Freeman faces 4 murder charges related to St. Helena mass shooting
a press conference held Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, at the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters in Beaufort. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
BEAUFORT
Beaufort County Council spent two days last week talking about budget priorities although real negotiations don’t start until next spring.
The retreat was designed by Administrator Michael Moore to give direction to department leaders and the financial team now lead by Pinky Harriott, who became the county’s Chief Financial Officer one year ago.
Much of the conversation was updates on projects that have been in the planning stages for years, such as the centralized law enforcement center between Camp St. Mary’s and Oldfield Plantation in Oaktie, south of the Broad River. Plans call for a new fire station and an EMS station, but apparently, according to conversational remarks, law enforcement officials are no longer interested in having a centralized headquarters located there but now prefer the current operation with scattered offices in Beaufort, Bluffton and on Hilton Head Island.
County officials are now thinking the site might be good for the expanded evidence space and crime lab while the detention center, which is scheduled for major expansion sometime in the future, would stay at its Beaufort location.
The county has been acquiring property for the complex which
LOWDOWN PAGE A5
St. Helena man has been ‘person of interest’ since Oct. 12 shooting at Willie’s Bar and Grill that killed 4, wounded 15 more
By Mike McCombs The Island News
Anferny Devon “Ant” Freeman, 27, of St. Helena Island, was charged with four counts of murder on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, in connection with the mass shooting early Sunday morning, Oct. 12
2025, at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island.
The charges were announced by Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner at a Friday, Nov. 14 press conference at the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters in the old federal courthouse on Bay Street.
“[Freeman] was served [warrants for] four counts of murder; aggravated breach of peace, one count; and one count of possession of a firearm during the com-
mission of a violent crime,” Tanner said. “Those charges were made yesterday afternoon.”
A hearing was held earlier Friday, where bond was deferred to a circuit judge at a later, as of yet, undetermined date. Freeman is charged with the murder of 54-year-old Amos Gary of St. Helena Island, hired as a private security guard for the events that night at Willie’s Bar and Grill; Kashawn Glaze, a 22-yearold man from Beaufort; Chiraad Smalls, a 33-year-old man from
DragonBoat to relocate 2026 Race Day
With Beaufort’s promenade closed, event will be held in Port Royal
By Amber Hewitt
The Island News
After 13 years at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, DragonBoat Beaufort’s annual Race Day is moving to Port Royal. The decision was made official
at the DragonBoat Beaufort annual meeting held on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025 Dragonboat Beaufort Race Day features teams racing in dragon boats, with all proceeds directly going towards supporting Drag-
onBoat Beaufort and its mission to assist cancer patients within the community. DragonBoat Beaufort offers guidance, encouragement, and resources to cancer survivors
By Delayna Earley The Island News
Four Beaufort-area men were indicted by a federal grand jury with sex trafficking of a minor, sex trafficking conspiracy, coercion and enticement and child sexual abuse material offenses. The federal grand jury in Charleston returned a nine-count indictment charging Jaquan Duvall Barnes, William James Youmans, Guy Frank Talley and Alban Bryan during a case that occurred during the 43-day government shutdown, according to a press release from Friday, Nov. 14, put out by the United States Attorney’s Office,
District of South Carolina. Barnes, 30, of Port Royal, was charged with human trafficking conspiracy, sex trafficking of a minor, distribution and receipt of child sexual abuse material and coercion and enticement of a minor. Youmans, 35, of Beaufort, was
charged with human trafficking conspiracy, sex trafficking of a minor, distribution and receipt of child sexual abuse material and coercion and enticement of a minor. Talley, 28 of Beaufort, was charged with coercion and
LOLITA HUCKABY
Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner speaks about developments in the case of the Oct. 12 mass shooting at Willie's Bar and Grill during
Barnes
Youmans Talley Bryan
DragonBoat teams compete during the DragonBoat Beaufort Race Day on June 28, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
LOWCOUNTRY LIFE & NEWS
American Legion Beaufort Post 207 brings you Furman Oliver, 84, who joined the U.S. Naval Reserves while in high school in 1958 in Florence, S.C. While in the Reserves he attended Boot Camp at Great Lakes, Ill., so that in 1961 he could go on active duty and attend Hospital Corpsman School also in Great Lakes. His first duty station was at the Naval Hospital (NAVHOSP) at Camp Lejeune. He next attended Aviation Medical School in Pensacola, Fla., to become qualified as an Aviation Medical Technician before being assigned to the NAVHOSP at NAS Patuxent River, Md. His
follow-on tour was at NAVHOSP Portsmouth, Va., before being assigned to USS Saratoga (CV-60) that included nine months in the Mediterranean. He and his family then relocated to NAS Guantanamo Bay, Cuba for two years. Returning to the States, he was
assigned to the Naval Auxiliary Air Station Pensacola medical clinic. Back to NAVHOSP Portsmouth, he trained as a Medical Service Technician for independent duty before being assigned to MCAS Cherry Point,N.C., for four years during which he deployed to the Mediterranean with the Marines aboard USS Mount Whitney (LCC-20). Staying with the Marines, he next served at the clinic on Parris Island. His final assignment was aboard USS Jonas Ingram (DD-938) that included deployments to the Mediterranean and Red seas and the Indian Ocean. In 1981 he retired
Elizabeth Nash took this photo on Factory Creek on Lady's Island. 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 highresolution 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.
as a Chief Hospital Corpsman with 20 years of active service. Returning to Beaufort, he worked for United Telephone before using his GI Bill at TCL to earn an RN degree and then begin 10 years of work at Beaufort Memorial Hospital. He had a son who graduated from Beaufort High School and eventually retired as a Navy Hospital Corpsman.
– Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207 For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.
The Sound of Freedom is getting louder
Increased air operations at MCAS Beaufort mean more noise
Staff reports
MARINE CORPS AIR STA-
TION BEAUFORT – Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort will experience heightened operational activity and noise levels in and around the base and with noise levels lasting into the evenings through Friday, Nov. 21, according to a media release from the stations Office of Communications and Strategy (COMMSTRAT).
“While MCAS Beaufort strives to minimize disruptions to the local community,” the release reads, “the nature of these operations may result in elevated noise levels at various times throughout the day. This increase in activity is essential for maintaining the readiness and safety of military personnel and operations.
“MCAS Beaufort appreciates the understanding and cooperation of local residents and visitors during this period, as these operations are critical to supporting the operational capabilities of the U.S. Marine Corps.”
“These activities are not in response to any specific threat. They are planned well in advance and are essential to keeping our
installations and surrounding communities secure. We understand these events may cause brief disruptions and appreciate the public’s patience and understanding. Ensuring safety is a shared responsibility, and keeping our community informed is part of that commitment.
“We thank the community for their continued support.”
Accounting
November 21
2022: HELP of Beaufort breaks ground on its new facility at 1600 Ribaut Road in Port Royal. November 23
2023: Battery Creek High School’s Dolphin Pride Marching Band, along with the Blue Diamond Dancers and the Blue Diamond Flag Troupe, performs in the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade. – Compiled by Mike McCombs
PETS OF THE WEEK HAVE A NEW HOME!
Our Pets of the Week have moved to Page A18 so we can showcase even more pets in need of loving homes. Be sure to check it out and meet all the new faces waiting to be adopted through Palmetto Animal League and Hilton Head Humane’s Hilton Head campus.
