie” Evans Parker July 31, 1947 – Sept. 4, 2025 Beaufort, S.C.

Claire DeVaux “Doadie” Evans Parker, who died Sept. 4, 2025, was preceded in death by her parents D.D. and Claire (Finklea) Evans, and uncle and aunt C.B. and Eulalia Humphries. She is survived by her siblings, Dr. Samuel D. Evans (Sally) and Ann Tatham (Jack, deceased); her children and their spouses, C.B. Johnson (Jennifer) and Claire Bennett (Casey); her grandchildren Charlie, Caleb, Millie, Oran, Ava, and Becca. Claire Born in Florence, S.C., DeVaux and raised in Pamplico, S.C., Evans she possessed a lifelong Parker passion for music, and graduated from Columbia College in 1968 with a Bachelor’s degree in Music, and went on to earn a Master's degree in Early Childhood Education and Development from the University of South Carolina. She worked as an elementary school teacher in Columbia, Florence, and Beaufort, S.C., until her retirement. An active member of the St. Helena's Anglican Church, she regularly sang in the choir, played handbells, and occasionally played the organ there as well. She also deeply enjoyed belonging to the Beaufort, S.C., Clover Club, and Colonial Dames Society of S.C. More than anything, she loved being “Mimi” to her six grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at St. Helena's Anglican Church (504 Church Street, Beaufort, S.C.) on Dec. 19, 2025 at 10:30 a,m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Agape Hospice (https://sc.agapecaregroup.com/) or the Spastic Paraplegia Foundation (https:// sp-foundation.org).

NEWS

‘The true spirit of nursing’ Beaufort Memorial nurse Allison Nold honored with DAISY Award

Special to The Island News BEAUFORT – One of the signs of an extraordinary nurse is that their patients feel safe and prioritized, even when there are a million demands on their time throughout their day. Beaufort Memorial Hospital fourth floor nurse Allison Nold, RN, was that extraordinary nurse for a patient who was in and out of the facility earlier this year, and her impact earned her a DAISY Award in an emotional ceremony on the morning of Friday, Nov. 21. Walt Davidson made several visits to Beaufort Memorial Hospital during several months in the spring and summer, and Nold was a familiar, warm presence each time he returned to the fourth floor of the facility. Jesse Davidson, Walt’s wife, nominated Nold for the prestigious nursing award because of her constant attention, kindness, humor and compassion for her husband during his time at Beaufort Memorial Hospital. “Allison consistently demonstrates what it means to be a nurse in every interaction,” Jesse Davidson wrote in the DAISY Award nomination. “No matter how hectic the day is or how full

Allison Nold, is pictured with Jesse and Walt Davidson, who nominated her for the prestigious DAISY Award. Photo courtesy of Beaufort Memorial Hospital the floor might be, she always makes us feel like my husband is the only patient under her care.” Persistent. Advocate. Fantastic. Relief. Comfort. Those were some of the words Jesse Davidson used to describe Nold throughout her husband’s time in the hospital, emphasizing that her presence was reassuring, and her combination of clinical knowledge and com-

passion made them feel even safer under her care. With Walt Davidson in the hospital and three children at home, Jesse Davidson said she wasn’t able to be by her husband’s side – but Nold was right there to make sure everything was communicated clearly, keeping Jesse Davidson informed. “We just knew that when she came on shift, everything was taken care of,”

Jesse Davidson said. “She just had a really good rapport with us and had a way to explain things to us without dumbing it down, going above and beyond to make sure we knew what was going on.” During Walt Davidson’s hospital stay, Nold was the lead nurse on the floor – “but she was our nurse,” Jesse Davidson said. “She gave us the time of day that we need-

ed and never made us feel rushed.” Nold has been a nurse on the fourth floor of Beaufort Memorial Hospital for longer than two decades, said 4T department director Julie Schott, BSN, RN, CNML. Her ability to be present, attentive and compassionate while caring for patients is one of the things that makes her such a remarkable asset to the hospital’s fourth floor. “Allison has made this her home,” Schott said. “She has that compassion at the bedside, and the ability to make a patient feel like they have her undivided attention, she takes the time to ask questions and can make the patient feel like they’re the most important person at that moment.” The ceremony brought out a few tears, and Beaufort Memorial Chief Nursing Officer Karen Carroll, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, said that the emotional response was certainly warranted. “These DAISY Award ceremonies are always very emotional and tear-producing events, because it is with so much heart that these nurses do what they do,” Carroll said. “You never know when you’re going to be the patient, and when you

ABOUT THE DAISY AWARD Developed in 1999 by a Seattle couple to honor the nurses who took care of their dying son, the DAISY Award has since been adopted by healthcare facilities all over the world. Nominated nurses’ clinical skills, and especially their compassionate care, exemplify the kind of nurse that patients, their families and our staff recognize as an outstanding role model. Anyone can nominate a Beaufort Memorial nurse for the prestigious honor. Applications are available throughout the hospital and at BeaufortMemorial. org/DAISY.

are, to have a nurse who has such genuine care makes all the difference in the world.” Nursing is a special profession, and to go above and beyond in the profession takes an extraordinary person. Nold is that extraordinary person, Jesse Davidson said. “She embodies the true spirit of nursing,” she said. “She leads with heart, treats patients with dignity and goes far beyond what is expected. We are forever grateful for her care and support during such a challenging time in our lives.”

Belleau Wood Tavern Groundbreaking

Founders Roy Dakroub and Zachary Green, hold the swords to cut the birthday cake as the oldest Marine, retired Sgt. Major Dave Roble, and the youngest Marine, Cpl. Matthew Nans, stand by to present the traditional passing of the first piece of cake from the oldest Marine to the youngest Marine during the Belleau Wood Tavern Ground Breaking Ceremony in Port Royal that was held on the Marine Corps 250th Birthday, on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Founders Roy Dakroub and Zachary Green, pour the first shovel of sand into the bag during the Belleau Wood Tavern Ground Breaking Ceremony in Port Royalthat was held on the Marine Corps 250th Birthday, on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025. The tavern is set to open in 2026. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Celebrate the Holidays with these Beaufort events

By Delayna Earley The Island News The holiday season is here, and Beaufort has no shortage of festive events available to help everyone celebrate the season, continuing this week.

nual Christmas lights display. The display will run from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday and on Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. except when it rains.

High Tea with Santa – 703 Congress Street On Dec. 20 at 4 p.m. join Santa at Mongolia Cafe for tea, house made soup and a chef curated savory and sweets tower. Reservations required. Call 843-8168535 for more information.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks – Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park On Dec. 31, at 9 p.m., bring in the New Year in downtown Beaufort at the Waterfront Park while watching fireworks along the Beaufort River.

Cadd Family Christmas Lights – 66 Springfield Road Running through Dec. 27, the Cadd Family will be lighting up their area of Lady’s Island with their an-

On Thursday, Dec. 11, Burton firefighters responded to a reported house fire in the Grays Hill area of Beaufort County. Photo courtesy of Burton Fire District

Two injured in Grays Hill house fire

Attendees gather around the Christmas tree during the Beaufort County Christmas Tree Lighting Friday, Dec, 12, 2025, at the Beaufort County Government Complex. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Staff reports On Thursday morning, Dec. 11, the Burton Fire District, MCAS Fire & Emergency Services, and Beaufort County EMS and Sheriff’s office responded to a reported house fire in the Grays Hill area of Beaufort County resulting in both occupants being transported to the hospital with injuries. Just past 6 a.m., emergency crews responded to a house fire on Crescent Moon Bend in Grays Hill after a neighbor called 911. Initial reports were that two people may still be inside. Firefighters arrived on scene and found a

single-wide mobile home heavily engulfed in flames with both occupants outside; one occupant having escaped through a window. Firefighters were able to bring the fire quickly under control but it took over 30 minutes to fully extinguish. The two adult occupants were transported to the hospital with what is believed to be non-life threatening injuries. It is not believed that the home had working smoke alarms. The fire is under investigation. DECEMBER 18–24, 2025

NEWS & BUSINESS

3 steps for raising kids with money smarts

Provided by Wells Fargo Advisors Regardless of how much money a family may have, parents have a responsibility to teach their children about finances. Starting early, children need to learn about how to be financially responsible once they leave the house and become independent. Here are three steps parents can take starting today: 1. Find teachable moments It can be difficult to find time to sit down and talk specifically about money, but natural opportunities to teach pop up practically every day. For example, you can incorporate financial responsibility into an impromptu math lesson about money: If you find something the

child wants that originally cost $100 and is on sale for 30% off, you can ask how much the new price is — and, now that they are only spending $70, what they might do with the leftover $30.

2. Take a lifelong view toward financial literacy Every child should have a tool kit of basic financial literacy skills, including concepts such as how to spend, how to save, how to give, and the value of a dollar. This can start very early with an exercise as simple as a three piggy banks analogy. You encourage the child to divide any money he or she receives into three piggy banks: spending, saving, and community/charity. This shows the concept of different purposes of money rather than having it all be

for spending. Repeating this exercise can help ingrain the habit of saving regularly. By late childhood or adolescence, parents can add concepts such as what it means to invest, what companies one might invest in, and how to assess risk with an investment. You can encourage children in high school to think about college expenses by examining the costs and coming up with a credible college budget. Ask them to consider basic questions: What will you need in order to make this happen? What will the family need to supply, and what is the student expected to supply in terms of tuition, books, room and board, transportation, and normal spending money? And parents and grandparents

can continue to encourage responsible, long-term financial responsibility by giving young adults an incentive to begin saving for retirement early. If you’re able, and they have earned income, offer to match what they save into a Roth IRA. It’s also wise to encourage contributions to a 401(k) at work.

3. Show how it’s done Your child’s healthy relationship with money begins with an open and honest relationship within a family that models good money behavior. These discussions can be challenging, but the fruit is well worth the labor. Stress education and expect them to do well in school. Parents who do really well in teaching financial literacy typically lead by example — they tend to be savers

and are more careful with spending money. Remember to be that example. This article was written by/for Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of William Abbott, Financial Advisor in Hilton Head at 843 681 1417. Investment and Insurance Products are: • Not Insured by the FDIC or Any Federal Government Agency • Not a Deposit or Other Obligation of, or Guaranteed by, the Bank or Any Bank Affiliate • Subject to Investment Risks, Including Possible Loss of the Principal Amount Invested ©2021-2023 WELLS FARGO ADVISORS FINANCIAL NETWORK, LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PM-04232026-7222266.1.1

Inaugural Mistletoe Market

Volunteers wrap gifts at the complementary gift wrapping stations set up during opening day of the inaugural Mistletoe Market at Tabby Place at The Beaufort Inn on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. Shoppers fill Tabby Place at The Beaufort Inn during opening day of the Inaugural Mistletoe Amber Hewitt/The Island News Market on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

