June 12 edition by The Island News

resulting in the arrests on federal charges of three individuals — William Omar Heyward, Jr., 44, of Burton;

and

American medical research hangs in balance

Sometime in the last century, a virus — long lodged, contented and contained in Malaysian fruit bats — made its way into pigs. In the 1990s, this virus left its porcine host and took up residence in the farmers who tended these pigs.

A subsequent study by researchers from Johns Hopkins University found that this virus — called Nipah — moved by way of bat feces and saliva to the nearby pigs. Then this opportunistic virus made its way to the pig farmers (and others) in Southern Malaysia.

The arrival of the Nipah virus is indicated by fever, headaches and vomiting. In some cases there is “respiratory distress,” then seizures and death. The fatality rate is estimated to be between 40 and 75%

Since the outbreak in Malaysia in 1998, there have been annual outbreaks of Nipah in Bangladesh and less frequent outbreaks in Eastern India.

Here in the United States we also have an opportunistic virus that is on the move. In our case the “Avian Flu” virus — long lodged in wild birds — has infected domestic poultry, resulting in the culling of millions of chickens in the U.S. The virus has also spread to dairy cattle in 17 states, where it has infected dozens of farmworkers and led to at least one confirmed fatality according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

In February of this year, the Trump Administration fired 140

SEE GRABER PAGE A7

3 face federal charges after raid in Burton

By Delayna Earley, Mike McCombs and Amber Hewitt

The Island News

Federal agents, with the help of Beaufort County law enforcement, executed arrest and search warrants in Burton on Thursday, June 5, that led to the arrest of five people — three of which are facing federal charges.

According to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), the effort was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with local law enforcement.

Warrants were executed at properties on Eastern Road and

MUSIC FESTIVAL OF THE LOWCOUNTRY

Tara Frazier, 9, and Logan Middleton, both from Charleston, play a game of cornhole during the second annual Music Festival of the Lowcountry on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

For the second year in a row, country music artist Tony Jackson performs live during the second annual Music Festival of the Lowcountry on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Juneteenth events in Beaufort coming up

iday in northern Beaufort County.

By Delayna Earley The Island News

Officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, the annual federal holiday to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States, Juneteenth is around the corner on June 19 and this is where you can celebrate the hol-

Starting the weekend before the official holiday, One Community Different Neighborhoods will be holding the second annual Juneteenth King’s Day Unity Parade at 3 p.m., Sunday, June 15, in downtown Beaufort.

The parade will follow the traditional parade route, beginning at Bladen Street to Boundary Street, then moving to Bay Street and back up to Bladen Street. The parade is hosted by Project Freedom 326 Penn Center will celebrate Juneteenth with their second annual free community event “Celebrating Family.”

The event will begin at 10 a.m.

and will go until 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 19 2025, at Penn Center on St. Helena Island. The event will kick off with an hour-long program filled with “performances of local talent and voices.”

The program will begin at

SEE EVENTS PAGE A5

Logwood Path in Burton that resulted in the arrests of William Omar Heyward Jr., a.k.a. “O,” 44, of Burton; Ishmael Allen Rivers, a.k.a. “Ish,” 26, of Yemassee; and Christoper Andrew Copeland, 26, of Beaufort, on multiple federal charges.

Beaufort County Sheriff’s officers work alongside the FBI during a raid that unfolded on the morning of Thursday, June 5, 2025,

Ishmael Allen Rivers, 26, of Yemassee;

Christopher Andrew Copeland, 26, of Beaufort. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

SCOTT GRABER

One of the festival organizers, Brittany Underwood, performs with her band, during the second annual Music Festival of the Lowcountry on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in downtown Beaufort. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

LOWCOUNTRY LIFE & NEWS

Beaufort’s John Miller had been trying for about 20 years to catch this night blooming cereus cactus in bloom. It blooms only at night and just once a year. The flower bud started to turn white at dusk. By 12:38 a.m., it was fully open, and you could smell it from 15 feet away. By 5 a.m., it was shriveled up. The flower, in Miller’s backyard, was 7½ inches wide from tip to tip. To submit a Lowcountry Life photo, you must be the photographer or have permission to submit the photo to be published in The Island News. Please submit high-resolution photos and include a description and/or names of the people in the picture and the name of the photographer. Email your photos to theislandnews@gmail.com.

VETERAN OF THE WEEK BOB MCCLURE

American Legion Beaufort Post 207 brings you Bob McClure, 73, who joined the United States Marine Corps Reserve in Folsom, Pa., in 1963

After Boot Camp and Advanced Infantry Training at Parris Island he was assigned to duty at Camp Lejeune as a radio operator.

While serving at the Navy/ Marine Corps Reserve Center in Folsom, he worked in vehicle maintenance and as a driver.

During annual training periods he works as a radio operator at such locations as mountain warfare training in California, the Naval Ammunition Depot in Okalhoma, with amphibious training at Little Creek, Va., and a number of times at Camp Lejeune. He separated in 1969 as a Sergeant and returned to the family business in Penssylvania mak-

ing parts for the defense industry. He has a 100% VA disability stemming from duty at Camp Lejeune. He moved to Beaufort County in 2011 and is a member of DAV.

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

June 12

2020: Bob Bender, local environmental activist and founder and curator of the Lowcounty Estuarium in Port Royal, dies at home of complications from throat surgeries.

June 14

2019: Democratic Presidential candidate Beto O’Rourke visits Beaufort. At a roundtable discussion at Tabernacle

Baptist Church, O’Rourke answers a diverse collection of questions, mostly posed by leaders of the black community, including Queen Quet of the Gullah Geechee Nation and Rev. Kenneth Hodges.

June 15

1943: Naval Air Station Beaufort is commissioned for advanced training operations of anti-submarine patrols during World War II.

PAL PETS OF THE WEEK

Cat of the Week

Derek is the James Dean of cats! This 7-year-old heartthrob with a velvet-soft coat thrives on attention. He's a gentle boy who lives for snuggles and head scratches, and once he feels safe, his affectionate personality comes out in full force. Derek is looking for a peaceful home where he can soak up all the love and companionship he's been waiting for. He is neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped.

Dog of the Week

What's so wonderful about Pita?

Everything! This sweet, playful, silly, loving, 2-year-old boy is going to bring so much joy to

1976: Beaufort native Joe Frazier loses to George Foreman by TKO in an NABF heavyweight title fight in Hempstead, New York. It would be Frazier’s last fight for more than 5 years.

June 18

2020: Col. Karl R. Arborgast takes command of MCAS Beaufort from Col. Timothy P. Miller.

– Compiled by Mike McCombs

some lucky family. He's one of the happiest dogs in the world, and he greets each new day with

such hope and wonder, it inspires us all. It's impossible to be in a bad mood when you're with him. If your life could use the presence of an eternal optimist, glass-half-full kind of guy, we encourage you to stop Palmetto Animal League today to meet Pita. He is neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and microchipped.

For more information on Derek, Pita, or any of our other pets, call PAL at 843-645-1725 or email Info@ 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 Scan Here to Donate

Bob McClure

Endangered shark visits waters off of Beaufort County

By Delayna Earley

The Island News

An endangered shark made a visit to the Beaufort area last week on its way northward from Florida.

Mira, a female adult dusky shark that measures nearly 10 feet in length, pinged just off the coast of St. Helena Island according to OCEARCH.

The name Mira means “wonder” and is also a star in the night sky, according to the shark’s tracking page on OCEARCH’s website.

“This shark reminds us how much there is still to learn about this species,” the site says.

The shark pinged multiple times in the area over the course of several days before continuing to move northward from the coast of Jacksonville, Fla., which is where the shark was tagged, sampled and released on May 15 2025

Mira is the first dusky shark ever tagged by OCEARCH, a global nonprofit research organization that helps scientists conduct research and collect “previously unattainable data” from large marine animals to “accelerate the ocean’s return to balance and abundance.”

When tagged in May, Mira measured 9 feet, 8 inches and weighed an estimated 327 pounds, according to OCEARCH’s website, and slightly above the size known as full maturity for this species.

According to OCEARCH, dusky sharks are globally endangered and are considered vulnerable in the North Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.

“Dusky sharks are globally endangered and are one of the most threatened coastal and pelagic species with population declines between 75% and 99% depending on region due to targeted fisheries and bycatch,” said OCEARCH Chief Scientist Harley Newton on their Facebook page. “This species does spend a significant amount of time below the surface so it will be interesting to see how often Mira sends us locations on the tracker. Monitoring dusky shark movements will help us better understand their habitat use and its overlap with commercial fisheries.”

The shark appears to have a similar reproductive cycle to that of the great white shark in that they have small litters, late maturity and have a three-year re-

Your Inner Confidence Rediscover

Embrace personalized care and surgical expertise with Beaufort Memorial.

After losing 165 pounds following bariatric surgery, Michelle sought out the expertise of Dr. Heidi Harrington for a number of procedures, including arm, thigh and buttocks lifts. Over 11 years, Dr. Harrington’s compassionate, leading-edge approach has helped Michelle realize her body goals and achieve naturallooking results. She now regularly travels from Charleston to see Dr. Harrington for facial rejuvenation procedures.

Michelle’s journey with Dr. Harrington has included several body contouring procedures:

“productive cycle which includes nearly two years of gestation and one year of rest. OCEARCH said on their website that Mira did not show any signs of pregnancy or recent mating when she was tagged in May, which gives them valuable incite into what stage of life it is in.

Mira’s journey, along with the other marine animals that they have tagged, can be followed on OCEARCH’s website.

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.

Confidence shines from within, and mine was gone — until I met Dr. Harrington. She gave me a new lease on life. Now I can go out and dance. I can wear clothes that fit. I feel like me again.

—Michelle Howard, 57

Dr Heidi Harrington, a board-certified plastic surgeon, and the team at Beaufort Memorial are devoted to empowering you through transformative procedures and aesthetic enhancements, focused on renewing confidence and function.

Call 843-707-8020 or scan the QR code to start your journey with Dr. Harrington.

Scientists with OCEARCH caught, tagged, sampled and released their first dusky shark on May 15, 2025, off the coast of Jacksonville, Fla. The shark, named Mira, recently pinged off of the coast of St. Helena Island, S.C. OCEARCH/Facebook

Mira, an adult, female dusky shark, pinged off of the coast of St. Helena Island, S.C., last week on its way north from Jacksonville, Fla. Dusky sharks are endangered sharks, and this is the first one caught and tracked by OCEARCH. OCEARCH/Facebook

NEWS

Sands Beach causeway now open for vehicles

By Delayna Earley

The Island News

Beachgoers rejoice, for the causeway leading to Sands Beach in Port Royal is now open for public use, which means that vehicles can now drive onto the beach once more. Sands Beach is rare among beaches in Beaufort County, as vehicles are allowed to drive up to and park on the beach.

Now, after three months of construction, visitors can access the beach without damaging their cars due to tidal holes and dips in the sand thanks to the new wooden causeway that opened to vehicular traffic

on Friday, June 6

The causeway, constructed by Greenway Bridge Company, out of St. Augustine, Fla., had previously opened to pedestrians at the end of May.

At 150 feet long and 24 feet wide, the wooden bridge is made from wood and has a section for vehicles to drive on and a separate part for pedestrians.

It is located where the Battery Creek and marsh meet and is constructed with pilings that were driven 25 feet deep, a foundation made from a concrete and rubberized stabilization system, sand used to level out the approach to the causeway

on both sides and is capable of handling 20 tons.

The beach, which is completely accessible to vehicles except for a small portion closest to the water’s edge, is a favorite among locals who drive there to see the sunset, watch dolphins feed and search for sharks’ teeth.

It is open at dawn and closes at dusk.

The bridge cost $1 5 million and was paid for by federal COVID-19 relief funds.

The announcement of the causeway opening was first made on social media, drawing mostly positive comments from the community.

On Facebook, the post has been liked more than

600 times, has been shared more than 60 times and has attracted more than 100 comments.

While most comments are positive, there were concerns raised about safety and size of the causeway, stating that the causeway appears to only be wide enough to allow one vehicle to use it and could be problematic when the beach is busy.

Black Moses Freedom Festival

100 Women Who Care donate to Second Helpings

Staff reports

100 Women Who Care Beaufort has announced that the recipient of its second quarter donation is Second Helpings.

Each quarter, the members of 100 Women Who Care, each donate $100 to a worthy nonprofit in Northern Beaufort County that has an immediate need for funding. This past month a check for $11 300 was presented to Amy Colin, Executive Director of Second Helpings. Although Second Helpings main office is on Hilton Head, 100% of the money donated will be used in Northern Beaufort County.

Second Helpings is a local volunteer-driven organization that rescues food from grocery stores and other outlets in Beaufort, Jasper, and Hampton counties. They deliver it the same day, at no cost, to food pantries and other agency partners serving the less fortunate. They are a unique nonprofit in that they serve other nonprofits who feed 13 000 people per week.

Many people in our local communities have to make a choice each day: skip a meal to purchase medicine, or eat less to pay a bill. One in eight local residents is unable to afford all the food they need. One of the reasons Sec-

ond Helpings was chosen by 100 Women Who Care is that they are now working with local farms like Dempsey Farms and Hardee Greens to produce fresh vegetables and fruit that they can distribute to the area needy. They are also hoping to use part of the money to purchase an additional refrigerated truck to deliver the food each day. This money will go a long way to helping them achieve this goal. For more information on this non-profit, visit www. Secondhelpingslc.org. To learn more about 100 Women Who Care and how you can get involved, please visit www.100wwcbeaufort.org.

Raid from page A1

Katie Shannon Bradham, 37, and Lindel Hugh Bonney III, 34 both of Beaufort, were also arrested on unrelated outstanding warrants and are currently being held at the Beaufort County Detention Center.

Heyward, Rivers and Copeland all pleaded not guilty in U.S.

JUNE 12–18, 2025

District Court in Charleston on Thursday afternoon, according to FBI public information officer Kevin Wheeler, and waived their detention hearings without prejudice.