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
Furman Oliver
Cunningham puts name in hat for 1st District seat
By Mike McCombs The Island News
Beaufort County Councilman Lo-
gan Cunningham, who represents District 7 (Bluffton) south of the Broad River, has entered the race for the 1st Congressional seat currently held by Rep. Nancy Mace. Cunningham, a Republican, announced his campaign on social media on Tuesday, Nov. 11, and officially made the announcement at a campaign event on Wednesday, Nov. 12
With Mace running for Governor of South Carolina, the seat will be open. State Rep. Mark Smith of Daniel Island recently won a Republican straw poll among the current GOP candidates.
A graduate of Hilton Head Chris-
Charges from page A1
enticement of a minor.
Bryan, 64, of St. Helena Island, was charged with sex trafficking of a minor, distribution and receipt of child sexual abuse material and coercion and enticement of a minor.
Per the indictment and evidence that was presented in court, according to the release, a minor victim had “particular vulnerabilities” – which included drug dependence and having run away from home – and one or more of the defendants were aware of them.
According to the release, Bryan recruited, enticed,
tian Academy, Cunningham earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from USC Beaufort and was an educator for three years. Cunningham was first elected to County Council in 2021 and is serving his second term. He is the Vice-Chair of the County Council’s Finance, Administration, and Economic Development committee and the Chair of the Public Facility and Safety committee.
According to his website (logancunningham.com), Cunningham, a supporter of President Trump, “is a lifelong Lowcountry conserva-
harbored, coerced and trafficked a minor victim, knowing her status as a runaway, and exchanged drugs and housing to obtain sex acts from the minor between Dec. 2023 and Jan. 2024
Additionally, Bryan allegedly received, distributed and produced child sexual abuse material that depicted the minor victim, with whom he had a familial relationship.
Barnes, Youmans and Talley allegedly coerced and enticed the minor victim to engage in sex acts that violate federal and state law between Jan. 2024 and Mar. 2024, according to the release.
The indictment alleges that Barnes and Youmans trafficked the minor victim
tive, dedicated public servant, and the youngest member ever elected to Beaufort County Council. He is running for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District to put the Lowcountry and America First, protecting the place we love, strengthening our economy, and restoring common-sense leadership in Washington.
“... the Lowcountry deserves a representative who will fight for it every single day.”
logancunningham.com
“On County Council, Logan has delivered real results: lowering taxes, stopping irresponsible upzoning, passing the Green Space Referendum to protect our natural beauty, raising teacher pay, and fighting to keep our waterways open to everyone. He believes in securing the border, defending taxpayers, supporting law enforcement, and standing up for parents and families.
for commercial sex.
“Logan’s commitment is simple: protect the Lowcountry way of life, expand opportunities for working families, and bring energetic, accountable leadership to Congress. He’s ready to take the same proven, results-driven approach to Wash-
ington — because the Lowcountry deserves a representative who will fight for it every single day.”
Some other Republicans running for the open seat include Jay Byars of Dorchester County, Jack Ellison, Dr. Sam McCown of Mount Pleasant, Jenny Costa Honneycutt of Charleston, Bluffton’s Tyler Dykes, Mount Pleasant’s Alex Pelbath, and Navy veteran Justin Myers. Mount Pleasant’s Mac Deford, Bluffton’s Mayra Rivera-Vazquez, Hanahan’s Max Diaz, and Bonneau’s Robert Lee Beers III are among the Democrats running for the seat.
Mike McCombs is the editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
into the commercial sex trade in exchange for money, housing and drugs while aware that the victim was a minor.
The two men are accused of working together to exploit the victim, including by obtaining child sexual abuse material and compromising photographs of the minor, advertising her on the internet for commercial sex, communicating with customers to arrange commercial sex acts and transporting the minor to hotels all while supplying the minor with illegal narcotics and confiscating proceeds from the commercial sex scheme.
Allegedly, Talley is responsible for facilitating the exploitation by advertising of the minor on the internet
Furthermore, the indictment alleges that Youmans and Bryan received and distributed child sexual abuse material depicting the minor victim.
Each of the four defendants faces a mandatory 10 years and up to life in federal prison and the defendants also face a lifetime supervision by the federal court system following any term of imprisonment, sex offender registration and mandatory restitution payable to victims.
Youmans, Barnes and Talley were arraigned in federal court on Oct. 9 and were all ordered detained, according to the press release.
Bryan was ordered detained by U.S. Magistrate
Judge Mary Gordon Baker pending trial after a contested detention hearing on Oct. 16
U.S. District Judge Bruce Howe Hendricks will preside over the case.
The case was jointly investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HIS) and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) with assistance from the Hardeeville Police Department, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Highway Patrol and Jacksonville (Fla.) Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy F. Bower and Elliot B. Daniels are prosecuting the case, per the release.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, which is a nationwide
initiative that was launched in May 2006 by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Project Safe Childhood is currently led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, and it helps federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children in addition to identifying and rescuing victims.
Delayna Earley, who joined The Island News in 2022, formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.
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Logan Cunningham
Two displaced after Burton house fire
Staff reports
On Wednesday morning, Nov. 12, the Burton Fire District, MCAS Fire and Emergency Services, and Beaufort County EMS and Sheriff’s Office responded to a house fire which displaced two adults.
Just past 9 a.m., emergency services were dispatched to a house fire originally reported to be at 8 Old Jericho Road, but when crews arrived, they could find no fire at that address.
Firefighters searched the area and were able to locate the fire in a mobile home in the Sherwood Mobile Home Park located at 89 Parris Island Gateway.
Fire crews entered the home to find smoke but no fire. Crews searched the home for any victims and the fire, and were able to locate a smoldering fire in a back bedroom. Firefighters extinguished the fire which was isolated to a corner of the room; however, while fire damages were limited, the mobile home sustained smoke damages throughout.
Fire investigators believe the fire had been smoldering for some time. The residents were not home at the time of the fire.
No injuries were reported. Both adults who lived there were displaced but refused Red Cross assistance. The fire is under investigation.
Shooting from page A1
Beaufort; and A’shan’tek Milledge, a 22-year-old woman from Burton. The four were pronounced dead on the scene at 7 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive at 12:49 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 12, of gunshot wounds.
A total of 19 people suffered gunshot wounds in the Oct. 12 incident – a number corrected by Tanner. In his initial press conference on Wednesday, Oct. 15, Tanner said there were 20 wounded. In addition to the four deceased, there were 15 others wounded, including four critically at the time.
Sheriff Tanner reiterated there are still charges forthcoming in the cases of the surviving victims. He reiterated, however, that he had no information of a timetable regarding when those charges might be made.
“The other 15 victims are not being forgotten,” Tanner said. “We’re just at that stage in the investigation where we're comfortable making these charges, and we'll continue looking at the other charges, and I expect these other charges to be made. I just don't have a window of time to tell you when that is, and I expect other people to be held accountable for this as well.”
Freeman’s arrest
At the time of the Oct. 12 shooting in the parking lot of a crowded Willie’s Bar and Grill – Tanner on Friday revised the crowd size estimate down to 350 from upward of 600 -- Freeman was still facing charges from a 2023 Beaufort County incident that saw him charged with failure to stop for a blue light, 1st offense, and illegal carrying of a pistol. The pistol charge was eventually dropped. He was also under investigation for a September 2024 incident.
According to Tanner, the investigators with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) were just concluding that investigation at the time of the St. Helena shooting.
A recording of a phone call from early Oct. 12 in possession of The Island News, identified by a member of the BCSO as a dispatch call, names Freeman as a “possible suspect or shooter,” as identified by a third party.
A source with knowledge of that
Willie’s Bar and Grill shut down for now
By Mike McCombs The Island News
Those who have argued in
the aftermath of the Oct. 12 mass shooting that Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island should be shut down – a group which includes County Councilman York Glover and Baufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner – have emerged victorious, without much of a fight, it seems.
