The freshly painted Hunting Island Lighthouse, as it appears Tuesday, July 29, 2025. With the major exterior work complete, the familiar scaffolding was removed in May. The Lighthouse is expected to reopen in either late 2025 or early 2026.
Mike McCombs/The Island News
Exterior work on Hunting Island crown jewel complete
By Mike McCombs
The Island News
HUNTING ISLAND – As Na-
tional Lighthouse Day — Thursday, Aug. 7 — approaches, those fond of Hunting Island will be pleased to know that as far as the restoration work on Hunting Island State Park’s Lighthouse goes, we can finally see the proverbial lighthouse in the distance.
According to Kirby Brady, Park Manager for Hunting Island State Park & Saint Phillips Island, “a major milestone” has been reached in the restoration work on the iconic lighthouse.
“Exterior restoration work [is] now complete and interior renovations [are] underway,” Brady recently wrote in a document updating the project’s progress. “This marks a new chapter in preserving one of South Carolina’s most treasured landmarks.”
Restoration needed
The Hunting Island Lighthouse closed to tours in early 2022 because of safety concerns.
Bennett Preservation Engineering was hired to oversee architecture and engineering, while Huss, Inc., was hired as the project contractor. After two years of securing funding for the project, structural repairs and restoration work began soon after the end of hurricane season last year..
“Their work requires extraordinary care to protect the historic millwork, structural wood, masonry, glass, ironwork, and distinctive decorative finishes. Much of their focus will be on stabilizing and
spokesperson Candace Bruder.
By Delayna Earley The Island News
It’s almost time for students to return to public schools in Beaufort County and to prepare, the district and other local groups are holding back-to-school events aimed at helping returning students get all the supplies and necessary information that they need to have a successful school year. The 2025-2026 school year begins on Wednesday, Aug. 6 in Beaufort County School District (BCSD) public schools, and students and parents are in full swing trying to get ready.
BCSD held its annual Back-toSchool Expo on Saturday, July 26, at Battery Creek High School and saw a large turnout of parents and students hoping to get supplies like backpacks, pencils and crayons, in addition to information about community services aimed to help school-aged students.
INSIDE
Education Department to unfreeze contested K-12 funds, Page A9
More than 1,000 people attended Saturday’s Back-to-School Expo, according to district
The expo also offered free onsite dental and health services, for those who registered, from Beaufort-Jasper-Hampton Comprehensive Health Services and Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).
St. Helena Parish Church in downtown Beaufort also held its annual Back-to-School Bash on Sunday, July 27, where they invited foster and adopted children and their families to come and celebrate the new school year.
SC shoppers can save on back-to-school, more as state waives sales taxes for 3 days
By Jessica Holdman SCDailyGazette.com
South Carolina shoppers can buy school supplies, computers, clothes, shoes and more without paying any sales taxes this coming weekend.
The state’s annual Tax Free Weekend starts Friday and ends Sunday. The tax holiday waives the state’s 6% sales tax as well as applicable local taxes, according to the state Department of Revenue. Sales taxes are 6% in only three of South Carolina’s 46 coun-
ties: Beaufort, Greenville and Oconee. The other 43 counties charge their own sales taxes for local projects. At 9% total, sales taxes are highest in Charleston County and the city of Myrtle Beach.
Non-taxable items include musical instruments, calculators, headphones, printers, computers, computer software and all types of clothing, as well as certain bed and bath items, including bed spreads, sheets, pillows, towels and shower curtains. the department lists as ex-
amples on its website. Items that are still taxed as normal include cellphones, digital cameras and video game consoles.
Last year, shoppers bought more than $22 3 million in taxfree items and saved more than $1 3 million in taxes, according to the state tax agency.
Per the law passed in 2000, the 72 hours of savings start at 12:01 a.m. the first Friday in August and continue until midnight Sunday. Online sales of eligible items are included. The tax break applies to all
shoppers, but the law was intended to help parents buy back-toschool items ahead of each new school year. This year, one-quar
ter of the state’s 72
districts will have already resumed classed before the tax holiday.
Beaufort mother asks for internal review in daughter’s trafficking case.
U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman becomes 4th Republican to enter SC governor’s race.
Prediabetes: Symptoms, risks and how to reverse it.
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Beaufort’s Jody Henson welcomed his family to town for the MCAS Beaufort Air Show in April, and while they were here, Jody Henson and his wife, Anita; daughter Priscilla Henson Caselli; and the Henson’s two youngest grandsons Miller and Lucca, spent an afternoon seeking out all the Beaufort Boots. Priscilla Henson Caselli made a collage of her photographs of the family and the first 10 pairs. They found the 11th pair at the Hunting Island Pier on their return trip the following Sunday. 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.
American Legion Beaufort
Post 207 brings you Hal Spicer, 73, who joined the U.S. Marine Corps in Jacksonville, Fla., in 1970. After Boot Camp at Parris Island and Advanced Infantry Training at Camp Lejeune, he trained at Camp Pendleton as a Communications Wireman. He was first assigned to Okinawa and then to MCAS Beaufort in communication support to
August 1
2021: Beaufort-based weightlifter Mahassen Hala Fattouh competes for Lebanon in the Women’s 76-kilogram weight class at the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo. Fattouh completed five of her six lifts for a personal-record total of 217 kg. Fattouh, the first female weightlifter
the Marine Air Group. He made deployments to Puerto Rico, Lejeune and MCAS Yuma. With the post-Vietnam draw-down in 1975 he separated and in 1977, he moved to Beaufort and joined the S.C. Army National Guard as a Calvary Scout. He was mobilized for Hurricane Hugo and trained for deployment to both Desert Shield and Afghanistan. He retired in 2000 as a Sergeant First Class. From 1984 until 2013 he worked providing Beaufort County facilities maintenance.
to represent Lebanon in the Olympic Games, finished ninth.
August 5
2021: Beaufort’s Kazoobie Kazoos, one of just two kazoo factories in the United States, holds a grand opening for its remodeled Kazoo Museum, which highlights the history of the kazoo and
Cat (Kitten) of the Week
Taki is a playful, 2-month-old kitten who loves being petted and will give you nose nudges in return. She loves to climb to the top of a platform as if she were conquering the highest peak! She loves toys and napping beside you. She is happy being wherever you are. She is up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped.
Dog of the Week
– Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207 For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.
features, among other things, a U.S. flag made from 3,000 plastic kazoos.
August 6
2019: The Island Packet and the Beaufort Gazette announce they are discontinuing their Saturday print edition.
– Compiled by Mike McCombs
in life is attention and love. He will lean into you with his whole body just to be close. He is phenomenal on a leash,
fantastic with other dogs, and he also respects cats. Obie will fit seamlessly into any home. He is neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped.
With more than 100 kittens to choose from right now at the Palmetto Animal League Adoption Center, you are certain to find a pet who is a perfect fit for your family. For more information on Taki, Obie of any of our other pets, call PAL PalmettoAnimalLeague.org.
– Compiled by Lindsay Perry
Do you value your free hometown newspaper – made by locals, for locals? Free news isn’t cheap. Please help support The Island News!
Donations gratefully accepted at www.yourislandnews.com or The Island News, PO Box 550, Beaufort, SC 29901
death of a 14-yearold boy Friday night, July 18, on St. Helena Island. According to a release from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), late Thursday night, July 24 2025, Charles Jamirea Williams, 17, of St. Helena Island, was served warrants for his arrest
on the charges of murder, possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, and unlawful possession of a firearm. At approximately 11:54 p.m., Friday, July 18, the BCSO Communications Center received a report of a gunshot
Despite efforts to save the victim’s life, the victim died from his injuries. The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office has identified the victim but is not releasing his name because he is a juvenile.
Throughout the investigation, Williams was identified as the
victim at a residence on Capers Island Circle on St. Helena Island. While responding to the scene deputies made contact with a vehicle that was attempting to transport the victim to the hospital. Deputies attempted life saving measures until Beaufort County Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived and transported the victim to the hospital.
individual responsible, and warrants were obtained for his arrest. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Investigator Sergeant Hicks at 843-255-3441. If wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County via the P3 Tips app on your mobile device, online at tipsbft.com or by calling 844-TIPS-BFT (844-847-7238).
order to increase access to cardiovascular care for patients in the Lowcountry, Beaufort Memorial has added Nicole Gray, an experienced nurse practitioner, to its Heart Specialists practice.
The Navy veteran and Buffalo, N.Y. native has an extensive healthcare background, ranging from trauma care, forensic nursing to general cardiology. She has held roles not just in acute care, but administrative and director positions, too, and has experience as a clinical instructor for various graduate programs and as an educational speaker. She also established a heart failure clinic as a part of her work with the Department of Veterans Affairs in New York.
Board-certified as both a family nurse practitioner and adult gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, Gray will treat common cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension (high
failure, cardiogenic shock, coronary
arrhythmias, as well as other cardiac conditions, at the practice.
By Delayna Earley
The Island News Autumn Hollis, mother of Emi-
ly Hollis, a Beaufort teen who was 12 years old at the time she was reported as a runaway earlier in 2025 when she was allegedly encouraged to leave her home and go to Florida with a 16-year-old boy, has filed a request for an internal review of those involved in her daughter’s case with The City of Beaufort and the City of Beaufort’s Police Department.
The case caused an uproar on social media with many Beaufort citizens upset at the 12-year-old being labeled as a runaway due to her age.
Upon delivering the packet requesting the internal review of the way that her daughter’s case was handled, she was informed by employees with the Beaufort Police Department that the people who would be conducting the internal review were the same people who were named in the review packet.
“Honestly, it was so people in the future would be able to use this to say, look, you’ve had issues with this,” Hollis said. “I just wanted a legit internal investigation.”
Worried that a review being conducted by the same people who she has listed as part of her complaint would not be fair and impartial, Hollis reached out to the city, asking for a party who is unrelated to take over the review of her case.
Hollis received a return email from Beaufort City Manager Scott Marshall telling her that to recuse everyone who had anything to do with her daughter’s case would be to recuse the whole city.
He also stated in the email that an internal review has already been conducted regarding her daughter’s case that did not turn up any evidence supporting “negligence, misconduct or violations of First Amendment or Civil Rights.”
According to Marshall, Beaufort Police claim to have found no specific or actionable allegations in her submission.
Hollis was advised to seek legal counsel and request an external investigation through the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
On the web page for the complaints made about City of Beaufort Police Department employees, a person wishing to make a formal complaint against an employee of the Beaufort Police Department must fill out a package of forms and return it within a 15-day window.
“The department’s internal affairs procedures are intended to be internally consistent, and realistic, and provide due process protection for the complainant and the accused,” their website reads. “The Administrative Division is responsible for conducting formal internal affairs investigations.”
Hollis tried to raise alarms with the City, because it does not seem OK for a person named in a complaint to be part of the review process in their own alleged wrongdoing.
“This raises substantial due process concerns and constitutes a clear conflict of interest under both ethical norms and the principals of administrative law,” Hollis said. “It is a fundamental tenet of an internal investigative process that no individual named in or materially connected to a complaint may participate in adjudicating or reviewing that same complaint.”
“This raises substantial due process concerns and constitutes a clear conflict of interest under both ethical norms and the principals of administrative law. It is a fundamental tenet of an internal investigative process that no individual named in or materially connected to a complaint may participate in adjudicating or reviewing that same complaint.”
AUTUMN HOLLIS, on issues with the internal review process of the
Hollis told The Island News that she is planning to meet with SLED to talk about next steps in regard to their filed complaint.
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.
FATHER On or about 6/14/2010 A.S. the above-named child was born to JILL BOLDEN. It appears that the whereabouts of the father, DAVID PAUL SNYDER/ UNKNOWN FATHER, of the above-named child are unknown.
By Mike McCombs
Island News
The
The emergency room at Beaufort Memorial Hospital (BMH) was evacuated briefly on Tuesday, July 22, as a result of a fire alarm.
According to City of Beaufort/ Town of Port Royal Fire Department Deputy Chief Ross Vezin, the fire department received the alarm
at approximately 3:22 p.m. and responded appropriately for a structure fire – three engines, a battalion chief and a ladder company.
Vezin said by the time fire crews reached the scene, the hospital had the ER evacuated.
“Honestly, it wasn’t anything major,” Vezin said. “The ER job did a great job dealing with the issue and
evacuating patients as needed.”
Vezin, as well as BMH President and CEO Russell Baxley, attributed smoke in the ER to an HVAC issue.
“Earlier this afternoon, a fire alarm went off in the Beaufort Memorial Pratt Emergency Center,” Baxley said Tuesday afternoon in a statement. “This alarm was not the result of a fire, but a result of the
Staff reports
Just before 10 a.m., Friday, July 25, the Burton Fire District, MCAS Fire & Emergency Services, Beaufort County EMS and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office responded to a reported
kitchen fire in Burton that left a family displaced.