NEWS BRIEFS

County Veterans Affairs Office closing Friday

Crystal Snowden at 843-255-6880 or email csnowden@bc- Registration opens for Spring 2026 gov.net.The Beaufort County Veterans Affairs Office assists veterans, their spouses and other dependents with access BCSO Citizens Police Academy The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) has The Beaufort County Veterans Affairs Office will be to government programs for which they are eligible. announced in a media release that registration for the closed Friday, Dec. 19, for staff development and meetings. Veterans Affairs Counselors are available by appointSpring 2026 Citizens Police Academy (CPA) is now To contact the Veterans Affairs Administrator, please call ment only by calling 843-255-6880. open. Space is limited, and residents are encouraged to apply early. NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES The CPA is a free, 9-week program designed for adults 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, who want a deeper understanding of the Sheriff’s Office 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 and its operations. Participants meet once a week and learn 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. about the many divisions, sections, and units that work together to keep Beaufort County safe. Instructional topics DECEDENT PERSONAL PUB. DATE DECEDENT PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE REPRESENTATIVE PUB. DATE DECEDENT PUB. DATE include Patrol Operations, the 911 Dispatch Center, CrimJosephAngelo Frank Anastasia Elisa O’Connor 08/21/2025 Frederick Ray Liles Melaine S. Smith 08/28/2025 =John Alaimo Michelle Alaimo 12/04/2025 James Jenkins Jr. Tasha Brown James Jenkins Sr. 12/11/2025 inal and Cold Case Investigations, Forensic Services, the 05/17/2025 C/O 16NEWilliam Date of Death: 07/05/2025 C/OIsland PO Box 1107 Date of Death: 10/23/2025 3180 Mohan Pope Drive Drive, Ste. 202 09/07/2025 1392 Sea Parkway PO Box 498 2025ES0700899 Bluffton, SC 29909 Case Number: 2025ES0700943 Beaufort, Case Number: 2025ES0701322 McMinnville, OR 97128 2025ES0701331 St. Helena Island,SCSC29901 29920 St. Helena Island, SC 29920 Firearms Training Simulator (FATS), and additional safety Jerry Joseph Dittle Lori R.A.Cullen 08/21/2025 Alan JoelRose Michaelson; Catherine Grubell 08/28/2025 David A. Borasky David Borasky Jr. 12/04/2025 Michelle SanchezAKA Alan J. Michaelson Arthur Coleman 12/11/2025 and crime-prevention resources. 03/01/2025 16 Hospital William Pope Ste. 202Suite B Date of Death: 06/29/2025 16 William Date of Death: 09/23/2025 C/O 10 CenterDrive, Commons, 09/30/2025 C/O PO Drawer Pope 1023 Dr., Ste. 202 As part of the program, participants will also spend 2025ES0700903 Bluffton, SC Island, 29909 SC 29926 Case Number: 2025ES0700944 Bluffton, SC Case Number: 2025ES0701316 Hilton Head 2025ES0701335 Beaufort, SC 29909 29901 one Saturday with the Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Marguerite MichaelO.Ralph 08/21/2025 John Edward Miracle; AKA John E. Miracle Geraldine Miracle 08/28/2025 Deborah A. Anne BraunFord Jordan BraunFord 12/04/2025 Charles P. Sandifer Paul R. RuleG. Jr. 12/11/2025 Teams, observing demonstrations by the Aviation and Date of Death: 05/25/2025 07/01/2025 C/O PO Box 5098 Date of Death: 04/05/2025 C/O 811 PO Craven Box 5098 Jack R. Bruan 08/19/2025 Street 2025ES0700906 Hilton Island, SC 29938 Case Number: 2025ES0700932 Hilton Head Case Number: 2025ES0700870 C/O POHead Box 1609 2025ES0701066 Beaufort, SC Island, 29902 SC 29938 Drone Units, SWAT, K9 Units, Bloodhound Tracking Team, Bluffton, SC 29910 Anna Maria Wilhelmina La Haije Helma Franisca Cap 08/21/2025 Raymond CarlSchaffner Pettersen Cynthia K.Ann Hutcheson 08/28/2025 Walter Edgar Veronica Schaffner 12/11/2025 and more. Date of Death: 07/21/2025 17 Brams Rd. Date of Death: 06/09/2025 Christina Lesher Emanuel Steward Butler Beth ElainePoint B. Kephart 12/04/2025 09/04/2025 C/O PO BoxR. 22512 At the program’s conclusion, each participant will have Case Number: 2025ES0700892 Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 Case Number: 2025ES0700929 C/O 10 Hospital Center Commons, Ste. 400 Date of Death: 10/03/2025 C/O 6 Professional Village Circle 2025ES0701337 Hilton Head Island, SC 29925 Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 Case Number: 2025ES0701320 Beaufort, SC 29907 the opportunity to take part in a ride-along with a patrol Rita Marie O’Brien John M. O’Brien, Jr. 08/21/2025 Helen Rose Thompson Tara M. Fleureton 12/11/2025 deputy. Date of Death: 07/25/2025 C/O POH. Drawer Patricia Ann Wilson Edward Harry Tobergte 08/28/2025 Frances Cameron Mark Anthony1107 12/04/2025 Date of Death: 10/27/2025 C/O PO Box 5098 Case Number: Beaufort SC 29901Island Road, Suite 294 Date Death: 2025ES0701302 07/12/2025 C/O POHead Box 7906 Date of Death: 2025ES0700913 09/01/2025 C/O 1533 Fording Case of Number: Hilton Island, SC 29938 To best serve residents across the county, the CPA is ofCase Number: 2025ES0700916 Hilton Head Island, SC 29938 Case Number: 2025ES0701301 Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 Marilyn Kolbe Olsen Connie L. Olsen 08/21/2025 Sharon Elaine Webster AKA Sharon B. Webster Ronald A. Farsetti 12/11/2025 fered in both northern and southern Beaufort County: Date of Death: 05/30/2025 C/O 112 Executive Mary Grey Boatwright Louise 09/04/2025 M. Denise Devinney Christian DevinneyCenter 12/04/2025 Date of Death: 10/10/2025 C/O PO Brunson Box 22230 • Southern Beaufort County CPA: First class is TuesCase Number: 1 Corpus Christi Place, #112 Date Death: 2025ES0701318 08/04/2025 C/O POHead Drawer 1107 SC 29925 Date of Death: 2025ES0700733 10/31/2025 C/O 17 Professional Village Case of Number: Hilton Island, Hilton Head Case Number: 2025ES0700963 Beaufort, SC 29901 Case Number: 2025ES0701305 Beaufort, SC Island, 29907 SC 29928 day, Feb. 3, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. in Bluffton. Robert A. Parham, Jr. V. Alex Dorobantu 08/21/2025 John Howard Grote, Sr. Jayne Grote 12/18/2025 • Northern Beaufort County CPA: First class is ThursDate B. of Hill Death: 07/09/2025 C/O 1110 Pick Pocket Plantation Dr. Ste. A Francis Brien; AKA Francis C. Brien Brien Drive 09/04/2025 Elsie Benjamin E. Wheatly 12/04/2025 Date ofCharles Death: 08/25/2025 1Lisa Sunbeam Case Number: Beaufort, SC 29902 Date Death: 2025ES0701364 07/11/2025 C/O PO Drawer 1107 Date of Death: 2025ES0700912 08/17/2025 50 Grove Road Case of Number: Bluffton, SC 29909 day, Feb. 5, 2026, from 6 to 9 p.m. in Beaufort. Case Number: 2025ES0700946 Beaufort, SC 29901 Case Number: 2025ES0701119 Beaufort, SC 29907 William M. Roberson, Jr. Lacey Michelle Godec 08/21/2025 Sandra Elise Ossie James Gregory Ossie 12/18/2025 Residents interested in participating can apply online at Date of Death: C/O PO Drawer 1023 Arthur Emerson Clara MarieCove Emerson 09/04/2025 Warren Russell05/20/2025 Vroom Katherine A. Eshleman 12/04/2025 Date ofAndrew Death: 10/01/2025 47 Shelter Lane https://bit.ly/48DQeMo. Case Number: Beaufort, SC 29901 Date Death: 2025ES0701363 07/27/2025 C/O POHead Box 3435 Date of Death: 2025ES0700645 08/27/2025 C/O 10 Hospital Center Commons, Suite B Case of Number: Hilton Island, SC 29928 Case Number: 2025ES0700956 Bluffton, SC 29910 Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 Melissa M. Schiavone 08/21/2025 Mark W. Phillips Nancy N. Phillips C/O POKallaher Drawer 1107 Ervin Fitzgerald Daniel Fitzgerald Brent 12/11/2025 Date ofGene Death: 10/25/2025 C/O PO Gene Drawer 6067 Beaufort, SC 29901 Date Death: 2025ES0701361 12/24/2024 27187 Chippendale C/O PO Drawer 1107 Case of Number: Hilton Head Island, Ter. SC 29938 Case Number: 2025ES0700948 Salisbury, MD 21801 Beaufort, SC 29901 Rodney A. Schaake 08/21/2025 David A. Rau Claire Rau C/O PO Box Robin William Myers Hoffer, II Gretchen B. 22230 Keneson 12/11/2025 Date ofRaines Death:Hoffer 10/18/2025 C/O P.O. Box 7906 Hilton Head Island, SC 29925 Date Death: 2025ES0701370 04/27/2025 C/O 2015 Boundary #227 C/O 10 Pinckney Colony Road Case of Number: Hilton Head Island, St., SC 29928 Case Number: 2025ES0700964 Beaufort, SC 29902 Bluffton, SC 29910 Teresa Lynn Anthony 08/21/2025 James W. Reker Linda Reker C/O POL.Box 7906 Stanley M. Lawson Melissa L. Davis Susan Hartmann 12/11/2025 Date of Death: 05/12/2025 C/O PO Box 2500 Hilton Island, SC 29938 Date Death: 2025ES0701372 06/21/2025 C/O PO Drawer 1107 C/O POHead Box 7906 Case of Number: Ridgeland, SC 29936 Case Number: 2025ES0700961 Beaufort, SC 29901 Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 Laura Ann Richardson 08/21/2025 2662 Broad Street Joe WilliamBeaufort Lieser Heather R. Galvin, Probate Judge, County, SC Matthew J. Lieser Beaufort, SC 29902 Date of Death: 07/12/2025 C/O 112 Executive Center Case Number: 2025ES0700857 1 Corpus Christi Place, #112 Donald Simeon Zuidema; AKA Donald S. Zuidema Marianne Zuidema 08/21/2025 Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 Date of Death:DECEMBER 04/29/2025 C/O 3404 Salterbeck Street, Ste. 204 18–24, 2025 Case Number: 2025ES0700904 Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466 Larry Cecil Millender Janese W. Davis Date of Death: 02/19/2025 180 Pearl Davis Road Patricia Francis Crocco John F. Crocco 08/28/2025 Case Number: 2025ES0700974 Springfield, GA 31329 Date of Death: 07/29/2025 PO Box 118 Case Number: 2025ES0700931 Southport, CT 06890 Suzanne Rekate Post R. Willis Post

Case Number: 2025ES0701300 Andrew Gerard Schiavone, III Date ofA. Death: Carol Bicking06/09/2025 Case Number: Date of Death: 2025ES0700751 10/15/2025 Case Number: 2025ES0701324 Ronald Gene Tune Date of Death: 06/30/2025 Elizabeth S. Bruner Case Number: Date of Death: 2025ES0700914 10/20/2025 Case Number: 2025ES0701327 Melva Jean Shelton Wheeler Date of C.Death: 07/16/2025 Rupert Hartmann II Case Number: Date of Death: 2025ES0700893 06/17/2025 Case Number: 2025ES0700788 Charles Fain Williams Date of Death: 07/23/2025 Case Number: 2025ES0700889

12/18/2025 09/04/2025

09/04/2025

– Staff reports

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF APPLICATION Notice is hereby given that Milletteville Enterprises intends to apply to the South Carolina Department of Revenue for a license and/or permit that will allow the sale and off-premises consumption of beer, wine, and/or liquor at 1347 Ribaut Rd, Unit D, Port Royal, SC 29935. To object to the issuance of this license and/or permit, you must submit Form ABL-20, postmarked no later than January 2, 2026. Submit protests online at MyDORWAY.dor.sc.gov or email ABL@dor.sc.gov.

ARTS

Beaufort Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Bash

Violin soloists perform with the Beaufort Symphony Orchestra during the Holiday Bash concert Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, at the USCB Center for the Arts in Beaufort. Asa Aarons Smith/The Island News

Maestro Frederick Devyatkin cues the orchestra during the Beaufort Symphony Orchestra’s Holiday Bash concert Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, at the USCB Center for the Arts. Asa Aarons Smith/The Island News

The audience enjoys the Beaufort Symphony Orchestra during its Holiday Bash concert Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025, at the USCB Center for the Arts in Beaufort. Asa Aarons Smith/The Island News

ARTS BRIEFS

are available at https://bit. ber “Best of Beaufort” exhib- Society of Bluffton painting, or piece of pottery through 1994 to share ideas USCB hosting it will run simultaneously. ly/4iNrPsj. tells a story. When you shop and projects that nurtured ‘The DooWop Our jewelers will be show- Artists 2025 at the Holiday Market, you’re Hilton Head Island’s grownot just buying a gift, you’re ing art community. The excased and over 60 artists are Holiday Market Project Christmas Beaufort Art supporting local artists and hibit will be on view through participating including feaShow’ open Association spreading a little Lowcoun- March 23, 2026. tured art from our general Get ready to ring in the The Society of Bluffton try cheer.” members. The show will run This retrospective brings Holiday Show holidays Doo Wop style! Artists (SOBA) is celebrating The Holiday Market is together approximately 80 through Monday, Dec. 29. “The Doo Wop Project ongoing the season of giving and creopen during SOBA’s regular Christmas Show,” hosted by USCB’s Center For the Arts, takes you on a festive journey through your favorite holiday classics, reimagined with stunning harmonies and the timeless sound of Doo Wop. Featuring stars from Broadway’s “Jersey Boys, Motown: The Musical,” and more, this high-energy performance blends holiday favorites like “Winter Wonderland,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” and “Silent Night” with the greatest hits of Doo Wop legends. It’s a joyful, nostalgic, and musical holiday celebration the whole family will love! The show is at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 19. Tickets