Business owner Willie Turral did not show up for a hearing Monday, Nov. 17, in Columbia.
The presiding judge contacted Turral and said, “He was unable to locate counsel and did not plan to appear and would accept whatever ruling I made,” according to according to WSAV-TV.
The South Carolina Department of Revenue, the S.C. Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and Beaufort County investigators, however, did take the stand.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office had sent a letter to SLED, resulting in an emergency revocation” of the alcohol and business licenses of Willie’s, located at 7 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
“This letter from the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office deemed that Willie’s was a public nuisance and that there was a continued fear that the property, if
Willie Turral, the owner of Willie's Bar and Grill, speaks to the media about the events that happened the night of Oct. 12, 2025, after the Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner’s press conference held at the Beaufort County Sheriff Office Headquarters on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
there was continued to have an alcohol license, would be a threat to the public health and safety of the community,” said a SLED investigator who took the stand on Monday, according to WSAV-TV.
In Sheriff Tanner’s media conference on Friday, Nov. 14, Turral had pressed Tanner about why his business
night’s events said Freeman was immediately a “suspect” and told The Island News that Freeman himself was wounded that night at Willie’s Bar & Grill and sought treatment at Coastal Carolina Hospital (CCH) in Hardeeville in Jasper County.
Tanner confirmed that at Friday’s media conference.
According to Tanner, Freeman left Willie’s Bar and Grill after the shooting. Given a ride by a friend, Freeman was later dropped off and then picked up by his girlfriend and given a ride to CCH. “Freeman suffered a through-and-through gunshot wound to the stomach,” Tanner told the media. “He was later transferred from Coastal Carolina to [a hospital in] Savannah, and he was later released from a hospital in Savannah, and then returned to Beaufort County. That's as much as I can tell you.”
According to Tanner, “a throughand-through wound means [the bullet] enters at one section of the stomach and exits at another location. He was extremely lucky [he] didn't have any organ damage.”
Freeman was arrested on Monday, Oct. 13, and charged with breach of peace, aggravated in nature; and possession of a machine gun in the 2024 case.
At the time, BCSO spokesperson Lt. Daniel Allen emphasized that these charges were not related to the Oct. 12 shooting, and would not confirm or deny that Freeman was a person of interest in the Willie’s shooting, but sources close to law enforcement told The Island News that authorities knew he was tied to the case because “several people identified Freeman that night at the scene.”
Freeman bonded out on Tuesday, Oct. 14 and was free for a week until his bond from the 2023 charge of failure to stop for a blue light was revoked and he was rearrested on Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 21, his 27th birthday. He remains in the Beaufort County Detention Center where he was served warrants for his arrest for four counts of murder.
Tanner was asked whether forensics had connected a gun in Freeman’s possession with the four deceased victims. Tanner normally shy about talking about evidence, did not mince words.
“The forensics does show that, yes,” he said. “That's why he's charged with four counts of murder.
was being shut down, referring to the emergency license revocation, insisting it was wrong to hold him at fault for what happened Oct. 12 Tanner did his best to shut Turral down.
He pointed out there had been more than 400 service calls to the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office for
That would be the relationship.”
He reiterated, however, that it wasn’t the only evidence against Freeman.
“There's a lot of connectivity, and not only through witness accounts and witness information, but also through evidence,” Tanner said. “So we're very, very comfortable with those charges on [Freeman].”
About the shooting
Since his initial media conference, Tanner had indicated that the BCSO believed there to be multiple shooters in the Oct. 12 incident. He confirmed that belief on Friday.
“We know that we have three shooters [in this] incident, and we've recovered evidence that allows us to say that we have three people that discharged weapons at that scene,” he said. “One of those people that discharged a weapon at that scene is deceased. And that would be a victim – [Kashawn] Glaze. And the other one that I'm willing to talk about that discharged a weapon there would be Anferny Freeman. But I'm not gonna go in any more detail about the third shooter.”
It is a disagreement between Glaze and Freeman that Tanner said is believed to have sparked the shootings.
“We know that the onset of the shooting was a disagreement … between Freeman and Glaze,” Tanner said. “So we know that ignited the incident, even though there was bad blood before this particular night, that's what kickstarted the gunfire.”
Tanner said the investigation had revealed that there had been “differences” between Glaze and Freeman festering over the course of the past year.
And Tanner indicated that investigators know there was even “a brief encounter between victim Glaze and defendant [Freeman] prior to the shooting at the [shooting] location.
“You know, knowing that there's been bad blood between them for over a period of time, and it's kind of on-and-off, if you will, ... we do know that prior to the shooting on October 12, there was a brief encounter between the two that was not very friendly,” he said. “And then from there, it went to drawing weapons and shooting. So that kind of was the onset of the gunfire.”
ence. “If that's what you're looking for me to say, that's exactly what our efforts are. Not only put you out of business as far as a location that can serve beer wine and liquor, but the address itself is never going to have, as far as I'm concerned, is never going to have a beer wine and liquor license.”
According to WSAV-TV, investigators discovered Turral had no Local Option Permit (LOP) liquor license allowing him to sell liquor on Sundays, and more specifically after midnight. They say they have evidence to show liquor was being sold at the time of the shooting.
that location in the past 10 years, including shots fired calls. He said all of this information was being passed along for Monday’s hearing.
Turral has owned the business since 2023
“Look, the bottom line is we're gonna put you out of business,” Tanner said during the press confer-
Other arrests Tanner said at least a dozen search warrants had been executed in relation to this case in the month since the shooting, including one that resulted in the recovery of two guns, drugs and drug paraphernalia. One of the guns was equipped with a “switch,” an illegal attachment that converts a handgun from semi-automatic to fully automatic, like a machine gun.
Several arrests were made as a result of this warrant, including two unrelated to the Oct. 12 shooting.
George Anthony Williams, 23, of Beaufort, and Janasia Wing, a 21-year-old woman from Beaufort, were arrested and charged with possession of a machine gun and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. They were both released on bond.
In addition, Tanner said the BCSO was able to arrest an individual with an outstanding warrant. Later, Tanner said his bond was revoked for a prior machine gun case unrelated to the Oct. 12 shooting.
On Monday night, Oct. 13, Marktazius Jovan “MJ” Smalls, 23, of St. Helena Island, was arrested by the BCSO in a raid for possession of narcotics; breach of peace, aggravated; and possession of a machine gun.
At the time, Lt. Allen emphasized that the charges against Smalls were unrelated to the Oct. 12 shooting at Willie’s. But a law enforcement source confirmed to The Island News that Smalls, too, is a person of interest in the case.
According to court records, Smalls is now facing a second possession of a machine gun charge, and there was a bond revocation motion filed in his case. He remains incarcerated at the Beaufort County Detention Center.
An ongoing investigation
Sheriff Tanner reiterated that despite charges being filed in the four murders, the investigation into the shooting is “still a very active, ongoing investigation.” Tanner made an effort to thank all the agencies that assisted in any way with the investigation, but especially the Northern Investigative Branch of the BCSO.
“They have done an outstanding job over the past four weeks of this investigation,” Tanner said. “This
“Obviously there’s a problem here and it needs to be addressed,” a South Carolina Department of Revenue attorney said. “And the only way that we can ensure that we don’t have a repeat incident like this is to at least eliminate something that may be bringing these large cracks, which of course, is the alcohol.”
The licenses for Willie’s Bar and Grill will remain suspended until the judge decides otherwise, according to WSAV-TV.