According to a federal indictment filed on May 14 , 2025, but sealed until Thursday afternoon, Heyward, Rivers and Copeland are charged with multiple counts of drug trafficking offenses and crimes related to firearms.

The indictment alleges that

the three men conspired to possess controlled substances such as fentanyl, crack, marijuana and methamphetamine.

In addition, the indictment alleged that they possessed firearms to aid in furthering their drug distributing. There are 14 individual charges listed on the indictment, but not all three men are implicated in each of the charges. The charges are connected to events on multiple dates as far back as

November 2023 Heyward is named in all 14 of the charges. According to the indictment, he previously was convicted in federal court of drug and firearm-related felonies for which he served more than 12 months in prison. Rivers is named in three of the counts, and Copeland is named in two.

All were arrested without incident and while all intended to be

arrested on Thursday were, the investigation is ongoing according to Wheeler.

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

After three months of construction, the Sands Beach causeway in Port Royal is open to vehicular traffic. Town of Port Royal Facebook

Amy Colin, Executive Director of Second Helpings of Beaufort County, accepts a check for $11,300 from 100 Women Who Care Beaufort. Submitted photo.

Reenactor, storyteller, griot, and activist Bruce Ingram tells stories of the days of slavery during the fourth annual Black Moses Freedom Festival on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Penn Center on St. Helena Island. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Divinity Divine, founder of the Sankofa Healing Experience, during the fourth annual Black Moses Freedom Festival on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Penn Center on St. Helena Island. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

Woman killed in weekend accident in Okatie

By Delayna Earley

The Island News

A Georgia woman was killed and three of her passengers were sent to the hospital with injuries after her sedan struck a pickup truck that was turning off of S.C. Highway 170 (Okatie Highway) on Saturday evening.

Brittney Shuler, 36, of Hinesville, Ga., was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on June 7, at around 5:30 p.m., according to the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office.

Shuler was driving a 2008 Ford sedan and was carrying three passengers while traveling northeast on S.C. 170 toward Beaufort when her car struck a 2022 Ford pickup truck as the truck attempted to turn left onto Callawassie Drive from the opposite lane of the highway, per the verbal report submitted by Master Trooper William

Events

from page A1

10 a.m. and will go until 11 a.m. and will feature local choirs and speakers talking about the significance of the holiday and the Penn Center.

Attendees to the event can tour the York W. Bailey Museum for free from 11 a.m. until noon and then attend the free lunch from noon to 1 p.m.

Food Trucks and arts and crafts vendors will also be on site for attendees to enjoy.

Bennett with South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP).

Shuler was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash by first responders, and her three passengers were taken to Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, Ga., for treatment.

The driver of the truck was uninjured, Bennett said.

Both eastbound lanes of S.C. 170 were closed Saturday while investigators and first responders were at the scene and the accident remains under investigation by S.C. Highway Patrol.

After the program, classic Motown music will be played, and members of the community are invited to bring their lawn chairs to enjoy the music and dance.

In Port Royal, the fifth annual Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration hosted by Project Freedom 326 will be held at John S. Parker Park on Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21

“Two days of unity, culture and celebration,” says the event’s Facebook page.

The event will start on Friday at 5 p.m. with an evening of performances, music, line

dancing and a special reading of Order No. 3 – the Juneteenth proclamation by Gen. Gordon Granger.

Saturday will start at 3 p.m. with family field games, a bounce house, horseback riding and a blood drive and health screenings. At 5 p.m. on Saturday, the live performances will begin.

An Invisible Body?

How does one find an invisible man?

The Church is Visible

In our previous message, we met Joe, a fictional man seeking the Church begun by Jesus. He wants to be part of the family of faith described in the New Testament. But such a quest assumes that the Church is actually a visible and identifiable group of people. This was the way that the Church was understood by Christians for the first fifteen centuries of Christianity: a visible family with members, leaders, teachings, and worship that can be clearly recognized.

Jesus used visible, concrete images for the Church. When Jesus spoke about the Church, he used images such as the light of the world, a flock of sheep led by a shepherd, and a city set on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. Such images show that Jesus intended his Church to be visible and recognizable. His followers are to be united in his truth, reflecting the unity he shares with the Father. (John 17:21) Jesus gave his apostles authority and sent them out to continue his ministry until he returns in glory. (Matt 28:18-20)

In recent centuries, there arose a different view of the Church. When new churches were begun in the sixteenth century by the Protestant reformers, each with their own teachings and ways of worship, visible unity no longer seemed possible. It was proposed that the Church is actually an invisible union of all who believe in Jesus, regardless of religious affiliation. Thus, only God can identify the Church and its members, because only God can see into our hearts. If this is true, then Joe’s search for the Church started by Jesus would be impossible, as hopeless as finding an invisible man. But is this what Jesus intended?

In the New Testament, the Church can be clearly identified. The Church could be recognized by its teachings, which were the same everywhere. (Eph 4:4-6) It could be recognized by its worship, which centered around the celebration of the Lord’s Supper. (1 Cor 11) The Church could also be identified by its leaders, who taught and led with authority received from Jesus. We see this authoritative leadership throughout the Acts of the Apostles, and especially during the important theological deliberations of Acts 15.

The Church is the visible body of Christ.

One of Paul’s favorite images for the Church is “the body of Christ.” (1 Cor 12) By its very definition, a body is the physical aspect of us that is visible to others. Our visible bodies manifest our invisible souls. It is only because of your body, for example, that your soul can communicate and act in the world. Christians are indeed united spiritually in the Holy Spirit, but they are also meant to be united in a visible family of faith. In order to faithfully teach as Jesus taught and serve as he served, the Church needs to be visible, just as the Lord’s body was visible to his contemporaries.

We should expect the Church to still be recognizable today. It will have grown and developed over the last two thousand years, but the Church would still be recognizable as a visible family of faith, with the same essential elements it had in the time of the apostles. By looking for these essential elements today, one can still seek out the Church begun by Jesus.

HBF salutes outgoing director, welcomes new leader

Board officers, new members elected at Annual Meeting

Staff reports

Historic Beaufort Foundation’s 2025 Annual Meeting on June 7 served as a milestone moment as longtime executive director Cynthia Cole Jenkins retired and experienced preservationist Lise Sundrla took the lead at a critical time for the organization and City of Beaufort.

“We face challenges in Beaufort to protect the historic fabric that keeps this town authentic,” Jenkins said. “But those same challenges provide organizations such as HBF and the City of Beaufort with opportunities to do the right thing now and into the future,” Jenkins said.

“Working together, and with other organizations and citizens, I am confident that good and consistent planning will continue to protect our Historic District and other resources from over-development and from us becoming ‘Anytown, USA,’” she said.

During the course of two stints as HBF executive director, Jenkins served 14 years. She received the 2021 SC Governor’s Award for Excellence in Preservation, the highest honor given by South Carolina, for her efforts to preserve the architectural and cultural history of the Lowcountry and half a dozen other counties across the state.

Lise Sundrla, HBF assistant director the past several years, takes over as executive director. She brings more than 40 years of ex-

perience in the fields of non-profit management; neighborhood, downtown and community redevelopment with specific emphasis in preservation, community building, and hospitality. She’s also worked with local governments on urban corridor, neighborhood corridor, and main street redevelopment.

“HBF is fortunate to have a strong and experienced Board of Trustees and talented staff. We are ready to move forward,” Sundrla said.

The annual meeting was held at First African Baptist Church in Beaufort’s National Historic Landmark District Saturday afternoon.

Rev. Alexander McBride, senior pastor of First African Baptist and a member of the HBF Board of Trustees, shared the rich history of the church and congregation along with the ongoing efforts to preserve the ca. 1863 structure. In 2007, the exterior of the church was restored to its Gothic Revival appearance and received the Historic Preservation Honor Award from the Palmetto Trust.

As part of the annual session, members elected new board members and officers. Re-elected as chair was Rob Montgomery. Donna Dehncke will serve as vice-chair with Marshall Bassett as treasurer. Larry Haskell rounds out the board officers as secretary with Wayne Vance as immediate past chair.

Re-appointed to three-year terms on the HBF Board of Trustees were John Troutman, Wayne Vance, Larry Haskell, Drew Scal-

LEGAL NOTICES

Lise Sundrla, recently voted the new Executive Director of the Historic Beaufort Foundation, speaks at the organization’s annual meeting held June 7 in the First African Baptist Church in Beaufort’s National Historic Landmark District. Photo courtesy of Historic Beaufort Foundation

lan, Ivey Savage, Sarah Dyson and Marshall Bassett. Stepping down from the board after serving four years is John Tashjian.

About the HBF Board Officers:

– Rob Montgomery, HBF’s chair elected for a third term, is a wellknown local architect and planner. He has served on HBF’s Board of Trustees since 2015 and has been the chair of the Preservation Committee where he primarily was involved with the Revolving Fund projects, easement protection and management and site monitoring.

He has been a long-time champion of the preservation, maintenance and protection of the John Mark Verdier House, from repairing stair rails to managing the 2021 renovation program.

– Donna Brooks Dehncke, vicechair, is a graduate of Avery College, and holds a Master’s degree in government contracting from the University of Virginia; and advanced studies certificates from George Washington University. She is retired from DDL OMNI, an engineering and technical services company, as Vice President

of program management services.

Donna has been actively volunteering with Historic Beaufort Foundation since 2015, serving as the Co-Chair and Chair of the Lafayette Soiree, and as Chair of HBF’s Development Committee and Events programs for the past six years. She is also a member of the Finance Committee.

– Marshall Bassett is the treasurer for Historic Beaufort Foundation, serving on the Finance Committee since 2020 and the Board of Trustees since 2022. He retired to Beaufort in 2016 from a career in investment management in New York and Philadelphia after earning degrees from Duke University.

– Larry Haskell, the board secretary, is a leader in the field of non-profit development, He has been instrumental in guiding and streamlining HBF’s membership and giving processes. He has served in many roles for HBF, including as a leader in board development efforts, a docent for the Fall Tour and Architects Tours, and a Verdier House greeter and volunteer.

Appointed to lead committees were: Rob Montgomery, Preservation Committee Marshall Bassett, Finance Committee Drew Scallan, Operations Committee Ivey Savage, Development Committee Sarah Dyson, Verdier House Committee.

U1205-W15B, 4401/1964, $2,336.43, $450, $239.39, $3,025.82; YVONNE O. ALEXANDER , 403 SUMMERLAND KEY LANE LAFAYETTE, LA 70508, 0.0147723220820258, U1202-W4B, 4401/1963, $2,336.43, $450, $239.39, $3,025.82; GWENDOLYN A. MCMULLIN & JAMES KELLY SCOTT, 3757 S ATLANTIC AVE DAYTONA BEACH SHORES, FL 32118, 0.0147723220 820258,0.0147723220820258, U1307-W12B, U1507-W16B, 4401/1956, $4,038.95, $450, $239.39, $4,728.34; ROBERT RAYMOND PRICE & BRENDA DENICE PRICE, 20 HANNAH LN GREENUP, KY 41144-9361, 0.0073861610410129, U2209W46E, 4401/1997, $9,438.40, $450, $239.39, $10,127.79; ALEXANDER CAMERON & SHIRLEE ANN CAMERON, 102 COPPER BROOK LN POOLER, GA 31322, 0.0073861610410129, U1104W4E, 4401/2001, $2,243.35, $450, $239.39, $2,932.74; DENNIS AL PATANICZEK & GLENN THOMAS PARKER, 4222 SAINT CHARLES DR SARASOTA, FL 34243-4224, 0.0073861610410129, U1502-W34E, 4401/1955, $2,243.35, $450, $239.39, $2,932.74; BRANDI HEATH FAIRCLOTH & MARK ANTHONY FAIRCLOTH, 157 SANDEFUR RD KATHLEEN, GA 31047, 0.0073861610410129, U1504-W3E, 4401/1954, $2,243.35, $450, $239.39, $2,932.74; PRASUN CHAKRABORTY & SREEPARNA CHAKRABORTY, 460 LONGCROSS CT SUWANEE, GA 30024, 0.0073861610410129, U1204-W4E, 4401/1951, $2,243.35, $450, $239.39, $2,932.74; PAUL EDWARD HUNTER , 5800 BRUNTSFIELD PL CHARLOTTE, NC 28277-9649, 0.0147723220820258, U2601W19B, 4401/1966, $4,610.02, $450, $239.39, $5,299.41; VIRGINIA C. DASILVA-WEILER 3 AMHERST RD ASHEVILLE, NC 28803-3007, 0.007 3861610410129,0.0073861610410129,

Cynthia Jenkins

Energy Evolution celebrates Spring 2025 Doula graduates

Staff reports

In a time when maternal health is at a critical crossroads, Energy Evolution Holistic Health & Wellness proudly celebrated a new class of changemakers. On Sunday, June 8, five passionate individuals were honored in a sacred ceremony after completing the organization’s Full-Spectrum Holistic Doula Certification Program.

The graduates — Deja Brodus, Deidra Coaxum, Sidney Johnson, Latichia Muldrow, Willie Walker — are now certified doulas committed to walking alongside mothers, fathers, and families throughout their perinatal journey: before, during, and after birth.

What sets these doulas apart is more than training —

it’s what Energy Evolution calls “the essence of a doula’s presence.” It’s the grounded calm, the intuitive care, and the pow-

erful ability to hold space for life’s most sacred transitions. Doulas are professionally trained to offer physical, emotional, and information-

al support, enhancing — not replacing — medical care by centering the experience of the family.

“This work is about more

than support. It’s about creating trust, safety, and sacred connection,” said Tameka Walker, Full-Spectrum Doula Trainer and founder of Energy Evolution. “Our doulas are equipped with ancestral wisdom and modern tools to help improve outcomes and restore dignity to the birth experience.”

South Carolina ranks eighth in the nation for maternal mortality, with a maternal death rate of 47 per 100,000 live births. The state also holds one of the highest infant mortality rates in the country — 6 3 deaths per 1,000 live births, well above the national average.