Firefighters arrived on scene and found the residents outside with smoke coming from the home. They quickly extinguished the fire, confining it to the
Councilman Glover to host community meeting
County Council Member York Glover (District 3) will host a community meeting to give an update on economic development including a discussion about the economic advantage of establishing a Cultural Events Center on St. Helena Island.
The meeting will be 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, July 31, at St. Helena Branch Library at 6355 Jonathan Francis, Sr. Drive.
John O'Toole, Executive Director of Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation will be the guest speaker.
The public is encouraged to attend and share ideas and discuss concerns about the proposed project. Community participation is necessary and will help shape the project's and St. Helena Island's future.
More informational meetings will be scheduled and the public notified.
For questions and more information Council Member Glover at 843-812-2909 oryglover@bcgov. net.
Sen. Scott accepting applications for Fall 2025 internships
U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) is now accepting applications for internships in his North Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville offices for the fall of 2025. Applications will be accepted through the end of the summer.
The internship program offers undergraduate and graduate students the chance to work with public service professionals and gain practical experience in constituent services, federal policy, and more. Students of all majors, particularly those studying governmental affairs, public policy, or communications, are welcome to apply.
South Carolina Offices (North Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville): In the state offices, interns will take an active role in the community, working on state-based projects while also answering phones, completing research, and being an integral part of day-today office operations. Interns in these offices are able to assist with issues that affect South Carolinians each day.
Internship hours are flexible to accommodate students’ course schedules but generally run from
kitchen area; however, the home sustained smoke damages throughout.
An adult and three children were temporarily displaced. Red Cross is assisting. No injuries were reported.
bearings in the HVAC system causing smoke in the facility.
“The hospital ER was evacuated quickly so that the cause of the fire alarm could be assessed, and upon approval from the Beaufort/Port Royal Fire Department, the all-clear was issued at 4:01 p.m., with the entire incident lasting less than 30 minutes.”
Baxley praised his ER staff and thanked first responders.
“The team responded amazingly,” he said, “and we thank the fire and EMS crews for their help and their support.”
Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Students may also gain course credit for completing the internship program. Interested students can apply through Senator Scott’s website at https://www. scott.senate.gov/constituent-services/internships. For additional questions, contact the internship coordinator at internships@scott. senate.gov or 202-224-6121
ShellRing hosting Secrets of the Salt Marsh by FOHI
The Friends of Hunting Island present the Secrets of the Salt Marsh at 2 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 17 at ShellRing Ale Works in Port Royal. Erin Rogers, Coastal Manager of the South Carolina Audubon Society, will give a conservation talk during which she will reveal the complex ecology and secretive creatures of the Carolina Salt Marsh.
The event is free and open to the public. Pleas email FOHIConservationOutreach@gmail.com to reserve a spot.
Saint Peter’s 65th annual Fall Bazaar vendors spaces available
Saint Peter’s Catholic Church will hold its 65th annual Fall Bazaar on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., on the church campus at 70 Lady’s Island
Drive in Beaufort.
The Bazaar features international foods, a craft fair, a sweet shoppe, in-person and online silent auctions, wine and beer garden, plant sale, church tours, and Kids Zone with inflatables, games, and the Beaufort Barnyard Petting Zoo.
Artists and crafts people interested in a 10-foot-by-10-foot space can send an email to gather@stpetersbeaufort.org for more information. Indoor space is very limited, so those interested should reach out as soon as possible.
The Bazaar will raise funds for Lowcountry Outreach, a Saint Peter’s ministry that works to increase scarce services in northern Beaufort County. Lowcountry Outreach partners with several agencies and services such as Good Neighbor Medical Clinic, Lowcountry Legal Volunteers, and Alienated Parents of Adult Children among others. Its Angel Rides program has completed more than 850 rides for people needing transportation to medical and other needed appointments. Additional information can be found at www.LowcounryOutreach.org.
Poll workers needed; training available
The Board of Voter Registration and Elections of Beaufort County will be holding 10 new poll worker training classes.
All of the classes will be held at the main office, located at 15 John
Galt Road, Beaufort, S.C. 29906
The classes will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the following dates: Wednesday, Aug. 20; and Wednesday, Sept. 17
To sign up for a class, visit https://beaufortsc.easypollworker. com/home.
United Way of the Lowcountry offers additional free tax prep days
United Way of the Lowcountry's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is offering additional free tax preparation days to help qualifying residents of Beaufort and Jasper counties file their federal and state tax returns accurately and efficiently.
The program – a collaboration between the IRS, Beaufort County Human Services Alliance, and United Way of the Lowcountry (UWLC) – is designed to assist low-income individuals and families, non-English speaking taxpayers, people with disabilities, and seniors with their tax filing needs.
In Bluffton, the service is available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, Sept. 29, at the Bluffton Public Library at 120 Palmetto Drive.
In Beaufort, the service is available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday, Aug. 25 at the United Way of the Lowcountry Beaufort Office at 1277 Ribaut Road.
Limited spots are available, and in-person appointments are re-
quired. Visit www.uwlowcountry. org/VITA to reserve your spot, check for eligibility requirements and to find a list of necessary documents to bring.
accepting grant applications
Beaufort County Human Services is accepting applications for the FY26 Grant Program. Applications will be accepted until Friday, Aug. 22. Any application received after that date, will not be considered. According to the Community Services Grant Program webpage, "Funds for this grant program are provided by County Council of Beaufort County. Established in 2013, the Beaufort County Community Services Grants Program supports local non-profit human service organizations in enhancing residents' quality of life. All grant awards are contingent upon the availability of funding."
To be eligible for the Community Services Grant, organizations are required to meet specific criteria:
Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations whose mission aligns with improving quality of life for Beaufort County residents, particularly those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged Agencies must directly serve Beaufort County and use all awarded funds for the benefit of its residents Only one application per organization (identified by EIN) will be accepted, and fiscal agents are not permitted Agencies seeking funding must register their organization prior to applying; instructions are provided within the application
Eligibility, criteria, application timeline and the application itself are all outlined at https://bit. ly/4l8UTe8 for interested groups. Funds may not be used for: fundraising or capital campaigns endowments or scholarships to reduce debt of any kind religious or political activities legal services.
For questions or more information, please call Beaufort County Human Services at 843-255-6058 or visit the webpage at https://bit. ly/4npqEBv.
– Staff reports
Staff reports Beaufort Memorial Pulmonary Specialists has added a board-certified and fellowship-trained pulmonologist to the practice to further meet the need for pulmonary care in the Lowcountry.
Spenser Staub, M.D., joins the practice from Charleston and will be seeing patients in both Beaufort and Okatie. He will be diagnosing and treating patients with acute and chronic pulmonary conditions, including COPD, asthma and other
Dr. Spenser Staub
acute and chronic lung diseases, as well as managing care for patients admitted to the Beaufort Memorial Hospital intensive care unit (ICU).
Dr. Staub earned his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), gaining experience throughout his residency and fellowship treating a variety
of chronic and occupational lung conditions.
Growing up, many of Dr. Staub’s role models were physicians, which guided him to a career in the medical field. He explored specialties like nephrology, emergency care and palliative medicine before landing on critical care and pulmonology. Lungs are “fascinating” and vitally important, Dr. Staub said, and he enjoys that the ever-evolving field of pulmonology keeps him on his toes.
The Charleston native has used his medical expertise in clinics around the globe, including in a medical command unit in the U.S. Army National Guard, where he has been a member since 2019. His passion for service guided him to teach, and in a teaching role at MUSC, he was recognized as an outstanding educator two years in a row. A patient-physician relationship is based on teamwork, Dr. Staub said, and he considers it an honor
to share that with a patient.
“I want my patients to know that I’m listening, and I want them to feel heard,” he said in a news release. “Medicine is a puzzle, and it’s a privilege to be able to solve it and make these decisions together.”
Dr. Staub joins board-certified pulmonologists Drs. John P. Krcmarik and Andrew Stevens, as well as certified nurse practitioners Shawna Nievierowski and Risa Linford., at Beaufort Memorial Pulmonary Specialists.
Staff reports The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that a raccoon found near West Cedar Road and Oakland Drive on St. Helena Island has tested positive for rabies. No people are known to have been exposed at this time. One dog was exposed and will be quarantined as required in the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. The raccoon was submit-
ted to DPH's laboratory for testing on July 10 2025 and was confirmed to have rabies on July 11, 2025. If you believe you, someone you know, or your pets have come in contact with this raccoon or another animal that potentially has rabies, please call DPH's Beaufort office at 843-525-7603 during normal business hours (8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday-Friday) or after hours and on holidays at
John Lawson heLes
November 11, 1940 –July 17, 2025
Beaufort
John Lawson Heles, 84 of Beaufort, passed away on Thursday, July 17, 2025, at Sprenger Healthcare of Port Royal. Visitation for John was held Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Anderson Funeral Home, and a Memorial Mass took place at the St. Peter's Historic Church on Friday, July 25, 2025, with inurnment following at the St. Peter's Columbarium.
John was born on November 11 1940, in San Diego, Calif., the son of the late John Baptist and Wilma (Lawson) Heles. As the son of a USMC Colonel, he and his siblings moved all over before establishing roots in Beaufort. He later moved to North Carolina and was graduate of UNC Charlotte. He came back to Beaufort, where he sold insurance. John loved gardening and enjoyed sharing the fruits of his labors. He was a longtime member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church and enjoyed attending Adoration and Bible Study. His bright smile and caring nature made him a friend to everyone he met. He either
Progress from page A1
strengthening the stair system; repairing, cleaning, and recoating the metal and iron elements of the structure; and repainting the interior and exterior of the lighthouse,” Linda Miller, President of the Friends of Hunting Island (FOHI), wrote at this time last year.
State of progress
On the exterior, Brady said crews finished sandblasting to remove old paint and applied fresh, protective coatings that restore the iconic appearance. In May, the scaffolding surrounding the lighthouse was dismantled and removed, signaling the end of major exterior work.
Brady said that inside the lighthouse, interior coatings are underway and expected to be completed in September. Simultaneously, castings of the lighthouse’s
888-847-0902 (Select Option 2).
“Rabies is usual ly transmitted through a bite or scratch that allows saliva from an infected animal to be introduced into the body of a per son or another animal. However, infected saliva or neural tissue contact with
open wounds or areas such as the eyes, nose, or mouth could also potentially transmit rabies,” DPH Rabies Program Director Terri McCollister said in a news release. "To reduce the risk of getting rabies, always give wild and stray animals their space. If you see an animal in need,
avoid touching it and contact someone trained in handling animals, such as your local animal control officer, wildlife control operator, or a wildlife rehabilitator. Please report all animal bites, scratches, and exposures to potentially rabid animals to DPH.”
This raccoon is the first animal in Beaufort County to test positive for rabies in 2025. There have been 43 cases of rabid animals
statewide this year. Since 2002, South Carolina has averaged approximately 144 positive cases a year. In 2024, two of the 81 confirmed rabies cases in South Carolina were in Beaufort County. Contact information for local Public Health offices is available at dph.sc.gov/ RabiesContacts. For more information on rabies visit dph.sc.gov/rabies or cdc. gov/rabies.
greeted you with the firmest handshake you've ever had or an enveloping hug with a huge pat on the back. He loved reminiscing and always had a story to tell.
Survivors include his daughter Mary "Missy” (Michael) HelesMoberly; son Drew (Patricia) Heles; grandchildren Devin, Drake and Dade Stanley, Dallen Moberly, Tristan and Chloe Heles; brother Mark Heles; sister Ginny Burnett; and also, many loved nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Chris Heles and Carole Hill.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Mirasol Health (formerly Hospice
The freshly painted Hunting Island Lighthouse, as it appears Tuesday, July 29, 2025. With the major exterior work complete, the familiar scaffolding was removed in May. The Lighthouse is expected to reopen in either late 2025 or early 2026. Mike McCombs/The Island News
historic brackets and stair treads were fabricated in July 11 and are being installed. This phase will be followed by final masonry restoration through August.
According to Brady, visitors will also be pleased to know that the watch and lantern levels have been out-
Care of the Lowcountry) in John’s name. https://mirasolhealth.org/ donate/
neiL RichaRd Theisen
September 18, 1947 –July 13, 2025
Beaufort
Neil Richard Theisen, age 77 of Beaufort, passed away on Sunday, July 13 2025 at the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, in Charleston.
Neil was born on Sept. 18 1947 in Madison, Wis., to the late Vincent Theisen and Marie Theisen. He is preceded in death by his two brothers.
He is survived by his wife, Jane Cabral of Beaufort; his three step-children, Caroline Hughes of Bristol, R.I., Christopher Cabral (Shana Fiancé) of Griswold, Conn., and Catherine Confarotta (Jeff) of Attleboro, Mass.; and five grandchildren, Emily, Kayla, Alex, Sarah, and Sophia.
Neil was a veteran of the United States Air Force and served in the Vietnam War. He retired at the rank of Sergeant in 1969. After he left the service, Neil graduated from City College in New York with a degree in Economics and became a Master Plumber.
fitted with brand-new glass panes, and the restored railings are complete.