The Beaufort Art Association’s annual Holiday Show is open and will run through the end of the year. Bring a friend and start your holiday shopping or treat yourself to that special piece of art created by local artists from the Beaufort area. Small art including holiday themed and non-holiday works will be available. Many of our 2-D and 3-D artists have created special art for the season including holiday cards and small original paintings, wood-turned ornaments and wine stoppers, plus textiles and ceramics with a low country vibe. In addition to our Holiday Show, the annual All Mem-

Charleston artist Sisco’s art on display

An exhibit of Charleston based artist Deborah Sisco’s artwork, “Between the Stillness and Disappearance,” will be on display at the Performing Arts Center of USCB in Beaufort until Dec. 22, 2025. The reception and exhibit are free and open to the public. The exhibit is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m., to 6 p.m., and on weekends during performances (check the USCB Center for the Arts website for schedule at https://www.uscbcenterforthearts.com/).

ativity with its Annual Holiday Market, open through Sunday, Dec. 28 at the SOBA Art Gallery in Old Town Bluffton. Each year, SOBA transforms its featured artist room into a cheerful boutique bursting with handcrafted treasures made by local artists. Visitors will find paintings, jewelry, ceramics, pottery, prints, photography, cards, stained glass, and wood art — plus festive décor and giftable pieces that showcase the heart of Bluffton’s creative spirit. “This event truly captures the warmth and joy of our community,” said Karen Richards, President of SOBA. “Every ornament,

gallery hours: • Monday–Saturday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Sunday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Coastal Discovery Museum highlights Hilton Head's legendary Round Table Artists

The Coastal Discovery Museum, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is hosting a retrospective exhibition, “It's Thursday! Artists of the Round Table,” celebrating 15 prominent local artists who gathered weekly at The Red Piano Gallery from the 1970s

works from private collections and new museum acquisitions. The Artists of the Round Table include Aldwyth, Ralph Ballantine, Joe Bowler, Danielle DeMers, Joe DeMers, Ray Ellis, Elizabeth Grant, Walter Greer, Tua Hayes, Katy Hodgman, Louanne LaRoche, Allen Palmer, Marge Parker, George Plante, and Coby Whitmore. The museum is offering free curator’s tours of the exhibit on the following dates: Tuesday, Dec. 16, at 1 p.m.; Thursday, Jan. 22, at 1 p.m.; Tuesday, Feb. 24, at 11 a.m.; and Saturday, March 14, at 11 a.m. – Staff reports

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

See Into The Future . . . . . . read Opinion, Arts, Culture, Lifestyle, Homes, Cuisine

Discover What You’re Going To Do Next More coverage and content at LowcountryWeekly.com DECEMBER 18–24, 2025

SPORTS HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING ROUNDUP

Freeman takes gold; Mullins wins No. 100

By Justin Jarrett LowcoSports.com Beaufort High’s Colton Freeman topped the podium again and teammate Olesya Mullins hit a career milestone and had a breakthrough performance to highlight the Eagles’ performance at the Dutch Fork Silver Fox Invitational on Friday and Saturday. Freeman won a 7-2 decision over T.L. Hanna’s Kavon Cole to cap off a 3-0 run through the 215-pound bracket, continuing his dominant start to the season after a runner-up finish in Class 4A last year. Mullins earned her 100th career win with a technical fall in the quarterfinals, then toughed out an 8-6 decision in the semifinals to reach the championship match. Mullins was also the hero in Beaufort’s 42-40 win over rival Battery Creek earlier in the week, winning the clinching bout to lift the Eagles over the top. The Dolphins were in action at the Cardinal Newman Holiday Classic over the weekend, where Theo Johnson captured an individual title at 126, and John Paul II’s Chase LaFountain won a title at 113 pounds at the Northwood Invitational. Dual Results Hilton Head 41, Bridges Prep 40 Beaufort 47, John Paul II 35 Battery Creek 48, John Paul II 28 Beaufort 42, Battery Creek 40 John Paul II 43, Benedictine 33 John Paul II 55, Colleton Co. 18

Beaufort High’s Colton Freeman won a 7-2 decision over T.L. Hanna’s Kavon Cole to cap off a 3-0 run through the 215-pound bracket at the Dutch Fork Silver Fox Invitational on Friday and Saturday. Submitted photo Beaufort High's Olesya Mullins takes control of her opponent in the 106-pound match against John Paul II at Beaufort High School on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News Dutch Fork Silver Fox Invitational Beaufort (78) finishes 10th among 16 teams … Beaufort’s Colton Freeman (215) wins individual title … Beaufort’s Olesya Mullins (106)

places second, earns 100th career Mazo (106), Tripp Thiesen (126), win Jase Reynolds (138) and Jacob Vortisch (165) place 3rd … JPII’s Northwood Invitational Payne Campanella (157), Spencer JPII’s Chase LaFountain (113) wins Murphy (215) and Taylor Murphy individual title … JPII’s James Del (175) finish 4th

Cardinal Newman Holiday Classic Battery Creek (103.5) finishes 7th among 13 teams … Theo Johnson (126) wins individual title … Chris Martinez (165) finishes 2nd … Nate Najar (157) places 3rd … David Ding (113), Khalil Myers (190) and Ricky Najar (144) place 4th

GIRLS HOOPS ROUNDUP

Beaufort girls have pieces for special season

By Justin Jarrett LowcoSports.com When they’re at full strength and stay close to home, the Beaufort High girls basketball team looks close to unbeatable. But when the Eagles have branched out beyond the Lowco, their weaknesses have been exposed. Shoring up those shortcomings is on the top of coach Reggie Jones’ list as he looks to build Beaufort back into a contender in Region 7-4A and beyond. This week showed that the Eagles are somewhere in the juicy center of the pecking order at the moment, blowing out the likes of Battery Creek and Whale Branch but finding themselves on the wrong end of two routs against Class 5A power Goose Creek. An earlier win over Ashley Ridge, though, showed what this Beaufort team could be capable of if everything comes together. Adding former Bluffton star Amirah Brown to a backcourt that already included phenoms Jania Hayward and Da’Leah LaBoard and frantic defender Zaria Coaxum has made the Eagles a real matchup problem for all but the best opponents. If all goes according to plan, the Eagles should be among the frontrunners for a region title, but early tests against Ashley Ridge and Goose Creek, plus two tough matchups in the She Got Game Classic, were designed to prepare Beaufort for something bigger come playoff time. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining whether the Eagles are just one of the area’s best or a team that can rep the Lowco deep into the postseason. HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL Beaufort (6-4) Last week: W 68-22 at BCHS; L 73-19 at Goose Creek; W 51-15 vs. BCHS; L 78-47 vs. Goose Creek This week: at Ashley Ridge, 12/17; vs. Whale Branch, 12/18

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DECEMBER 18–24, 2025

Battery Creek’s Vita Failing works her way out of a hole as Beaufort High defenders trap her at Battery Creek High School on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News Battery Creek (0-8) Last week: L 68-22 vs. Beaufort; L 57-23 at HHIHS; L 51-15 at Beaufort This week: No games scheduled Bridges Prep (2-2) Last week: W 40-15 at Hardeeville This week: at May River, 12/19 Whale Branch (5-1) Last week: W 46-34 at Ridgeland; W 5611 at Hardeeville This week: at Beaufort, 12/18 John Paul II (4-1) Last week: W 52-32 vs. May River This week: vs. Bluffton, 12/16; vs. Hilton Head Prep, 12/18 Holy Trinity (0-1) Last week: L 69-16 at Savannah Jaguars This week: No games scheduled

The LIMS wrestling team, comprised of first-year wrestlers, were the surprise of the Hilton Head Island tournament. Submitted photo

LIMS wrestling team starts season strong

Staff reports The Lady’s Island Middle School wrestling team started off its season on Thursday, Dec. 4, with their first dual meet at River Ridge. With a smaller squad, LIMS just missed a team win, the difference being decided by the two forfeits in their lineup. Coming away with pins were Lorenzo Comunale, Summer Estrella, Mason Winans, Ayden Washington, Jayden Fisher and

Tashawn Williams. LIMS competed on Friday, as well, as the team headed down to Hilton Head Island High School for their first tournament of the season. LIMS took third place out of 9 different schools in the new Girls Division. Coming home with gold medals were Summer Estrella and Londyn Clarke. Nyla Hardy took silver. The Boys team was equally as determined and successful, coming in fourth

out of the nine schools attending. The boys had six medalists, five of which were Silver. Taking second place were Lorenzo Comunale, Kameron Robinson, Mason Winans, Ayden Washington and Tashawn Williams. Earning a very hard fought third place was Jayden Fisher in the 205 weight class. Jayden lost his first match, but pinned his next four opponents to bring home the Bronze.

SAND SHARKS ROUNDUP By Justin Jarrett LowcoSports.com All the hype in the preseason surrounded the USCB men’s basketball team, which was coming off a run to the Peach Belt Conference tournament final and was picked to finish second in the league by opposing coaches. But the USCB women have emerged as one of the PBC’s best early-season stories, and with three conference road wins already to their credit, the Sand Sharks are rounding into a potential surprise contender. Coach Sharon Versyp’s women let one get away at home Wednesday against Augusta, watching an early 11-point lead slip away in a 78-72 loss, but they bounced right back with another comeback win on the road Saturday, pulling past Middle Georgia 62-59 to improve to 3-1 in PBC play. The men have turned things around after dropping their first two PBC contests on

the road, one by a single point to reigning champion USC Aiken and the other in a lopsided loss at Lander with a short-handed bench. Coach Ron Fudala’s team got back to its winning ways with a stellar defensive effort in an 80-60 win over Augusta despite being down two key players, and the Sand Sharks stayed hot with a 93-85 win at Middle Georgia on Saturday. Australian point guard Evan Kilminster has been the driving force this week, putting up an efficient 14 points with 10 rebounds and five assists against the Jaguars and following it up with a team-high 22 points against the Knights. Kilminster shot 11-for-13 from the floor this week, including 7-of-9 from 3-point range. The Sand Sharks are on the road at Georgia College on Wednesday before breaking for the holidays. Their next home games are Jan. 7 against Flagler College with the women’s game tipping off at 5:30 p.m.

SPORTS

16th Annual

BOYS HOOPS ROUNDUP

Battery Creek's Ethan Cox catches the ball at Battery Creek High School on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Dolphins hot heading into BC Classic

By Justin Jarrett LowcoSports.com There’s no place like home, and the Battery Creek boys basketball team will have a chance to build on its early-season momentum right at home in the Palace this week for the second year of the revived John Drafts BC Classic. The Dolphins have rattled off four straight wins following a 10-point loss to Class 5A Wando to open the season, and they appear poised to contend to keep the title at home this year, though they’re likely to face a stern test from the likes of May River and Bluffton. Battery Creek has already swept both Beaufort and Whale Branch in home-andhome matchups, and now the Dolphins get a chance to make a statement against two of the top teams from the other end of the county. They need all the tests they can get to prepare for a brutal Region 6-3A schedule that includes two matchups each with powerhouses Oceanside Collegiate, Orangeburg-Wilkinson, and North Charleston, as well as a scrappy Hanahan team, but coach C.J. Brown’s squad is looking the part early on. Four players are averaging double-digit scoring with electric sophomore guard Michael Williams (13.8 ppg) and versatile junior big man Ethan Cox (12.6 ppg, 8.6 rpg) leading the charge. Juniors Ty’juan Simmons and Tyrese Smith can also fill it up, but the Dolphins know they need to continue to develop their depth to contend on a bigger stage. HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL Beaufort (0-5) Last week: L 64-49 at BCHS; L 75-10 at Goose Creek; L 81-51 vs. BCHS; L 78-18 vs. Goose Creek This week: at Ashley Ridge, 12/17; vs. Whale Branch, 12/18; vs. Swansea, 12/22; vs. Kingstree, 12/23 Battery Creek (4-1) Last week: W 64-49 vs. Beaufort; W 81-51 at Beaufort This week: vs. Bethesda Academy, 12/18; John Drafts BC Classic TBD, 12/19-20

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Battery Creek’s Tyrese Smith jumps to catch a pass at Battery Creek High School on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News Bridges Prep (1-2) Last week: L 58-42 at May River; L 63-51 at Hardeeville This week: No games scheduled Whale Branch (3-4) Last week: W 68-56 at Ridgeland; W 64-51 at Hardeeville This week: at Beaufort, 12/18; at Ridgeland, 12/20 John Paul II (6-2) Last week: L 61-52 vs. May River; W 10322 vs. Thomas Heyward This week: vs. Bluffton, 12/16; vs. Hilton Head Prep, 12/18 Beaufort Academy (1-1) Last week: W 56-51 at Savannah Jaguars; L 79-66 vs. Coastal Homeschool This week: No games scheduled Holy Trinity (0-3) Last week: L 63-23 vs. Savannah Jaguars; L 62-33 vs. Palmetto Scholars; L 63-31 at Savannah Jaguars This week: No games scheduled