Research shows that doulas can be a powerful solution — up to 47% fewer cesareans; increased breast-

Continuing the effort

Graber

from page A1

employees at the FDA’s Center for Behavioral Medicine who were focused on the avian flu virus. There was an uproar, popular backlash, and some of these fired folks have been rehired.

In May of 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services terminated a $766 million contract with Moderna to develop a vaccine “for flu strains with pandemic potential including bird flu.” You may remember that Moderna made the Covid-19 vaccine in record time.

Research since 1945

Since the end of World War II — since the success of the Manhattan Project — it became a commonly held belief that the United States could solve every scientific riddle with the concentration of its collective intellect.

In 1945, the National Institutes of Health made its first grant to the University of Utah to fund its research for muscular dystrophy. This would be followed by thousands of grants and millions of dollars to universities around the country.

In 1950, the National Science Foundation was founded around the principal that it was in the national interest to focus on the basics. It was the singular mission of the NSF to encourage scientific research by way of grants made directly to MIT, the University of California -- Berkley, Johns

Hopkins and other schools that would then establish labs and utilize faculty and graduate students in this endeavor

By 1962, there was the notion that we could — with funding from the U.S. Treasury, do just about anything. We could, for example, “Go to the moon,” said John Kennedy in September 1962

“We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard …”

These grants — largely made to universities — were key in developing vaccines for measles, rubella, mumps and, more recently, malaria and ebola. But the research that mattered most (to post war Americans) was the research done by in the 1950s by a team at the University of Pittsburgh to develop the first vaccine that prevented paralytic poliomyelitis

The ‘Freeze’ of 2025

In the early part of 2025, the National Science Foundation announced it would not be making any

new grants; was terminating 1 040 grants; and said it would not distribute monies from existing grants that were “not in alignment with agency priorities.”

Furthermore, the May 2 edition of Scientific American Magazine said the Trump Administration has proposed a 55% reduction in the NSF’s budget for 2026 In those first months of 2025 the Administration also cut $2 7 billion in research funds at the National Institutes of Health and terminated grants that totaled $1 8 billion.

Then the Trump Administration announced that next year’s NIH budget would be cut by 40% or $17 9 billion.

On June 4 2025, the New York Times ran a lengthy news piece describing what effect those cuts had had on university (research) faculty who had long-running grants with NIH and the National Science Foundation. It also spelledout the devastating impact on graduate students who worked in those labs.

When federal funding

feeding rates and satisfaction; reduced risk of preterm birth and low birth weight; and stronger communication and decision-making confidence for parents.

Doulas are emerging as a critical part of the care team — especially in rural and underserved communities — by reducing preventable complications and increasing overall birth satisfaction.

The newly certified doulas are now available through the Energy Evolution Doula Collective, serving Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton, and surrounding counties. Each doula offers personalized care based on the needs of each family, working in partnership with midwives, OBs, and pediatricians when needed.

for a project is terminated, not only can salaries for the researchers, including graduate students seeking degrees in, say, microbiology, immunology and virology, be lost, but results of the work in progress can be lost if the experiments cannot be completed with proper controls.

The June 4 Times story also tells the story of Ardem Patapoitian’s immigration from Lebanon and his enrollment at the University of California, where he got a doctorate in neuroscience.

Patapoutian then started a lab at the Scripps Institute, with a grant from NIH, discovering “how humans sense touch” for which he won a Nobel Prize in 2021 Then he learned his grant to develop new techniques in pain management had been frozen.

“In February he posted on Bluesky that such cuts would damage medical research and prompt an exodus from the United States. Within hours he had an e-mail from China offering to move his lab to “any city, any university I want,” he said, with a guarantee of funding for 20 years.”

Closer to home, at the University of Virginia, there was also distress.

“As a result of these changes, three NIH grants to UVA (University of Virginia) have been canceled so far, and one has received a stop work order. With the funding environment awash in uncertainty, UVA will admit fewer graduate and postdoctoral students this fall …” wrote Michael Gaynor in Virginia (University) Magazine.

Harvard takes a hit

In April of 2025, the Trump Administration froze $2 2 billion in grants, including 350 medical grants, awarded to Harvard University.

The focus of Trump’s criticism were the diversity, inclusion and equity policies then in place on the Cambridge campus; and the pro-Palestinian/anti-Israeli protests that happened last year. The Trump Administration has given Harvard a list of demands centered on enrollment of foreign students and their apparent bias against Israel.

Most commentators following this shoot-out believe that there will eventually be a settlement between Harvard University and the Trump Administration.

But at this writing there doesn’t appear to be much legislative debate about cutting the National Science Foundations’s budget by more than half and the National Institute’s budget by 40%

Now the question is whether or not Congress — the body that actually allocates our Country’s treasure — will respond.

At this writing only three Senators — Patty Murray from Washington, Susan Collins from Maine and Bill Cassidy from Louisiana — have spoken out against the cuts. But many Republican-leaning “red” states have extensive medical research facilities — Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina to name three — and, of course, there is the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston which got $128 million in grants in 2024

One would think those red state Senators (and House Members) would resist the closure of labs and the loss of jobs in their backyards. It would seem that shutting down research at the University of Alabama (Birmingham); at Emory Healthcare in Atlanta; at the huge Duke/Chapel Hill medical complex in North Carolina; and at MUSC in Charleston would generate more Congressional push back.

In April a lawsuit challenging the sweeping cuts (to grants made by NIH) was filed in Massachusetts and in June it survived a motion to dismiss. The lawsuit argues the cancelation of $2 4 billion in NIH research grants violates the Administrative Procedures Act and the Fifth Amendment. It is impossible to predict how this dispute will end; but it is safe to say the primacy of American medical research hangs in the balance.

Of note In the interest of candor, this article was written with assistance from Dr. Andrew Ball and Dr. Gail Williams Wertz. Wertz and Ball are retired virologists who did extensive research of the respiratory syncytial virus; and developed a method for genetically engineering RNA-based viruses — work that led to the Ebola vaccine.

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

Colorized transmission electron micrograph of Avian influenza A H5N1 viruses. Public domain

The Spring 2025 Full-Spectrum Holistic Doula graduates (from left) Deja Brodus, Deidra Coaxum, Willie Walker, Latichia Muldrow, Sidney Johnson stand alongside Tameka Walker, full-spectrum Doula Trainer and founder of Energy Evolution, during the Doula Graduation on Sunday, June 8, 2025. Amber Hewitt /The Island News

Several dozen protesters line the street in front of Beaufort City Hall on Boundary Street on Monday, June 9, 2025. The protesters, made up of several organized groups and a number of individuals, are speaking out against policies enacted by President Donald Trump’s administration. They rally together every Monday at 4:30 p.m. in front of the Beaufort City Hall at the intersection of Boundary Street and Ribaut Road. On Saturday, June 14 at noon, the groups will gather in the same spot for a peaceful "No Kings Day" in front of Beaufort City Hall. Asa Aarons Smith/The Island News

NEWS & FAITH

Salvation is free, but it’s not cheap

The Christian faith believes that God draws people to Himself when they hear the gospel message about how much He loves them. This is why evangelism is important, since the idea is that the more the gospel is presented, the more people will be convicted and respond to Christ.

After a person has made their public profession of faith in God, they proceed to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, which establishes them in the family of God. With complete water immersion, the believer is enacting the symbolism of Jesus' death by declaring they have been washed clean and have died to sin. Rising out of the water symbolizes their union with Jesus in His resurrection, emerging from the grave of hopelessness, and being transformed into a new creation in Christ.

As a new child of God, they have invited Him to become the Lord, King, and Master of all they are and hope to be. Their lives are now based on the desire to manifest the character of Christ, instead of making decisions that were once controlled by carnal thinking. This new state of mind continues to be developed by a spiritual process of a renewed consciousness that chooses to stay focused on God and be aware of His presence. The Bible is not just a friendly recommendation or suggestion when it comes to salvation, it's the word of God that demands that His children live holy as He is holy and to listen and obey His

still small voice. This includes not just growing and maturing in their faith to trust Him in every situation, but to earnestly pray for courage and determination to resist temptation, along with a hatred for sin.

Jesus was tempted but never sinned. He was a natural man of flesh, but He was also the divine Son of God. When we become a Christian, we are also tempted to indulge in things that are wrong, but God in His mercy and grace, has made an opportunity for His children to not only resist the dark influences and persuasions but also to repent and receive forgiveness for their trespasses when they sin.

An important aspect of iniquity to remember there is a difference between making mistakes and willingly committing intentional sin. We do not hear a lot about trespasses anymore, due to the reality that people (even Christians) do not want to be reminded of their dark habits and secrets. We spend, eat, dream, plan, say, and do whatever we want, but how many times do we stop and ask God if our choices are His will?

The blood that Jesus shed on

the cross provides the only sacrifice that can forgive and wash the human heart and soul clean. Those who are now committed to walking on the straight and narrow path of obedience are in covenant with God. The old hymn, “I surrender all” speaks volumes about where we stand with the Lord and how serious we are about taking up our cross and following Him.

When Jesus was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane right before He was arrested, He is quoted in Luke 22:42 saying, “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine be done.” He surrendered His life for the glory of God,

and this is our perfect example to follow.

It’s good for the Christian to realize that just because we have been given the gift of eternal life, this does not mean we are free from the accountability of being sanctified for God’s purposes. Many are watching everything we do and listening to every word we say. If we assume just because our future is secure, that we can do whatever we want, we are living in denial.

The true concept of redemption is that we should be growing closer to God and becoming more holy, not relaxing and neglecting our high calling in Christ Jesus.

The enemy of our souls whispers

his lies, hoping we will let down our guard and place comforts and pleasures above being a living sacrifice which is our reasonable service. When Christians stand before the Judgement Seat of Christ, the condition of their garments will reveal the motives and intentions of their hearts. Their deeds will be examined to determine their rewards and standing in eternity. Salvation is free, but it is not cheap. The spiritual reality is that it will cost us everything.

William F. Holland Jr. is an ordained minister, chaplain, and author. Read more about the Christian life at billyhollandministries.com.

Beaufort Memorial welcomes new board-certified orthopedic surgeon

Staff reports

To expand orthopedic options for patients in the growing Lowcountry region, Beaufort Memorial has added an experienced surgeon and his training in sports medicine to the Orthopaedic Specialists team.

Board certified in orthopedic surgery, Dr. Cory A. Messerschmidt will bring his expertise in joint preservation, replacement and robotic surgical techniques to the practice, seeing patients in both Port Royal and Okatie. Fellowship trained in sports medicine,

Dr. Cory A. Messerschmidt

he also performs minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures such as ACL repairs, meniscus preservation and shoulder arthroscopy for both adult and pediatric patients.

He joins the practice from his role as an orthopedic surgeon at Tallahassee Orthopedic Clinic in southern Georgia. His interest in medicine developed in high

school, when he volunteered at a hometown emergency room in Virginia with his father.

In college, he knew he’d found his calling after shadowing an orthopedic surgeon at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., calling it an “experience he’ll never forget.” There, he learned the importance of developing a connection as a surgeon with patients.

“Building a physician-patient relationship means understanding their concerns and their goals, and helping patients get back to do-

ing what they love,” he said. “If we work together, we can accomplish those goals.”

During his sports medicine fellowship at Emory University, Dr. Messerschmidt worked alongside professional sports teams such as the Atlanta Falcons and NCAA collegiate teams including Georgia Tech. In recent years, he has worked closely with local high school athletes, helping them recover from sports-related injuries and make a confident return to activity.

With a residency at the Med-

ical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in Charleston under his belt, Dr. Messerschmidt is no stranger to the Lowcountry. He, his wife Dominique, their two children and dog are excited to make Beaufort their home.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Messerschmidt in the Beaufort Memorial Orthopaedic Specialists location in Port Royal at 1680 Ribaut Road or in Okatie at the Okatie Medical Pavilion (122 Okatie Center Boulevard North, Suite 210), call 843-522-3015

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, June 18; Wednesday, July 16; Saturday, July 26; Wednesday, Aug. 20; and Wednesday, Sept. 17

To sign up for a class, visit https://beaufortsc.easypollworker. com/home.

NOB

Democratic Club meeting June 19

The Northern Beaufort County Democratic Club will meet at 6 p.m., Thursday, June 19 at the Old Grace AME Chapel at 502 Charles Street in downtown Beaufort. The guest speaker will be Sylvia Wright, who is "running for Superintendent of Education to restore the constitutional and deeply patriotic promise of a free, high quality public education in South Carolina.”

The NOB Dems, along with several other groups, rally together every Monday at 4:30 p.m. in front of the Beaufort City Hall. These rallies are going on all over the United States. If you wish to add your voice in support, bring a sign (no vulgarity), stay behind the sidewalk, and off the median.

On Saturday, June 14 at noon, the group will join others for a peaceful "No Kings Day" in front of Beaufort City Hall.

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 accu-

rately 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 Beaufort, the service is available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mon-

days, June 23 and August 25 at the United Way of the Lowcountry Beaufort Office at 1277 Ribaut Road.

Limited spots are available, and in-person appointments are required. Visit www.uwlowcountry. org/VITA to reserve your spot, check for eligibility requirements and to find a list of necessary documents to bring.

– Staff reports

County Council Chairman Alice Howard of District 4 speaks to a crowd during the Legislative Reception held on Friday, June 6, 2025 at Habersham Marketplace. Amber Hewitt/The Island News

WILLIAM F. HOLLAND JR.

STATE NEWS

SC braces for renewed offshore drilling fight

By Jack O’Toole StatehouseReport.com

Palmetto State political and environmental leaders say it’s too soon to know how serious the renewed threat of offshore oil drilling is for the South Carolina coast.

The Trump administration has officially put the issue under review at the federal level, according to federal officials. But in 2020, Trump signed an executive order that banned drilling off the South Atlantic seaboard through 2032. Now just five years later, the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has started a long review process that could change that order — and replace the state’s famous slogan, “Smiling faces, beautiful places,” with “Drill, baby, drill.”