“We are thrilled with the progress made thus far and the excitement is building as we look forward to reopening either late 2025, or early 2026,” Brady said in her report.
When asked Sunday if there could be any unforeseen delays, Brady said the quiet part out loud.
“It’s the ‘H’ word,” Brady laughed. “If a hurricane comes though, there will be a delay. As far as construction-wise, there’s no telling. Everything has gone smoothly so far, no hiccups. … Weather-related issues are our only real only concerns.”
Related work
According to Brady, HISP is also working on a virtual lighthouse trailer. The project involves a virtual reality set housed in a trailer with heat and air conditioning that can go anywhere in the state.
Brady said the trailer will
Neil retired after 30 years and moved to North Dighton, Mass. He was a member of the DAV in Massachusetts and then later in Beaufort, where he moved to in 2017 In 2015, Neil met his wife Jane who shared his love of seeing the country in his travel trailer. Together, they camped in more than 40 states including Alaska. They married on Sept. 2 2020 during one of their camping excursions in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Neil will always be remembered by his friends and family as a warm, kind, and generous man. A man who asked for nothing in return when helping others with home improvement projects or friendly life advice. His support
greatly benefit “people that can’t climb the lighthouse,” as well as, provide other teaching and programming opportunities.
The trailer will is expected to be completed in early 2026
“We’re trying to get that in collaboration with the opening for the lighthouse,” Brady said, “but there’s no guarantee they will be at the same exact time.”
And then there’s the 1875 Fresnel Lense.
Prior to the start of renovation work, the lense — an 1875 Fresnel Lens of the largest 1st Order size — was displayed in the base of the lighthouse.
The lens was originally installed in the Charleston Lighthouse on Morris Island at the entrance to Charleston Harbor. But through good fortune, the state acquired the lense in 1962 from the U. S. Coast Guard.
According to Miller last year, in preparation for the Lighthouse restoration, the lens was disassembled in
for veterans, family, friends, and those in need are a testament to his character and heart. His selflessness and love for life are an inspiration to all who knew him. Neil will be missed tremendously and will forever hold a special place in the hearts of everyone whose lives he touched in so many positive ways.
Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 5 2025 at 10:30 a.m., at St. Peter's Catholic Church at 70 Lady's Island Drive, Beaufort, 29907. Inurnment will follow mass in the Beaufort National Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Air Force. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Friends of Fisher House in Charleston in memory of Neil Theisen, who helped Jane during the last week of his life.
Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.
OBITUARIES
The Island News will publish obituaries up to 300 words for no charge. This service also includes a photograph. The Island News will have a charge of .25¢ per word of obituaries beyond 300 words. Email jeff.theislandnews@ gmail.com for more information.
October 2023 and was in storage awaiting completion of an updated design which was completed in May 2024 by Artworks Florida and Dan Spinella. The design specifications used modern materials (marine-grade stainless steel) to greatly reduce or eliminate the need for maintenance to ensure quality of sustainability to the weather elements.
Friends of Hunting Island hired Pender Brothers of Port Royal to construct the newly designed frame, which is complete. Now it appears HISP is close to announcing what the plans are for displaying the frame and lense.
“There will be a housing for the lens and we are very excited about it,” Brady said, though shedeclined to divulge any details. “Nothing [is] set in stone.” Brady said they are hoped to announce something “if not at the same time as the opening for the lighthouse, then shortly afterward.”
Still going strong
Hunting Island State Park is the No. 1 visited state park in South Carolina with more than 1 000 000 visitors per year, according to Brady, and one of its main attractions has been closed to the public for three years.
“We still have very high visitation,” she said. “There has not a decline,” though she said park staff still gets questions. She said the lighthouse closure does “affect revenue. It costs $2 to climb. But as far as admissions, we’ve been keeping steady.”
Editor’s note: Kirby Brady was named Park Manager for Hunting Island State Park & Saint Phillips Island in February 2024 The previous Park Manager, Zabo McCants, was promoted to SCPRT’s Lower Coastal Regional Chief.
Mike McCombs is the Editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
By Jessica Holdman SCDailyGazette.com
U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman, a longtime member of the ultra-conservative U.S. House Freedom Caucus, is entering the 2026 South Carolina governor’s race.
The eight-year congressman is running to “finally clean up Columbia,” the campaign said in a statement. He plans to advocate for improvements to the state’s roads and schools, as well as term limits for state legislators. All would require the Legislature’s approval. Previous proposals to get legislators to vote term limits on themselves have gone nowhere.
There was a formal launch event Sunday in his hometown of Rock Hill.
Norman is by far the wealthiest member of South Carolina’s congressional delegation, according to annual disclosures. Before running for office, he grew his father’s construction business, the Warren Norman Company, into one of the state’s most successful commercial real estate firms.
He has been weighing a bid for the Governor’s Mansion for some time, hinting at a potential run to reporters in October 2023
Norman, 72, spent about a decade total in the state House before voters elected him in 2017 to represent South Carolina’s 5th Congressional District. Anchored in his home county of York, just south of Charlotte, it stretches from a chunk of Spartanburg County along the state’s border with North Carolina southeast to Sumter County.
First elected to the state House in 2004, Norman gave up the Rock Hill seat in 2006 for an unsuccessful bid to defeat U.S. Rep. John Spratt, a longtime Democrat. Voters returned Norman to the state House in a 2009 special election.
Eight years later, he won a special election to replace former U.S. Rep. Mick Mulvaney, who left Congress when President Donald Trump tapped him to lead the Office of Management and Budget in his first term. After emerging from a seven-way GOP primary, Norman defeated Democrat Archie Parnell, a former Goldman Sachs executive and tax lawyer, with 51% of the vote.
Norman has not faced a primary challenger since that special election.
But he joins a crowded field for the 2026 governor’s race. Republicans who have already announced bids over the last month are Attorney General Alan Wilson, state Sen. Josh Kimbrell of Spartanburg County, and Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette.
Rep. Nancy Mace of South Car-
olina’s coastal 1st District also is considering a bid. Norman, who’s built a reputation as a fiscal haw, has spent his political career on the fringes, even within his own party. In spring 2022, he helped launch the South Carolina affiliate of the Freedom Caucus in the state House.
In Congress, he sits on the House Budget, Financial Services and Rules Committees. He gained that third committee appointment after working to first block, then supporting, Kevin McCarthy as speaker in 2023
During his time in the Statehouse, Norman was one of just two House members to vote against a $120 million incentive package for Boeing’s North Charleston expansion in 2013, arguing there was no accountability for how the money would be spent.
Most recently, he joined Freedom Caucus leaders threatening to oppose the massive tax cut and spending bill to fund President Donald Trump’s priorities.
“We need to ensure good policy isn’t poisoned by bad spending,” Norman wrote on social media.
“Congress should prioritize fiscal responsibility, transparency, and results. NOT rushed deals.”
Norman also made headlines in 2018, when he pulled out his loaded .38-caliber Smith & Wesson handgun during a meeting with constituents in what he said showed that guns are dangerous only in the hands of criminals.
The demonstration brought criticism from even staunch Second Amendment enthusiasts. Despite calls for his resignation and prosecution, Attorney General Wilson declined to press charges.
And three days before former President Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021, Norman was in the national news for texting former White House chief of staff Mark Meadows calling for martial law to keep Trump in office. “Our LAST HOPE is invoking Marshall Law!!” it read. He also voted against both House attempts to impeach the president during his first term. But unlike other candidates that have sought to align themselves with Trump, Norman’s relationship with the president has been checkered. Norman’s campaign told The Associated Press he won’t seek the president’s endorsement. An ally of former Gov. Nikki Haley, Norman was among the few elected officials to back her successful 2010 run for the Governor’s Mansion. He also was the lone member of Congress to endorse Haley over Trump in the 2024 Republican presidential primary, appearing frequently with her on the campaign trail. Only after Haley dropped out did Norman turn his support to Trump.
Jessica Holdman writes about the economy, workforce and higher education. Before joining the S.C. Daily Gazette, she was a business reporter for The Post and Courier. S.C. Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
By Jessica Holdman
SCDailyGazette.com
COLUMBIA — South Carolina’s new driver’s license will feature state symbols, including yellow jessamine, the Carolina wren and the loggerhead sea turtle, an homage to the state’s flora and fauna. In addition to the Palmetto State imagery, the new design released Tuesday will contain more than 40 advanced security features, according to the state Department of Motor Vehicles. Residents with licenses won’t need to get an updated card until their existing one expires.
“These new licenses and ID cards showcase the Palmetto State while providing citizens with greater protection against becoming victims of identity fraud,” DMV Director Kevin Shwedo said in a statement. “We hope that South Carolinians will look on these new designs with pride and confidence.”
The official designations for the imagery on the cards date to 1924, when the Legislature made the yellow jessamine the state flower.
Fifteen years later, the South Carolina palmetto — or, technically, the sabal palmetto — became the state tree. The Carolina wren has been the state bird since 1948
The loggerhead sea turtle, featured on the back of licenses issued to drivers under 21 is the most recent symbol in the design. It became the state reptile in 1988
The new licenses, beginner’s permits and identification cards are made of stronger material that won’t peel apart. Use of laser engraving and multicolor printing makes them more difficult to counterfeit, said agency spokesman Mike Fitts.
The state will continue to print vertical cards for drivers under the age of 21 as has been practice in the state since 2010. For teens and young adults, their licenses will give the dates when they turn 18 and 21 years old.
Unlike the current system, in which a person visiting a DMV office can get with a license or ID before walking out the door, the cards will be made at secure production facilities and sent out in the mail within seven to 15 business days. This method is already used in 45 other states, according to the DMV.
Residents will be sent home with temporary certificates, valid for up to 30 days, as they wait for their permanent ID to arrive. To help ensure the cards reach the appropriate destination, the DMV will require
customers to verify their addresses when they apply. And the temporary certifi-
cate will include a QR code that can be used to track the processing of a license or ID card, Fitts previously told the SC Daily Gazette. The new cards and process for will begin in late August, starting at two Midlands locations: Shop Road in Columbia and Lexington’s Park Road branch. A statewide rollout to the other 63 locations is expected later in the fall, according to the agency. Residents are urged not to wait until their licenses expiration date to renew them, to allow time for mail delivery. The DMV sends renewal notices by mail 90 days prior to expiration of a customer’s current card. License fees will remain the same: An eight-year license is $25. And IDs for people 17 and older are still free.
Jessica Holdman writes about the economy, workforce and higher education. Before joining the S.C. Daily Gazette, she was a business reporter for The Post and
By Skylar Laird SCDailyGazette.com
The state Department of Natural Resources made its first arrest under a recent law intended to help rid the state’s waterways of abandoned boats.
Samuel Kodaimati, 64 , was arrested Tuesday, July 22 , on suspicion of leaving a decommissioned 120 -foot U.S. Navy torpedo vessel in Bohicket Creek near Johns Island, the natural resources agency said in a news release. If convicted, Kodaimati could be ordered to pay up to $43 400 in fines and fees involved with removing the boat, according to the agency.
The boat that DNR officials
linked to Kodaimati has been sitting in a marsh near a private dock since at least 2021 , when the Coast Guard issued an order deeming it inoperable under federal maritime law for lacking proper documentation, according to the news release.
Leaving the vessel in the salt marsh ecosystem posed a threat for the fish, shellfish and shorebirds that live in the marsh, as well as the quality of the water that filters through it. The Coast Guard deemed the boat an environmental hazard last year and removed about 3 500 gallons of oil and oily water from it, according to the news release.
“This arrest underscores our
commitment to protecting South Carolina’s natural resources and holding accountable those who jeopardize them,” agency director Tom Mullikin said in a news release. “Abandoning vessels in sensitive waterways not only violates the law but also puts our ecosystems, wildlife, and communities at risk.”
No one answered phone numbers possibly connected to Kodaimati. It is unclear whether he has hired an attorney to represent him.
Abandoning boats for any reason other than an emergency has been a misdemeanor since 2008 , but that law didn’t stop people from leaving their boats
in the state’s waterways. The law passed unanimously in May creates a specific process for DNR and other law enforcement agencies to remove boats left in public waters and increases the penalties for those convicted. Once law enforcement officers have been notified of a boat left in a waterway for 10 days, if it has no identification — or 21 days if it does — they must try to contact the owner and put a notice on the boat deeming it abandoned. The owner then has three weeks to move the vessel or submit a reasonable plan to do so. Otherwise, officials can remove and dispose of the boat, as well as charge its owner with a misdemeanor, according to the law.
The boat’s owner, if convicted, can be fined up to $10 000 put in prison for up to 60 days, or both.
That’s double the previous maximum fine of $5 000 or prison sentence of 30 days. The law also stipulates the owner is responsible for paying any costs that come from removing the boat, taking the onus off the state to cover expensive removals.