DECEMBER 18–24, 2025

A11

EDUCATION

Five more books added to BCSD libraries restricted list

By Delayna Earley The Island News The Beaufort County Board of Education voted to restrict access to five more books during the Dec. 9 board meeting. The books, “Milk and Honey” by Rupi Kapur, “Oryx and Crake” by Margaret Atwood, “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood, “November 9” by Colleen Hoover and “Perfect” by Ellen Hopkins, are now only allowed to be checked out from a Beaufort County School District (BCSD) high school library if a high school student takes a consent form home for their parents to sign giving them permission to check out the book. The student may only check the book out after bringing the signed form back to the school. This is the second time that Beaufort County has not immediately forwarded complaints made against books under Regulation 43-170 directly to the S.C. Board of Education, which is how the board has handled previously challenged instructional material that had already been challenged, gone through Beaufort’s book review process and returned to school libraries prior to the regulation being passed. Per Regulation 43-170, a parent or legal guardian or a current Beaufort County student can submit up to five complaints per month regarding library books and instructional material that contain descriptions or images of sexual content. The books reviewed during the

most recent board meeting from Instructional Materials Complaint form filed by Beaufort County resident Elizabeth “Ivie” Szalai in February 2025. Szalai no longer has a student enrolled in the district, but as her complaints were made before the end of the 2024-2025 school year, they can still be reviewed since they were filed while she still had a child enrolled in the district. The Board conducted the portion of the meeting where the books were brought up for review much like they did during the first Special Called Meeting held in August 2025 where the board vot-

ed to restrict nine books. Before bringing Szalai to the podium to present her arguments for removing the books from Beaufort’s school libraries, several people spoke during public comment regarding their feelings about the way that the Board of Education is now handling these complaints. “I find it preposterous that books are the thing we believe our children need protection from,” said Beaufort County resident Mary Foster. “I wish we could spend this much time and energy being sure our classrooms are not overcrowded, providing the resources and materials our students and teach-

ers need, feeding children who are hungry, keeping our schools safe. I could go on and on, but still here we are, still talking about removing books that our community has reviewed and wanted to leave in our schools.” Szalai stood up and spoke during the public comment as well to defend why she wants to have the books removed from Beaufort County schools. “It’s not about race. It’s not about sexual orientation, and it certainly is not about erasing anyone’s identity, no matter what others may claim,” Szalai said. “My efforts have never been to take away anyone’s voice, representation or history. This has always been about one thing, the content, and whether that content is appropriate for minors.” She went on to say that Regulation 43-170 exists specifically to remove sexually explicit material, graphic sexual acts, pornographic descriptions and age-inappropriate depictions of sex from public schools where it can be accessed by minors. Rob Kilgore, who is a resident of Savannah, Ga., but is an associate professor of English at University of South Carolina Beaufort, said, “The books have literary merit, and they have readers who really need them. Reducing these full and complex books to sex scenes misses the point.” Arguing the point further, he brought up Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale”, one of the books under review, which he said is widely regarded as a classic and

EDUCATION BRIEFS

Two teachers receive state awards for student growth

Two educators who taught at Whale Branch Middle last year were surprised at a Beaufort County Board of Education (BOE) meeting, hearing the news that they will be receiving significant state-funded awards recognizing their outstanding teaching that led to measurable student academic growth. The awards are part of a state-funded pilot program created by the South Carolina General Assembly to support innovative and strategic educator compensation across public school districts and charter schools. The pilot, extended through the 2025-2026 school year, recognizes and rewards teachers whose work is directly connected to student achievement. Based on the criteria of the program, Whale Branch Middle School Principal Brantley Wilson, instructional coach Christine Williams, Whale Branch Middle School was selected Beaufort County School District Superintendent Frank Rodriguez, and language arts teacher for funding. The district implemented the State Collaboration Approach, which bases Christa Huffman are pictured after Williams and Huffman won state awards for “measurable awards on student growth as measured by student academic growth.” Photo courtesy of Beaufort County School District SC READY assessments. For the 2024-2025 school year, educators • Christa Huffman will receive $11,480. tendent Frank Rodriguez said in a news Christine Williams and Christa Huffman release. "This pilot represents one way we "We are proud of these educators and ap- continue to explore meaningful, data-inwere selected as award recipients for their preciative of their commitment to student formed approaches to recognizing the work exceptional work with students. growth and academic success," Beaufort of our teachers and supporting excellence • Christine Williams will receive $25,920. County School District (BCSD) Superin- in our schools."

is required reading in a lot of university courses and in a lot of high schools and the novel is about freedom, obligation and complex choices – but from the description of the book on the submitted forms, “the book is kind of trashy.” Board members David Carr and Leah Frazier consistently voted to retain all the books and Alphonso Small voted to retain “Milk and Honey” by Rupi Kapur while the other board members voted to restrict all the books. The books previously restricted in by the Board in August are “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison, “The Freedom Writers Diary” by The Freedom Writers with Erin Gruwell, “Sold” by Patricia McCormick, “The Kite Runner” by Khaled Hosseini, “The Lovely Bones” by Jay Asher, “The Art of Racing in the Rain” by Garth Stein, “The Duff” by Kody Keplinger, “Tilt” by Ellen Hopkins. Six other titles had already been removed for being older or rarely checked out – “Shine” by Lauren Myracle, “Skin” by Donna Jo Napoli, “The Carnival at Bray” by Jessie Ann Foley, “Like a Love Story” by Abdi Nazemian, “The Infinite Moment of Us” by Lauren Myracle and “Water for Elephants” by Sara Gruen. 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.

TCL to close for the holidays beginning Dec. 20

Beginning Saturday, Dec. 20, all Technical College of the Lowcountry campuses will be closed for the winter break. The college will reopen at 8 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. Students or those interested in registering can call 843-525-8207 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. during weekdays (except for Dec. 24 and 25 and Jan. 1) or email HUB@tcl.edu. Staff will be on hand to answer questions regarding financial aid, admissions, student records, testing and more. The TCL College Store on the Beaufort Mather Campus will also be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 to 11:30 a.m. on Fridays while the college is closed with the following exceptions: Open 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Dec. 24, closed Dec. 25 and 26, open 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 31 and closed Jan 1 and 2. Current and prospective students can visit www.tcl.edu to apply, register and pay for tuition. TCL’s deadline for tuition payment and early registration for Spring 2026 is Dec. 31 (late registration is Jan. 5 through Jan. 8). – Staff reports

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A12

DECEMBER 18–24, 2025

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

WHAT’S HAPPENING ART Budding Artist After-School Art Club 4 to 5 p.m., or 5:15 to 6:15 p.m., Mondays/Wednesdays or Tuesday/Thursdays, Happy Art Studio, 10 Sam’s Point Way, Beaufort. Ages 8 to 13. Painting, drawing, clay or crafts. Visit www.happyartstudio.net. BOOKS Books Sandwiched In Noon to 1 p.m., Mondays, Jan. 26, 2026 through March 2, 2026, USCB Center for the Arts, 805 Carteret Street, Beaufort. An active community leader discusses a book that has had an impact on the presenter, with questions and discussion to follow. Free to attendees through generous community sponsorships. Free parking. Our 39th season will showcase the following six experts and notable community leaders speaking about books that inspire them: • Jan. 26: Frank Rodriguez. Superintendent, Beaufort County School District; • Feb. 2: Capt. Tracy R. Isaac, Commanding Officer, Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command, Beaufort; Commanding Officer, Naval Support Facility Beaufort; Director, Naval Hospital Beaufort; • Feb. 9: Capt. Craig Reaves, Commercial shrimper; • Feb. 16: Libby Ricardo, MFA, University of South Carolina at Beaufort Associate Professor of Theater and Interdisciplinary Studies; Program Coordinator for Interdisciplinary Studies; • Feb. 23: Andrew Bridges, President and CEO, NEMOURS Wildlife Foundation; • Mar. 2: Amanda Brewer Dickman, Director, Beaufort County Library. For more information, visit https://friendsofthebeaufortlibrary.com/books-sandwiched-in. CALENDAR Karaoke with Melissa 7:30 p.m. to midnight, Mondays, Tomfoolery, 3436 17 Market, Habersham, Beaufort. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa. Karaoke with Ali 9 p.m. to midnight, Tuesdays, Luther’s Rare and Well Done, 910 Bay Street, downtown Beaufort. With DJ Ali. Karaoke with Melissa 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Beaufort Moose Lodge, 350 Broad River Blvd, Beaufort. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa. Eric’s Karaoke Krew 9:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke with either Parker or Eric. Trivia with Tom – Bricks On Boundary 7 p.m., Every Thursday, Bricks on Boundary, 1422 Boundary St, Beaufort. Free. Team trivia event, win house cash and Beer Bucket prizes! For more information, visit https://rb.gy/o9nhwe. Eric’s Karaoke Krew 7 p.m., Thursdays, Amvets Post 70, 1831 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Free. Public is welcome. Enjoy Karaoke. Dinner will be available. Bluffton Night Bazaar — a Lowcountry Made Market 5 to 8 p.m., first Thursday of each month, Burnt Church Distillery, 120 Bluffton Road. A highly curated selection of accessories, clothing, home goods, custom gifts and more by local artists and makers. Habersham Farmers Market 3 to 6 p.m., Fridays, Habersham Marketplace. Vendor roster includes B&E Farm, Cottonwood Soap, Flower Power Treats, Hardee Greens, Megs Sweet Treats, Vitamin Bee, Lady’s Island Oyster Company, Pet Wants. Eric’s Karaoke Krew 9 p.m., Fridays, Highway 21 Bar, 3436 Trask Pkwy, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy Karaoke with Lt. Dan. Eric’s Karaoke Krew 9:30 p.m., Fridays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy Karaoke with Parker. Karaoke with Melissa 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Fridays, R Bar & Grill, 70 Pennington Drive, Bluffton. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa. Port Royal Farmers Market 9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, year round, Naval Heritage Park, 1615 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Rain or shine. You will find fresh, local,

seasonal produce, shrimp, oysters, poultry, beef, pork, eggs, bread and cheese, as well as plants, ferns, camellias, azaleas, citrus trees and beautiful, fresh cut flower bouquets. There are prepared food vendors serving barbecue, dumplings, she crab soup, crab cakes, paella, coffee, baked goods, bagels and breakfast sandwiches. No pets allowed. For more information, visit http://www.portroyalfarmersmarket.com/, visit @ portroyalfarmersmarket on Facebook or call 843-295-0058. Slip and Splash Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturdays, Battery Creek Pool, 1 Blue Dolphin Drive, Beaufort, and Bluffton Pool, 55 Pritchard Street, Bluffton. $5 per person. Stay busy for hours climbing on our inflatable challenge track. Eric’s Karaoke Krew 7 p.m., Saturdays, The Beaufort Moose Lodge, 350 Broad River Blvd., Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke with Lt. Dan. Come early at 6 p.m. for Steak Night. Eric’s Karaoke Krew 9:30 p.m., Saturdays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke with Eric. Teddy Bear Picnic Read-Aloud 9 a.m. to noon, 1st Saturday each month, Port Royal Farmer’s Market, Corner of Ribaut Road & Pinckney Blvd, Port Royal. Free. DAYLO Students and other volunteers will read to young children, who are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animals. Karaoke with Melissa 8 p.m. to 12 a.m., 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month, Peaceful Henry’s Cigar Bar, 181 Bluffton Road, Bluffton. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa. DANCE Lowcountry Shaggers 6 to 9 p.m., Mondays, Albergotti Grill, Holiday Inn, 2225 Boundary Street. Shag lessons with Tommy & Sheri O’Brien and others. Occasional ballroom and once-a-month line dancing. Beginner, intermediate and advanced lessons. Open dancing after lessons. Visit www. lowcountryshaggers.com of email lowcountryshaggers@aol.com. The Beaufort Shag Club 6:30 to 9 p.m., Wednesdays, AmVets Club, 1831 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Free lessons for members from 6 to 6:30 p.m. We also host a dance the second Saturday of each month from 7 to 10 p.m. Lessons will run September through May only. Visit our FaceBook page (beaufortshagclub) for current events. HEALTH AND WELLNESS BEMER Longevity Technology 9 a.m., Wednesdays via Zoom. Seen the buzz on “life span VS health span?” Want to grow better, not older? Haven’t heard of BEMER yet? Come for Q&A about how this longevity-enhancing medical device can enhance your health, fitness and overall well-being in just 8 minutes, 2 times a day. Offered by BEMER Specialist - Human & Equine, Elizabeth Bergmann. Text 410-212-1468 to get the Zoom link. Free. Rooted Beaufort Yoga classes 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., Thursdays, Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal; 9 to 10:15 a.m., Whitehall Park or Pigeon Point Park. Rooted Beaufort is a collective of local Yoga teachers who host outdoor yoga classes and donation-based events with proceeds being donated locally on a rotating basis. HISTORY Beaufort History Museum at the Arsenal 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays, 713 Craven St, Beaufort. General Admission for Adults $8, Seniors $7, Active Duty Military and College Students with ID $5. Children/Teens younger than 18 Free. Explore and experience more than 500 years of Beaufort History with knowledgeable docent guided tours. The Historic Port Royal Museum 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or upon request, Thursdays through Sundays, The Historic Port Royal Museum, 1634 Paris Ave. The museum features the turn-of-the-century businesses and industries of Port Royal: Shrimping, crabbing, oystering, the railroad, the school and the mercantile. Great gifts featuring local artists are available. For more information. visit www.portroyalhistory.org, email historicportroyalfoundation@gmail.com or call 843-524-4333. Tour Historic Fort Fremont Dawn to dusk, Monday through