With a $30 billion tourist industry and some of the nation’s most pristine beaches and ocean ecosystems at stake, state leaders aren’t taking a wait-and-see approach to the issue. Instead, they’re speaking out now — and they’re making their position as clear as the waterways they’re trying to protect.

“Governor McMaster has long opposed drilling off South Carolina’s coast,” said Brandon Charochak, a spokesman for Gov. Henry McMaster. “And he continues to do so today.”

Lowcountry Republican Rep. Nancy Mace, whose 1st District stretches from Charleston to Beaufort, was equally definitive on social media.

“We’ve always opposed offshore drilling off South Carolina’s coast,” she said in a June 2 post on X. “President Trump banned it … to protect our tourism, our fisheries, and our way of life. We stand with the people of South Carolina who oppose it too.”

So why is offshore drilling back on the table, given the 2020 ban and ongoing state opposition?

First, a more recent Trump order that was signed on his first day in office in January, directed federal officials to “unleash American ener-

gy,” which led to the current BOEM review. And second, the move to expand offshore drilling enjoys strong support from powerful industry players.

“We applaud … the administration for taking action to unleash America’s vast offshore oil and natural gas resources and restore a pro-American energy approach to federal [offshore oil] leasing,” said the American Petroleum Institute (API), which represents oil and natural gas companies, in an April 18 statement lauding the BOEM review.

The API did not reply to a request for comment for this story.

Bipartisan pushback

Perhaps no two South Carolina political figures are better known for their opposition to offshore drilling than Mount Pleasant Republican Sen. Chip Campsen and former. Democratic U.S. Rep. Joe Cunningham of Charleston.

For Campsen, an avid outdoorsman who helped lead the charge to secure the 2020 ban, the issue boils down to a tale of two coasts.

In South Carolina, he said, our clean beaches and waterways support sun-and-fun recreation, high-end real estate and a multibillion dollar tourist industry. But in Louisiana, which has a dirtier and more industrial coastline on the Gulf of Mexico, the massive refinery infrastructure and perpetually fuel-slicked waterways primarily serves one big business — the oil industry.

“Seventy years ago, we made our choice and they made theirs,” Campsen told Statehouse Report on June 4. “They hung their hat on oil. We hung our hat on a pristine coast. And we have a much more profitable coastal economy as a result.”

Any effort to reverse that choice now would make “absolutely no sense” environmentally or economically, Campsen added.

“With drilling, you’d see the massive industrialization of our coast,” he said. “We don’t want South Carolina to

Sunday Morning Worship at 8:30 & 10:30 81 Lady’s Island Drive

Pastor Steve Keeler • (843) 525-0696 seaislandpresbyterian.org

turn into that.”

Across the political aisle, Cunningham, who won an uphill congressional race in 2018 due largely to his opponent’s rare support for offshore drilling, said the reemergence of the issue shows the dangers of a political moment when all politics is national.

“Offshore drilling brings Republicans and Democrats in South Carolina together like no other issue,” Cunningham said. “To see it rearing its ugly head again is really frustrating, but it shows how vigilant you have to stay on these kinds of issues.”

Still, he sounded optimistic about the issue, particularly given Trump’s closeness to the state and many of its leading GOP officials.

“Sitting here objectively, South Carolina helped propel Trump into office in 2016,” Cunningham said. “I hope that he would understand that this is a core issue to the people of our state, and that he’d return their support by taking it off the table.”

Taking action

The first step in BOEM’s review process is a public comment period, which is currently underway.

And according to political and environmental leaders, it’s a critical opportunity for South Carolinians to make their voices heard before any decisions are made.

“We encourage everyone to reach out and comment,” said Taylor Allred, the Coastal Conservation League’s energy and climate program director. “You don’t have to have a lot of expertise or a lengthy comment for it to be impactful.”

But like Cunningham, Allred stressed the importance of staying vigilant.

“Just because it’s deeply unpopular in our state doesn’t mean that it’s not a real risk,” Allred said. “We need to do everything we can to push back against this possible destruction of our coastal way of life.”

The BOEM public comment period runs through June 16. To comment online, go to https://bit.ly/4kNUpcU.

Dataw Island welcomes 2025 Southern Junior Championship

Staff reports

This week, Dataw Island welcomes the prestigious 53rd Southern Junior Championship. The event was to start on Wednesday, June 11 and will conclude with a champion to be crowned Friday, June 13 With a full field of 156 players expected from 24 states and nine countries, this event often attracts more than 50 collegiate coaches who scout the field of some of the world’s most elite junior players. Past champions include the likes of Ben Crenshaw, Webb Simpson, and Harris English.

This year marks the 53rd playing of the Southern Junior Championship. In 2024, Tyler Sanford of Montgomery, Texas was crowned the 52nd Southern Junior Champion.

The Championship was first played in 1973 with Buddy Rountree from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., winning the inaugural event. Charles Howell III, of Augusta, Ga., holds the record with three victories (1994-1996).

TCL places in top 50 in national cybersecurity competition

TCL’s team jumped from 75th to 38th place in rankings Staff reports

Once again, the Technical College of the Lowcountry has made the top 100 “power rankings” in the National Cyber League’s (NCL) “ethical hacking competition” placing 38th out of some 4 000 teams that participated.

Last year, TCL’s team placed 75th in the competition which uses legal hacker techniques to test systems for vulnerabilities.

In addition, this year’s team, named “Bit-R End,” placed 42nd in overall performance. The competition included teams from both

community colleges and four-year institutions from across the country.

“This year’s competition was tough, but our students were prepared and up for the challenge,” said Angel Kern, TCL’s Cybersecurity Program Director. “They worked hard and performed well together and under pressure. We are very proud of them.”

The biannual event enables participants to prepare and test themselves against cybersecurity challenges they will likely face in the workforce. Students performed such tasks as identifying hackers from forensic data, running industry tests and audits, recovering from ransomware attacks and other challenges. The rankings measure the students’ abilities to

EDUCATION BRIEFS

4 from Beaufort part of Corps of Cadets

Class of 2025

Four students from the Beaufort area graduated from The Citadel as the South Carolina Corps of Cadets Class of 2025 are now part of the Long Gray Line.

More than 400 members of the South Carolina Corps of Cadets accepted their degrees during the commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 3. Approximately 30% of the graduating cadets accepted commissions as officers into the U.S. Armed Services.

The top academic programs for the Class of 2025 included Intelligence and Security Studies, Mechanical Engineering, Management, Criminal Justice, Political Science, Finance and Marketing and Business Development.

Beaufort area graduates who accepted their diploma from President of The Citadel Gen. Glenn W. Walters, USMC (Ret.), Class of 1979, included William Altizer of Saint Helena Island, John Hewlett of Beaufort, Benjamin Kahler of Beaufort, and Matthew Polk of Beaufort.

The Citadel, with its iconic campus located in Charleston, offers a classic military college education for young men and women focused on leadership excellence and academic distinction.

5 from Beaufort area part of The Citadel Graduate College Class of 2025

The Citadel Graduate College Class of 2025 accepted their degrees during the commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 3. Al-

work individually and as a team.

The “Cyber Power Rankings” is a published list of the top 100 schools within the NCL, according to the league. Making the top 50 is a testament to the quality of TCL’s programs and dedication of the college’s faculty and staff in helping students to prepare for careers in cybersecurity, Kern said.

“It’s been exciting to watch our programs grow and expand and to see our students flourish and go on to work in the field,” she said.

This year’s team included cybersecurity students George Norton V, Walt Gnann, Kenneth Casavant, Robert Gorczyca-Groff, Megan Cottrell, Caleb Newell and Lance Mixson.

This is the first time that Dataw Island Club in the South Carolina Lowcountry has hosted the Southern Junior Championship. The format is 54 holes of stroke play, cut to the low 50 and ties after 36 holes, and will be played on Tom Fazio's Cotton Dike course.

The Southern Golf Association was started in 1902 and it the is the founding organization of the Elite Amateur Golf Series (EAGS), created to challenge the best in amateur golf to unlock the most competitive landscape and build the game’s next greats. For more information about the Southern Golf Association, visit www.southerngolf.org.

LIMS art collaboration

creative expression. By engaging with a community artist, students expanded their understanding beyond the traditional classroom setting and gained valuable real-life experiences. Submitted photos

On May 13,2025, Elizabeth Carter-Heinzer, pictured holding her certificate, was awarded the 2025 AAUW-Beaufort Etta N. Mann Non-Traditional Student Scholarship. Carter-Heinzer is a senior at USC Beaufort, majoring in Early Childhood Education. Pictured with Carter-Heinzer is the AAUW-Beaufort chapter Scholarship Chair, Elizabeth "Beth" Hammond, Ph.D. Submitted photo

most 400 undergraduate transfer and graduate students participated in the spring commencement events.

Graduates who accepted their diploma from President of The Citadel Gen. Glenn W. Walters, USMC (Ret.), Class of 1979, included Alison Chambers of St. Helena Island, Caitlin Crumpton of Beaufort, Richard Holihan of Beaufort, Fernando Islas of Beaufort, and Catherine Quarles of Beaufort.

2 from Beaufort graduate from Alabama

More than 6,000 degrees were awarded during The University of Alabama's spring 2025 commencement ceremonies at Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Ala., including two to students from Beaufort.

John Arnone (29902) earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, while Max Bumgardner of Beaufort (29907) received a Bachelor of Science in Commerce & Business Administration.

The University of Alabama is the state's flagship university and provides a forward-thinking environment and more than 200 degree programs on a beautiful, student-centered campus.

14 students from Beaufort area honored by SNHU Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) congratulates five students from the Beaufort area on being named to the Spring 2025 Dean's List and nine being named to the Spring 2025 Presidetn’s List. The spring terms run from January to May.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3 700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President's List. Fulltime undergraduate students who have earned a minimum gradepoint average of 3 500 to 3 699 for the reporting term are named to the Dean's List.

Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.

The local President’s List students, all from Beaufort, are Andrew Deems (29907), Xhesika Donovan (29907), Hartley Schildt (29907), Whitney Hardman (29906), Akally Galvez (29906), Sheyla Castaneda (29906), Lakika Smalls (29906), Samuel Fombellida (29906), and Kierra Scott (29902).

The local Dean’s List students are Shawkat Drye of Port Royal (29935), Matthew Erazo of Beaufort (29906), Rachel Wolf of Beaufort (29906), McKenzie Simpson of Beaufort (29906), and Sara Martinez of Paris Island (29905). Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution offering approximately 200 undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, available online and on its 300-acre campus in Manchester, N.H.

Rauscher named to Dean's List at Belmont Belmont University recently released the Dean's List for the spring 2025 semester, and 47% of the University's 6,912 undergraduate students qualified, including Beaufort’s Kimberly Rauscher.

Dean's List eligibility is based on a minimum course load of 12 hours and a quality grade point average of 3 5 with no grade below a C. Located near the heart of thriving Nashville, Tennessee, Belmont University consists of nearly 9 000 students who come from every state and 33 countries.

Beaufort’s Pellegrino named to the Berry Dean's List

Sophia Pellegrino of Beaufort was named to the Spring 2025 Dean's List at Berry College. The Dean's List honors students who posted an academic average of 3 5 or better on a 4 0 scale while carrying a class load of at least 12 hours during the semester.

Nationally recognized for academic excellence and as an outstanding educational value, Berry is an independent, coeducational, comprehensive liberal arts college of approximately 2 200 students. Its 27 000-acre campus in Rome, Ga., is the world's largest.

Beaufort’s Wiley named to Coker President's List

Kamaren Wiley a Dance-Dance Education major from Beaufort was named to Coker University's Spring 2025 President's List. Coker University, a student-focused, comprehensive institution of higher education with a strong liberal arts core, located in Hartsville, combines round table, discussion-based learning with hands-on experiences to encourage active participation in and out of the classroom.

– Staff reports

The seventh- and eighth-grade art students at Lady’s Island Middle School participated in a collaborative project with volunteer guest artist, sand sculptor Mike Sutton. This handson initiative aimed to enhance their artistic skills while fostering a deeper appreciation for nature through

6 earn Forsythe Scholarships from Rotary Club of Beaufort

Staff reports

The Rotary Club of Beaufort presented $1,000 Lt. Gen. George I. Forsythe Rotary Scholarships to six area high school graduates on Wednesday, June 4, 2025

The Lt. Gen. George I. Forsythe Rotary Scholarship is presented annually to graduating seniors from Beaufort County high schools north of the Broad River in memory of Forsythe. This year’s winners were:

Nick Abrams, Beaufort Academy

Accolades: Sixth in his class; VP of INTERACT Club; National Honor Society; Respect Award; Integrity Award. A cancer survivor, Abrams shadowed a local doctor on the job. He will be attending Wofford College to study biomedical engineering.

Anjali Barigala, Beaufort High School

Accolades: Third in her class; completed 16 AP courses; Class President all four years; National Honor Society; Spanish National Honor Society; DAYLO; Key Club; Chorus; AFJROTC; played soccer and lacrosse;

Club; INTERACT; Adopt a Stream; played lacrosse; Girls State; National Rural and Small Town Recognition; Civil Engineering Summer Camp.

Luikey will attend Georgia Tech to study Civil Engineering.

Maiya Carter, Whale Branch Early College High School

Accolades: Third in her class; Ambassador, Ladies First, HOSA, Student Advisory Council; National Honor Society; Dual Enrollment; BMH Rising Star; AHEC Scholar.

Carter will attend the University of South Carolina in Columbia to study Nursing.

Freddie Lawton, Whale Branch Early College High School

Lawton will attend Clemson University to study Architectural Engineering, minor in drama.

Elise Marquardt, Holy Trinity Classical Christian School

Accolades: 1370 SAT; 30 ACT; National Honor Arts Society; One Act Drama; Math Honor Society; Class Representative; Church Youth Group.

Marquardt will attend the University of Florida Honors Program to study Actuarial Science.

GoSciTech at Governor’s School; Girls State; AP Scholar and AP Capstone Diploma.

Barigala will attend Georgia Tech to study Biomedi-

cal Engineering in prep for medical school.