Mike McCombs is the editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
investigation has been a priority to most of our northern investigators, even though there are other cases that that are being investigated every day. But this has consumed most of their time, and they have done an outstanding job. A lot of hours, a lot of attention, a lot of focus to detail. They've done great.”
The Sheriff also acknowledged the assistance of the Forensic Services Lab, the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the City of Beaufort Police Department, Beaufort Memorial Hospital, the Town of Port Royal Police Department, the Hardeeville Police Department, Coastal Carolina Hospital, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), ATF, SLED’s forensic services, the Lady’s Island Fire Department, Beaufort County EMS, the Beaufort County Coroner’s Office, the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney's Office out of Charleston.
He also acknowledged the help of those who spoke up about what they knew about the shooting.
“We have interviewed a lot of people. Some are reluctant to be interviewed and really don't want to be involved. But we've also interviewed a lot of independent witnesses that are a big part of this investigation, and they're a large part of the reason we were able to [file charges],” Tanner said. “So you take the eyewitness information along with the evidence that was collected and processed. It makes the case very, very strong.” Tanner revisited a question asked of him during his initial press conference.
“Is Beaufort County a safe county? Absolutely. That's a sound bite for you. Beaufort County is a safe county, is a safe community,” Tanner said. “We're well below the national average in crime. But the community is not totally safe unless the community stands up and says, ‘I don't want crime at my doorstep. I don't want crime in my community.’ And I tell people all the time, and everywhere I go, you'll have as much crime in your community as you allow. The more you allow, the more crime you'll have. But Beaufort County is a safe county. St. Helena is a safe community.”
Mike McCombs is the editor of The Island News and can
Felling of tree adds to sting of Bay-Charles intersection closure
City’s Park and Tree Advisory Commission faces questions about oak’s removal
By Lolita Huckaby The Island News
Construction at the Bay and Charles streets intersection in downtown Beaufort has generated considerable attention in the past week following the city’s announcement the central downtown junction would be closed for the next 5 to 6 weeks, just in time for holiday shopping.
What wasn’t as widely noted, except on social media, was the removal by Gulf Stream Construction work crews of a single live oak tree estimated to be 100 years old. The tree, located at the eastern entrance of the Downtown Marina parking lot behind Emma’s Earth Shop and Suthern Rose Horse Tours, is estimated to be about the age of the underground stormwater pipes the contractor is working to replace to improve drainage in the downtown district.
A large, 100-plus-year-old oak tree was removed early Monday morning, Nov. 10, 2025, from the entrance to the Beaufort Downtown Marina and the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park, across from the intersection of Bay and Charles streets, in advance of he Charles-Craven streets drainage project. Lolita Huckaby/FILE/The Island News
When word went out, again via Facebook, that the
tree had been removed to make way for the bulldozers, questions were raised about the role in planning of the City’s Park and Tree Advisory Commission, the protector and overseer of the City’s tree landscape.
City Manager Scott Marshall answered that question very directly during a PTAC meeting when he said the tree removal, which at that point, was a “done deal,” and “beyond the scope of authority” of the advisory board.
The five-member committee met to discuss a report on their activities for Nov. 17 meeting of City Council. But their role in the tree removal was raised by members who were concerned that the removal of such a significant tree might jeopardize the city’s
standing in the Tree USA program, a certification Beaufort has held for the past 30 years.
Board member Michael Andersen expressed concern that the Commission had not been brought into the planning process prior to a report by the City’s Capital Improvement Project Manager Raul Dominguez in October that work would include the tree. At that October meeting, Dominguez also said the Bay-Charles intersection phase of the project would not be starting until January and would last only three weeks. Board members asked Marshall if he was aware of any other tree removal in the next phases of the stormwater improvement plan. His response: “not to my knowledge.”
NEWS BRIEFS
County Council hosting "Chat With Council"
Thursday at Bluffton Branch
Library
Beaufort County Council is hosting another "Chat With Council" as an opportunity for members of the public to get to know Council members and ask questions.
The chat will be held Thursday, Nov. 20, from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., at Bluffton Branch Library at120 Palmetto Way.
The chat will be informal and registration is not required. There will be a sign up sheet for those interested in speaking however no minutes will be taken, the meetings will not be televised, nor will County staff be on premises. All Council members may be in attendance, however even if it's a quorum, Council will not hold any votes or conduct any official business as part of this community meeting.
Council members are encouraging all members of the public to attend and ask questions on any topic of concern to them. For more information, please contact the Clerk to Council's office at 843-255-2180
NOB Dems meeting set for Thursday
Mayra Rivera Vazquez, the former Beaufort County Democratic Party Chair and a candidate for Congress for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, will be the guest speaker when the Northern Beaufort County Democratic Club (NOB Dems) meet at 6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 20 at the Old Grace AME Chapel at 502 Charles Street in downtown Beaufort. Ample free parking is available. Guests and first time attendees are
Lowdown
from page A1
will require another entrance road at the S.C. 170/462 intersection, one of the busiest in southern Beaufort County.
Council Chairwoman Alice Howard repeatedly reminded her colleagues the two-day retreat was for information and brain-storming, no votes would be taken.
But Sheriff P.J. Tanner appeared successful in his appeal for a replacement helicopter that he thinks can be obtained for $2 5 million, less than the $3 9 million which was requested earlier this month at a council committee meeting.
The retreat concluded with a lively presentation by county engineer Jared Fralix on artificial intelligence (A.I.) on the advantages and disadvantages and the need for policies to regulate its use by county employees.
welcome.
The NOB Dems, along with several other groups, rally together every Monday at 4 p.m. in front of the Beaufort City Hall to exercise their 1st amendment rights to speak up for Democracy and defend the Constitution. If you wish to add your voice in support, bring a sign (no vulgarity), stay behind the sidewalk, and off the median. For more information, contact nobdems@gmail.com.
Bermuda Bluff Preserve was recently acquired by Beaufort County through the Rural and Critical Lands Preservation Program. The Land Preservation Department was awarded a Local 3% Accommodations/ Hospitality Tax Grant in March 2025 to be used towards passive recreation property improvements.
Trump tariff mayhem, and other uncertain economic and political conditions are impacting our national and local Lowcountry economy and our financial well-being. Attendees are asked to bring food donations to the meeting. The event is free and open to the public.
Nurse practitioner joins BMH Lady’s Island Internal Medicine
on
Beaufort Digital Corridor hosting TECHconnect
Thursday
Join the Beaufort Digital Corridor for TECHconnect at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 20 at Beaufort Wine at 1113 Harrington Street for unique wines and light appetizers and get plugged in to Beaufort’s growing tech community. Get free tickets at https:// bit.ly/43BaxIF.
Happening on the third Thursday of every month, TECHconnect is your chance to connect with innovators and technology professionals over local food and drinks. Come exchange ideas, make new connections, and expand your network. There’s always someone new to meet.
County Land Preservation Department hosting informational open house on Bermuda Bluff Preserve
Beaufort County Land Preservation Department is hosting an informational open house from 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 20 It will be held on location at 110 Bermuda Bluff Road on St. Helena Island.
Council members were left with a lot to think about, including how many of the seven who are up for election next year, will be running again when those budgets get presented in the Spring.
Plastic bag ban: survey shows support for more BEAUFORT – Last year, the Beaufort County Council asked the planning staff to develop a citizens survey questioning comments on the 2018 plastic bag ban and whether it should be strengthened to include plastic straws and utensils, Styrofoam cups and take-out containers. The on-line survey ran from January to April of this year and the majority of responses, from residents and business-owners was a strong “yes.”