Sunday, The Fort Fremont Preserve, 1124 Land’s End Road, St. Helena Island. Free and open to the public. The History Center is open Thursdays from 1 to 4 p.m., Fridays from 1 to 4 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Visitors can learn about the fort’s history during the Spanish-American War through interpretive signs, self-guided walking tours with a smart phone, exhibits in the history center, and docent-led tours. For more information visit www. fortfremont.org or contact Passive Parks Manager Stefanie Nagid at snagid@bcgov.net. LIBRARY ACTIVITIES “Hidden Gems” Book Club 3 p.m., third Monday of each month, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road, St. Helena Island. Free. So many books, so little time. St. Helena staff have uncovered some great titles to get you started on your “hidden gem” journey. Join us for lively discussions and coffee or tea. No registration required. Career Navigator 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., every Tuesday, Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort. Free one-on-one resume writing and job application assistance with a Career Navigator from Palmetto Goodwill. No appointments necessary. For more information call 843-2556458. Bridge Club 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays, Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort. Join us if you want to learn a new game, practice your skills, or need more players. Call the Beaufort Branch Library at 843-255-6458 for more information. Mah Jongg Open Play 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursdays, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road, St. Helena Island. Already know the basics of this fun and popular tile game? Join others for open play – all materials supplied. Cards may be purchased at nationalmahjonggleague.org. Mahjong Club 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fridays, Beaufort Library, 311 Scott Street. All levels of players are welcome. Feel free to bring your own mahjong sets. Plan to meet every week. For more information, call the Beaufort Branch Library at 843-2556458. MEETINGS Beaufort Lions Club 6 p.m., first and third Monday of every month, St John's Lutheran Church, 157 Lady's Island Drive, Beaufort. For more information, visit thebeaufortlionsclub@gmail. com or follow on Facebook/Instagram/Nextdoor. PFLAG Savannah – Beaufort Peer Group 6:30 p.m., first Tuesday of every month, Fellowship Hall, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Beaufort (UUFB), 178 Sams Point Road, Beaufort. Free. The group will be moderated by Rick Hamilton and Kay Carr. The provides advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, family, peers, and allies in the Lowcountry. The peer group provides a safe and strictly confidential environment for LGBTQ+ individuals, their families, friends, and allies to discuss the challenges faced in coming out or being out in neighborhoods, the workplace, school, or church. The organization offers resources for counseling, educating, and advocating to achieve an equitable, inclusive community where every LGBTQ+ person is safe, celebrated, empowered, and loved. Minors under the age of 18 are required to come with an adult parent, guardian, or mentor. Additional information about peer groups, membership, donations, and volunteering is on the website www.PFLAGSavannah.org and on Facebook. Beaufort Chapter of America’s Boating Club 6 p.m., 2nd Tuesday of most months, at various Beaufort/Port Royal venues. Regular meetings begin with a Social, followed by Dinner and often include an exciting Guest Speaker from the Lowcountry. For Meeting Information or Educational Opportunities, please contact Paul Gorsuch, Administrative Officer at admino@ beaufortboatingclub.com. Boat ownership is not required, however a passion for safe responsible boating is mandatory. Zonta Club of Beaufort 6 p.m., 4th Tuesday of each month, Smokehouse, Port Royal. Rotary Club of Sea Island lunch meeting 12:15 p.m., 2nd and 4th Tuesday

of each month, Sea Island Presbyterian Church, 81 Lady’s Island Drive, Lady’s Island. Social gathering every 3rd Tuesday at 5:30 pm, locations vary and posted on our website. For more information, visit www.seaislandrotary.org. Rotary Club of Sea Island social gathering 5:30 p.m., 3rd Tuesday of each month, locations vary and posted on our website. For more information, visit www.seaislandrotary. org. Beaufort Rotary Club Noon, Wednesdays, Sea Island Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 81 Lady’s Island Drive, Lady’s Island. Catered buffet lunch, followed by a guest speaker. Prospective members welcome. For further information and upcoming speakers, please visit website www.beaufortrotaryclub.org. The Beaufort Trailblazers – A Volunteer Group 8 a.m., first Thursday each month, University Bikes, Beaufort. Anyone interested in supporting or building off-road/dirt/wilderness mountain biking/jogging/ walking trails near is encouraged to attend. For more information, call 843-575-0021 or email universitybicycles@hotmail.com. Parents Alienated By Their Adult Children 10 a.m., Thursdays & 6 p.m., Fridays, Lowcountry Outreach Center, 80 Lady's Island Drive, Beaufort. This is a 12-step support group for Parents Alienated By Their Adult Children and is based on the international group, Parents Alienation Advocates (PAA). Contact Marye Jo Hartley or Greg Hartley at 703-966-2014 for more information. Emotions Anonymous International local group meeting 4 p.m, Thursdays, via Zoom. Emotions Anonymous International, (EAI), is a nonprofit program designed to help people with emotional difficulties. It has a chapter in the Lowcountry and members want others who feel the need to know they are welcome to participate. There is no charge to participate. They are based on the 12 steps and 12 traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous and follow a specific format designed to provide the support and tools for navigating life’s painful difficulties. All are welcome. Anyone interested in participating may contact the group via email at EALowcountry@ gmail.com or call or text Laurie at 252- 917-7082. For more information on EAI visit www.emotionsanonymous.org. Al-Anon Beaufort County 7:30 p.m., Thursdays, 80 Lady’s Island Drive in Beaufort. “Do you worry about how much someone drinks? Is it affecting your life? You are not alone. Al-Anon Beaufort Serenity Group offers help and hope. Join the group in Beaufort, or visit the Lowcountry page at https://bit.ly/3HvksaF for more times and locations. Rotary Club of the Lowcountry 7:30 a.m., Fridays, Sea Island Presbyterian Church, 81 Lady's Island Dr., Ladys' Island. Catered breakfast from local chef. Speakers weekly. Occasional social events replace Friday mornings, but will be announced on our website, www.rotaryclubofthelowcountrybeaufort.org. MUSIC Campfire Tyler 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sundays, The Fillin’ Station, Lady’s Island. Lowcountry Wind Symphony rehearsals 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesdays, Beaufort High School Band Room. The Lowcountry Wind Symphony, a 65-member concert band, invites new members. Woodwind, Brass, Percussion. Open to adults and talented high school youth. For more information, email director@lowcountrywindsymphony. com or call 843-304-0543. Live entertainment 7 to 11 p.m., Wednesdays, Luther’s Rare and Well Done, 910 Bay Street, downtown Beaufort. Chris Jones 7 to 11 p.m., Thursdays, Luther’s Rare and Well Done, 910 Bay Street, downtown Beaufort. Habersham Third Fridays Music on Market 5 to 8 p.m., third Friday of the month, Habersham Marketplace. Live entertainment 9 p.m. to midnight, Fridays & Saturdays, Luther’s Rare and Well Done, 910 Bay Street, downtown Beaufort.

OUTDOORS/NATURE Free master naturalist tour of Port Royal Cypress Wetlands Noon to 1:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 26, 1700 Paris Avenue, Port Royal. Take a tour of the Port Royal Cypress Wetlands with Master Naturalist Jill Moore. Moore, a certified master naturalist and founder of Moore2Life, provides nature-based programs to local residents, communities, and tourists here in the magnificent Lowcountry – a setting unlike any place on Earth. Tours are free to the public. Please RSVP at https:// friendsofportroyalcypresswetlands.org/tours/. Free boating inspections Get a free vessel safety check by local members of the America's Boating Club of Beaufort. If your boat passes, you will receive a VSC decal to mount on your boat that will be visible to other boaters and maritime law enforcement personnel. Email Safety@beaufortboatingclub. com. The Beaufort Tree Walk Lady’s Island Garden Club invites you to take a meandering walk through the Historic “Old Point” and enjoy some unique and noteworthy trees. The “Walk” takes about an hour, is a little over a mile starting at the corner of Craven & Carteret streets in Morrall Park and concluding in Waterfront Park. Booklets with map and information about each tree are available free at the Visitors Center in the historic Arsenal on Craven Street. Tours of Hunting Island Every Tuesday, Hunting Island State Park, 2555 Sea Island Pkwy. Free, park entry fees apply. Sponsored by Friends of Hunting Island Keeper Ted and his team. For more information call the Hunting Island Nature Center at 843-8387437. RECYCLING Computer recycling program St. Andrew by the Sea Methodist Church, 20 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island. St. Andrew by the Sea has started a program where your trashed computer is wiped clean of all data and recycled to Missioncentral.org — a 100% charity cause. SEWING/QUILTING American Needlepoint Guild Meeting 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1st Tuesday each month. The Hilton Head Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild welcomes anyone, beginner or experienced stitcher, who is interested in needlepoint to join us for stitching, learning and fellowship. For more information, please contact us at hiltonheadislandchapter@needlepoint.org. Embroidery Guild of America Meeting Second Tuesday of every month, Palmetto Electric Community Room, Hardeeville. The Lowcountry Chapter of the Embroidery Guild of America welcomes anyone, beginner or experienced stitcher, who is interested in any type of embroidery including needlepoint, cross-stitch, surface and beaded embroidery, hardanger, bargello, sashiko, etc., to join us for stitching, learning and fellowship. For more information, please contact us at lowcountrychapter@egacarolinas.org. SPORTS/GAMES ACBL Duplicate Bridge Club 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Carteret Street. Events will be held weekly. Contact Director and Club Manager Susan DeFoe at 843-597-2541 for location. Charity card game 3:30 p.m., first Tuesday of each month, Mangiamo‘s Pizza, 2000 Main Street, Hilton Head Island. The Hilton Head liberal men’s group is sponsoring a free social/ charity event with a fun, easy to learn card game. A percentage of the money spent on food and drink goes to the charity of our choice. Come socialize, have fun, and support a good cause. Reserve a spot by texting Dave Desjardins at 202-460-5286. Bridge Club 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays, Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort. Join us if you want to learn a new game, practice your skills, or need more players. Call the Beaufort Branch Library at 843-255-6458 for more information. Beaufort Masters Swim Team 6 to 7 a.m., Monday through Friday, Wardle Family Port Royal YMCA. Coached practices. Ages 18 & older, all skill & speed levels, no prior swim team experience needed. Visit lowcountryswimming.com for more information. DECEMBER 18–24, 2025

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HEALTH

What happens to my blood after I donate?

• HIV 1 and 2; Special to The Island News So, you’ve made the im• West Nile Virus; pactful decision to donate • Hepatitis B and C; a unit of your blood with • T-cruzi (Chagas); OneBlood. You made your • Syphilis; and/or ... appointment, you filled out • Human T-Cell Lymphothe questionnaire and you tropic Virus 1 and 2. sat for those few important During testing, the blood minutes to make your lifetype is also determined. saving donation. This step is where your What happens next? blood is labeled as A, B, AB Where does the blood go? or O, and marked as either RH positive or RH negative. Testing “Every blood donation is Once the blood unit is collected – as well as sev- carefully tested and typeeral samples for testing matched to each patient, so – each unit moves into its that we ensure each blood testing phase to ensure it transfusion happens where is safe. The test tubes that and when it is needed,” exthe phlebotomist drew at plained Pat Michaels, dithe start of the donation rector of media and public process must be tested for relations with OneBlood. cholesterol levels, as well as a number of conditions, Processing While the blood is being including:

tested, the donated unit is being processed and has moved into the biologics manufacturing lab. Here, each unit is placed in a device known as a centrifuge, and spun at an extremely high speed to separate the blood into three components: • Red blood cells. • Platelets. • Plasma. Then, the blood is placed into a squeezing device known as an “expresser,” and the three separated blood products – all deriving from one unit – are placed into separate bags and labeled. This testing and blood separation processes take place 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Distribution When the blood passes the rigorous screening and testing phase and is considered safe for transfusion, the blood is then packaged into containers and delivered to hospitals for use. “OneBlood donors have the ability to track their donation in a program called My OneBlood Journey,” Michaels said, “which allows them to see which hospital their donation is going to and the timing of its arrival.” Hospitalized patients require blood for a variety of reasons, including car accidents, traumatic injuries and surgical blood loss. Patients who require blood transfusions rely on healthy donors to contribute at community blood drives and blood centers nationwide so that blood

and blood products are available at hospitals like Beaufort Memorial Hospital. “The availability of safe and reliable blood products can mean the difference between life and death for patients who need them,” said

Michelle Foster, HT (ASCP), Director of Laboratory & Pathology services at Beaufort Memorial. “Beaufort Memorial currently uses about 200-pints of blood per month, making blood products a critical component of care here at the hospital.”