Arden Luikey, Beaufort High School

Accolades: Second in

his class; completed 19 AP courses; AP Scholar with Distinction; AP Capstone Diploma; Senior Class President; National Honor Society; DAYLO; CREATE

Accolades: Seventh in his class; National Honor Society; Dual Enrollment; Skills USA President; Governor’s School for the Arts; Portrayed Robert Smalls in Reconstruction Era Film; Competed in wrestling, swimming, baseball, soccer, cross country; School Marching Band First Clarinet; County Honor Band.

About Forsythe Forsythe moved to Beaufort in 1972 after a distinguished 33-year career in the U.S. Army. He lived the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self.” He was an active member of the Beaufort Rotary Club, serving in many key leadership positions and was involved in many local business development initiatives and held important leadership positions in his church and in the community. Following his death in 1987, the Rotary Club of Beaufort moved to honor his legacy of service with this scholarship.

ARTS BRIEFS

Distant Sounds to play at Seaside Bar & Grill

Distant Sounds will play from 6 to 9 p.m., this Friday, June 13-June Seaside Bar & Grill at 1760 Sea Island Parkway, St. Helena Island. Call Seaside at 843-541-7224 to reserve a table. The last time Distant Sounds played the establishment, it filled up quickly.

The band promises new music and a shaken-up set list to its fans this weekend.

Conroy Center hosting Open Mic Night

The Pat Conroy Literary Center's monthly Open Mic Night will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Thursday, June 12 at the Conroy Center at 601 Bladen Sreet.

Local novelist Doris E. Wright, author of “Cabbagehead,” will be featured. Open Mic will also include short readings of 3 to 5 minutes each by other writers in many genres. Interested in reading as part of Open Mic? Email us in advance at contact@patconroyliterarycenter.org.

“‘Cabbagehead’ will have you wondering if plants have a life, and

if they can intervene in our lives in ways we’ve not yet fathomed. Readers will love Wright’s deft skill with words, her ability to move the story along, and her ability to keep us in suspense. Dry wit, the suspense over the next revelation in the vegetable dilemma, and Wright’s other writerly gifts will keep you reading. It’s a story for anyone who’s experienced family estrangement or lost themselves in nature anywhere." -Estelle Ford-Williamson, author of “Rising Fawn.”

Camenares featured in June at SOBA Gallery

The Society of Bluffton Artists (SOBA) presents “Reflections of the Lowcountry,” a solo exhibition by Bluffton artist Marie Camenares, on display through June 28 at the SOBA gallery, located at 6 Church Street in Old Town Bluffton. Camenares’ work explores the quiet magic of the Lowcountry through pastel and watercolor landscapes that celebrate the golden marshes, tidal creeks, and ever-changing coastal skies. Her luminous paintings offer more than a scenic view — they capture the emotion and depth of place that define this unique region.

“The landscapes of the Lowcountry hold a quiet magic — where golden marshes stretch to the horizon, tidal creeks reflect

the ever-changing sky, and the salt air whispers through the grasses,” Camenares said. “My paintings aim to capture the shifting light,

depth of color, and sense of peace that makes this region so special.” For more information about this exhibit and other upcoming shows, visit www.sobagallery.com.

Conroy Center hosting Silent Book Club

Silent Book Club Beaufort, a unique take on the traditional book club, will hold its next meetup from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Saturday, June 21, at the Conroy Center at 601 Bladen Street.

A relaxed and pressure-free space for readers of all types, this community gathering invites book lovers to enjoy their current reads in a welcoming and peaceful atmosphere. Join us for an hour of silent reading from a book (or books) of your choice, bookended by opportunity to meet fellow readers and share book recommendations. This free event also features a book swap: Leave a book, take a book.

Silent Book Club Beaufort is co-sponsored by the Conroy Center and the student book club DAYLO (Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization). – Staff reports

BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP *2nd Wednesday, monthly • 6-7 p.m. CANCER SUPPORT GROUP (all cancers) *4th Wednesdays, monthly • 1-2 p.m.

Beaufort Medical Plaza

Reese at 843.522.7328.

From left, 2025 graduates Elise Marquardt (Holy Trinity), Nick Abrams (Beaufort Academy), Anjali Barigala (Beaufort High), and Freddie Lawton (Whale Branch Early College High School) each were awarded a $1,000 Lt. Gen. George I. Forsythe Rotary Scholarship by The Rotary Club of Beaufort on Wednesday, June 4,

A pastel landscape by Marie Camenares is featured in “Reflections of the Lowcountry,” a solo exhibit on view through June 28 at the Society of Bluffton Artists gallery in Old Town Bluffton.Photo provided

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.

CALENDAR

Karaoke with Melissa

7:30 p.m. to midnight, Mondays, Tomfoolery, 3436 17 Market, Habersham, Beaufort. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.

Karaoke with Ali

9 p.m. to midnight, Tuesdays, Luther’s Rare and Well Done, 910 Bay Street, downtown Beaufort. With DJ Ali.

Karaoke with Melissa

7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Beaufort Moose Lodge, 350 Broad River Blvd, Beaufort. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.

Eric’s Karaoke Krew

9:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Rosie

O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke with either Parker or Eric.

Trivia with Tom –

Bricks On Boundary

7 p.m., Every Thursday, Bricks on Boundary, 1422 Boundary St, Beaufort. Free. Team trivia event, win house cash and Beer Bucket prizes! For more information, visit https://rb.gy/o9nhwe.

Eric’s Karaoke Krew

7 p.m., Thursdays, Amvets Post 70, 1831 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Free. Public is welcome. Enjoy Karaoke. Dinner will be available.

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, Habersh-

am 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.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

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 once-a-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.

Free Adaptive Golf Clinic

9 to 11 a.m., Saturday, June 21, Dataw Island Golf Club. Register for clinic at https://bit.ly/4dT7zmy.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

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.

BEMER Circulation Therapy 10 to 11 a.m., Fridays via Zoom. Already own a BEMER? Never heard of it but curious? Join to ask any questions about this leading-edge German technology that enhances blood flow 30% in 8 minutes. Sessions are designed to support those who have their own unit but everyone is welcome. Brought to you by BEMER Specialist -- Human & Equine, Elizabeth Bergmann. Text 410-212-1468 to get the Zoom link. Free.

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

Hurricane Preparedness Workshop

2 p.m., Friday, June 20, Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort. Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Major Adam Zsamar will discuss household/ personal preparations and planning, evacuation routes, reentry procedures and where to get additional information.

“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 843-255-6458.

MEETINGS

PFLAG Savannah –Beaufort Peer Group

6:30 p.m., first Tuesday of every month, Fellowship Hall, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Beaufort (UUFB), 178 Sams Point Road, Beaufort. Free. The group will be moderated by Rick Hamilton and Kay Carr. The provides advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, family, peers, and allies in the Lowcountry. The peer group provides a safe and strictly confidential environment for LGBTQ+ individuals, their families, friends, and allies to discuss the challenges faced in coming out or being out in neighborhoods, the workplace, school, or church. The organization offers resources for counseling, educating, and advocating to achieve an equitable, inclusive community where every LGBTQ+ person is safe, celebrated, empowered, and loved. Minors under the age of 18 are required to come with an adult parent, guardian, or mentor. Additional information about peer groups, membership, donations, and volunteering is on the website www.PFLAGSavannah.org and on Facebook.

Beaufort Chapter of America’s Boating Club

6 p.m., 2nd Tuesday of most months, at various Beaufort/Port Royal venues. Regular meetings begin with a Social, followed by Dinner and often include an exciting Guest Speaker from the Lowcountry. For Meeting Information or Educational Opportunities, please contact Paul Gorsuch, Administrative Officer at admino@ beaufortboatingclub.com . Boat ownership is not required, however a passion for safe responsible boating is mandatory.

Zonta Club of Beaufort 6 p.m., 4th Tuesday of each month, Smokehouse, Port Royal.

Rotary Club of Sea Island lunch meeting 12:15 p.m., 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, Sea Island Presbyterian Church, 81 Lady’s Island Drive, Lady’s Island. Social gathering every 3rd Tuesday at 5:30 pm, locations vary and posted on our website. For more information, visit www.seaislandrotary. org.

Rotary Club of Sea Island social gathering 5:30 p.m., 3rd Tuesday of each month, locations vary and posted on our website. For more information, visit www.seaislandrotary.org.

Beaufort Rotary Club Noon, Wednesdays, Sea Island Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 81 Lady’s Island Drive, Lady’s Island. Catered buffet lunch, followed by a guest speaker. Prospective members welcome. For further information and upcoming speakers, please visit website www.beaufortrotaryclub.org.

The Beaufort Trailblazers –A Volunteer Group 8 a.m., first Thursday each month, University Bikes, Beaufort. Anyone interested in supporting or building off-road/ dirt/wilderness mountain biking/ jogging/walking trails near is encouraged to attend. For more information, call 843-575-0021 or email universitybicycles@hotmail.com.

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.

Northern Beaufort County Democratic Club

6 p.m., Thursday, June 19, Old Grace AME Chapel, 502 Charles Street, downtown Beaufort. Guest speaker will be Sylvia Wright . Wright is "running for Superintendent of Education to restore the constitutional and deeply patriotic promise of a free, high quality public education in South Carolina." NOB Dems rally together every Monday at 4:30 p.m. in front of the Beaufort City Hall. On Saturday, June 14, at noon, we will be gathering for a peaceful "No Kings Day" in front of Beaufort City Hall.

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

Distant Sounds

6 to 9 p.m., Friday, June 13, Seaside Bar & Grill, 1760 Sea Island Parkway, 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. Expect some new songs and shaken-up sets.

Distant Sounds 6 to 9 p.m., Friday, Aug. 8, Another Slice Pizza, Harbor Island. Something for everyone, from the 60s to the 10s. David Ayres on guitar & vocals, Richard Kn-

ieriem on drums & vocals, Eric Roberts on bass, Paul Butare on guitar & vocals.

Live entertainment

7 to 11 p.m., Wednesdays, Luther’s Rare and Well Done, 910 Bay Street, downtown Beaufort.

Chris Jones 7 to 11 p.m., Thursdays, Luther’s Rare and Well Done, 910 Bay Street, downtown Beaufort.

Habersham Third Fridays Music on Market 5 to 8 p.m., third Friday of the month, Habersham Marketplace.

Live entertainment 9 p.m. to midnight, Fridays & Saturdays, Luther’s Rare and Well Done, 910 Bay Street, downtown Beaufort.

OUTDOORS/NATURE

Free boating inspections

Get a free vessel safety check by local members of the America's Boating Club of Beaufort. If your boat passes, you will receive a VSC decal to mount on your boat that will be visible to other boaters and maritime law enforcement personnel. Email Safety@beaufortboatingclub.com .

The Beaufort Tree Walk

Lady’s Island Garden Club invites you to take a meandering walk through the Historic “Old Point” and enjoy some unique and noteworthy trees. The “Walk” takes about an hour, is a little over a mile starting at the corner of Craven & Carteret streets in Morrall Park and concluding in Waterfront Park. Booklets with map and information about each tree are available free at the Visitors Center in the historic Arsenal on Craven Street.

Tours of Hunting Island Every Tuesday, Hunting Island State Park, 2555 Sea Island Pkwy. Free, park entry fees apply. Sponsored by Friends of Hunting Island Keeper Ted and his team. For more information call the Hunting Island Nature Center at 843-838-7437.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Wild Bees photography exhibit Through Sunday, August 17, Coastal Discovery Museum, Hilton Head Island. A photography exhibit by Paula Sharp and Ross Eatman. A public opening reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, May 15 at Coastal Discovery Museum. Sharp and Eatman will conduct a tour of the exhibition before the reception at 4 p.m.

SEWING/QUILTING

American Needlepoint Guild Meeting

10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1st Tuesday each month. The Hilton Head Chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild welcomes anyone, beginner or experienced stitcher, who is interested in needlepoint to join us for stitching, learning and fellowship. For more information, please contact us at hiltonheadislandchapter@needlepoint.org.

Embroidery Guild of America Meeting Second Tuesday of every month, Palmetto Electric Community Room, Hardeeville. The Lowcountry Chapter of the Embroidery Guild of America welcomes anyone, beginner or experienced stitcher, who is interested in any type of embroidery including needlepoint, cross-stitch, surface and beaded embroidery, hardanger, bargello, sashiko, etc., to join us for stitching, learning and fellowship. For more information, please contact us at lowcountrychapter@egacarolinas. org.

SPORTS/GAMES

ACBL Duplicate Bridge Club

9:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Carteret Street. Events will be held weekly. Contact Director and Club Manager Susan DeFoe at 843-597-2541 for location.

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.

Repealing clean energy tax credits will raise SC utility bills, kill jobs

Now that the U.S. House of Representatives has passed its version of the budget reconciliation bill, the U.S. Senate gets its turn to pass its own version.

Let’s look at how the House bill is projected to impact South Carolina’s ratepayers.

The Clean Energy Buyers Association (CEBA) released a study May 15 by NERA Economics Consulting that projects electricity bills for businesses in South Carolina would increase by 17 1%, while residential electricity bills would increase by 11 5% between 2026 and 2032 if Congress repeals “technology neutral” clean-energy tax credits created by the Inflation Reduction Act.

Under the bill passed by the House on May 22, energy projects would have to be underway practically immediately to collect the credits. Construction would have to begin within 60 days of the bill’s passage and produce electricity by the end of 2028

South Carolina’s residential and small business ratepayers are already strug-

gling financially due to the effects of inflation. The new tariffs on foreign imports that have been imposed by the current administration are projected to raise consumer prices even higher. But higher electric bills are not the only adverse consequences for repealing the credits.

If the “big, beautiful bill” eliminates all federal tax credits for renewable energy, South Carolina’s residents and small businesses will not only suffer from increased electricity bills but would lose 4,860 jobs and suffer a $620 million decrease in our state’s gross domestic product, according to the NERA study.

A better solution would be for the Senate to preserve the Inflation Reduction Act’s federal tax credits to bring more affordable

sources of energy like solar with battery storage.