Skylar Laird covers the South Carolina Legislature and criminal justice issues. Originally from Missouri, she previously worked for The Post and Courier’s Columbia bureau. S.C. Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
By Skylar Laird SCDailyGazette.com
Thousands of acres in South Carolina’s national forests could have roads built through them if the federal forest service revokes a longstanding rule meant to keep those acres pristine.
Since 2001, a federal rule has prohibited building new roads through millions of acres in government-owned forests nationwide. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a plan last month to rescind the so-called “roadless rule,” calling it outdated and “overly restrictive,” in a move that raised alarms among conservationists.
“This move opens a new era of consistency and sustainability for our nation’s forests,” USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins said in a statement. “It is abundantly clear that properly managing our forests preserves them from devastating fires and allows future generations of Americans to enjoy and reap the benefits of this great land.”
South Carolina has 8 000 roadless acres total in its two national forests, according to the National Forest Service.
That’s just over 1% of the forests’ total acreage, since Francis Marion National Forest covers 259 000 acres in Charleston and Berkeley counties, and Sumter National Forest spans more
A fire in the Francis Marion National Forest, spotted by Jason Brocar on his through-hike of the Palmetto Trail in April 2022. He called 911 to report it. Photo courtesy of Jason Brocar
than 375,000 acres in three divided sections across the state.
South Carolina has a fraction of the roadless acres found in neighboring states. Georgia has 63 000 roadless acres, and North Carolina has 172 000. They are among 58 5 million roadless acres nationwide, according to the National Forest Service.
The proposed change would shift more forest management responsibilities to states, allowing local officials to decide whether to build new roads, reconstruct defunct roads or harvest timber in the protected areas. That will also give officials more flexibility in preventing and responding to wildfires, the USDA said in a news release.
The proposal is part of a larger effort under President Donald Trump’s ad-
ministration to remove regulations seen as overly burdensome, according to the news release.
The rule remains in place for the time being. Rescinding it will require an environmental analysis, conversations with state leaders and a public input process. The USDA has not yet set a timeline for when those parts of the process might happen.
Preventing encroaching development, particularly from growing subdivisions, was a major reason behind prohibiting roads on certain land, according to the rule itself.
“In an increasingly developed landscape, large unfragmented tracts of land become more important,” the rule reads.
The relative rarity of South Carolina’s roadless
acres “makes them even more important to protect,” the Southern Environmental Law Center said in a statement.
While roadless means no vehicles, nature trails are allowed.
Hikers, kayakers and mountain bikers enjoy the areas for being quiet respites away from everyday technology, said Sam Evans, who runs the law center’s National Forests and Parks Program. Animals, including endangered species, depend upon the untouched forests for habitats, and visitors promote tourism in nearby communities, he said.
“People in the Southeast and across the country want a place to get away from the noise and commotion of roads and development,” Evans said in a statement. “The Roadless Rule promises that our least-developed public lands can be enjoyed by all of us for generations to come without the threat of reckless roadbuilding and other destructive projects.”
National forests are still active forests, and people with permits can harvest timber or mine within their boundaries. That’s not the case in roadless areas, where logging is prohibited and mining is rarer because of the lack of roads to access them, Evans said.
Getting rid of the rule
“would open these areas to mining, oil and gas development, and timber production,” Evans said. April Donnelly, a lobbyist for South Carolina’s branch of The Nature Conservancy, pushed back on the idea that repealing the rule would help prevent wildfires. Forest managers are already allowed to clear debris to reduce the risk of wildfires, so long as the work doesn’t involve building new roads, under the existing rule. While wildfires in roadless areas can burn longer because firefighters can’t reach them, fires aren’t more common in roadless areas than those with roads, Donnelly said.
“National forest managers routinely conduct forest stewardship activities like controlled burning within roadless areas, and can sell forest products derived from roadless areas,” Donnelly said in a statement.
Protecting untouched land becomes even more important as the climate changes, Donnelly said. The roadless acres have a significant overlap with areas the environmental nonprofit has deemed important for maintaining ecological diversity, she said.
“As such, this proposed change to the conservation status of roadless areas could have significant impacts to the protected status of im-
portant habitats that possess unique topographies, geologies and other characteristics uniquely suited to be more resilient to changing temperatures and conditions,” Donnelly said.
Skylar Laird covers the South Carolina Legislature and criminal justice issues. Originally from Missouri, she previously worked
Auto club provides safety tips, advice for protecting your vehicle
AAA – The Auto Club Group
As a heatwave moves across the U.S., AAA is reminding drivers to take a few simple steps to stay safe and protect their vehicles. High temperatures can lead to risks like heatstroke or vehicle issues, so it’s important to be prepared and stay cautious while on the road.
"Heat waves significantly increase the risks we face on and off the road," Tiffany Wright, spokesperson for AAA – The Auto Club Group in the Carolinas, said in a news release. “Children and pets are especially vulnerable to heat inside vehicles, while excessive temperatures can wreak havoc on cars. Many of these dangers are preventable, but only with proactive safety measures.”
Risks to people, pets
A parked car’s interior can soar to deadly temperatures in minutes — even with the windows slightly open. Even on mild days — just 70°F outside — a car’s interior can reach dangerous levels.
Since 1998, more than 1,000 children have lost their lives to vehicular heatstroke, according to NoHeatStroke.org. Each year, an average of 37 children die in overheated cars — a devastating yet entirely preventable loss.
Heat takes toll on vehicles High temperatures don’t just endanger people and pets — they can also cause serious damage to vehicles. AAA highlights these potential issues:
Battery Failure: Heat accelerates chemical reactions, shortening battery life and risking
sudden failure.
Tire Blowouts: Pavement temperatures upwards of 150°F can lead to weakened tires and dangerous blowouts.
Engine Overheating: Excessive heat strains the cooling system, leading to overheating and potential engine damage.
Fluid Breakdown: Vital fluids such as oil and coolant degrade more quickly, reducing performance and increasing wear on key components.
“Many drivers underestimate the toll heat takes on vehicles,” Wright said. “Staying ahead of maintenance is critical to preventing breakdowns and costly repairs.”
Safety tips for drivers AAA recommends the follow -
ing steps to help avoid heat-related dangers: For people and pets: Never leave a child or pet alone in a parked vehicle, even for a minute.
◦ Always check the back seat before locking your car.
◦ Place an essential item, like a phone or purse, in the back seat as a reminder.
◦ Call 911 immediately if you see a child or pet alone in a hot car.
• For vehicles:
◦ Test your car battery regularly, particularly if it’s over three years old. Inspect tires for cracks, uneven wear, and proper inflation.
Flush and refill your coolant as per the manufacturer’s recommendations, and check hoses and belts for wear.
◦ Monitor engine oil, coolant, and other fluid levels frequently during extreme heat.
◦ Park in shaded areas and use sunshades to keep your car cooler when possible.
“By taking these precautions, drivers can safeguard both the people and vehicles that matter most,” Wright said.
By Jennifer Schutt StatesNewsroom
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration said Friday, July 25, it’ll soon release billions in Education Department funding that has been frozen for weeks, delaying disbursements to K-12 schools throughout the country.
The funding — which goes toward migrant education, English-language learning and other programs — was supposed to go out before July 1, but the administration informed schools just one day before that it was instead holding onto $6 8 billion while staff conducted a review. Members of both parties in Congress objected to the move.
The Education Department released $1 3 billion for before- and after-school programs as well as summer programs in mid-July, but the rest of the funding remained stalled.
Madi Biedermann, a Department of Education spokesperson, wrote in an email to States Newsroom that the White House budget office “has completed its review” of the remaining accounts and “has directed the Department to release all formula funds.”
The administration will begin sending that money to school districts next week, Biedermann wrote.
Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins, chairwoman of the Appropriations Committee, wrote in a statement the “funds are essential to the operation of Maine’s public schools, supporting everything from classroom instruction to adult education.”
“I am pleased that following outreach from my colleagues and me, the Administration has agreed to release these highly-anticipated resources,” Collins wrote. “I will continue working to ensure that education funds are delivered without delay so that schools have adequate time to plan their finances for the upcoming school year, allowing students to arrive back to class this fall to properlyfunded schools.”
Collins and nine other Republican senators wrote a letter to Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought earlier this month asking him to “faithfully implement” the spending law Congress approved in March.
“The decision to withhold this funding is contrary to President (Donald) Trump’s goal of returning K-12 education to the states,” the GOP senators wrote. “This funding goes directly to states and local school districts, where local leaders decide how this funding is spent,
because as we know, local communities know how to best serve students and families.
“Withholding this funding denies states and communities the opportunity to pursue localized initiatives to support students and their families.”
West Virginia Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, chairwoman of the appropriations subcommittee that funds the Education Department, wrote in a statement
released Friday she was glad to see the funding unfrozen.
“The programs are ones that enjoy longstanding, bipartisan support like after-school and summer programs that provide learning and enrichment opportunities for school aged children, which also enables their parents to work and contribute to local economies, and programs to support adult learners working to gain employment skills, earn workforce certifications, or
transition into postsecondary education,” Capito wrote. “That’s why it’s important we continue to protect and support these programs.”
Jennifer Schutt covers the nation’s capital as a senior reporter for States Newsroom. Her coverage areas include congressional policy, politics and legal challenges with a focus on health care, unemployment, housing and aid to families. S.C. Daily Gazette is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
School from page A1
By Dr. Yvette-Marie Pellegrino Lady’s Island Internal Medicine
When your average blood sugar levels (AIC) are on the verge of a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, it’s prediabetes.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 98 million Americans have this condition. Of these, 80% don’t know it. Why are they left in the dark?
Dr. YvetteMarie Pellegrino
One simple reason: many people with prediabetes don’t experience any symptoms.
This silent condition can be dangerous. Left unmanaged, it can lead to type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and more. There is good news, though. You can reverse prediabetes.
While prediabetes doesn’t always cause noticeable symptoms, when visible symptoms do arise, they may include the following:
Abnormally dark skin in your armpit or on your neck or back; or Skin growths that develop in the armpit or on the neck or back.
The definitive sign of prediabetes is elevated blood sugar. A simple blood test can help you to better understand your health risks. Two types of blood tests can detect prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes.
A1C test — With A1C, you learn the average amount of glucose in your blood over a period of three months. When your blood contains 5 7 to 6 4% glucose, you have prediabetes.
AIC of 6 5% or higher indicates diabetes.
Fasting plasma glucose test — This blood test provides a snapshot of your blood sugar levels after eight hours of fasting. Blood sugar between 100 and 125 mg/dL is prediabetes, according to the National Institutes of Health. Any higher than that is diabetes.
Not sure where to get tested?
Through the Beaufort Memorial Mobile Wellness Unit, you can receive free blood sugar checks, along with other free and low-cost health screenings, right in your community, at no charge.
Testing is especially important if you’re at higher risk for diabetes and prediabetes. Risk factors include:
• Age — Once you reach age 45, your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes increases.
Ethnicity — Your risk is higher if you are African American, Alaskan or American Native, or Latino or Hispanic.
Family health history — If you have a sibling or parent with Type 2 diabetes, you’re more likely to develop prediabetes or diabetes.
Personal health history
Living with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or previously experiencing gestational diabetes or birthing a baby of nine or more pounds increases your odds of future diabetes.
Weight — Being overweight or obese raises your likelihood.
weight loss by making you more satisfied. Foods high in fiber include fruits and vegetables, whole grains and beans.
Additionally, use these tips to maintain control over blood glucose levels.
Cut back on sugar-sweetened drinks.
Choose lean proteins like chicken, turkey or fish.
Plan meals with more fresh vegetables and fewer starches or fatty meats.
Track what, how much and when you eat, and review your food journal regularly to identify where you can make improvements.
Use spices instead of fats and oils to add flavor to your foods.
When you eat out, ask how foods are prepared and opt for grilled or broiled options instead of fried.
Deal with life’s stresses
Stress causes many to abandon weight-loss plans. By coming up with plans to deal with stressful moments, you can weather life’s storms.
A few ways to reduce the effects stress has on you include:
Whether you want to avoid prediabetes or prevent Type 2 diabetes, you can do it. To make it happen, adopt a healthy lifestyle that promotes weight loss.
On busy days, you can even split your activity up into multiple sessions. Three 10-minute sessions give the same benefit as one halfhour session.
Run from prediabetes Aim for 30 minutes of physical activity, five times a week. You don’t have to run a marathon for it to count. Walking, swimming or any other physical activity counts.
Eat healthily
Focus on increasing the amount of fiber in your day. Fiber improves blood sugar control and promotes
Performing a simple series of yoga moves; Prepping and cooking your meals during the weekend; Taking a short walk.
Yvette-Marie Pellegrino, M.D., FAAFP, is a primary care physician at Beaufort Memorial Lady’s Island Internal Medicine. Boardcertified in both family medicine and obesity medicine, Dr. Pellegrino oversees “Healthy Weight,” the hospital’s medically supervised weight loss program.
Special to The Island News
“Gluten free” has become a nutritional buzzword, due in part to popular diets that pin a host of health problems on gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and triticale (a wheat-rye hybrid).