A report given by county Environmental Long Range Planner Juliana Zadik to the County Council Natural Resources Committee last month showed 6,062 citizens responded to the survey
Department staff are working on a park development plan to improve access, stabilize the shoreline and provide improved passive recreation opportunities. This onsite informational open house is an opportunity for the public to share their ideas for outdoor recreation possibilities as well as any concerns or issues.
There will not be a presentation, but staff and the engineer will be taking notes of the comments and questions to be considered and incorporated as the planning process moves forward. For more information, visit the Beaufort County Land Preservation Department website at https://bit.ly/49lofmF.
Economist to speak at Indivisible Beaufort meeting
Economist Donald Klepper-Smith will be the featured speaker when Indivisible Beaufort meets at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 22 at the Downtown Beaufort Library at 311 Scott Street.
Klepper-Smith has been a professional economist and advisor for more than 40 years. As a long-time observer, analyst, researcher, and advisor, he has provided economic analysis and forecasts of national and state business trends for both the public and private sectors.
Klepper-Smith will help attendees understand how current economic policies,
along with 138 business representatives.
Of that number, support was strongest for continuing the plastic bag ban and adding Styrofoam cups and take-out containers. Recommendations included making plastic straws and utensils available by request.
Working with the Keep Beaufort County Beautiful committee, she has presented the survey results to the town councils of Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Port Royal and city of Beaufort.
After comments are collected from those governmental entities, a draft ordinance to address those responses will be presented to each for adoption.
Hopefully the effort to “keep the county beautiful” will gain traction and roadsides will look a little neater, plastics in our waterways can be a little less.
Mass transit survey seeks citizen input
How many times have you heard
A board-certified nurse practitioner has joined the Beaufort Memorial primary care team at Lady’s Island Internal Medicine. Jenna Gossett, MSN, FNP-C, is a certified family nurse practitioner with a wide range of expertise in primary, urgent and intensive care. As part of her dedication to caring for individuals as a whole, Gossett will help her patients modify their lifestyles in order to manage chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
Gossett entered the nursing field in 2012 and has since developed a diverse background in the healthcare industry. She worked for healthcare systems in California and around the country as a travel nurse while experiencing life in an RV. She has also been a nurse in facilities throughout South Carolina, including Columbia, Orangeburg, Greenville and Charleston.
Gossett, who earned her Master of Science in Nursing at Chamberlain University in Addison, Ill., will work with her patients on preventive care and illnesses, as well as helping patients manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure) and obesity.
– Staff reports
“someone needs to do something about getting some of these cars off the road?” Or “how come we don’t have a better public transportation system?”
In the never-ending pursuit of an answer to that dilemma, the county planning department is also asking for input on an update of a northern Beaufort County mass transit plan. The response information will be used to help get grants and develop plans for improved mass transportation. The project is being done in conjunction with the regional Lowcountry Council of Governments and Lowcountry Regional Transportation Authority which operates the Palmetto Breeze bus system. For more information or to find the survey go to lowcountrycog.org.
Hooray for Library friends BEAUFORT – Hats off to the Friends of the Beaufort Library and
all their volunteers who, indeed, made the recent book sale the biggest in town.
The annual sale in the Waterfront Park raised money to be used by the Friends for support of various projects at the Beaufort, St. Helena and Lobeco branches.
The weather was perfect and organizers estimated the crowd size was larger than ever.
The sale is made up of thousands of books donated to the Friends throughout the year. Those that do not get sold are shared with area thrift stores and donated to places like detention centers.
Lolita Huckaby Watson is a community volunteer and newspaper columnist. In her former role as a reporter with The Beaufort Gazette, The Savannah Morning News, Bluffton Today and Beaufort Today, she prided herself in trying to stay neutral and unbiased. As a columnist, these are her opinions. The Rowland, N.C. native’s goal is to be factual but opinionated, based on her own observations. Feel free to contact her at bftbay@gmail.com.
Silent Book Club Beaufort Meet-up at Conroy Center
Staff reports
The final Silent Book Club Beaufort meet-up of the year will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 22 at the nonprofit Pat Conroy Literary Center at 601 Bladen Street. Designed to offer 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.
Unlike traditional book clubs, Silent Book Club Beaufort has no assigned reading, no deadlines, and no discussions required. Whether you prefer ebooks, audiobooks, comic books, textbooks, or paperbacks, readers are invited to bring their book of choice, settle in, and savor the joy of uninterrupted reading among like-minded individuals.
Whether you’re a lifelong bookworm or just getting back into reading, everyone is welcome.
The hour of silent reading
will be held from 5 to 6 p.m., utilizing the conference room, education room, gallery rooms, and lobby of the Conroy Center. Bookending that hour, from 4:30 to 5 p.m., and 6 to 6:30 p.m., are opportunities for sharing recommendations and connecting with fellow readers. Refreshments are provided. Offered in collaboration with the Conroy Center and the student-led DAYLO (Diversity Awareness Youth
Literacy Organization) book club, this free event also includes a book swap and serves as an opportunity to discover new book recommendations, make friends, and reconnect with the love of reading. Silent Book Club Beaufort meet-ups at the Conroy Center will continue in 2026 For more information, visit www.instagram.com/silentbookclubbeaufort or www. patconroyliterarycenter.org.
BAA Holiday Show ongoing
Staff reports
The holiday season has arrived and with it festive decorating, gift giving, and reasons to get out and about and enjoy downtown and the art community.
The Beaufort Art Association’s annual Holiday Show opened on Thursday, Nov. 13 and will run through the end of the year. Bring a friend and start your holiday shopping or treat yourself to that special piece of art created by local artists from the Beaufort area.
Small art including holiday themed and non-holiday works will be available. Many of our 2-D and 3-D artists have created special art for the season including holiday cards and small original paintings, woodturned ornaments and wine stoppers, plus textiles and ceramics with a low country vibe.
In addition to our Holiday Show, the annual All Member “Best of Beaufort” exhibit
ARTS BRIEFS
USCB presenting Elf The Musical JR. this weekend
The University of South Carolina Beaufort and the Beaufort Children’s Theatre will present Elf The Musical JR. on Friday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 22 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 23 at 3 p.m. at USCB Center for the Arts at 805 Carteret Street in Beaufort. Tickets are $24 for adults, $20 for seniors and military, and $16 for students. They are available online at uscbcenterforthearts. com. For more information on the show, call the box office at 843-521-4145
Promotional events
continue for Seldons’ new book
Promotional events are still ongoing this fall for the new book by Beaufort’s Cele and Lynn Seldon, “100 Things to Do in the Lowcountry Before You Die.”
The new book explores all of the great things to see, do, eat, and buy between Charleston and Savannah, including Edisto Island, Walterboro, Beaufort, Yemassee, Ridgeland, Hardeeville, Bluffton, Daufuskie Island, Hilton Head Island, and more.
will run simultaneously. Our jewelers will be showcased and over 60 artists are participating including featured art from our general members. The show will run through Monday, Dec. 29
Upcoming events include: Thursday, Nov. 20 – Book Signing and Fundraiser: SOBA Art School, 8 Church Street, Old Town Bluffton, 2 to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 22 – Book Signing: Tacaron, 6983 Okatie Hwy, Ridgeland, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5 – Book Signing: Night on the Town at Oyster Cay Collection, 917 Bay Street, 5 to 7 p.m.
Shrimp City Slim
returning to Hop Dog
Shrimp City Slim (Gary Erwin) is returning to Hop Dog (223 Scott Street) from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21. Shrimp City Slim plays world piano blues and original songs from Charleston. You can learn more about him at www.shrimpcityslim.com.