The traditional knock on solar is that it’s intermittent. Investor-owned utilities claim that solar is not available at night or on cloudy days. But if solar is paired with battery storage, that would make additional power available when needed to meet unexpected demand.

Expanding energy efficiency programs also makes good financial sense.

Energy efficiency programs would help reduce South Carolina’s need to build more new generating plants which would help in reducing ratepayers’ electric bills.

But investor-owned utilities had rather build expensive nuclear and gas plants because they result in higher profits for their shareholders. That’s exactly why the utility companies aren’t enthusiastic about expanding energy efficiency programs or connecting more renewable energy to the grid.

This House bill would also add trillions more to our federal debt.

Several U.S. senators are already complaining about

how this House bill would increase our national debt.

In April, GOP Sens. John Curtis of Utah, Jerry Moran of Kansas, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Thom Tillis of North Carolina wrote a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune arguing against the repeal of energy tax credits.

These senators pointed out that the House bill would undermine the administration’s efforts to increase manufacturing here

in the United States. They also expressed concerns that repealing the credits would cause an immediate increase in electric utility bills.

Let’s hope that the Senate will carefully examine these flaws in the House bill.

The best path forward for our state and our nation is for Congress to keep the original investment tax credits in the Inflation Reduction Act to incentivize additional renewable energy.

It’s just common sense to incentivize investments in lower-cost energy projects. Investments in renewable energy will help reduce the federal debt, reduce wasteful spending, reduce harmful emissions and create thousands of new clean energy jobs in South Carolina.

Tom Ervin of Greenville is a retired Circuit Court judge and a former commissioner on the South Carolina Public Service Commission.

TOM ERVIN

The “big, beautiful bill” passed by U.S. House Republicans on May 22, 2025, would repeal or phase out many renewable energy tax credits. Robert Zullo/States Newsroom

VOICES

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

Since state won’t act on hate crimes, counties, cities must

Richland County has the courage. So do 19 different municipalities across the state, from Cayce in Lexington County to Charleston, Columbia, Florence, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, Mount Pleasant and North Charleston. All have passed ordinances against hate crimes and intimidation.

But the state of South Carolina’s General Assembly?

No courage.

In the 10 years since a White racist slaughtered a state senator in a church massacre that killed nine and truly shocked the world, state legislators haven’t had the guts to pass a law against hate crimes. For 10 legislative sessions, the Republican-led House and Senate have kicked the can down the road, again and again.

Only two states – South Carolina and Wyoming – do not have a state law against hate crimes and intimidation. Interestingly, Wyoming was the flash point of the eventually successful national demand for a federal hate crimes law

ANDY BRACK

after the 1998 torture and murder of student Matthew Shepard over his sexuality. So far, the state of South Carolina has been incapable of taking the right, just and moral path to combat hate in a state with a long history of violence based on what a person looks like or seems.

These days in South Carolina, data show race and religion are key drivers in the increasing number of reported hate crimes — up 77% from 66 reports in 2022 to 115 in 2023, according to the U.S. Justice Department.

In the Palmetto State, top hate reports were related to race, ethnicity or ancestry. But about one

in four of reported incidents of hate linked to a specific religion, according to a September 2024 report by WPDE. Other reports involved sexual orientation, gender identity, disabilities and gender biases.

“The FBI data shows assaults, intimidation and vandalism to be the most common offenses, but the list contains many disturbing crimes like arson, criminal sexual contact and kidnapping.”

So with reported incidents of hate on the rise, here’s a blunt challenge: Each county and municipality that hasn’t got a local ordinance against hate crimes and intimidation should pass one immediately. Follow the example of Richland County, which this week became the first county in the state to join at least 19 municipalities.

It looks like Richland County’s leadership has gotten some quick attention. Charleston County Council Chairman Kylon Middleton, one of the best friends of slain Emanuel Nine state Sen.

“Full justice should not be decided upon where you live.”

TYRA LITTLE

Richland County

Council member,

the need for local hate crime ordinances.

Clementa Pinckney, said he’s on the case. “I’m on top of it,” he told us this week.

In Richland County, council members Tyra Little and Allison Terracio sponsored the new ordinance, according to The State newspaper, in part because some cities had a similar measure and some didn’t.

“Full justice should not be decided upon where you live,” Little said in a story. “Full justice should be afforded to everyone.”

Some may think a misdemeanor ordinance on hate crimes and intimidation is not a big deal,

Obviously the ends DO justify the means

Watching and researching the present controversy over the Biden decline, the auto-pen scandal, the basement president and the debate over who was running our country for the last year or years of Biden’s tenure, I ask myself, “where is the Left on this and why are the progressive voters not enraged?”

Admittedly, I must also consider the Left’s point of view after Trumps pitfalls with January 6, the Russia hoax and all the other sensationalized issues the Left remains focused on and come to a bipartisan conclusion. The devout in both parties literally don’t care how their leaders get to a result as long as they get there.

The Left didn’t care that Biden, as VP, boasted about blackmailing Ukraine to get his result that eventually ended up causing the destruction of that entire nation. They didn’t care that

Clinton invented the Russia hoax to discredit Trump as long as Trump was discredited among a small percentage of undecided voters, they didn’t care that a misguided woke movement built up and spread the racial divide as long as billions of tax dollars were spent and focused on minorities.

The Left was elated when Biden invited anyone regardless of moral or criminal history to skip the legal process, endure human smuggling and wade into America’s red states as long as their presence pushed the vote farther to the left. Luckily, the outrage from

Importance of Dandridge/ Island News relationship with veterans

[I’m] writing [as the] recently retired Commander of the Washington Light Infantry (WLI) of Charleston (1807).

As a step in closing out my duties, I have turned over many of my active contacts to newly elected Commander, Col. John Powell, Jr., USMC Reserve, retired.

One important contact is Wayne Larry Dandridge, writer of the Veterans Administration-based (VA) articles you frequently publish. [Virtually all of] the WLI membership of some 200 [are] veterans of military service. We are principally Charleston and Lowcountry residents.

The VA is a vast source of important medical and other related information meaningful to veterans, but also often a complex maze for finding programs and other resources available to American veterans. Larry Dandridge has dedicated his retirement efforts to dissemination of VA facts and options to a wide range of individuals and veteran organizations. His articles for The Island News have been

especially since there’s a federal law against hate.

But local measures like the one in Richland County add a level of legal protection against crimes motivated by bias against someone’s race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexuality or disability. Perhaps even more notable, Richland County’s ordinance covers dissemination of “hate material,” with violations having potential fines of up to $500 per offense, The State reported.

All of these measures send clear messages of what will — and won’t — be tolerated in a civil society.

The 10th anniversary of the racist attack at Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston is June 17

Let’s honor the nine people who died with renewed vigor in making South Carolina safer from hate and prejudice through intentional actions by local governments.

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

the Right, the Center and the Centrist Left realized the folly of those historic blunders and voted hard.

Now, the country is faced with the debate over who was making those choices, was it Joe Biden, a lifelong professional politician who had rarely rocked the D.C. boat in his decades in Congress, the few times he stood up for an issue he either voted to make minorities the target of crime bills, attack Black Supreme Court nominees or repeatedly vote for bloated government expansion. I suspect the same people who pursued Biden to run are the same that ended up running the show and committing this “interoffice coup.”

Biden went from being the guy that could be less abrasive than Trump to an absent bumbling lost scapegoat. If the Bidens were actually intent on preserving his presidential legacy, they would take the time

Joe has left to admit the conspiracy and corruption of the puppet masters and manipulators who ended up using him, but sadly, I think Joe’s own family circle were totally complicit with the entire thing.

Even sadder is now that Joe’s cancer has been “discovered” Justice will remain absent. The Left will point fingers and bemoan slandering a dying or dead president and allow his entire life's service be tainted and shadowed by the doubt and disgusting truth.

Biden could literally change America by admission and transparency, Congress could be unified behind strengthening the 25th Amendment or enacting laws that ensure future presidents submit to mandated checks and balances to ensure that the American we elected is the American making the decisions, even a legally mandated annual physical and cognitive exam with legal mandates

for issues and public transparency would have gone a long ways to save Joe and the Presidency. When the 25th Amendment was passed one intent was to protect America from exactly this, but no one thought that every member of a Cabinet could be compromised or that a conspiracy within the White House could conceal the truth from the eyes of a responsible American press. An investigative press who have been our first line of defense against high political corruption.

Remember Watergate, the Contras, the WMDs, the Pentagon Papers and many more; temper those triumphs with the present day media failures of WMDs, DEI, Hunter’s laptop, Trump’s crimes, Biden’s vigor and brilliance, Milley and Austin’s Treason (I watched Lloyd surrender Iraq and Afghanistan to maniacs, he would be surrendering Israel and Ukraine

if Harris had won) Hunter’s carpet, Joe’s Oval Office toll booth, the corrupt enrichment of the Soros, the Bidens, the Clintons and the “Oligarchs of The Left” over the minorities and impoverished that progressives parade as pawns and of course the pacification of America’s military, left no where near combat ready by four short years of the Left’s Awakening. So, I am left with realizing that the ENDS really Do Justify the Means for both parties’ extremes, they just don’t care how we get there as long as we get there, the sad part is the “there” of the extremes of the Right and the Left are no where near the “There” 80% of America wants to wake up in.

Tim Newman is a S.C. native, U.S. Marine, law enforcer, international law enforcement trainer, PTSD specialist and advocate. Tim lives with his wife Beth on Lady’s Island and can be contacted at sctopcop@gmail.com.

provided to me and forwarded to WLI members for several years.

Certainly, the benefits of your association with Larry have helped an uncountable number of veterans and their families, and I trust your relationship with him will continue.

– Col. Dale L. Theiling, former Washington Light Infantry Commander Thumbs Up suspending programs – what’s next?

After 30 years of service to hundreds of families in Beaufort, the board of directors of Thumbs Up Inc., has voted unanimously to suspend, temporarily, its year-round tutoring and mentoring programs as of May 30. We are committed to continuing the legacy of our founder, Sister Mary Trzasko, who dedicated her life and ministry to helping elementary school students who were falling behind in school due to a lack of academic support at home. In short, we are re-organizing, and will have no program this summer.

This decision was a difficult one, and was strictly a financial one. Following the difficult COVID years and the retirement

of much-loved director Rosalyn Brown, we were fortunate to name Dr. Christopher Thompson our Executive Director in 2023

A gifted educator and innovator, Chris greatly expanded the scope of Thumbs Up to include middle schoolers, a program for parents, and he led us to become a Freedom School in the summer, worked with students in their schools, etc.

Unfortunately, our fundraising could not keep up with our increased expenses, and although we own our Center on Hamar Street and have no debt, we simply could not afford to retain Chris’ service. A native Beaufortonian, a pastor in charge of two churches, and a college professor, I know that Chris will continue to find ways to serve his community. We are grateful to him for his work at Thumbs Up.

I speak for the board when I say “Thank You” to our many loyal donors and volunteers who have helped sustain and grow Thumbs Up over the years. Our local churches have been wonderfully supportive (St. Peter’s, Carteret St. Methodist, St. Mark’s Episcopal, the Unitarians, and the Parish Church of St. Helena, to name a few), as have the many volunteers from town and Dataw Island.

We also want to thank the Coastal

Community Foundation, the United Way of the Lowcountry, and 100 Women Who Care for their past support. And I cannot say enough about Dan and Margot Silva, who for the past dozen years have organized the annual Classic Car Show at Habersham on the first Saturday of each December as a fund-raiser for Thumbs Up! What’s next? The board is committed to returning to Sister Mary’s core mission of providing a safe and happy learning environment for two hours after school, where volunteers (often retired teachers) work one-on-one or in small groups groups, developing reading and math skills for students in Grades K-4. We also intend to have a summer program, to help reduce “learning loss.”

We have no time table yet, as we are in discussions with partner organizations and educators. We will also be seeking additional funding to allow us to offer a first-class program to our young scholars. If anyone reading this would like to support our efforts — financially or otherwise, I would be delighted to hear from them. My email is jrutter@islc.net.

– J. Wood “Woody” Rutter, Board Chair, Thumbs Up, Inc., a 501(c)3 organization

TIM NEWMAN

VOICES

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

Just two kids fighting in the park … not quite

So, the topic of the week, unless you have been living in a cave, is the dissolution of the biggest bromance since Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh in the movie Lethal Weapon, which came out in 1987

I found myself having to research exactly what the word means, and I found this:“It's an affectionate friendship between men.”

Merriam-Webster defines it as “a close nonsexual friendship between men.”

The word entered the dictionary in 2010

To write or not to write about this break-up? That is the question.

Come on, dear reader, you don’t think for one moment that I wouldn’t jump into the fray. By now you know me way too well to think otherwise.

But what approach do I take? The amount of guesswork when trying to analyze exactly what happened between 47 and Musk must surely rival that in the casinos in Vegas on any given day. All you have to do is flip from one channel to the next. The opinions are endless.

But let’s start at the beginning and try to determine what got these two narcissistic egos together. Before encouraging others to "take the red pill," Musk cut checks for Democrats ranging from Eric Garcetti (then just a Los Angeles City councilman) to John Kerry, the 2004 Democratic presidential nominee. Like others in business, Musk curried favor by balancing his support

Ibetween both parties, as his donation history shows on Open Secrets, a nonprofit organization that tracks money in politics. (Yahoo).

It is interesting to note that the billionaire also started out as a heavy Trump skeptic, saying in October 2015 that it would be "embarrassing" if Trump won the GOP nomination, much less the presidency. As closely as I can determine, it was after Trump’s felony conviction that Musk came out for the MAGA leader. "Indeed, great damage was done today to the public's faith in the American legal system," Musk wrote in a post on X. One has to pause and wonder what brought about such a change of heart. Inevitably, power and money, and not necessarily in that order. Much like licking your finger and holding it up to the wind. Fast forward to the past few days.

What happens when the richest person and the most powerful politician have a knock-down, drag-out fight? Take a look at the following timeline and draw your own conclusions.