Nothing ‘mini’ about ministrokes What to know about TIAs

Special to The Island News The “mini” in ministroke doesn’t mean it is something you should ignore. Just like other kinds of stroke, a ministroke is an emergency. If you or someone you know experiences signs of a stroke, it’s important to call 911 to receive immediate medical attention. While both strokes and ministrokes are emergencies, there are some differences between the two. Understanding ministrokes (Transient Ischemic Attacks) The main cause of a ministroke, medically known as a transient ischemic attack, or TIA, is a blood clot that temporarily blocks a blood vessel, cutting off blood flow to the brain. In many cases, the symptoms of a ministroke resolve over a short time, and a clot responsible for a TIA typically dissolves on its own or dislodges from the blood vessel quickly. People who have ministrokes often experience the same symptoms as other types of stroke but for shorter periods. Stroke symptoms include: • A severe headache; • Confusion or problems with speaking and understanding speech; • Difficulties seeing out of one or both eyes; • Difficulty walking; • Dizziness; • Loss of balance; and/or ... • Numbness or weakness on one side of the body.

• Having had a previous ministroke or stroke; • Having sickle cell disease; • Living a sedentary lifestyle; and/or ... • Smoking or using tobacco.

Ministrokes: Warning signs of other strokes “Ministrokes are very serious because they often foreshadow full-blown strokes,” says Dr. Chad Tober, a board-certified vascular surgeon at Beaufort Memorial. “Statistics show that more than 30% of people who have ministrokes have a stroke within a year if they don’t seek treatment.” Ministrokes are very similar to ischemic strokes, the most common type of stroke. Like ministrokes, ischemic strokes occur when blood clots cut off blood flow to the brain. Typically, however, ischemic strokes cause more significant damage and symptoms may last longer.

Another type of stroke, a hemorrhagic stroke, occurs when an artery in the brain leaks blood or bursts. As a result, the brain is flooded with blood, which puts excess pressure on cells in part of the brain, damaging them. While the mechanisms behind the types of stroke differ, all strokes share common risk factors, many of which are related to your lifestyle. Risk factors for stroke include: • Being overweight or obese; • Drinking too much alcohol; • Having an abnormal heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation; • Having diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure or high cholesterol;

Still, there are many stroke risk factors you can’t change. Having a family history of stroke, being older, being female, and being Black, Hispanic, American Indian or Alaska Native can all increase your risk of stroke. Treatment for a ministroke Getting immediate help for a ministroke can prevent an ischemic stroke — and the permanent damage it can cause. A comprehensive exam conducted within the first 24 hours after a potential TIA will provide your care team with the most accurate picture of your brain’s health. In addition to performing a physical examination and reviewing your symptoms, your provider may order imaging scans and other testing to determine a diagnosis. Results of those tests can also help your medical team choose the best treatment for you. Treatment options may include medications to prevent blood clots, treatments for atrial fibrillation and other underlying conditions that increase your risk, or surgery. One surgical procedure called a carotid endarterectomy removes plaque buildup from the carotid artery, which supplies blood to the brain. An alternative to open carotid endarterectomy may be a newer, less invasive procedure called a transcarotid artery revascularization, or TCAR.

Living a healthy lifestyle is a major step in the right direction toward preventing any type of stroke. Protect your brain health by: • Aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. • Eating a brain-healthy diet filled with plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and fatty fish containing omega-3 fatty acids. • Getting to and maintaining a healthy weight. • Having regular checkups with your primary care provider, cardiologist or neurologist. • Limiting alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men. • Lowering your intake of saturated fat, added sugar and excess sodium. • Not smoking or using tobacco and avoiding secondhand smoke. • Working with your medical providers to manage chronic conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. “Stopping tobacco is an important first step to decrease the risk of TIA and stroke,” Dr. Tober says. “It’s important to know your risk and take steps to protect your brain health.” Talk with your medical provider about your overall health, including ways you can improve your lifestyle to reduce the risk of stroke.

Colon cancer symptoms: Recognize a potential problem

Special to The Island News Thanks to screening and diagnostic testing, colon cancer can be diagnosed in its earliest, most treatable stages. But sometimes, you don’t have to wait for a test. Sometimes, colon cancer shows itself in other ways. “Any altered bowel function is a potential warning sign of colon cancer,” said Kristen Johnson, PA-C, a board-certified physician assistant at Beaufort Memorial Lowcountry Medical Group Specialty Care. “Difficulty emptying your bowels or experiencing a change in the frequency or consistency of bowel move-

A14

ments can indicate colon cancer.” Know your stool What does colon cancer stool look like? Johnson describes it as narrow and ribbon-like. Also, because colon polyps often bleed when stool is passed, stool that is dark brown or black, which suggests blood is present, should warrant a visit to your doctor. Other symptoms include: • Bright red blood coming from the rectum; • Diarrhea, constipation or other changes in bowel habits that last several days;

DECEMBER 18–24, 2025

• Feeling fatigued or anemia; • Losing weight without trying; and/or … • Stomach cramping and discomfort.

Mucus in stool is not typically a sign of colon cancer, but large amounts can suggest infections or other problems that your primary care provider or a gastroenterologist can help you with. It’s important to remember, though, that symptoms of colon cancer often appear only when the disease has progressed to advanced stages, when it’s

harder to treat. That’s why screening is so important. Stool-based screenings can detect even the faintest trace of blood in the stool.

Colonoscopy: The Gold Standard As helpful as symptoms and stool-based tests may be, neither are definitive. In the event cancer is suspected, a colonoscopy is required. Although many dread preparing for the test, the benefits far outweigh any annoyance. “When patients are nervous about their colonoscopies, I remind them to keep the end goal in mind,”

Johnson said. “This one test and one day of inconvenience can save your life.” Current guidelines recommend adults at average risk of colorectal cancer have their first colonoscopy at age 45. During the test, growths may be removed for evaluation. If everything looks normal, a repeat test would be recommended in 10 years. At-home screenings Recently, at-home colon cancer tests have become available. You order a kit and collect a small stool sample that you send to a

laboratory to test for the presence of blood. However, these tests are not perfect, and bloody stool doesn’t always indicate colon cancer. Hemorrhoids or more serious issues also cause blood in the stool. If these tests reveal blood or are inconclusive, a colonoscopy is still necessary to rule out cancer. At-home tests also need to be performed more frequently. The most important thing is to get tested. Talk to your primary care provider about the best method of screening for you to stay on top of your colorectal health.

HEALTH

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Special to The Island News You might think that if you tear or otherwise injure the rotator cuff in your shoulder, you will experience sudden, severe shoulder pain, but that’s not always the case. People who may be injured in a fall or a work-related accident often experience immediate pain, which is a sign to get prompt treatment. But many other people have slow-developing rotator cuff injuries and do not realize they have a tear until the problem becomes much worse. Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury Many rotator cuff injuries and tears develop over time, often from the normal wear and tear of living. “Sudden tears often cause intense pain,” said Dr. Cory A. Messerschmidt, a board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at Beaufort Memorial Orthopaedic Specialists. “Tears that occur over time, whether partial or full tears, usually lead to some level of shoulder pain that may limit your range of motion. In full tears, you’ll often feel pain on top of your shoulder and sometimes along the arm.” Torn rotator cuff symptoms may include: 1. Stiffness when moving your shoulder or arm; 2. Mild pain when lifting your arm; 3. Pain when sleeping on your shoulder that goes away after you get up; 4. Popping or crackling noises when you move your shoulder; and/or ... 5. Weakness in your arm.

Most torn rotator cuffs will not heal on their own, and without treatment, rotator cuff tears can get worse. “The best option for people experiencing even mild shoulder pain is to discuss it with an orthopedic specialist before the pain worsens,” Dr. Messerschmidt said. “A provider can determine if starting physical therapy or a cortisone injection could help your pain.” Most people with rotator ical therapy, medication and advanced imaging will be cuff tears see improvement lifestyle modifications. But if used to see if you need surwith a combination of phys- those treatments don’t help, gery.

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Public notices – information local governments are obligated to provide citizens – are required to be published in local newspapers to provide a public record that’s accessible to everyone. Public notices keep you informed about your government. But, in some states legislators are trying to keep public notices from appearing in local newspapers. This severely impacts government transparency and, in turn, limits the public’s right to hold them accountable for their actions. Let your state legislators know that you value being able to access notices in your newspaper and that they are worth the investment.

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DECEMBER 18–24, 2025

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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.

Graham in trouble? Maybe, maybe not

t feels like GOP U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham is skating pretty close to the sun when it comes to his 2026 reelection effort. Not only is there a lot of grumbling among the ruby-red Republican base of South Carolina voters that he’s not conservative enough or he’s too “establishment,” but lots of folks are irritated with how he’s backed a measure to let senators sue the Justice Department for hundreds of thousands of dollars over undisclosed phone record searches. Of course, Democrats are irritated with Graham for just existing and being a sycophant of President Donald Trump. So when you look at the results of a new Winthrop Poll that shows Graham with a 38% job approval just 11 months before the 2026 election, you might think he was in trouble. Paul Gans, perhaps the most high-profile candidate Graham

n my original essay, “Do the Right Thing,” published in The Island News on Dec. 3, I featured a title image created with some help from AI. I created this image because “a picture’s worth a thousand words.” By including it, I hoped to enrich a brief essay with deeper meaning. After publication, I received some comments about the image that inspired me to share more about the thought process behind its design. The essay explores how individuals can decide what it means to do the right thing, emphasizing why this matters so much to a healthy society. I also argued about the crucial role of civil discourse in our ongoing social evolution. The title image, however, leans more toward the first idea — highlighting the major influences that guide moral decision-making. In the foreground of the image, a silhouette of a person stands before a classic fork in the road, symbolizing the process of making a choice. I chuckle to myself

is expected to face in next year’s GOP primary, signaled just that weakness, noting the approval rating was “confirmation of what most South Carolinians already know: he is by far the most unpopular statewide elected official in our state.” Gans, a recent South Carolina resident who is best known for his work on the controversial Project 2025 effort to tear apart the federal government, also told us this: “When left and right today are constantly being divided, we’ve found one thing we can all get behind: It’s time for Lindsey

as ‘in trouble.’ He has often been lower than his fellow Republicans, but their ratings among partisans hover around 90% among those offering an opinion. ‘Lower’ approval ratings doesn’t automatically equate to ‘low.’” Add in other factors, too, Huffmon said: “An endorsement by a president who Republicans in your state love, a massive war chest and a 72% approval rating among Republicans who are registered to vote seems like pretty solid ground.” So for now, Graham is nervously coasting. But with all of the Epstein mess, a troubled economy and a government in shreds, a lot could happen in the next few months — enough that a Democrat might look a little more attractive to some old-school Republican moderates (and yes, there are some left in South Carolina). The poll also had some other

Do the right thing – about the title image

tradition, maintaining a pluralistic approach. I selected six recognizable symbols from major world religions — Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Shintoism — and placed them in a circle. AI suggested the circular MARK A. SCHMIDTKE puzzle design, and I loved how it visually connects when I hear a reference to all forms of spirituality. I it, or see an actual fork in later learned there’s also a the road, because it reminds symbol for Atheism, which I me of a quote from one of missed initially. Since even my favorite philosophers, a lack of belief is a meaningYogi Berra — “When you get ful worldview, I will add that to the fork in the road, take symbol with any future use. it.” While humorous, this The inner-left cloud a quote serves as a reminder gavel and scale signify our to pause and think carefullegal and judicial sysly when making choices, tems. This is an important especially moral ones. In my influence on moral deciexperience, quick decisions sion-making for all citizens. often overlook important Laws are not just rules; they considerations and rarely are the collective expression lead to the best outcomes. of our shared values and the Above the figure are four bonds that hold us together thought clouds, each conas a nation. taining a distinct symbol. Originally, I considered Let’s look closer at each using Lady Justice, a faone. The outer-left cloud miliar figure in discussions represents the influence of of law. I decided against it religion or spirituality on because, in today’s climate, moral direction. In designthe impartiality symbolized ing this part, I made sure by Lady Justice’s blindfold not to favor any single and balanced scales, is un-

der attack. Is it possible her blindfold has been removed, and her scales of justice now shift with political winds? Whether there’s “fire” with all the “smoke” doesn’t really matter. The impact within the citizenry will be the same -- more people willfully ignore our laws. “What’s sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander” is what my mother always said about such matters. When laws are ignored, however, instead of respectfully challenged or changed, those social bonds they represent begin to tear. I sense this metaphorical cloud is fading from above the heads of many people today, and that’s a concerning development. In the inner-right cloud, you’ll see books, which symbolize education and the wisdom found in written works. Throughout history, the question of “doing the right thing” has echoed in countless texts. By reading — both formally and informally — we learn from the experiences and ideas of others. Books help us refine our own beliefs and reinforce what we value.

interesting results: Redistricting: Two-thirds of South Carolinians believed it was a major problem for the state to redraw congressional districts to favor one party over another. About the same percentage believed it should be illegal to redraw electoral districts to favor particular candidates or to make it harder for others. Trump: Half of the state’s citizens disapprove of how Trump is handling jobs and the economy; 46% approve. Only 26% approve of how he is handling inflation and prices. Half approve of how he is dealing with immigration. His overall approval rating among registered S.C. voters was 46%, several points higher than national numbers. Andy Brack is editor and publisher of the Charleston City Paper and Statehouse Report. Have a comment? Send it to feedback@statehousereport.com.