Stone, White holding book signing
Local energy healing teachers and authors, Susan Stone and Ifetayo White, will read from their latest books at a book signing from 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Pat Conroy Literary Center. Come, join community and learn.
– Staff reports
Hand painted coasters by Kim Bogan
STATE NEWS
SC vaccination rates fall, spurring warnings
By Jack O’Toole StatehouseReport.com
As a measles outbreak continues to spread in Spartanburg County despite quarantines, public health experts are warning South Carolina parents that children in every region of the state are at risk for diseases once thought eradicated. The reason: Falling vaccination rates.
Records collected annually by public and private schools show the state’s vaccination rate fell from 95 5% in 2020 to 93 5% in 2025 — a full point-and-ahalf below the 95% “herd immunity” rate associated with prevention of outbreaks. Over the same period, the number of students with religious exemptions from state childhood vaccine requirements has grown from 12 545 to 27 730, or about 3 3% of the statewide school population.
Even more concerning, doctors say, are individual pockets where local vaccination rates have fallen even further, with counties like Horry, Edgefield, Richland and Charleston now a full 3 to 6 percentage points below the needed 95%
S.C. Department of Public Health (DPH) officials tell Statehouse Report they’re working at community levels in “high hesitancy” areas to overcome obstacles including access, transportation and misinformation about the safety of vaccines. Their message to state residents is simple.
“Vaccines save lives,” DPH spokesperson Casey White said in a Nov. 13 email, noting that vaccines have long been a safe and effective way to protect against deadly childhood diseases. “These diseases historically killed or disabled many people, especially young children, prior to the development of vaccines against them.”
Asked last month about the Upstate measles outbreak, now up to 43 confirmed recent cases, Gov. Henry McMaster stopped short of explicitly recommending vaccination, stressing education efforts instead.
“You give people proper information, full information, and let them make their own decisions,” McMaster told reporters. “And they will make the right one.”
So far, 31 Upstate residents, including six children, have decided to receive free measles vaccinations at mobile clinics launched by DPH on Oct. 16. Speaking to reporters Nov. 12, state epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell acknowledged that state officials had hoped for “a more robust uptake,” but characterized the numbers as slow progress.
S.C. Senate Minority Leader Brad Hutto, D-Orangeburg, a longtime vaccine proponent on the Senate Medical Affairs Committee, said state leaders needed to do more to encourage vaccinations — particularly as childhood disease outbreaks and vaccine misinformation appear to rise in tandem across the Palmetto State.
“There’s some bad stuff out there that we just take for granted is nearly eliminated because people were getting vaccinated,” Hutto said in a Nov. 14 interview. “This whole vaccination scare is just terrible. People need to know that vaccines are safe and they work.”
Fighting hesitancy, misinformation locally
Since 2020, Charleston
County has seen its vaccination rate fall from 94 6% to 92 0% — a drop that Dr. Robert Oliverio, chief medical officer of Roper St. Francis Healthcare, called “concerning” in a Nov. 13 interview.
“The fact that a single person with measles can infect 20 more people means that you have to vaccinate about 95% of the community to keep it from spreading,” Oliverio said, noting that the disease can lead to severe outcomes, including brain damage, in some patients.
“That’s why vaccination rates are so important,” he added.
But to get those numbers up, he said, public health officials have to overcome what he called the “three C’s of vaccine hesitancy” — complacency, confidence and convenience. And it’s the first two that have become the most serious obstacles since the controversy over vaccines during the Covid pandemic, he said.
“We’ve seen complacency regarding these diseases go up and confidence in the public health system go down,” he said, adding that the volume of false and misleading information about
vaccines on the internet is “not helpful.”
“Everybody knows that the sun’s gonna rise at dawn and set at sunset — it’s a shared reality,” he said. “There’s overwhelming evidence that these vaccines work and are safe.
This should be a shared reality, too.”
But with bad information so prevalent, Oliverio said, it’s hard for laypeople to make sense of the situation — a problem that Dr. Annie Andrews, a longtime Lowcountry pediatrician now running for the U.S. Senate as a Democrat, said she sees in her own practice.
“I have a lot of sympathy for parents who are trying to figure out who to listen to for accurate information,” Andrews said. “And I worry about the long-term impact this will have on the health of South Carolina’s children as vaccination rates continue to go down.”
That’s a problem the Charleston County School District decided to confront directly in 2021 when it became the only district in the state, and one of only a handful across the country, with federal authorization to
administer vaccines with parental consent in its schools.
The vaccines are available to students with Medicaid coverage, high-deductible private plans or no insurance at all.
“We have a very receptive community,” said Celeste Dailey, a registered nurse who serves as the district’s immunization coordinator.
“So when parents sign a consent form, we’re able to give their children all the vaccines that are needed.”
And the impact, she said, is large and growing.
“Last year, we vaccinated 1 904 students,” she said. “And this year, we’ve already vaccinated 865 students. The number of delinquencies is really going down.” It’s local efforts like these, with trusted professionals talking directly to parents, that hold the key to turning around the state’s falling vaccination rates, experts say.
“I’ve been giving flu shots recently,” Roper’s Oliverio said. “And sometimes it’s a conversation — but when you show them the evidence, nine times out of ten, patients see the benefits of the vaccine.”
SC Supreme Court justice defends opinions on state abortion law
In rare contest for re-election, challengers include former House speaker
By Jessica Holdman SCDailyGazette.com
COLUMBIA — South Carolina
Supreme Court Justice John Few defended his vote to strike down the state’s 2021 abortion law as he tries to keep his job on the state’s highest court.
Few and his three challengers appeared Monday before the Legislature’s judicial screening panel. The public hearing took an unexpected turn when it was House Speaker Jay Lucas’ turn to be questioned by his former colleagues. The 68-year-old former GOP speaker said he wouldn’t have to retire at age 72 — a surprise interpretation of state law that prompted a 15-minute exchange with Senate Judiciary Chairman Luke Rankin, the panel’s vice chairman.
Two other judges are vying to replace Few as he seeks re-election to another 10-year term: Administrative Law Court Chief Judge Ralph King “Tripp” Anderson, who has been on the bench for more than three decades, and S.C. Court of Appeals Judge Blake Hewitt, who was elected to the state’s second-highest court in 2019
It’s the first time in more than 20 years that a sitting South Carolina Supreme Court justice has faced competition to hold onto a seat. The unusual and crowded challenge comes nearly three years after Few joined two other justices in tossing out South Carolina’s 2021 law to ban abortions once an ultrasound detects cardiac activity, considered a six-week ban.
In the 3-2 ruling on Jan. 5, 2023, each of the five justices wrote separate opinions, but Few joined the majority’s conclusion. GOP leaders blasted the ruling, accusing justices of overstepping their authority.
When Statehouse Republicans successfully sought a re-do, they tailored the rewrite specifically to Few’s concerns. When the new version of the law came back before an all-male court later in
2023, it picked up Few’s vote in the 4-1 ruling.
“Without a doubt, the most recent decisions that you have been a majority vote in have created some political consternation for you,” Rankin said.
The Myrtle Beach Republican used a comment submitted anonymously to the screening panel to bring up the ruling. After reading the lawyer’s opinion that Few got it right the first time, before he flipped, Rankin asked Few to respond.
Few noted how unusual it was for him to rule against the Legislature. Since his 2016 election to the state Supreme Court, justices have issued just eight split decisions on a state law’s constitutionality. The 2021 abortion law was the only one he voted to overturn that wasn’t part of a unanimous ruling.
“That actually shows, I think, a great deal of restraint,” Few said.