On May 30, Musk left his role in the administration after a disagreement over the spending plan of the Big Beautiful Bill.

Let’s not forget the going away “party” and that, in his leave-taking, Musk was presented with what looked like a “key” to the White House. That irony was not lost on me -- more representative of a key to vital information that never should have been made available. But I digress.

On June 5, Trump and Musk began feuding online by exchanging a series of insults on social media.

In one of his jabs made on X, Musk claimed that "Trump would have lost the election" without him.

That day, Trump was asked about Musk's online comments during an Oval Office press conference, to which he admitted that their friendship had soured.

"Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore,” he said, adding that he was "very disappointed" in Musk. (People.com) Mild stuff for 47’s usual bluster.

As the jousting continued, 47 came out with this: "The easiest way to save money in our budget, billions and billions of dollars, is to terminate Elon's governmental subsidies and contracts. Musk responded, “Bring it on.” It's wasn’t a one-way street, however. After that volley, Musk called for Trump's impeachment and dared him to cut funding for his companies.

Musk also said he was accelerating the decommissioning of his Dragon spacecraft, which the U.S. relies on to carry American astronauts and supplies to the

International Space Station.

But hours later, he appeared to back down from that threat, saying in response to a post on X urging him to cool off: "Good advice. OK, we won't decommission Dragon."

Late on June 2, Musk said he was dropping the "really big bomb" — suggesting, without evidence, that Trump appears in unreleased files related to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Someone online posed a question that is crucial at this point: “What do the Dems do, short of gloating, regarding this “best buds break-up,” this “bros to foes” event? As delicious as it may seem, caution is advised.

An anonymous individual replied with this: “I understand that it’s hard to resist the temptation. Musk is out there attacking the Republican reconciliation bill as a

“disgusting abomination.”

He’s threatening to use his money to help “fire” Republicans who go along with it.” I would add to that warning, “beware of Greeks bearing gifts.” Those horses can get you every time.

I couldn’t help but laugh to myself when reading all of this. All I could think of was 47’s caustic comment about Putin and Zelinsky, saying they were like “boys fighting in the park, and that we should probably just let them continue to fight.” Ah, Donnie, know thyself!

One commentator referenced Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar,”’ which, of course, I immediately pounced upon. “In his eulogy for Caesar, Shakespeare’s Mark Antony famously — and, of course, disingenuously — claims that he came “to bury Caesar, not to praise him.”

We may never know the real reasons for why this rift happened. More

importantly, we are still awaiting the fallout and what it will mean for both parties. What we do know is the onslaught of threats has been fast and furious. And so, to those Democrats who are so anxious to align with Musk, reaping the spoils, so to speak, you should never forget for one moment that he really is a chainsawwielding, bureaucracybreaking villain. He’s done immeasurable damage to our government. He may be gone from Washington, but, to paraphrase Mark Antony’s speech, the evil Musk has done lives on after him. And more broadly he has proven himself to be an enemy of democracy.

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.”

The ‘good old days’ … eh, I’ll pass

suppose one of the inevitable consequences of getting old is that you think back to the years of your childhood and remember how much simpler and better life was then.

I came of age in the 1950’s when life in America was pretty simple. The post-World War II economy was booming and things were good or improving for most people.

A nice house could be had for $10 000, a new car for less than $2,000, and a pretty good used one was around $500. Gas was about 25 cents per gallon. A Coke was a nickel, a McDonald’s cheeseburger was 15 cents, fries were a dime, and a milkshake was 15 cents.

Two people could eat lunch for less than a dollar. A new pair of Levi’s were $3, a shirt $2, a new pair of boots were $10 if they were made in Mexico or as much as $25 if you could afford Lucchese’s from Texas, but only a few could.

I worked before and after school at a local dry cleaners from 1956 through 1960 and was paid $11 per week and never thought about asking for a raise. It was enough for me to put $2 a week in a savings account at the bank, and provide spending and gas money for the rest of the week when I started to drive. World War II hero Dwight D. Eisenhower was President. He never lied to the people, there was no inflation, a small national debt, and you could hear the truth about national and world events every night on the “CBS Evening News” with Walter

Cronkite, who would never even thought about slanting or misreporting the news, at least so we believed.

The Saturday afternoon double feature, which included two cartoons at the State Theater, was 15 cents; popcorn was a dime. John Wayne, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers were every little boy’s heroes. I am not sure about little girls. At that point they were just people to be avoided at all costs, and yes that did change later on. What was not to like?

As radio commentator Paul Harvey used to say, “Here is the rest of the story.” The average wage in 1957 was $3,650 per year. Most women stayed home and raised children. The ones who did work were most likely secretaries or school teachers -not much else was open to them.

Every summer people feared the inevitable Polio epidemics that would sweep the country. Everyone knew of a child who was confined to an Iron Lung,

and others who wore steel braces on their legs to be able to walk with crutches. Children died from diseases like scarlet fever, measles and even mumps.

For older people, a fall and broken hip was life changing or even slow death. It was not uncommon to see older men painfully walking around on worn out knees, for which there was no cure.

People began to age rapidly after 60, and few lived into their 80’s. Cataracts would eventually lead to blindness, heart attacks were common, and there was no such thing as a stent or a heart bypass, so most with heart disease simply died early.

Atomic war with Russia was an ever-present cloud that hung over the country. Children in school were subjected to atomic attack drills where they were told to hide under their desks and duck their heads until the all clear was sounded. There were Civil Defense shelters in most public buildings where people

were instructed to go in case of an atomic attack. We were fighting a war in Korea, and Americans were dying -- most people didn’t understand where or why. I wouldn't go back, if I could, because statistically, I would have died 10 years ago. Russia is still a threat, politicians and news people engender little respect, and the cost of living continues to go up along with the national debt. Even so, we in the United States live better than we ever have before, so in truth, “The Good Old Days” were not as good as they are today, and best of all, I am still alive and kicking.

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.

I’ve been quiet

I want to say I love The Island News. I used to write frequently but haven't lately.

I want to welcome columnist Tim Newman. I enjoyed his comments even though I didn't agree with everything he wrote. I was a moderate republican for first 30 years of my voting life. Then Republicans went crazy. It started with Attorney General Republican John Ashcroft of Missouri where I grew up. [He would not allow] the parents of Nancy Cruzan who was a vegetable hospitalized for 17 years were not

allowed to pull the plug on life support advocated by seven different doctors. This eventually led to bankruptcy and divorce. Nancy later passed.

My reaction was the Republican Party, self-called the party of small government, fiscal responsibility, and strong defense, could impose its will in family matters?

Then [they] went to policing the bedrooms of Americans, rights of women, and gays and transgenders. I had enough. I started voting split ticket, then later, I went to straight ticket Democrat. If Republicans

return to small government and fiscal responsibility I will return. Cell phones and driving — The Charleston City Paper. For six years of my life, I drove a big truck coast to coast. While in Pennsylvania, a car passed me with a young woman driving while sitting Indian style, a cell phone in her ear, the other hand talking — no hands on the wheel or feet on the floor. Sometime later I ran into a backup. Other truckers were talking about a wreck on the CB radio with a body bag being removed. Car went into the median and

struck a tree. When I passed the wreck site, it was the girl in the car that passed me. – Don Cass, Beaufort

Thanks I wish to thank you for your efforts to inform veterans of the benefits available to them and their families. Especially Larry Dandridge’s articles on the benefits available to veterans. This service is much appreciated. – Michael R. Cortright, Veteran Service Officer, S.E. Division Marine Corps League

Carol Lucas

CAROL LUCAS

JIM DICKSON

By Lance Cpl.

Kenneth Johnson USMC

MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT PARRIS

ISLAND – At 32, Isaac Ago

Zutah stood at the threshold of a dream. With a suitcase in hand and hope in his heart, he left Ghana — the first in his family ever to do so — bound for the United States.

"You could see the joy from the house," Zutah recalled. "The first person to leave [Ghana] was from the house."

His family gathered, beaming with pride, watching him take the first steps toward a future none of them had seen but all believed in. It was a moment of triumph wrapped in uncertainty.

But the journey would soon demand more than courage. It would ask for sacrifice.

When Zutah arrived in America, the U.S. Marine Corps was not part of his plan. The idea hadn’t even crossed his mind — until, as he describes it, a door opened unexpectedly.

“The graces found me here,” he said. “Being in the United States is a grace. Being in the Marine Corps was a decision I made while I was in the States.”

That decision would change his life.

Through the grueling challenges of recruit training, Zutah found himself shaped by the values of the

A path forward

Immigrant from Ghana honors dream with service

Corps: discipline, perseverance and commitment — not just to country, but to family and the home he had left behind.

Perhaps the hardest test came before he ever wore the uniform.

Just months before his departure, Zutah’s son was born. Though Isaac had already secured his visa, his newborn had not been included — and time ran out.

"At the time we had the visa he was not born, so I

had to send emails to the embassy,” he said. “They did not give me a visa, but they gave me an email saying I could travel with a child without a visa."

But when they arrived at the airport, hope turned to heartbreak.

"They said they hadn't seen such a thing before and I couldn't travel with a baby without a visa," Zutah said.

With tears in their eyes, Isaac and his wife made the painful decision to

leave their five-month-old son behind in Ghana. They hugged him tightly, knowing they didn’t know when they’d hold him again.

Despite the physical distance from home, Zutah carried Ghana with him through every drill, every sleepless night, every mile run in formation.

He never forgot who he was — or where he came from.

Even during training, he found small but heart-

felt ways to give back to his community back home.

One of those ways was collecting and sending physical training gear from the Marine Corps.

"I picked about 30 go-fasters that I will be sending home," he said. "I pray when the need is and well established I will extend that to become a reality in my life."

For Zutah, every step forward was about more than his own future. It was about

Eligibility for burial in a VA National Cemetery

According to the VA web page at https://www. va.gov/burials-memorials/eligibility/, veterans, service members, spouses, and dependents who meet one of these requirements may be eligible for burial in a VA national cemetery and other benefits.

The person is a veteran who did not receive a dishonorable discharge; or

The person is a service member who died while on active duty, active duty for training, or inactive duty for training; or

The person is the spouse or surviving spouse of a veteran (even if they remarried after the veteran’s death); or

The person is a minor child of a veteran (even if the veteran died first) or, in some cases, the unmarried adult dependent child of a veteran.

U.S. citizens who served in the Armed Forces of any government allied with the United States during a war

A U.S. citizen who served in the Armed Forces of a U.S. ally during wartime may be eligible if:

The service member ended their last active service honorably by death or otherwise; and The service member was a U.S. citizen at the time they entered their last active service and at the time of their death.

Members of Reserve components or the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps

A National Guard or Reserve member may be eligible if they meet any of these requirements: They met their legal minimum active-duty service requirements, were called up to active duty and served their full term of

service, and did not receive a dishonorable discharge; or They were entitled to retirement pay at their time of death, or would have been entitled to retirement pay if they were not under 60 years of age at the time of death; or They died while hospitalized or getting treatment at the expense of the U.S. for an injury or illness that occurred while they were performing active-duty services for training or inactive-duty training under honorable conditions; or They became disabled or died from a disease or injury caused or made worse by their service during a period of active duty for training; or They became disabled or died from an injury or certain cardiovascular disorders caused or made worse by their service during a period of inactive-duty training.

A Reserve Officers’ Training Corps member may be eligible if they meet any of these requirements: Died under honorable conditions while attending an authorized training camp or on an authorized cruise; or Died under honorable conditions while performing authorized travel to or from a training camp or cruise; or • Died under honorable conditions while hospitalized or getting treatment at the

expense of the USA for an injury or illness that occurred while they were attending or traveling to a training camp or cruise under honorable conditions.

Commissioned officers of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

A National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration commissioned officer may be eligible if they meet any of these requirements:

Served on full-time duty on or after July 29 1945; or Served before July 29 1945 and was assigned to an area of immediate military hazard (as determined by the Secretary of Defense while in time of war or by a national emergency as declared by the president); or Served in the Philippines on December 7, 1941, and continued to serve there until death.

Commissioned officers of the Public Health Service

A Public Health Service commissioned officer may be eligible if they meet at least one of these requirements:

1 Served on full-time duty on or after July 29 1945. If their service was considered active duty for training, they must have become disabled or died from a disease or injury caused or made worse by their service.

2 Performed full-time duty before July 29, 1945: In times of war; or On detail for duty with the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard; or While a part of the military forces of the U.S., by executive order of the president.

3 Served on inactive-duty training, and their death resulted from an injury caused or made worse by their service.

World War II

Merchant Mariners

A WWII *Merchant Mariner may be eligible if they meet one of these requirements: Had oceangoing service during the period of armed conflict from December 7 1941, to December 31, 1945; or Had oceangoing service during the period of armed conflict from December 7 1941, to December 31 1946 and died after November 11, 1998; or Served on blockships in support of Operation Mulberry during WWII.

* To get a DD214 documenting Merchant Mariner service, mail an application to: Commandant (G-MVP-6), United States Coast Guard, 2100 2nd Street, SW, Washington, DC 20593

Philippine armed forces veterans

A Philippine armed forces veteran may be eligible if they meet these requirements: Was a citizen of the USA or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the USA at the time of their death; and Was residing in the USA at the time of their death.

And one of these must be true: Served before July 1 1946 in the Philippine military (including recognized guerrilla forces), while these forces were in the service of the Armed Forces of the USA, and died on or after November 1, 2000; or Enlisted between October 6, 1945, and June 30 1947, with

building something greater — for his son, for his family, for the village he left behind.

Now a U.S. Marine, Isaac Ago Zutah stands as a living example of resilience and purpose. The sacrifices he made were steep — separation, uncertainty, and the weight of family left behind. But for Zutah, those sacrifices were the price of a dream — a dream he continues to honor in uniform, in service, and in every act of giving.

the USA Armed Forces with the consent of the Philippine government and died on or after December 16 2003

Hmong individuals There are two bases for determining eligibility for individuals who died on or after March 23, 2018, resided in the USA at the time of death, and were either: Naturalized under Section 2(1) of the Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 2000; or Served honorably with a special guerilla unit or irregular forces operating from a base in Laos in support of the Armed Forces at any time between February 28 1961, and May 7, 1975, and at the time of the individual’s death, the individual was residing in the U.S. and either as a citizen of the U.S. or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States.