The outer-right cloud features a bust of Marcus Aurelius, crafted with AI, to represent the philosophical perspective on morality. I included him because his teachings on virtue ethics resonate with many people, and I had quoted him in my essay. Virtue ethics encourages us to cultivate good character and habits, asking, “What would a virtuous person do?” Deontology, as represented by the teachings of Immanuel Kant, stresses the importance of moral duties and universal rules. It says that actions are right or wrong depending on whether they follow ethical principles, regardless of the consequences – the motivation behind the action is what matters most. Utilitarianism, as taught by Jeremy Bentham, judges actions by their outcomes. It advocates for choices that bring the greatest good to most people. These three schools of thought offer accessible ways to think about complex moral issues. If you’re interested, I encourage you to explore these

philosophies further — they represent years of deep reflection by some of history’s brightest minds. Reflecting on these influences has shaped my own moral decision-making. Personally, I find myself guided more by the philosophical “thought cloud,” especially the views of Immanuel Kant. You might favor one or several in the illustration, or you might have some influences of your own. But considering how others make decisions can deepen our empathy and bring more civility to discussions about issues that matter. That’s essential if we want to build a future grounded in understanding and respect. I hope these reflections add clarity and meaning to my essay “Do the Right Thing.” Thank you for taking the time to read and consider both the artistic and intellectual aspects of my work. Mark A. Schmidtke is a retired dentist and considers his retirement a journey of discovery and creative self-expression.

MY FAVORITE CHRISTMAS

ast night Susan and I watched “A Christmas Story.” Hands down, it’s our favorite Christmas movie. It always brings back great Christmas memories for anyone who came of age in the post World War II era. Like the town in the movie, things were simpler in the little town where I grew up. Kids either walked or rode bikes to neighborhood schools with their friends without fear of being killed in traffic or assaulted by some demented pervert. The only kids who rode school buses were the ones who lived out in the country and had no access to a local school. I don’t remember anyone whose parents drove them to school. The only thing that you had to worry about on the way to school was running into the local bully, much like the one in the “Christmas Story.” I am sure that every town had one. In those days before there was

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ANDY BRACK

to go (even if our reasons aren’t exactly the same).” The problem, however, with looking at that 38% number is another number in the poll – the number that shows 67% of registered Republicans said they approved of how Graham was handling his job. If you translate that into political reality, it means a third of South Carolina Republicans are irritated with Graham, but still like him enough to approve of his job performance and will likely vote for him in the GOP primary next year — even if they hold their nose. A big reason — his close friendship with Trump. Winthrop Poll’s Scott Huffmon said that while Graham’s support among Republicans wasn’t as high as that of Trump (87%), U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (84%) or Gov. Henry McMaster (82%), “it is still very, very solid. I wouldn’t describe 70-plus% in your party

DECEMBER 18–24, 2025

JIM DICKSON

a television in every home and a hundred channels to choose from or computers, most of what you learned came from books, teachers or stories that you were told by your parents or grandparents. Many of the kids that I knew had learned to read at home before they started school. If you were lucky and you had a set of encyclopedias at home which contained a world of wonderful information, all you had to do was to open them and they took you anywhere you wanted to go and anything that you wanted to know.

At school you were taught reading, writing, arithmetic, American and world history, literature, music, art, and later on homemaking and wood or machine shop. For better or worse most of the teachers knew your older brothers and sisters and your parents, sometimes that worked to your advantage, sometimes not so much. I am fortunate to be able to remember many great Christmases when I was a kid growing up. They involved wonderful family dinners, BB guns, bicycles, electric trains, fruit cakes, German cookies and candy from the family next door, finding just the right Christmas tree, and decorating it with my family. My first Winchester single-shot .22 rifle when I was old enough, stories that my grandmother would tell about her childhood growing up in the Wild West, hugs from my crazy aunt who always smelled like lilacs but gave

me great books to read ... I was a lucky kid! I have now been fortunate enough to have experienced Christmas 83 times, most of which I still remember, and that in itself is a Christmas miracle. But one will always stand out in my adult years. The first year that Susan and I were married was a tough one financially. We both had jobs but we were living from hand to mouth with not much left over. We were away from family, and didn’t have the time or gas money to get home for Christmas. That Christmas we were especially broke and we had resolved that there would be no presents, no turkey dinner, or even a Christmas tree. It looked pretty bleak, but it turned out to be one of the best Christmases ever. I came home from work on Christmas Eve and opened the door to see a wonderful sight, and one of the best Christmas pres-

ents ever. The apartment house where we lived was decorated with pine boughs and had some left over. Susan had salvaged the top of a tree, and decorated it with spools of thread wrapped in red ribbon, with strings of popcorn around it. We have had a lot of beautiful trees over the years, but that one was by far the best we ever had, and the chicken that she baked for dinner was delicious! We learned that year that the gift of love is by far the best Christmas gift you can get or give. Merry Christmas everyone! Born, raised and educated in the Southwest, Jim Dickson served in the U.S. Navy Reserve in Vietnam before a 35-year business career. Retired to St. Helena Island, Dickson and his wife are fiscally conservative, socially moderate and active in Republican politics, though they may not always agree with Republicans. Having lived around the country and traveled around the world, Dickson believes that the United States truly is the land of opportunity.

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

Turning the least-desirable into the most coveted

t is Monday, early, and I have my coffee — a mild, medium roast that is a pleasant change from the caffeine-fueled bang that comes with the dark, Robusta (Death Wish) bean. This morning, my thoughts are on early morning departures that once required finding of one’s passport, toothbrush and change of underwear without waking one’s spouse. Those dimly lit departures were, of course, before cell phones, laptops and devices that counted our steps. One might have had to search for one’s Timex and, of course, one’s plastic container of Tic Tac breath mints. In those long-gone days before 9/11 there was no reason to get to the airport an hour before departure — you only needed to get to the gate before they gave your seat to a standby. Recently, however, The New Yorker revealed there

“

SCOTT GRABER

has been an explosion in the number of private, members-only airport lounges. Now, passengers are arriving early but not for TSA — but rather seeking a Lavassa Super Crema Espresso, a flaky, fresh-baked cornetti and, of course, a sense of importance. These private lounges have been around for years — who can forget Bill Murray’s parody of an airport lounge singer doing a haunting rendition of “Havin’ My Baby?” “I’m a woman in love and I love what its doin’ to me …”

ook at the price of beef! It’s so high!” “And it won’t come down ‘til we get rid of the guy in the White House” – overheard at Aldi’s in Beaufort. Once upon a time, I was a student in a master’s in education program, and I took a course named “Communications in Education.” The professor started one of his lectures with the bald statement, “Perception is reality.” Having attended a fine university that forced undergraduates to take several philosophy and theology courses, I was puzzled. Reality could be based on one’s perception, but the senses and intuition might mislead a person. The professor explained that most people do not care whether their perception is the truth, which is perhaps why in our relativist age people refer to “my truth” or “your truth” or “his/her truth.” We have the current climate of

These rooms come with showers, slippers and a buffet that is a distinct notch beyond the makeyour-own-waffle model at Holiday Inn Express. But, of course, the real draw is the sense of privilege and one’s removal from the unintelligible announcements of delayed flights. “What the hell did she say, Babs? Was that our flight that’s been delayed in Indianapolis? I have no clue, Raymond. For God’s sake, Babs, you know my hearing aides don’t work in these places.” Buying one’s way into these sleek rooms is not cheap and today there is a whole new hierarchy of deference for those wanting an escape from the tangible, palpable sense of despair that comes when thousands of standing-up passengers are jammed into a single room where everyone is wondering if they are going to get home

hot dog …” writes John Seabrook in describing the new SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The problem, of course, is that these places — sometimes called “Experience Centers” — are way beyond the budget of most fans. “The other twenty-four owner’s suites, twelve on each side of the stadium, form the richest layer of the money torte. The suites are elevated to overlook the sideline, with more than ample catering and mingling spaces reportedly for around a million dollars a year with at least a ten year commitment.” This means the rest of the crowd is relegated to a regular seat or a “club seat” allowing the holder to “an exclusive area within the concourse offering superior food and drink.” “At SoFi a club seat can cost as much as $2,000 a game, and a suite can go

Where’s the beef ?

ping like a military campaign. Still, the incremental rise of food prices — and sometimes meteoric jumps such as happened in coffee prices earlier this year — leaves me wondering how people who do not have a secure, sufficient income are meeting these constantly rising costs. LOUISE MATHEWS In a recent mailing, HELP of Beaufort stated, “We’re facing a conservative news analysts and surge in needs … changes to food the White House stating that the assistance programs have left affordability crisis is on the way many of our neighbors — especialto resolution. We have others, me ly area military, seniors and famiincluded, perceiving economics lies with children — struggling to through the prices at the superput food on the table.” market. I don’t think anyone in I wonder if it isn’t all a plot to the Washington, DC area relies on get Americans off their addicthe Food Lion meat department tion to beef and onto lentils and managers as I do. Blue labels inbeans. dicating meat specials determine Some folks blame it all on Presiour dinner menus. dent Trump forgetting that during Of course, I learned how to President Biden’s tenure, prices squeeze the food budget from my surged much more than they have mother, who faced with a husin the past year. Under Trump, the band, six boys and me, scrutinized prices have continued to go up or the Wednesday newspaper grostayed high, which news outlets report is a major factor in his cery ads and planned her shop-

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Poor planning yields poor results

before midnight. And now, in the 12/8/25 New Yorker, we read that football stadiums now come with a panoply of luxury options that will get one away from the bare-bellied, face-painted, general admission crowd. I’m talking, of course, about the “sky box suites” that are now a huge, money making fixture at every stadium. “We began at the Gallager Garden and the Toyota Patio Club, on the upper level, then we walked down to the Google Cloud Club, and then to the Wynn Club, the most exclusive at the stadium, which serves the patrons of what are known as the owner’s suites. Along the way the burgers became sliders, which became beef sliced from the bone in front of you; chips and popcorn gave way to nacho and chicken tenders and finally to sushi; plain old hot dogs became celebrity-chef takes on the

declining popularity. I have concluded that if Donald Trump could be responsible for everything people think he is, the man would be some superhuman being just below the Almighty. Like a hero in a Greek tragedy, the President’s hubris sometimes undermines his actions. In a Dec. 10 Washington Times article, James Mohs, an economics professor at the University of New Haven, wrote, “… prices have come down somewhat under Mr. Trump, but it is difficult for prices to fall at the rapid rate Americans expect … Trump promised too much too soon, but there is progress being made. Under the prior administration, inflation was around 8% or 9%. Trump has stabilized inflation at about 3%, and you need to stabilize inflation before you can bring it down.” Gas prices have declined. Chicken and egg prices have normalized from highs last year. Even I, the suburban kid who

as high as fifty thousand dollars a game.” In the year 69 CE Vespasian built the Roman Colosseum using profits made from the destruction of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem. There was seating for 50,000 toga-wearing men with the Senators having ring-side seats with the Equestrians sitting just behind them. “At the very top — more than 50 meters from the arena, you reached the poorest, the women and the slaves,” (Emperor of Rome, Mary Beard, Page 258). It would be about 1,900 years before Roy Hofheinz installed 50 “skyboxes” at his new Astrodome, “turning the least desirable seats into the most expensive and coveted spots in the house.” Scott Graber is a lawyer, novelist, veteran columnist and longtime resident of Port Royal. He can be reached at cscottgraber@gmail.com.

didn’t realize the herd must be “freshened” in order to give milk, understand that it takes seven weeks from hatching to grow out a marketable chicken, but it takes 18 months to two years to grow out a marketable calf. Whatever policies the Trump administration has taken to increase beef production will not reduce prices until at least mid-2026. According to the Department of Agriculture, the overall American beef herd is the smallest it has been since 1970, which is the result of several years of drought, Biden era policies that caused farmers to plant less forage, and a disease in Mexican cattle that stopped imports. Perhaps we should all resolve to eat less beef in 2026, or at least until next August. Louise Mathews retired from a career in community colleges, and before that, theater. A 13-year come-by in Beaufort, she has been a dingbatter in North Carolina and an upstater from New York.