As a result, many people are eliminating gluten from their diets in the hopes that they will lose weight and feel better.
For the majority of Americans, going gluten free isn’t necessary. However, it is a must for people with celiac disease, an autoimmune condition in which gluten damages the small intestine. In between those groups are people with gluten intolerance, also called non-celiac gluten sensitivity. These people experience negative symptoms when they eat gluten but do not experience the damage to the small intestine caused by celiac disease.
So, how do you know if you are dealing with celiac disease vs. gluten intolerance? It helps to learn the signs and symptoms of both.
The most common digestive symptoms of celiac disease in adults are:
Bloating
Chronic fatigue
Constipation
Stomach pain
"Celiac disease in adults may cause other health-related issues that one might not associate with a digestive disorder," says Dr. Richard Stewart, a gastroenterologist with Beaufort Memorial Lowcountry Medical Group Specialty Care. "Those include joint pain, headaches, skin rashes, depression, infertility or brittle bones."
Furthermore, when a person with celiac disease eats gluten, the immune system will respond and attack
the small intestine’s lining. This affects the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, which may lead to conditions such as anemia or osteoporosis. People diagnosed with celiac disease need to eliminate gluten entirely from their diets.
A nutrition counselor can help craft a meal plan.
Gluten intolerance can cause the following symptoms when someone eats gluten:
Bloating
Depression
Gas
Headaches
Fatigue
Does gluten intolerance really exist?
While more is to be learned about the condition, talk with your physician if you suspect negative digestive symptoms are related to gluten. Your provider may order a blood test to see if you have ce -
liac disease or refer you to a gastroenterologist, who may perform a procedure called an endoscopy to check for inflammation or damage in your small intestine. If either test comes back negative for celiac disease, your provider may suggest you stop eating gluten to see if symptoms improve.
Keep in mind that reactions to gluten aren’t isolated to just gluten intolerance or celiac disease. A wheat allergy will trigger an immune reaction because your body believes the proteins in wheat, including gluten, are harmful. Food allergies are serious and can cause hives, lightheadedness, difficulty breathing and vomiting, all shortly after eating the food. If you think you have a gluten allergy, see an allergist or immunologist for help with treatment and management.
Special to The Island News
Over the past few years, turmeric has become an increasingly popular supplement for treating arthritis pain. The bright orange spice, derived from a root and commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cooking, is now offered in pills, drink mixes, juices and lattes. But does taking turmeric for arthritis really reduce pain and inflammation?
The anti-inflammatory property of turmeric comes from the compound curcumin. However, the turmeric in your spice rack only has
around 5% curcumin.
So while cooking with that at every meal may make your food taste great, it’s unlikely to provide additional health benefits or help improve your arthritis on its own.
Multiple studies have shown that taking higher doses of curcumin in supplement form — around 1,000 milligrams (mg) per day — had similar pain relief effects to taking a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Compared to a placebo, curcumin also reduced pain for patients. However, the studies
have spanned limited amounts of time and involved small groups of patients who were screened for health conditions.
“While turmeric extracts and curcumin supplements might help some patients, there’s still no conclusive evidence that they are helpful or even safe for all arthritis patients,” says Dr. Vandit Sardana, a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon at Beaufort Memorial Orthopaedic Specialists. “The evidence is still limited and inconsistent, so additional research is needed.”
The supplement industry is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). That means you have no way of knowing what is actually in the bottle of turmeric/ curcumin pills or powders you’re buying. It might not have the potency it claims to have, and there could be additional ingredients you don’t know about. In recent years there have been cases of imported turmeric with levels of lead high enough to cause lead poisoning in children — and the FDA has not yet created limits on how much lead can be allowed in any spices at all.
If you are experiencing joint pain, your best bet is to talk to a doctor about whether turmeric/ curcumin supplements could help and, if so, what brands are considered safe. If you decide to take turmeric supplements, try combining them with black pepper and a healthy fat, such as olive oil to help your body absorb the compounds. And don’t neglect the power of a healthy lifestyle: An overall healthy diet and exercise routine can improve your joint health regardless of which supplements you take.
Special to The Island News
Diet and heart disease risk are intertwined to a degree you may not realize. Simply put, what you eat and drink every day helps shape the health of your heart now and in the future.
Along with exercise, diet is one of the most important heart disease risk factors in your control. That means you have the power to help or harm your heart with what you choose to fuel your body.
Think of a heart-healthy diet as two sides of the same coin. On one side are foods that can reduce your risk of heart disease if you choose them consistently. They include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy products, and healthy sources of protein, such as beans, eggs, fish, and skinless chicken and other lean meats.
The Mediterranean diet, a specific diet recommended by the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology, includes many of those hearthealthy foods.
“I recommend the Mediterranean diet to all of my heart disease patients,” says Dr. Stephen Fedec, a board-certified cardiologist at Beaufort Memorial Heart Specialists. “It’s the only diet that’s proven to reduce risk of stroke and heart attack. The Mediterranean diet’s most important tenet is cooking with olive oil as a healthy source of fat. It’s an excellent diet, and my colleagues and I strongly advocate for it.”
Diet and heart disease: Foods to avoid On the other side of the heart-healthy diet coin are foods you should avoid or eat only in moderation because they can increase your risk for heart attack and stroke. They include: Foods and beverages with added sugars. Most sugar that people consume is in sugar-sweetened beverages. The liver converts sugar in the form of dietary carbohydrates to fat, so consuming too much sugar can lead to an increased accumulation of fat, fatty liver disease and Type 2 diabetes. Too much sugar can also raise your blood pressure and increase chronic inflammation, which are risk factors for heart attack and stroke.
• Full-fat dairy products. These foods are high in saturated fat and cholesterol, both of which can contribute to the accumulation of plaque and other substances in the blood. That can narrow your arteries, increasing heart attack and stroke risk. Red and processed meats. These contain saturated fats and trans fats, both of which can harm your heart. Trans fats can increase your low-density lipoprotein (bad) cholesterol while lowering high-density lipoprotein (good) cholesterol, which makes you more vulnerable to heart disease and stroke, according to Bates.
Sodium-rich foods.
Many processed foods contain high levels of sodium, which is a component of salt. Too much sodium can lead to high blood pressure.
Is a vegetarian diet good for your heart?
A plant-based diet can be beneficial for your heart because it excludes red and processed meats, which can lead to a lower intake of saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol.
“Individuals following a vegetarian diet sometimes find it difficult to get all of the nutrients they need because they have to eat a wide variety of foods to do so,” Dr. Fedec says. “There are questions about whether a vegetarian diet decreases cardiovascular events. So far, only the Mediterranean diet is proven to do that. However, there are health
benefits from the vegetarian diet that go beyond the cardiac realm. For the right patient, it can be a good choice.”
For some people on a vegetarian diet, supplements and fortified foods may be necessary to fill nutritional gaps. If you’re considering this type of diet, a registered dietitian can help you make a plan to get the nutrients you need. You could also plan a meatless meal at least once a week to enjoy some of the benefits of reducing meat in your diet.
Start slowly Understanding the relationship between diet and heart disease can help you make the best decisions for your health — and your heart. To develop heart-healthy habits, start by making incremental changes.
Editor’s Note: The opinions of our columnists in the Voices section are not necessarily the opinions of The Island News
It is Friday, early, and cool enough to linger on our reconditioned deck and contemplate the wrens taking their complimentary breakfast at our bird feeder. This is also the opportunity to contemplate Beaufort’s Water Festival.
This year the Water Festival was challenged by not having an actual waterfront — the iconic promenade is largely roped-off as precaution against its collapse.
Nonetheless, this 69th edition featured a raft race held just off the Sands Beach in Port Royal; not to mention bocce, badminton, all the while sidestepping the anger that is circulating through the stenotic veins of our Republic.
In effort to bring some personal understanding to the fever that has descended upon our tribe I’ve turned to Richard Rohr — a Franciscan priest who was recently interviewed on a PBS program called “Wisdom Seekers.”
Ray Suarez began his interview by asking Rohr about the anger currently convulsing our country. Rohr answered saying anger is a
natural, unavoidable condition; but one that should be “closed down at sundown.”
“After a lifetime of counseling and retreat work — not to mention my own spiritual direction — I have become convinced that most anger comes, first of all, from a place of deep sadness.”
“There is an inherent sadness and tragedy in almost all situations; in our relationships, our mistakes, our failures large and small, even our victories. We must develop a very real empathy for this reality, knowing we can’t fully fix things, entirely change them, or make them to our liking.”
Rohr then moved to tears.
He said that tears are a part of
life. In fact, there are more tears and more sadness than joy — and that one must somehow navigate the darkness in order to find and understand the wonder and the joy.
Now I know the belief that the world is mostly a sad place is subscribed to by many of my readers. It is, however, a philosophy that runs counter to my own life-long optimism.
As a child, I was raised to believe tomorrow would be better than today. And I worked hard to hand-deliver this message of a mostly happy life to my own son. But now, after listening to Rohr talk, I may have been wrong on that score.
I’m wondering if I was naive.
Rohr goes on to say that most philosophers and “wisdom seekers” understand that we are, fundamentally, imperfect. He says the vernacular term is “broken.” He goes on to say we spend our lives building our resume around superficial things like wealth — or the fact that we’ve acquired a condo in Vail, graduated from a top-tier law school, or are American as
opposed to, say, Nicaraguan. We believe we are better, exceptional, and take pride in the fact we are white or Black or, more daringly, Christian. And Rohr says this works for a time.
Then there comes a reckoning when we realize a vacation condo is not the key to happiness. That, actually, we are the victims of our greed, of our relentless resume building; of our self-centeredness. And this is when the selfloathing kicks in.
It is at that point that some us begin to contemplate a form of consciousness that gets beyond the superficial baggage and embraces the “authentic” person inside. Rohr says you’ve get to and get through the self-loathing phase to a point where you understand that somewhere, down-deep there is another person who is made in God’s image.
Now, I know that many of you are saying, “Jesus Christ, Scott has finally wandered off the reservation and into the ‘woowoo world’ of the mystics. Why
couldn’t he have just written a provocative piece about the Waterfront Park and its problems?”
The fact that the Waterfront Park needs rebuilding is sad; but it may not be anybody’s fault. Maybe those shifting piers have given us 45 years of support and it’s time to send these now-leaning pilings to the landfill in Jasper County.
But the real tragedy is the pervasiveness of our anger — and the fact that it’s being used over and over again to bring voting groups into the fray — and the fact that it’s not being “closed down at sundown.”
If we believe Rohr, we must move out of this phase; and into self-examination; then, maybe, revisit those long forgotten virtues like empathy, compassion, generosity and forgiveness.
In the meantime, a thousand heat-impaired people found momentary deliverance from their anger at the Commodore’s Ball.
Scott Graber is a lawyer, novelist, veteran columnist and longtime resident of Port Royal. He can be reached at cscottgraber@gmail.com.
While every news source this past week was focused upon the Epstein obscenity, something else was happening in this country that should be front and center in the minds of those who value democracy.
This is not to suggest that we ignore all that surrounds that which Epstein and his cohorts perpetrated … not for a single moment. I have two daughters and two granddaughters, and my rage and disgust know no bounds. Frankly, so should yours.
But the issue I want to address in this piece is the gerrymandering that is being attempted in Texas. It has happened before, and make no mistake, if Texas succeeds, it will spread like wildfire to other states, ensuring that the return to democracy as we know it will evaporate.
Therefore, I suggest we tap into our ability to walk and chew gum at the same time, look at what is happening squarely in the face, and raise our voices with a vehement, “Hell, NO!”
It is a fact that No. 47 personally called Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and told him to redraw the state’s congressional maps to hand Republicans five more House seats.
To understand gerrymandering, it’s important to know a few things about the process. Every 10 years,
on the years ending in zero, Americans participate in the Census. Data is then used to create congressional and state legislative district maps. This is to reflect changes in the population for the purpose of “equitable representation” in government.
Every source I accessed for a definition used the word “manipulation.” More often than not, this manipulation makes it harder for voters of color to elect their preferred candidate. This process won’t occur years after a census, nor during regular redistricting. It is being done now, however, because 47 wants it for what are obvious reasons.
It is said that Abbot initially hesitated, but then came the phone call, and suddenly there were “constitutional concerns” and a letter, delivered by the DOJ, claiming that four of the five districts in question are “racial gerrymanders.” As the author of the article referenced, Rachael Hurley, stated, “This supposedly gave a thin layer of legal justification that
wouldn’t survive in a stiff breeze.”
So how did we get to this place? Perhaps a little history of this “moving of the goal posts” is required.
The term for the political tactic of manipulating boundaries of electoral districts for unfair political advantage derives its name from a prominent 19th-century political figure — and from a mythological salamander.
The term, originally written as “Gerry-mander,” first was used on March 26 1812, in the Boston Gazette — a reaction to the redrawing of Massachusetts state senate election districts under Gov. Elbridge Gerry.