In his January 2023 opinion, Few cited conflicting language on women’s right to an “informed choice.” He also indicated he might have upheld a ban “despite a complete invasion of a pregnant
woman’s right to privacy” if state law had specifically declared that life begins at conception.
“What the Legislature says about its goals and why it’s trying to achieve this goal is important,” Few told the panel Monday.
To flip Few’s vote, Republicans deleted all references to “informed choice” and inserted a finding that “the State of South Carolina has a compelling interest from the outset of a woman’s pregnancy in protecting the health of the woman and the life of the unborn child.”
Few’s term expires July 31 2026
His election a decade earlier filled the vacancy left when then-Chief Justice Jean Toal retired from fulltime work.
Before joining the Supreme Court, Few was chief judge of the state Court of Appeals and a circuit court judge, giving him a total of 25 years on the bench.
Under state law, the 62-year-old justice is eligible to work for another decade, before he reaches the mandatory retirement age for judges. State law requires judges to retire from full-time work by Dec. 31 after turning 72
Age limits debated
At least, that’s how the law has been widely interpreted.
Lucas, however, presented a different take.
Rankin began his questioning of the former speaker by saying his candidacy “screams politics,” suggesting the age limit could lessen that, since Lucas could be on the bench for only 3 ½ years.
But Lucas said his reading of the law is that the age limit applies only if he chooses to accept a judicial retirement package — and he doesn’t plan to do that.
“I will suggest to you that you are making news irrespective of your candidacy with what you’ve just said,” Rankin responded.
But Lucas doubled-down on his belief that, if elected, he could stay on the Supreme Court for a full 10year term, despite his being nearly 80 years old by that time.
Staff members for the judicial screening panel previously informed Lucas they disagreed with that opinion. And Rep. Micah Caskey, who chairs the screening panel, cited a 2022 opinion from the attorney general’s office to the contrary.
If the Legislature ended up electing Lucas to the high court, and he insisted on staying, it could be up to the state Supreme Court to ultimately settle the question.
“If I’m wrong, I’m wrong,” Lucas said.
“I think you’re wrong,” Ranking countered.
Of the five vying for the seat, Lucas is the only candidate who’s previously held elected office and has no judicial experience.
The Republican, who works as an attorney in Hartsville, spent 24 years in the state House and nearly eight years as speaker before leaving office in 2022. He then went on to head government relations for the state’s largest hospital system, Prisma Health.
Lucas said he believes his position as a practicing lawyer, along with his Statehouse experience, actually give him an advantage. The election by the Legislature is tentatively set for March 4
This will mark the first election since a law tweaking how legislators pick judges went into effect July 1
Among the changes are an increase in the number of candidates forwarded to the General Assembly for an election. Instead of limiting the pool to three, the screening panel can send up to six for a vote.
“If your candidacy is successful, it will mean that a sitting justice has not been re-elected, and that you have been elected to the bench without ever having had served as a judge before,” said Caskey, R-West Columbia, inviting his chamber’s former leader to respond.
ART Budding Artist After-School
Art Club
4 to 5 p.m., or 5:15 to 6:15 p.m., Mondays/Wednesdays or Tuesday/ Thursdays, Happy Art Studio, 10 Sam’s Point Way, Beaufort. Ages 8 to 13. Painting, drawing, clay or crafts. Visit www.happyartstudio.net.
BOOKS
Books Sandwiched In Noon to 1 p.m., Mondays, Jan. 26, 2026 through March 2, 2026, USCB Center for the Arts, 805 Carteret Street, Beaufort. An active community leader discusses a book that has had an impact on the presenter, with questions and discussion to follow.
Free to attendees through generous community sponsorships. Free parking. Our 39th season will showcase the following six experts and notable community leaders speaking about books that inspire them:
• Jan. 26: Frank Rodriguez. Superintendent, Beaufort County School District; Feb. 2: Capt. Tracy R. Isaac, Commanding Officer, Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command, Beaufort; Commanding Officer, Naval Support Facility Beaufort; Director, Naval Hospital Beaufort; • Feb. 9: Capt. Craig Reaves, Commercial shrimper; Feb. 16: Libby Ricardo, MFA, University of South Carolina at Beaufort Associate Professor of Theater and Interdisciplinary Studies; Program Coordinator for Interdisciplinary Studies; • Feb. 23: Andrew Bridges, President and CEO, NEMOURS Wildlife Foundation; Mar. 2: Amanda Brewer Dickman, Director, Beaufort County Library. For more information, visit https:// friendsofthebeaufortlibrary.com/ books-sandwiched-in.
CALENDAR
Karaoke with Melissa
7:30 p.m. to midnight, Mondays, Tomfoolery, 3436 17 Market, Habersham, Beaufort. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.
Karaoke with Ali
9 p.m. to midnight, Tuesdays, Luther’s Rare and Well Done, 910 Bay Street, downtown Beaufort. With DJ Ali.
Karaoke with Melissa
7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Beaufort Moose Lodge, 350 Broad River Blvd, Beaufort. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
9:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Rosie
O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke with either Parker or Eric.
Trivia with Tom – Bricks On Boundary
7 p.m., Every Thursday, Bricks on Boundary, 1422 Boundary St, Beaufort. Free. Team trivia event, win house cash and Beer Bucket prizes! For more information, visit https:// rb.gy/o9nhwe.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
7 p.m., Thursdays, Amvets Post 70, 1831 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Free. Public is welcome. Enjoy Karaoke. Dinner will be available.
Karaoke at Willie’s
8 p.m., Thursdays, Willie's Bar and Grill, 7 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Saint Helena Island. Come and showcase your singing talents or just enjoy the performances. For more information, visit www.GullahLove. com.
Bluffton Night Bazaar — a Lowcountry Made Market
5 to 8 p.m., first Thursday of each month, Burnt Church Distillery, 120 Bluffton Road. A highly curated selection of accessories, clothing, home goods, custom gifts and more by local artists and makers.
Habersham Farmers Market
3 to 6 p.m., Fridays, Habersham Marketplace. Vendor roster includes B&E Farm, Cottonwood Soap, Flower Power Treats, Hardee Greens, Megs Sweet Treats, Vitamin Bee, Lady’s Island Oyster Company, Pet Wants.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
9 p.m., Fridays, Highway 21 Bar, 3436 Trask Pkwy, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy Karaoke with Lt. Dan.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
9:30 p.m., Fridays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy Karaoke with Parker.
Karaoke with Melissa
7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Fridays, R Bar & Grill, 70 Pennington Drive, Bluffton. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.
Port Royal Farmers Market
9 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, year round, Naval Heritage Park, 1615 Ribaut Road, Port Royal. Rain or shine. You will find fresh, local, seasonal produce, shrimp, oysters, poultry, beef, pork, eggs, bread and cheese, as well as plants, ferns, camellias, azaleas, citrus trees and beautiful, fresh cut flower bouquets. There
WHAT’S HAPPENING
are prepared food vendors serving barbecue, dumplings, she crab soup, crab cakes, paella, coffee, baked goods, bagels and breakfast sandwiches. No pets allowed. For more information, visit http://www. portroyalfarmersmarket.com/, visit @portroyalfarmersmarket on Facebook or call 843-295-0058.
Slip and Splash Saturdays 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Saturdays, Battery Creek Pool, 1 Blue Dolphin Drive, Beaufort, and Bluffton Pool, 55 Pritchard Street, Bluffton. $5 per person. Stay busy for hours climbing on our inflatable challenge track.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew 7 p.m., Saturdays, The Beaufort Moose Lodge, 350 Broad River Blvd., Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke with Lt. Dan. Come early at 6 p.m. for Steak Night.