A difference in facts

Operations Director for the FBI’s National Security Branch, recently testified before In the column “What a Great Country” Congress. He claimed that Antifa poses the “Demand is stronger by Louise Mathews in the Dec. 11-17 issue, greatest internal terrorist threat to AmeriA meeting was held in March 2023 at she says “we cannot have our own facts, but ca. But Mr. Glasheen wilted under simple than ever for recreation Scott Center on St. Helena Island as part we can have our own opinions.” During questioning by Rep. Benny Thompson. of the consultants’ contract for a Parks on St. Helena Island ... a conversation with another traveler, it He was totally unable to state where this and Recreation Master Plan for the county. became clear that their political opinthreatening organization was headquarThe 1-acre Scott property has been owned Piss poor planning ions differed. Her seatmate objected to tered or how many members it has. by the same private owner(s) since 1976 ICE members covering their faces. Ms. yields piss poor results. How can it be that the FBI knows and the building (Scott Center) was built Mathews wanted to say “so does Antifa,” next to nothing about this dangerous in 1973. Real leaders help solve but instead, she said that she thinks the organization? It’s because a Google Why didn't the public make repairs ICE agents are responding to so many issues not add to them search reveals that multiple sources note or renovate the building? There was a threats against them. that “Antifa” is primarily an ideology: lot of frustration that Beaufort County and steal precious years The current government claims that opposition to fascism, authoritarianism, government did nothing on St. Helena threats against ICE agents have increased from not only children, far-right beliefs, and racism, for example. Island and this frustration was voiced at dramatically. But is this a fact? The Los There is no broad organization with the Scott meeting. The public can take but people of all ages.” Angeles Times published an investigative leadership or membership. action much faster than the Beaufort article on Dec. 1 titled “Attacks on ICE up There have obviously been some instancCounty government. JOE MAC, 1000%? Trump Administration Claim Not es of violence by individuals with left-wing, The Pine Island development has people on recreation planning. Backed up by Court Records.” “Antifa”-style views. However, data show not agreeing. Who trusts anyone anymore, The Trump administration did not that far-right extremists have been responand government? Forget it. Everyone wants respond to multiple requests from the sible for a significantly higher number of their bread buttered. newspaper to release a list of the alleged lethal attacks than far-left extremists. Beaufort County government and their There's money for land to build a assaults. The Times reviewed cases filed In my opinion, ICE agents should not be Parks & Rec Board, which doesn't have an community center on St. Helena Island, against alleged assaulters in five different permitted to wear masks, and Antifa is not affinity for recreation. The last half century, just approve a golf course! This money for cities. The reporters found that that no the main threat to our domestic security. the only new amenities are a path on the land would be another recreation disaster, convictions have been obtained to date, Why? Because I find the investigative reOld Bridge in downtown Beaufort, a skate fight, who knows what else. Someone would that many cases have been voluntarily porting to be more factually credible than park in Port Royal, and the paved 10-mile have to manage it, maintain it, etc. dismissed, that agents were uninjured in the current government’s reporting. Again, rail trail. Everything else seems repetitive. Demand is stronger than ever for the majority of cases, and that in a number why? Because the Trump administration recreation on St. Helena Island, in Beaufort, It shouldn't be about influence on electof cases, defendants were charged after will not or cannot support its claims. Ms. ed officials, who is friends with who, [but in Port Royal, in Shell Point, etc. Piss poor ICE agents initiated the physical contact. Mathews seems to differ. instead] whether smart planning is hashed planning yields piss poor results. Real The investigation also found that “local My conclusion is that, unfortunately, in out and acted on. leaders help solve issues not add to them law enforcement officers are far more likely this polarized environment, we do have our and steal precious years from not only – Joe Mac, City of Beaufort Parks to be attacked in the line of duty than own facts. And that’s a huge problem. children, but people of all ages. and Trees Recreation Commission immigration agents.” – Carol King, Fripp Island People are tired of the old playbook from member, Beaufort resident Regarding Antifa, Michael Glasheen, the DECEMBER 18–24, 2025

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RUCKUS is a silly, lovable guy who is sure to keep you smiling! Everybody, on two legs and four, wants to be his friend. This endearing, 1-yearold boy weighs about 40 pounds.

TARA is a 3-yearold, 14-pound Chihuahua mix who’s timid at first but incredibly affectionate once she trusts you, happily “dancing” to music and seeking gentle love.

CAMA is hanging around at Palmetto Animal League waiting to meet her soulmate. This beautiful, 1-year-old girl has a heart full of potential. She's the queen of quiet affection.

GLITTER is a 7½-month-old, 38-pound white and black Terrier mix: high-energy, playful, and a spitfire who zooms, wiggles, and shines bright, ready to bring endless fun to her new home.

KING is wishing on a star to find a home for the holidays. This 6-year-old boy was adopted as a puppy and, sadly, found his way back to Palmetto Animal League through no fault of his own.

BRUNSWICK is a 4½-year-old, 45-pound Terrier mix who’s a bit shy after being returned, but once comfortable, he’s deeply loving, snuggly, and ready to rediscover joy.

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PURRSEPHONE is a 1½-year-old black cat who is incredibly affectionate, outgoing, and playful, always ready for cuddles, games, and making new friends with her bright, joyful energy.

Meet Palmetto Animal League's Princess LEIA. This 1-year-old beauty can't wait to find her perfect place in this galaxy. She's looking for someone to share life's simple joys with.

VERSACE is a 2-year-old tuxedo beauty with stunning green eyes, sweet and gentle after raising her kittens, ready to enjoy love, comfort, and all the pampering.

Meet MIVVY! This lovely, 1-yearold girl came to Palmetto Animal League timid and fearful. She came out of the shadows and into a brandnew life where food is easy to find.

RORSCHACH is a 9-month-old white-and-black spotted sweetheart with olive green eyes: affectionate, playful, friendly, and endlessly gregarious, a total lover boy.

All of these animals 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.

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DECEMBER 18–24, 2025

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and dining room, ceiling fans, Hardwood and tiled floors, screened front porch and a back patio. Rent is $1700/month, deposit is $1700. For more information contact: Rufus Pinckney. 912-308-3926 or Iris Middleton. 910-920-8034 MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-844-775-0366 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. TELEVISION & INTERNET SERVICES DIRECTV OVER INTERNET – Get your favorite live TV, sports and local channels. 99% signal reliability! CHOICE Package, $84.99/mo for 12 months. HBO Max and Premium Channels included for 3 mos (w/ CHOICE Package or higher.) No annual contract, no hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-855-237-9741 DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Directv and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/ mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-844-624-1107 Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-877542-0759 VACATION RENTALS ADVERTISE YOUR VACATION PROPERTY FOR RENT OR SALE to more than 1.5 million S.C. newspaper readers. Your 25-word classified ad will appear in 80 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Call Randall Savely at the South Carolina Newspaper Network, 803-750-9561.

YOUR AD HERE Looking to advertise your business, announce a yard sale, or share other classifieds? Contact Amanda Hanna today at amanda@lcweekly.com to secure your spot and get your ad featured in our upcoming issue! 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.

PLACE YOUR AD IN MORE THAN

80 SC NEWSPAPERS Reach up to 1.5 million readers using our small space ad network!

Contact Randall Savely 803.750.9561 | scnnonline.com Newspaper Network Statewide and regional options available South Carolina

THEME: YEAR-IN-REVIEW ACROSS 1. W.E.B Du Bois' org. 6. Rascal 9. Ho-hum 13. "Pomp and Circumstance" composer 14. Tropical constrictor 15. Forgo 16. Tequila source 17. + or - atom 18. Reason by deduction 19. *Trade war "weapon," pl. 21. *2025 MLB World Series winners 23. ____-tzu 24. C&H crop 25. Dunce 28. Western necktie 30. Catch in a snare 35. Ginger cookie 37. Master of his castle 39. Use a razor 40. British slang for donkey 41. Arch and ball locations 43. Winglike 44. March celebrants 46. *Arthur Sze, 2025 ____ Laureate 47. Dam-like structure 48. *BeyoncÈ's "Cowboy ____," 2025 Grammy winner 50. King Kong and Curious George, e.g.

52. Like a fox 53. What Pinocchio did 55. *Florida Panthers won this org.'s '25 championship 57. *"Wicked: ____ ____" 61. *Late environmentalist and chimpanzee expert 65. German submarine destroyer 66. *2025 Ryder Cup loser 68. Manuscript sheet 69. Brazilian coins 70. Roll-your-own one, for short 71. To the left, on a boat 72. Orpheus' instrument 73. Geological time period 74. They are cut by Federal Reserve DOWN 1. At room temperature, bar order 2. Algae, sing. 3. Petri dish filler 4. Raise trivial objections 5. Ready to be assembled 6. Avian wader 7. Farm sound 8. China's goodwill "____ diplomacy" 9. Collision, onomatopoeically speaking 10. *Taylor Swift's "The ____ of a Showgirl" 11. Affirm solemnly

12. Third-person possessive pronoun 15. Makes broader 20. Why do they fall in love? 22. *Aryna Sabalenka's seed 24. Auto contents 25. Pertaining to osmium 26. *2025 Academy Awards Best Picture winner 27. Faquir, alt.spelling 29. Pilot's stunt 31. Spring event 32. Pneumonia symptom, pl. 33. Be of use 34. *Blue Origin's 2025 singing passenger 36. Boll weevil, e.g. 38. *____Seek 42. Shorthand typist, for short 45. Serfs 49. 2016 Olympics host, for short 51. Ram's horn at a synagogue 54. Draw a conclusion 56. Parkinson's disease drug 57. Roll up 58. Heed 59. Lion sound 60. Dorothy's last name 61. *Lady of "The Mayhem Ball" 62. Tons (2 words) 63. Lira, pl. 64. Land parcels 67. *Gary Oldman received this honorific in 2025

LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORD & SUDOKU SOLUTIONS

DECEMBER 18–24, 2025

A19

820 Bay Street Beaufort, SC 29902

843.521.4200 $519,000

$670,000

OVERLOOK AT BATTERY CREEK

COMFORT POINT | MLS 190018

MLS 192211 | 3BDRM | 3.5B | 2429sqft Community Amenities Dawn Yerace 843.441.6518 Josh Yerace 843.941.9443

1.48 Acre Homesite | Deepwater | Dock Permit Edward Dukes 843.812.5000

$145,000

$645,000

LADY'S ISLAND | MLS 190471

3BDRM | 2.5B | 1885sqft | New Construction Paige Walling 843.812.8470

CAT ISLAND | MLS 185761

.34 Acre Homesite | Cul-De-Sac | Golf/Water Views Julia O'Hara 201.456.8620

www.LowcountryRealEstate.com

The SCIIJ supports the development and production of independent and nonprofit news in S.C. to promote democratic ideals. Donate now at SCIndependentJournalism.org

Merry Christmas! We wish you Christmas joy! Remember that God loves you so much that he entered the world as a little child, so that you may know him.

Celebrate the Birth of Jesus with Us! Christmas 2025

Wednesday, December 24: 4:00pm

4:10pm Additional Mass for overflow in the Walsh Palmetto Room

6:00pm

Thursday, December 25: Midnight & 11:00am

Confession Opportunities Every Saturday: 11:00am-1:00pm

If it has been a while since your last Confession, don’t worry! Our priests will welcome you and help you.

Students from Saint Peter’s Catholic School

70 Lady’s Island Drive, Beaufort, SC

843-522-9555 • www.stpetersbeaufort.org • office@stpetersbeaufort.org