Though the redistricting was done at the behest of his Jeffersonian Democratic-Republican Party, it was Gerry who signed the bill. As a result, he received the dubious honor of attribution, along with its negative connotations, according to Mark Dimunation, Rare Book and Special Collections.
By definition alone, what Texas is doing is breaking the once-in-a-decade rule, and if they get away with it, you can be sure that every red state will follow suit. In fact, I found that North Carolina has already restructured a Republican map in what was a purple state, and Ohio is planning a mid-decade redraw. Meanwhile, the 8th Circuit decided that private
Thank you for sharing the spirit of Beaufort
The undersigned are the current presidents of Beaufort’s three Rotary clubs. On behalf of all Beaufort Rotarians, we thank Mike McCombs, The Island News editor, for his reporting of a historic event — the July 16 Beaufort jointRotary meeting at which we, together with Mayor Pro Tem Mike McFee, had a video conference with officials from Beaufort’s twin city Ostroh, Ukraine. Readers might recall the initiative began in 2022 when local residents raised more than $130,000 for humanitarian assistance to Ostroh, a city in western Ukraine selected because it is of similar size as Beaufort. Like Beaufort, it has a local university and a long history. The call was to get an update and see how Beaufort could further assist.
Mike did an outstanding job in capturing the event and
citizens can’t sue under the Voting Rights Act anymore; only the DOJ can. That means civil rights groups lost their best tool for challenging racist maps. While the Supreme Court rendered a temporary stay on that ruling, I think it is fair to say that given some of their recent decisions, the country can’t rely upon the court.
On a positive note, one governor has come out swinging. It is no surprise that California’s Gavin Newsom has reaffirmed his intention for California to respond with new maps of its own that would benefit Democrats. He met with Texas lawmakers, and later told reporters, “It is mandatory to take back the House of Representatives.” adding, “If we don’t put a stake into the heart of this administration, there may not be an election in 2028
“They’re not screwing around. We can’t afford to screw around either. We have got to fight fire with fire.”
Here in S.C., we have groups that are protesting on a regular basis, and that is good. That said, we must do more. Organizations like the ACLU, Campaign Legal Center, and Common Cause are suing in multiple states, but they need money and attention. And here’s the part most people don’t know: in many states, regular citizens can join those lawsuits. You can
sharing it with The Island News readers. He was assisted by photographer Amber Hewitt.
We thank Mike, Amber, and The Island News for sharing the spirit of Beaufort with its readers.
Sincerely,
– Ron Garrett, President, Beaufort Rotary
– Janie Ephland, President, Sea Island Rotary
– Scott Shipsey, President, Low Country Rotary
The myth of perpetual growth
On re-reading Richard Preston’s 1994 book “The Hot Zone, about an Ebola scare very near Washington D.C. in Maryland, a sort of metaphor arose. Fact is we destroy Earth’s forests and jungles and wilderness disappears — and ancient viruses there and in melting permafrost seek new homes, jumping to the humans, consuming their prior dwellings. (Now, with a less reliable CDC and a federal
“It is mandatory to take back the House of Representatives. If we don’t put a stake into the heart of this administration, there may not be an election in 2028. They’re not screwing around. We can’t afford to screw around either. We have got to fight fire with fire.”
CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR GAVIN NEWSOM, on the urgency of resisting partisan gerrymandering.
literally be part of the fight. Then there’s this. If South Carolina had an independent redistricting commission, citizens could apply to serve. However, on May 23, 2024, SCOTUS reversed a lower court's Jan. 6 2023, decision striking down South Carolina's congressional map as unconstitutional. As a result, this map was used for South Carolina's 2024 congressional elections.
If you really care about this issue, consider using PlanScore.org. Upload any district map, and you can determine whether or not you think it has been manipulated.
One silver lining is this: gerrymandering can implode. Texas Republicans pushed too far after 2010 and paid for it in 2018
when suburban voters flipped 12 state House seats. If they overextend now, chasing five more seats, they could make some of those new districts winnable for Democrats. My research paints a grim picture. This is democracy tampering, plain and simple, and right now we are on the cusp of losing all that we have taken for granted. Remember, however, that we have tools in the toolbox, and that organizations exist to help us use those tools. We simply have to show up and put them to work.
Carol Lucas is a retired high school teacher and a Lady’s Island resident. She is the author of the recently published “A Breath Away: One Woman’s Journey Through Widowhood.”
agency denying vaccines’ value, this book is scarier still.)
Likewise, I see the rampant unfettered development around us, most especially in rising-seas, Lowcountry South Carolina where I live — as open to the sickness and disease of too much in too little space.
Sustainable ecological integrity is incompatible with the infinite growth paradigm. And I think all the good folks in Beaufort County who raised their voices in protest against the now-defeated Pine Island golf course community were feeling that we here locally and in the state, region country and world are on a suicidal path if we believe in that economic growth myth.
So thank your local politician and neighbor if they are agreeing with you; lobby those who are not. Hurricanes permitting, I am not leaving anytime soon.
– Timothy Dodds, Lady’s Island
Just longer than 103 years ago, a German immigrant who grew up in Charleston published a flowery analysis of South Carolina as part of a two-year, 48part series by The Nation magazine. The collection showcased “the distinctive colors of life” in a project dubbed “These United States.”
Fast forward to the present. In a special two-month issue of the magazine, The Nation has another go in looking at the state of the republic in a report that’s vastly different – “These Dis-United States.”
50 of our best writers and artists depict local textures, practices, landmarks and institutions everywhere being gutted, steamrolled, defunded, eviscerated. Here we get first hand testimony, from Maine to Hawaii, of the acceleration of a decades-long project to hollow out government at every level – and of the devastating effects of that project on our national life,” contributing editor Richard Kreitner writes in the opening essay of the
Tmagazine’s 160 th anniversary issue.
While the original essays in the 1920 s highlighted what made states distinctive, they seemed to assume the “united” states worked toward the common goal of promoting and advancing democracy. States were places where experiments could occur to achieve overarching goals that knit together Americans who lived in vastly different circumstances. While these essays seemed generally to have a buoyancy and overall hope about the country, the new 2025 essays look at what’s happening across the “bruised and battered land,” ending with a call for the country to give “a new birth of freedom … making an old country anew.”
Both essays about the
Palmetto State make interesting reading, mainly because they don’t seem to conform to the overall theme of either project.
A century ago, the magazine’s then-drama critic, Ludwig Lewisohn, essentially bemoaned the divisions in South Carolina between Charleston and the Upstate. His essay wasn’t about unity in South Carolina or hope.
Rather, Lewisohn, not a household name today, described cultural decay in Charleston, once a flourishing home to snobbish elites who he said wrote poetry and studied Greek and Latin. He lamented control of the state by Upstate agrarians with the “mean barbarism of sharp business men and Ku Klux Klansmen.”
He complained the state’s new leaders, spurred by “Pitchfork” Ben Tillman, “brought neither freedom nor enlightenment” but sentimentalized the old South.
In some ways, Lewisohn’s criticisms of the 1920s “New South” in South Carolina don’t seem all that different from criticisms of the divisions being caused
by MAGA acolytes across the nation today.
In the newer essay, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Albert Scardino of Bluffton, a member of The Nation’s editorial board, bemoaned the dangers of living along the coast where more people flock despite increased threats from climate change.
While he took a potshot at coastal GOP U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace over her obsession with transgender
people, Scardino’s essay mostly focused on the 1 4 million people who live near the water, which he described as akin to “a sandcastle on the beach facing an incoming tide.”
The only “unity” in the piece was the fact that everyone along the coast faces unstable summer weather. Scardino reminded readers that 2 000 people died in an 1893 hurricane when comparatively few people lived
in the path. Hilton Head Island, he wrote, had just 300 people in 1950, but has 40,000 now with one escape route over the Intracoastal Waterway. Two essays more than 100 years apart. Both lament change in different ways. Both lack hope.
Andy Brack is editor and publisher of the Charleston City Paper and Statehouse Report. Have a comment? Send it to feedback@statehousereport.com.
here has been much discussion about “Making America Great”, and while I agree that some of the things that have made America great throughout our history may have been forgotten or lost, but America is still a great country. If that is true, what does make America great and different from almost any other country in the world?
I believe, just as many of our founding fathers did, that morality and religion play a very important part in our ability to be a great nation. The interpretation of morality and religion may vary, but civic virtue and ethical conduct are essential components for a nation to effectively govern itself and preserve its liberty.
We are compassionate people. We are willing to spend our time and resources to help people in need at home or abroad.
We have always cared about traditions and our history. We are at our best when we study and learn why and how this nation was founded and the struggles that Americans over the years have gone through to bring us to where we are today.
We learn from history the things that have been done right and strive to build on that
We may have lost some civic virtue along the way, and some of our elected officials are not paragons of ethical conduct, but I still think that for the most part we are an ethical and moral people. Even immigrants from lawless and failed counties change when they come to America and are exposed to moral and caring people.
base; and the things that have been done wrong, and correct them going forward. A nation that doesn't know and value its history and traditions has to start over every day and make the same mistakes over and over again. Unfortunately some recent generations have not been taught our history and traditions as well as they should have been, but hopefully that is changing.
We are optimistic and brave people. We are a country of immigrants, and if people immigrated yesterday or 200 years ago they were optimistic people who saw hope for a better life by coming to America. It takes an optimistic and brave person to board a ship or walk a jungle trail with little or no money, unable to speak, read or write the local language, with no assurance of what work they might find or where they might find a home, and come to a completely unknown and foreign country. Yet they come, and for
the most part find prosperity if not immediately for themselves, but for their children and future generations, and that still goes on every day.
We are honorable people who value the rule of law. All societies have criminals who flaunt the laws and we have our share. But for the most part we obey the laws and do the honorable thing because we believe that it is the right thing to do, not from fear of punishment or incarceration. We know that for a society to succeed we must live together in an honorable and lawful way.
We are capitalists, capitalism rewards innovation, hard work and success. Socialism and communism stifles it, and eventually kills it off completely.
I guess if you had to sum up what makes America great in a word, it would be “opportunity”. America is a place where the humblest and poorest person, who is willing to work hard can achieve whatever success that they want. It might be fame,
or wealth or simply a desire to make a better life for themselves and their family. This is one of the few places on earth where we have the freedom and opportunity to be much more than we are.
Opportunity is no doubt the driving force to make America the number one place where millions of people around the world would like to live. Don’t believe people who say the American Dream is dead, they are dead wrong. It’s alive and well in the greatest country in the world, America, and if you live here, consider yourself very lucky.
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.
This is the final article of five on Agent Orange and how to obtain disability benefits for Agent Orange-related conditions. These five articles have highlighted only part of the need-to-know information available at the VA’s websites on Agent Orange exposure and service-connected disability compensation.
How to file an Agent Orange-related claim for Service-connected disability
Filing a claim for military service-connected disability compensation for Agent Orange and other herbicides (Rainbow Chemicals) stored, handled, sprayed, and used in Vietnam and other locations can be complicated and requires:
1. Using a VSO: The help of a VA-accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO), a VA-accredited Attorney, or a VA-accredited Claims Agent is needed. VSO services are free. Attorneys and Claims Agents usually charge for their services, so a VSO should normally be a veteran's first choice (unless the VSO recommends you see an Attorney). Veterans can also request assistance from the VA in filing a claim by calling 800-8271000 (TTY: 711) or visiting their nearest VA Regional Office. Find the closest VA Regional Office at https:// bit.ly/3IPk5YU. Learn more about VSOs at in the ISLAND NEWS article titled “Things You Need to
Know About VSOs” dated Sept. 4 2024 (https://bit. ly/4l68L8m).
2. Do your homework: Research and reading the information at the VA webpages “Agent Orange Exposure and Disability Compensation,” (https:// bit.ly/3U2TRob); Public Law 116-23 (Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 on Congress. gov) (https://bit.ly/40IlBlL); C-123 Aircraft Agent Orange Exposure and Disability Compensation (https://bit.ly/4lTNike); “Public Health -- Herbicide Tests and Storage Outside Vietnam” (https://bit. ly/4lUODqU); “The PACT ACT and Your VA Benefits” (Eligibility Conditions and Locations) (https://bit. ly/40BcSSw); and the VA web pages mentioned in these five articles and the VA web pages discussed therein.
3. Proof you have the health condition: Proof that the veteran has a VA presumptive health condition caused by Agent Orange (or other Rainbow Chemicals), including medical records (military, veteran, or civilian health records) showing the veter-
an has an Agent Orange-related health condition, military records showing how the veteran was exposed to Agent Orange during their service, and symptoms.
4. Discharge Papers: A copy of the veteran’s discharge/separation papers (DD214, etc.) that show their time and location of service and provide proof that the veteran served for any length of time in a location that exposed the veteran to Agent Orange or other Rainbow Herbicides. Find specific locations at https://bit.ly/4oaBc7N.