Next week’s article will cover groups not eligible for burial in a National Cemetery and other helpful information.

Larry Dandridge is a Vietnam War wounded warrior, disabled veteran, ex-Enlisted Infantryman, ex-Warrant Officer Pilot, and retired Lt. Colonel. He is a past Veterans Service Officer, a Patient Adviser at the RHJ VA Hospital, the Fisher House Charleston Good Will Ambassador, and the VP for Veteran Affairs for the local Army Association Chapter.

LARRY DANDRIDGE

U.S. Marine Corps Pvt. Isaac Zutah, a new Marine with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, completes recruit training June 6, 2025, aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Pvt. Zutah, a native of Ghana, enlisted in the Marine Corps in March of 2025 in order to obtain a better life for both him and his family. Lance Cpl. Kenneth Johnson/USMC

LOCAL MILITARY

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, 13 June 2025

Recruit Training Regiment • Commanding Officer, Colonel C. B. McArthur 3rd Recruit Training Battalion • Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel B. L. Tye Commander of Troops, Captain Z. B. Abey • Parade Adjutant, Staff Sergeant M. B. Kirk Company “N”, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion • Captain M. N. McGrath Drill Master • Staff Sergeant D. L. Goodman

PLATOON 3040

Senior Drill Instructor

SSgt D.G. Higginbotham

Pvt Aguilar, Crescencio C.

Pvt Alanis, Carlos E.

Pvt Antonetty Jr, Ricardo M.

PFC Babiy, Colin A.

Pvt Banuelos, Jose G.

Pvt Beauseigneurcollen, Zachary P.

LCpl Bell, Turner D.*

PFC Bober, Kdince G.

Pvt Bock, Jordan S.

Pvt Bush, Jacob N.

PFC Canelavazquez, Alexander

Pvt Caneva, Anthony D.

Pvt Castillo, Jayden J.

Pvt Castillo, Rylan T.*

PFC Cauble, Gabriel J.

Pvt Cruzlopez, Jordy O.

Pvt Darakjy, Andrew J.

Pvt Dumbela, Uzukhanye

Pvt Farrier, Austin K.*

PFC Fernandezmota, Diego J.

Pvt Findley, Shayne A.

PFC Flanagan, Kaleb R.

Pvt Gartner, Matthew F.*

PFC Grafton, Samuel J.

PFC Grewell, Paul R.

Pvt Gunn, Andrew J.

Pvt Henigman, Gabriel J.*

Pvt Hernandez, Brian S.

Pvt Jacob, Eamin

Pvt Landers, James D.

PFC Lofton, Brandon W.

Pvt Madden, Nathaniel G.

Pvt Martinezdiaz, Luis S.

Pvt Mclaurin, Isaiah A.

Pvt Mendezfrancisco, Isaias

Pvt Osorio, Anthony X.

PFC Pruitt, Cole L.

PFC Pryor, Kevante D.

Pvt Quattlebaum, Charles E.

Pvt Sanchezvelasquez, Denilson J.

PFC Singleton, Cambry E.

PFC Smith, Nathaniel J.

Pvt Sutton, Dwayne L.

PFC Thomas, Aveyen

Pvt Trudell, Jaden C.

Pvt Vitellaro, Raffaello J.

Pvt Wentz Jr, Christopher N.

PLATOON 3041

Senior Drill Instructor

SSgt M. M. Arnal

PFC Alford, Meadow J.

PFC Alvarado, Victoria M.

PFC Arnold, Rebekah L.

PFC Arreola, Marisol C.

PFC Bailey, Patience F.

PFC Bou, Madison T.

PFC Bryant, Taylor N.

PFC Carter, Envy L.

PFC Cascoayala, Destiny E.

Pvt Cifuentes, Yaliza A.

Pvt Covington, Skyler D.

PFC Curitomay, Ashley

PFC Dearciaalvarez, Joselyn Y.

PFC Escalanteguerra, Kellyn O.

Pvt Escalanteortiz, Juliana

PFC Estime, Michelove

PFC Faircloth, Gracemarie C.

PFC Fernandez, Gisele N.

PFC Fisher, Rylin O.*

PFC Forte, Francesca R.

Pvt Gaonasotelo, Ayesha

Pvt Gardner, Nadia D.*

PFC Guy, Katielynn T.

Pvt Hubbard, Abigail D.

PFC Jones, Leah A.

Pvt Lindsey, Annabel L.

Pvt Lovett, Savannah R.

Pvt Macken, Marcela T.

Pvt Marcialalberto, Sofia

Pvt Marte, Kiara C.

PFC Mcneill, Karly L.

Pvt Medina, Merary S.

PFC Merisier, Jahleesa L.

PFC Moore, Mykhala I.

PFC Moralesdiaz, Maria J.

Pvt Penahilario, Jenny

Pvt Phillips, Lynaysia L.

PFC Pritchard, Aniya R.

Pvt Ramoslargo, Luisa M.

Pvt Ramosmedina, Cesia K.

PFC Reyes, Isabella G.

PFC Reyesparrales, Nathaly Z.

Pvt Saintjean, Samantha*

Pvt Salazar, Giselle K.

Pvt Sanchez, Kayla A.

Pvt Spenceley, Amelia R.

Pvt Sypolt, Marissa D.

PFC Tolbert, Alana B.*

PFC Valentin, Mariah A.

PFC Varelatorres, Daliana M.

Pvt Vieiradorley, Jadyn M.

PFC Wicker, Libby R.

PFC Williamsbarquero, Rebeca A.

Pvt Young, Elisabeth M.

PFC Young, Willow M.

PLATOON 3042

Senior Drill Instructor

SSgt M. J. Van Duyne

Pvt Abrams, Christian R.

PFC Arnold, Blake A.

Pvt Arnold, Hunter Z.

PFC Bell, Bronson B. *

Pvt Bivens, Brayden E.

Pvt Blackwell, Jeffrey C.

PFC Brown, Aramis D.

Pvt Brown, Hunter J.

Pvt Buchholz, Jadent J.

PFC Burke Jr, Anthony R.

Pvt Caychoallende, Marlom E.

Pvt Cifuentesvelazquez, Tony A.

PFC Clifford, Jake A. *

Pvt Dejesus, Noah G.

PFC Deleon, Josiah J.

Pvt Desantis, Dante G.

Pvt Egurrola, Ricky L.

Pvt Esquivelhinojosa, Rafael

Pvt Hanna, Joshua J.

PFC Hernandez, Colt A.

Pvt Hertlik, John P.

Pvt Koch Jr, Kevin D.

Pvt Lay, Tha S.

Pvt Mccabe, Matthew L.

PFC Mcdonald, Sean P. *

Pvt Mihnovich, James J.

Pvt Monroe Jr, William R.

Pvt Monsalvebenitez, Jorge M.

Pvt Navasalazar, Ethan W.

Pvt Nelson, Reed P.

Pvt Peterson, Jordan M

Pvt Poli, Evan H.

PFC Predescu, David *

Pvt Ramosmeza, Wilson

Pvt Reese, Garrett B.

Pvt Reysomoano, Alejandro

PFC Ricks Jr, Shawn E.

Pvt Robbins, Thomas B.

Pvt Self, Brittan M.

Pvt Serrano, Jake A.

Pvt Serrano, Ronald D.

Pvt Sheldon, Ethan J.

Pvt Sims, Brentley C.

Pvt Underwood, Aiden T.

PFC Vancleve, Jacob E.

Pvt Vann, Isaac M.

Pvt Wild, Tyler J.

PLATOON 3044

Senior Drill Instructor SSgt K. Tran

Pvt Alford, Noah E.

PFC Arenas, George M.

Pvt Arosemena, Patricio M.

Pvt Cardoza, Christopher*

Pvt Carlson, Austin J.

Pvt Ceja, Kevin

PFC Close, Nathan D.

Pvt Collins, Michael P.

Pvt Crouse, Tyler M.

PFC Delgadomontejo, Christian A.

Pvt Delima II, Antonio E.

Pvt Dyer, Carver A.

Pvt Felicianobonilla, Jacob A.

Pvt Gaut, Cameron E.

Pvt Gavigan III, John F.

Pvt Hardy, Jaiden J.

PFC Hasanov, Isroilbek

Pvt Hazen, James R.

Pvt Helzerman, Daniel T.

Pvt Holly, Mason J.

Pvt Hutchins, Dwight D.

Pvt Jiraumiranda, Arthur K.

Pvt Layton Jr, Joseph M.*

Pvt Mailloux, Alexander C.

Pvt Mason, Jake R.

Pvt Mcadams, Zachary D.

Pvt Mcdonald, Jacob R.

Pvt Meininger, Tyzon K.*

Pvt Montiel, Roel A.

PFC Noonan Jr, Sean J.

PFC Padgett, Brandon W.

Pvt Pennington, Wesley L.

PFC Pino, Daniel P.

Pvt Powell, Dallas W.

Pvt Price, Rafe L.

Pvt Rau, John P.

Pvt Riley, Dytrayveon K.

Pvt Rodriguez, Anthony A.

Pvt Rosa, Jaidis M.

Pvt Santosgarcia, Bruce W.

PFC Saunders, Jarrod R.

Pvt Stanfield, Jonathan E.

Pvt Sturdivant, Lukezekiel J.

Pvt Suliveres, Geovany C.

Pvt Tooles, Jeremiah I.

Pvt Uttley, Adam J.

Pvt Viso, Elio

Pvt Warren, John T.

Pvt Wright Jr, Leonte D.*

PLATOON 3045

Senior Drill Instructor

SSgt Y. R. Castellon

Pvt Arms, Lawrence A.

PFC Aucay, Douglas B.*

Pvt Barker, Braeden L.

Pvt Betancourth, Aiden E.

Pvt Brooks, Joseph J.

PFC Brooks, Olav I.

Pvt Charlesalexander, Kevin S.

Pvt Coon, Gabriel M.

Pvt Cruzquiles, Jesus D.

Pvt Cuellar Lopez, Axel

Pvt Deshields Dyce, Nicholas M.

PFC Ealy, Kaden C. *

Pvt Eckert, Jevin S.

PFC Ellison, Lucas T.

Pvt Fairweather, Bryson L.

Pvt Farez, Wesley R.

Pvt Gamiere Jr, Joseph V.

Pvt Garcia, Daniel

Pvt Hostler, Ryan S.

Pvt Humphrey, Ryan M.

PFC Jeronimo, Omar

Pvt Jimenez, Joseph I.

PFC Johnson Jr, Brian M.

Pvt Kibble, Timothy J.

Pvt King, Dane P.

PFC Kola, Xhovan

PFC Kozich, Jaden M. *

Pvt Lasker, Christian A.

PFC Licona, Jery A.

PFC Lindor, Adam A.

Pvt Look, Tyler J.

Pvt Luhit, Johnmarkim F.

Pvt Melendez Tapia, Alex

PFC Mickles, Vincent K.

Pvt Oliver, Christopher D.

Pvt Paolino, Gavin R.

Pvt Pemberton, Zacharia D.

Pvt Pletz, Samuel K.

Pvt Prada Ortiz, Johann L.

Pvt Reyes, Diego S.

Pvt Ridenour, Blaise M.

Pvt Rodriguez Rodriguez, Brayan A.

Pvt Sargus, Elliot T.

Pvt Smiley, Isaiah N.

PFC Smith Jr, Bobby T.

Pvt Stagliano, Nicholas R.

Pvt Taylor, Evan J.

Pvt Thorpe, Israel S.

PFC Walsh Jr, Daniel J. *

Pvt Yuquitigre, Angel J.

PLATOON 3046

Senior Drill Instructor

GySgt J. A. Orlopp

Pvt Acetty, Axiel

Pvt Bahenagomez, Andy L.

Pvt Baker, Braydon

Pvt Barrett, Donovan M.

Pvt Blancas, Bryan A.

Pvt Boyd III, Roy L.

Pvt Buckwalter, Trent A.

Pvt Buntongomez, Michael E.

Pvt Burnham, Jackson J.

PFC Davis, Demetruis W.*

Pvt Diazortiz, Richard

Pvt Donnelly II, James P.

PFC Elser, Lincoln M.

Pvt Engle, Dominick M.

PFC Foster, Hutton B.

PFC French, Cole G.*

PFC French, Cyle D.

Pvt Galan, Ricardo N.

Pvt Garcia, Victor E.

Pvt Gillen, Dalton B.

Pvt Gravel, Jake A.

Pvt Greely, Luis J.

PFC Green, Paxton

Pvt Griesdorn, Isaac J.

Pvt Huber, Landon L.

PFC Hunter II, Joachim R.

Pvt Keck, Ashton A.

Pvt Lopez, Matthew S.

Pvt Malcolm, Logan G.

Pvt Maldonado, John G.

PFC Mcmanus, Samuel M.*

Pvt Morell, Nery A.

Pvt Mutai, Kimibei

Pvt Pace, Collin R.

Pvt Paty, Jeffrey L.

PFC Rogers, Matthew M.

Pvt Romero, Kevin

Pvt Rosenberger, David J.

PFC Rottgeringnordquist, Guntterhenry L.*

Pvt Sherrell, Jayden R.

Pvt Sipe, Sheldon I.

Pvt Thistleton, Isaac T.

PFC Weber, Edward T.

Pvt Weigel, Haiden D.

Pvt Werner, Gavin K.

Pvt Williams, Ethan S.

Pvt Williamson, James H.

*Denotes Meritorious Promotions

SERVICE DIRECTORY

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

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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

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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AUCTIONS

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ADVERTISE YOUR AUCTION in 80 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your 25-word classified ad will reach more than 1 5 million readers. Call Randall Savely at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 803-750-9561

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