5. C-123 Aircraft Special Forms: For Agent Orange claims related to C-123 aircraft, veterans also need to submit one or more of these forms: USAF Form 2096 (unit where you were assigned at the time of the training action); USAF Form 5 (aircraft flight duties); or USAF Form 781 (aircraft maintenance duties).
6. Dependent claims: For claims that include support for dependents, please submit your dependency records (The veteran’s marriage certificate and the birth certificates of their children).
7. PACT ACT added Presumptive Conditions: For claims where the VA denied
a veteran’s claim for bladder cancer, hypothyroidism, or Parkinsonism in the past, the VA added these conditions to the presumptive condition list in 2021. If the VA denied a veteran’s claim for any of these conditions in the past, the VA promises to review his or her case automatically. Veterans should not need to file another claim. The VA will send the veteran a letter to inform them that their case is being reviewed. Veterans can ask their VSO to follow up with the VA, or the veteran can call the Agent Orange Help Line at 800-749-8387 (TTY: 711) or send an email to GW/GW/GW/AOHelpline@vba.va.gov.
8. Blue Water Navy Veteran who the VA denied in the past: For claims the VA denied in the past because the VA determined that your disability was not caused or made worse by your active-duty service, you can file a Supplemental Claim based on the change in the law. In some instances, if the VA approves your claim, the VA will pay the veteran back to the date of their original claim submission. Follow the instructions at the VA’s “Supplemental Claims” webpage found at https://bit.ly/4ob6BqA. Learn more by downloading Public Law 115-23 (Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act 2019) Fact sheet https://bit.ly/4ocgILY.
9. Get a free Agent Orange Registry Health Exam: Schedule an Agent Orange Registry Exam. This is a
free health exam for veterans who meet any of the VA Agent Orange service requirements for presumption. Even if the veteran does not have a known condition, the exam may alert them to conditions that could be related to exposure to herbicides. Find your local VA Environmental/ Agent Orange Coordinator at https://bit.ly/4lPh35t or by calling your local VA Medical Center.
10. Obtain letters from your Agent Orange Registry Coordinator: Obtain letters for each of your Agent Orange-related health conditions from your local VA Environmental Health Coordinator (Agent Orange Registry Point of Contact) for each of your Agent Orange-related health conditions. These letters are more evidence supporting your claim for Agent-Orange service-connected disability compensation and health care. This exam is not a VA claim exam, also known as a Compensation and Pension (C&P) exam. A veteran does not need to have this exam to receive other VA benefits. Find your local VA Environmental/ Agent Orange Coordinator at https://bit.ly/40EIhTY or by calling your local VA Medical Center.
Spina Bifida Spina bifida is a spinal cord birth defect that can be caused by a parent’s past contact with Agent Orange.
If you’re the child of a veteran who served in Vietnam,
Thailand, or in or near the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and you have spina bifida, you may be able to get VA benefits. Find out if you’re eligible and how to apply at the VA webpage “Benefits for Spina Bifida Linked to Agent Orange” (https://bit.ly/4lPQv49).
The bottom line If you are a veteran and have a cancer or illness that is not on the VA’s list of Agent-Orange-caused presumptive conditions, but you believe it was caused by Agent Orange exposure, you can still file a claim for VA disability benefits. All you need to know about Agent Orange cannot be covered in five articles, so make sure you use a VA-accredited VSO to help you apply for VA healthcare and file claims for Agent Orange-caused health conditions and injuries you have. You can read all of Larry Dandridge’s more than 250 articles on veterans' benefits at https:// www.yourislandnewscom and click on Military.
Larry Dandridge
Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, 1 August 2025
Recruit Training Regiment • Commanding Officer, Colonel A. P. Bariletti
2nd Recruit Training Battalion • Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel A. Yang Commander of Troops, Captain N. A. Ewing • Parade Adjutant, Captain T. W. Barnes Company “F”, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion • Captain N. A. Ewing Drill Master • Gunnery Sergeant J. J. Merriweather, Staff Sergeant E. Sarmiento
Senior Drill Instructor
SSgt K. MP. Meenagh
PFC Abrahams, Brenden S.
PFC Achenbach, Donald J.
PFC Appleyard, Dylan S.
PFC Armstrong, Gavin M.
Pvt Atkinson, Jeremy P.
Pvt Bick, Alston L.
PFC Bigley, Saxen M.
PFC Billings, Estefan E.
Pvt Bolton, King R.
PFC Bureau, William S.
Pvt Caceres, Alfredo
Pvt Cardenasvillalobos, David
Pvt Covington, Devin L.
Pvt Demosthene, Mckinley
PFC Fernandez, Osmiel F.*
PFC Genao, Jacob M.
PFC Geronimo, Erik A.
PFC Godwin, Colton B.*
Pvt Hernandezrocha, Jose A.
PFC Holland, Sterling R.
PFC Kim, Joel C.*
Pvt Lawson, Brendan A.
Pvt Majors, Jason L.
PFC Moreno, Daniel A.
PFC Newkirk, Zedekiah J.
PFC Oneal, Jacob C.
PFC Ortizurbina, Enrique
Pvt Shima, Justin B.
PFC Shiver, Jessie R.
Pvt Simon, Carlson J.
PFC Taylor, Andre J.
PFC Verduzcohernandez, Viktor E.
Pvt Wages Jr., Timothy P.
PFC Wells, Preston J.
Senior Drill Instructor
Sgt M. R. Brooks
Pvt Bacamaya, Daniel E.
Pvt Baker, Thadeus J.
Pvt Boston, Jesse J.
Pvt Bryant, Landon A.
PFC Cespedesfranco, Ilan A.*
Pvt Collins, Kenneth W.
PFC Coney, Mekhi A.
PFC Coombs, Gabriel W.*
Pvt Crum, Thomas K.
Pvt Dearcos, Emmanuel
PFC Diaz I, Johnny
PFC Dominguez, Sergio A.*
Pvt Foster, Eric M.
Pvt Giraldoosorio, Alan S.
Pvt Grimstead, Brandon I.
Pvt Hartman, Isaiah S.
PFC Johnsonvega, Winston A.
PFC Juarezpadua, Robert
Pvt Law, David A.
Pvt Lester, Alexander P.
Pvt Marciallopez, Carl J.
Pvt Monterofuentes, Alan
Pvt Moore, Caleb M.
Pvt Nolascobroonfields, Kenny Z.
Pvt Perez, Justin G.
Pvt Ramosbetanco, Isaac E.
Pvt Reyes, Jose L.
Pvt Richard, Noah J.
PFC Robb, Anakin L.
PFC Rodriguez, Jason
Pvt Rodriguezrico, Christian M.
Pvt Smith, Rashard T.
PFC Thomas, Devonte
Pvt Vega Jr., Jonathan
Pvt Webb, Matthew M.
Senior Drill Instructor
SSgt T. J. Roberts
Pvt Abrams, Aiden E.
Pvt Anderson, Peyton J.
Pvt Ashmead, Kayshawn J.
Pvt Bama, Remy C.
Pvt Barnhill, Garrison E.
PFC Black, William J.*
Pvt Boyle, Logan J.
Pvt Desulme, Wilky
Pvt Devits, Riley J.
Pvt Dillon, Justin R.
Pvt Eager, Thomas P.
PFC Fuller, Harrison J.*
Pvt Garciavilla, Emmanuel A.
Pvt Gomezperez, Abraham E.
Pvt Hobour, Djeen L.
Pvt Hupp, Adem R.
Pvt Malkin, Alexander M.
Pvt Matute, Kevin A.
PFC Muir, Dean R.
Pvt Nolascoprudencio, Javier I.
Pvt Oluwole, Emmanuel I.
Pvt Prewitt Jr., Darrion J.
Pvt Redondo, Christian M.
Pvt Rivas II, Armando
Pvt Robinson, Malachi J.
Pvt Salomon, Matthew Y.
Pvt Sangroula, Sagar
Pvt Sturgeon, Dustin M.
Pvt Tenezaca, Alexander G.
Pvt Thorpe, Morgan L.
Pvt Torresperez, Jaciel R.
Pvt Walsh, Liam P.
Pvt Wessel, Dalton A.
Pvt Wiltbank, Elijah M.
Senior Drill Instructor SSgt J. W. Wooten
Pvt Braswell, Caleb A.
Pvt Colby, Kyler W.
Pvt Cornett, Aiden C.
Pvt Davila, Bradon W.
Pvt Despinasse, Ermano
Pvt Fober, Aiden D.
Pvt Gonzalez, Jomar
Pvt Greer, Jeremy S.
Pvt Henry, Ryan J.
Pvt Hernandezrivera, Emil J.
Pvt Hollingsworth, Dalton M.
PFC Johnson, Julian P.*
Pvt Kenna, Jade A.
Pvt Mcmillan, Jordan E.
Pvt Mcspadden, Finley R.
Pvt Moralesaguilar, William D.
Pvt Mullen, Michael R.
Pvt Musacchia, Jacob M.
Pvt Oconnor, Matthew S.
Pvt Oliveiracardosonunes, Pedro V.
Pvt Owens, Jordananthony S.
Pvt Pennoh, Claudius
PFC Pimenta, Mathew A.
PFC Price, Elijah C.
PFC Riddle, Christopher C.
PFC Rodriguez, Julian E. *
Pvt Rojas, Jeremiahha
Pvt Smith, William B.
Pvt Szetela, Ethin N.
Pvt Uranga, Christian
Pvt Wegerer, Jarek L.
Pvt Wells, Charles H.
Pvt Williams, Nathan M.
Senior Drill Instructor SSgt P. Roman
Pvt Abad, Daniel J.
PFC Aguirre, Carlos A.
Pvt Arguetamedina, Bruce D
Pvt Buenoguerrero, Christopher H.
Pvt Camachocruz, Jacob I.
PFC Castelanmedina, Edward G.
PFC Domino, Jaden P.
PFC Edwards, Gavin Z.
Pvt Fitzsimons, Liam S.
Pvt Francois, Arlen A.
Pvt Frost, Landon J.
PFC Frymyer, Gavin A.*
Pvt Henrriquezgarcia, Alejandro J.
Pvt Hernandez, Isaiah J.
PFC Herrerameneses, Christoffer A.
Pvt Honores, Jorge F.
Pvt Ismatov, Zarshed
PFC Jeffery, Ethan C.
Pvt Johnson, Dean C.
Pvt Kromer, Landon C.
Pvt Lafond, Reshawn C.
PFC Matos III, Francisco*
Pvt May, Dustin C.
Pvt Medina, Xavier O.
PFC Monegro, Peter
Pvt Nugra, Alex D.
Pvt Ortizquinones, Yahir A.
Pvt Riverarivera, Wesley
Pvt Rocha, Quincy
Pvt Rodriguez, Aramis A.
PFC Serranograulau, Ricardo H.
Pvt Smart, Josiah
Pvt Soto, Xavier V.
Pvt Vargas, Angel M.
Pvt Velizlima, Christopher E.
Pvt Walton, Ryan C.
PFC Washington, David S.
PFC Zumbatenecela, Anthony
Senior Drill Instructor
SSgt M. D. Tergesen
Pvt Calel, Andres D.
Pvt Canter Jr., Joseph P.
PFC Castillo, Alexander B.
PFC Ceballotejada, Eduardo A.
PFC Doucet, Brayden C.*
Pvt Ferrufinoflores, Luis C.
PFC Garcia, Xavier J.*
Pvt Gutierrezamaya, Osmin O.
Pvt Hadjissa, Tyler A.
PFC Jerez, Frank S.
Pvt Johnson, Dante R.
Pvt Lanier, Micah J.
PFC Martinezmora, Moises
Pvt Martinezvillarreal, Moises
Pvt Massago, Rocco J.
Pvt Mata, Napoleon M.
PFC Merino, Jonathan C.
Pvt Moore, Jesse E.
PFC Mrok, Owen M.
PFC Navarro, Fabian E.
Pvt Nestorreyes, Roberto
Pvt Ollivierre, Christian C.
Pvt Ortegajarama, Obe O.
PFC Ramirez, Marino A.
Pvt Ramirezmorillo, Elvis R.
Pvt Reinford, Stephen F.
Pvt Riggleman, Caleb L.
Pvt Rodriguezcardova, Piero
Pvt Santillan, Samuel A.
Pvt Sarro, Daniel P.
PFC Shaffer, Mason A.*
Pvt Stuntz, Conner M.
Pvt Sumpangoalvarado, Kevin A.
PFC Wagner, Michael T.
*Denotes Meritorious Promotion
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.
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.
Back to School Fun Day
11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 2, Women and Men In Christ Ministries, 3 County Shed Road, Beaufort. Fun, games, gift cards, and school supplies.
Gullah/Geechee Books & Brunch
11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Aug.
2, 16 Penn Center Circle East, Saint Helena Island. Tickets start at $81.88.
Join us at the Dr. York W. Bailey Museum on historic St. Helena Island. The event will feature world renown Gullah/Geechee artist, Leroy Campbell; Queen Quet, Chieftess of the Gullah/ Geechee Nation; author and great great grandson of Gullah Statesman Robert Smalls, Michael Boulware Moore; and Gullah artist and author, Quadré Stuckey. They will each share from their works while engaging in a Gullah/Geechee brunch created by Gullah/Geechee "Chef B." This event will raise funds for the Penn Center Heritage Days Celebration. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit https://shorturl.at/pczQe.
STEAM Festival
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 16, Port Royal Sound Foundation, 310 Okatie Hwy, Okatie. Free. Our 9th annual STEAM Festival will provide hands-on, innovative and super-cool activities for families to enjoy. STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math), is an important initiative for educating and preparing today’s students for tomorrow’s jobs. The festival will showcase demonstrations, simulations, experiments and hands-on activities by area businesses, organizations and schools that are using STEAM to succeed. Stay for lunch! Food trucks will be on-site.
Yemassee Shrimp Festival Friday, Sept. 19 & Saturday, Sept. 20, 101 Town Circle Yemassee. Live music includes the East Coast Party Band (8 p.m., Friday), sponsored by Comcast; and Funk Factory 5 (8 p.m. Saturday). Ore details to come.
2025 Beaufort County Youth Conference
9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 20, USC Beaufort Center For The Arts, 801 Carteret Street, Beaufort. The event aims to bring rising middle school and high school together from all over to address and tackle pressing challenges. For more information, call Lynn at 843-476-1888; Brandon at 843-3210373; or Carrie at 843-812-4399 for more information.
Gather & Give: A Family Promise Barn Bash
6 to 9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 3, The Barn at Hampton Lake, 7457 Hampton Lake Drive, Bluffton. $150 per ticket. Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, good food, good company, and giving back — all in support of Family Promise of Beaufort County. Beer & wine included. Live music and more. To purchase tickets, visit https://bit. ly/45gHNpF.
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.
Karaoke at Willie’s
8 p.m., Thursdays, Willie's Bar and Grill, 7 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Saint Helena Island. Come and showcase your singing talents or just enjoy the performances. For more information, visit www.GullahLove.com.
Bluffton Night Bazaar –a Lowcountry Made Market
5 to 8 p.m., first Thursday of each month, Burnt Church Distillery, 120 Bluffton Road. A highly curated selection of accessories, clothing, home goods, custom gifts and more by local artists and makers.
Habersham Farmers Market
3 to 6 p.m., Fridays, Habersham Marketplace. Vendor roster includes B&E Farm, Cottonwood Soap, Flower Power Treats, Hardee Greens, Megs Sweet Treats, Vitamin Bee, Lady’s Island Oyster Company, Pet Wants.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
9 p.m., Fridays, Highway 21 Bar, 3436 Trask Pkwy, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy Karaoke with Lt. Dan.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew 9:30 p.m., Fridays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy Karaoke with Parker.
Karaoke with Melissa
7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Fridays, R Bar & Grill, 70 Pennington 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.
CLASS REUNION
Beaufort High School Class of 1975 Oct. 17 through Oct. 19, 2025, Beaufort. 50th Class Reunion Celebration. Request that graduates of this class contact the class Community Outreach Representative Barbara Gardner Hunter at 347-497-9326 or email gardnerbarbara991@gmail.com to provide current contact information.
DANCE Lowcountry Shaggers
6 to 9 p.m., Mondays, Holiday Inn, 2225 Boundary Street. Shag lessons with Tommy & Sheri O’Brien and others. Occasional ballroom and oncea-monh line dancing. Biginner, 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.
GOLF 4th annual Stingray Scramble Saturday, Sept. 20, Ocean Creek Golf Course, Fripp Island. Proceeds benefit Riverview Charter School. Early bird pricing is $650 for team of four through July 1. After July 1, $700 for team of four. Register online at https:// bit.ly/4kTF4br. Visit https://bit.ly/4mWQ7ls for sponsorship opportunities. Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry's 28th annual Golf Tournament
9 a.m., Monday, Sept. 29, Oldfield Club, 130 Oldfield Way, Okatie. Tickets and sponsorships start at $200. Through this event and the auction, Habitat aims to raise funds to build a Habitat home for a local family. With funding from the past several years’ tournaments, Habitat is currently constructing the “Larry Sanders House” in Ridgeland. That house is named in honor of Larry Sanders, who has been the tournament organizer for many years. Sanders continues to be involved by recruiting players and sponsors for the event. To register to play in the tournament or to become a sponsor, please visit www.lowcountryhabitat. org/2025golftournament.
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 410212-1468 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-ofthe-century businesses and industries of Port Royal: Shrimping, crabbing, oystering, the railroad, the school and the mercantile. Great gifts featuring local artists are available. For more information. visit www.portroyalhistory.org, email historicportroyalfoundation@ gmail.com or call 843-524-4333.
Tour Historic Fort Fremont
Dawn to dusk, Monday through Sunday, The Fort Fremont Preserve, 1124 Land’s End Road, St. Helena Island. Free and open to the public. The History Center is open 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
Free Lunches At The Library Through July 31. Ages 0 to 18. Child/ teen must be present to receive lunch. Lunches must be consumed at the library location. All locations will serve “cold lunches.” No lunches will be served on July 4. Schedule for individual branches: Beaufort Branch, 11 to 11:45 a.m.; Bluffton Branch, 11 a.m. to noon; Hilton Head Island Branch, 10 to 11 a.m.; Lobeco Branch, noon to 1 p.m., Port Royal Branch, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.; St. Helena Branch, 11 a.m. to noon.
“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 843-255-6458.
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.
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 843255-6458.
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 offroad/dirt/wilderness mountain biking/ jogging/walking trails near is encouraged to attend. For more information, call 843-575-0021 or email universitybicycles@hotmail.com.
Emotions Anonymous International local group meeting 4 p.m, Thursdays, via Zoom. Emotions Anonymous International, (EAI), is a nonprofit program designed to help people with emotional difficulties. It has a chapter in the Lowcountry and members want others who feel the need to know they are welcome to participate. There is no charge to participate. They are based on the 12 steps and 12 traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous and follow a specific format designed to provide the support and tools for navigating life’s painful difficulties. All are welcome. Anyone interested in participating may contact the group via email at EALowcountry@gmail.com or call or text Laurie at 252- 917-7082. For more information on EAI visit www.emotionsanonymous.org.
Al-Anon Beaufort County 7:30 p.m., Thursday, 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
Ed Walter 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Fridays, Aug. 1, Aug. 29, GG’s Restaurant & Bar, 1003 Paris Avenue, Port Royal.
La Bodega Lite
6 to 9 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 2, ShellRing Ale Works, Port Royal.
Stuck In Time
5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 8, GG’s Restaurant & Bar, 1003 Paris Avenue, Port Royal.
Distant Sounds 6 to 9 p.m., Fridays, Aug. 8, Oct. 3, Another Slice Pizza, Harbor Island. Something for everyone, from the 60s to the 10s. David Ayres on guitar & vocals, Richard Knieriem on drums & vocals, Eric Roberts on bass, Paul Butare on guitar & vocals.
Trashy Annie
7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 8. Fillin’ Station, Lady’s Island. High energy, award-winning rock and roll straight out of Austin, Annie Davis and her motley band rock The Fillin' Station stage once again.
Corey Tate
5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Friday, Aug. 15, GG’s Restaurant & Bar, 1003 Paris Avenue, Port Royal.
Rick Rudd 4 to 9 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 24, GG’s Restaurant & Bar, 1003 Paris Avenue, Port Royal. Celebrating the establishment’s first anniversary.
Distant Sounds 6 to 9 p.m., Fridays, Aug. 29, Sept. 12, Seaside Bar & Grill, St. Helena Island. Something for everyone, from the 60s to the 10s. David Ayres on guitar & vocals, Richard Knieriem on drums & vocals, Eric Roberts on bass, Paul Butare on guitar & vocals.
Warsaw Island Boys 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 10 26, ShellRing Ale Works, Port Royal.
Campfire Tyler 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sundays, The Fillin’ Station, Lady’s Island.
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
America's Boating Club Basic Boating Course 6:15 to 8:30 p.m., Thursdays, from Aug. 7 to Sept. 4, First Presbyterian Church of Beaufort Education Building, 1201 North Street, Beaufort. $50 for the first family member, $15 for each additional member. For more information, contact education@Beaufortboatingclub.com.
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
the Start/ Finish line. First-, Second-, and ThirdPlace runners will receive the coveted Run Forrest Run 5K medals both for winners of each age division and overall placers. Bring your favorite characters from the Forrest Gump movie to life as you race towards shrimp glory. We encourage participants to get groovy with themed costumes and unique outfits. Those donning a Forrest Gump getup can race to the finish line in hopes of claiming the Fastest Forrest Award. Register now and RUN, FORREST, RUN! For more information and to sign up, visit https://shorturl.at/ YoyHx.
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
Beaufort Brawl 6: Summer Showdown
6 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 30, The Foundry, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 18-B, Beaufort. Doors open at 5 p.m. A full fight card showcasing top amateur fighters from Beaufort, the Southeast, and beyond and featuring high-impact amateur MMA, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, and kickboxing bouts. Affordable VIP access and general admission tickets — perfect for fans, families, and fight-fitness enthusiasts. Tickets are available at https://bit.ly/4eWJ6NI.
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 843-5972541 for location.
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.
Christopher J. Geier
Attorney at Law, LLC
Criminal Defense & Civil Litigation
16 Professional Village Circle, Lady's Island Office: 843-986-9449 • Fax: 843-986-9450 chris@bftsclaw.com • www.geierlaw.com
AUDIOLOGY & HEARING
Beaufort Audiology & Hearing Care
Monica Wiser, M.A. CCC-A Licensed Audiologist
38 Professional Village West, Lady's Island monica@beauforthearing.com www.beauforthearing.com | 843-521-3007
Hear the Beauty that Surrounds You
The Beaufort Sound Hearing and Balance Center
Dr. Larry Bridge, AU.D./CCC-A 206 Sea Island Parkway, Suite 31, Beaufort thebeaufortsound@gmail.com www.thebeaufortsound.com | 843-522-0655
Achieve SAT success! Expert tutoring tailored to boost your Reading and Writing scores. Personalized lessons, proven strategies, and confidence-building. Your path to elite results starts here! Call Claire, 516-974-2122
Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material – steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off installation + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-855900-1261
Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 833-2308692
We Buy Houses for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-855-704-3381
DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400 plus procedures. Real dental insurance – NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-397-7030 www.dental50plus.
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Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-877-852-0368
ADVERTISE YOUR AUCTION in 80
S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your 25word classified ad will reach more than 1 5 million readers. Call Randall Savely at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 803-7509561
HELP WANTED – DRIVERS
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Are Catholics Christians?
Yes, Catholics are Christians. Catholics believe what has always been at the core of the Christian faith: that Jesus of Nazareth is divine. God loves us so much that he entered the world and became a human being, in order that we may know him and love him. Since this is the case, we want to make Jesus the center of our lives. In him alone is found true joy and peace in this life, and eternal salvation after death.
Why do you call yourselves “Catholic”?
“Catholic” comes from the Greek word meaning “universal” or “shared by all.” By the end of the first century, this word started to be used by Christians to refer to the worldwide Christian Church, founded by Jesus and built upon the apostles. For the rest of the first millennium, the terms “Christian” and “Catholic” were used interchangeably.
Why are there many different Christian groups?
The first long-lasting division among Christians happened in 1054, when separation occurred between the Catholic Church and the churches we now know as the Eastern Orthodox. The next significant division occurred in the 1500s with the Protestant Reformation, when various new churches separated from the Catholic Church. As disagreements in doctrine or practice arose, these Protestant churches have continued to split over time, leading to the hundreds of different denominations one finds today.
What do all Christians have in common?
Although there are important differences, there is a great deal that most Christians share in common. We share a belief in the true humanity and true divinity of Jesus. We believe in the Holy Trinity: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. We share the same New Testament, as well as the Ten Commandments and much of our moral code. Catholics see other Christians as our brothers and sisters in Christ, and there are many opportunities for us to work together to serve those in need and share the good news of Jesus.
What are differences between Catholics and Orthodox?
The Orthodox churches are extremely close in doctrine and worship to the Catholic Church. For example, they have bishops and priests, celebrate sacred liturgy, and believe that Jesus is truly present in Holy Communion. From our perspective, the main difference is that their bishops do not accept the leadership of the pope; each bishop is essentially the pope of his geographical area.
What are differences between Catholics and Protestants?
There are various differences in belief and practice, many of which we will explore in this message series. From our perspective, the biggest difference is that Catholics believe that the Catholic Church is the visible, identifiable church started by Jesus nearly two thousand years ago, while Protestants do not. We believe that Jesus is at work in a special way in the Catholic Church, despite the sinfulness and brokenness of its members. We are grateful for the many spiritual gifts that Jesus gives us in our Catholic faith, so that we can grow as close
him as possible.
Common Questions Message 1 of 8