Eric’s Karaoke Krew
9:30 p.m., Saturdays, Rosie O’Grady’s, 2127 Boundary Street, Suite 2, Beaufort. Free. Enjoy karaoke with Eric.
Teddy Bear Picnic Read-Aloud
9 a.m. to noon, 1st Saturday each month, Port Royal Farmer’s Market, Corner of Ribaut Road & Pinckney Blvd, Port Royal. Free. DAYLO Students and other volunteers will read to young children, who are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animals.
Karaoke with Melissa
8 p.m. to 12 a.m., 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month, Peaceful Henry’s Cigar Bar, 181 Bluffton Road, Bluffton. Enjoy food and drinks during Karaoke with Melissa.
DANCE
Lowcountry Shaggers
6 to 9 p.m., Mondays, 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
Beaufort County Championship
10:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 22, Cat Island Club, 8 Waveland Avenue, Lady's Island, and 9 a.m., Sunday, Nov 23, Ocean Point Golf Links, 250 Ocean Point Drive, Fripp Island. $250 entry fee. Entry fee includes two rounds of golf, meals provided both days, tee gifts, and prizes. Practice rounds are available up to two weeks in advance, based on availability, for $55 per player. For more information and to register, visit https://shorturl.at/OkvAP.
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
BEMER Longevity Technology 9 a.m., Wednesdays via Zoom. Seen the buzz on “life span VS health span?” Want to grow better, not older? Haven’t heard of BEMER yet? Come for Q&A about how this longevity-enhancing medical device can enhance your health, fitness and overall well-being in just 8 minutes, 2 times a day. Offered by BEMER Specialist - Human & Equine, Elizabeth Bergmann. Text 410-212-1468 to get the Zoom link. Free.
Rooted Beaufort Yoga classes 5:30 to 6:45 p.m., Thursdays, Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal; 9 to 10:15 a.m., Whitehall Park or Pigeon Point Park. Rooted Beaufort is a collective of local Yoga teachers who host outdoor yoga classes and donation-based events with proceeds being donated locally on a rotating basis.
HISTORY Beaufort History Museum at the Arsenal
10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturdays, 713 Craven St, Beaufort. General Admission for Adults $8, Seniors $7, Active Duty Military and College Students with ID $5. Children/Teens younger than 18 Free. Explore and experience more than 500 years of Beaufort History with knowledgeable docent guided tours.
The Historic Port Royal Museum
10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or upon request, Thursdays through Sundays, The Historic Port Royal Museum, 1634 Paris Ave. The museum features the turn-of-the-century businesses and industries of Port Royal: Shrimping, crabbing, oystering, the railroad, the school and the mercantile. Great gifts featuring local artists are available. For more information. visit www.portroyalhistory.org, email historicportroyalfoundation@ gmail.com or call 843-524-4333.
Tour Historic Fort Fremont
Dawn to dusk, Monday through Sunday, The Fort Fremont Preserve, 1124 Land’s End Road, St. Helena Is-
land. 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
Zero-Waste Tye-Die
11 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 20, Lobeco Branch Library, 1862 Trask Parkway, Lobeco. With Valentina Palacio of Beaufort County Public Works. For children. Requires registration. Call 843-255-6479.
Recycling 101
11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 10, Lobeco Branch Library, 1862 Trask Parkway, Lobeco. With Valentina Palacio of Beaufort County Public Works. For children.
Composting 101
2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 10, Port Royal Branch Library, 1408 Paris Ave., Port Royal. With Valentina Palacio of Beaufort County Public Works. All ages.
“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 843255-6458 for more information.
Mah Jongg Open Play
11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursdays, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road, St. Helena Island. Already know the basics of this fun and popular tile game? Join others for open play – all materials supplied. Cards may be purchased at nationalmahjonggleague. org.
Mahjong Club
10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Fridays, Beaufort Library, 311 Scott Street. All levels of players are welcome. Feel free to bring your own mahjong sets. Plan to meet every week. For more information, call the Beaufort Branch Library at 843-255-6458.
MEETINGS
Beaufort Lions Club
6 p.m., first and third Monday of every month, St John's Lutheran Church, 157 Lady's Island Drive, Beaufort. For more information, visit thebeaufortlionsclub@gmail.com or follow on Facebook/Instagram/ Nextdoor.
PFLAG Savannah –Beaufort Peer Group
6:30 p.m., first Tuesday of every month, Fellowship Hall, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Beaufort (UUFB), 178 Sams Point Road, Beaufort. Free. The group will be moderated by Rick Hamilton and Kay Carr. The provides advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community, family, peers, and allies in the Lowcountry. The peer group provides a safe and strictly confidential environment for LGBTQ+ individuals, their families, friends, and allies to discuss the challenges faced in coming out or being out in neighborhoods, the workplace, school, or church. The organization offers resources for counseling, educating, and advocating to achieve an equitable, inclusive community where every LGBTQ+ person is safe, celebrated, empowered, and loved. Minors under the age of 18 are required to come with an adult parent, guardian, or mentor. Additional information about peer groups, membership, donations, and volunteering is on the website www.PFLAGSavannah.org and on Facebook.
Beaufort Chapter of America’s Boating Club 6 p.m., 2nd Tuesday of most months, at various Beaufort/Port Royal venues. Regular meetings begin with a Social, followed by Dinner and often include an exciting Guest Speaker from the Lowcountry. For Meeting Information or Educational Opportunities, please contact Paul Gorsuch, Administrative Officer at admino@beaufortboatingclub.com. Boat ownership is not required, however a passion for safe responsible boating is mandatory.
Zonta Club of Beaufort 6 p.m., 4th Tuesday of each month, Smokehouse, Port Royal.
Rotary Club of Sea Island lunch meeting 12:15 p.m., 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, Sea Island Presbyterian Church, 81 Lady’s Island Drive, Lady’s Island. Social gathering every 3rd Tuesday at 5:30 pm, locations vary and posted on our website. For more information, visit www.seaislandrotary.org.
Rotary Club of Sea Island social gathering 5:30 p.m., 3rd Tuesday of each month, locations vary and posted on our website. For more information, visit www.seaislandrotary.org.
Beaufort Rotary Club Noon, Wednesdays, Sea Island Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 81 Lady’s Island Drive, Lady’s Island. Catered buffet lunch, followed by a guest speaker. Prospective members welcome. For further information and upcoming speakers, please visit website www.beaufortrotaryclub.org.
The Beaufort Trailblazers –A Volunteer Group 8 a.m., first Thursday each month, University Bikes, Beaufort. Anyone interested in supporting or building off-road/dirt/wilderness mountain biking/jogging/walking trails near is encouraged to attend. For more information, call 843-575-0021 or email universitybicycles@hotmail. com.
Parents Alienated By Their Adult Children 10 a.m., Thursdays & 6 p.m., Fridays, Lowcountry Outreach Center, 80 Lady's Island Drive, Beaufort. This is a 12-step support group for Parents Alienated By Their Adult Children and is based on the international group, Parents Alienation Advocates (PA-A). Contact Marye Jo Hartley or Greg Hartley at 703966-2014 for more information.
Emotions Anonymous International local group meeting 4 p.m, Thursdays, via Zoom. Emotions Anonymous International, (EAI), is a nonprofit program designed to help people with emotional difficulties. It has a chapter in the Lowcountry and members want others who feel the need to know they are welcome to participate. There is no charge to participate. They are based on the 12 steps and 12 traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous and follow a specific format designed to provide the support and tools for navigating life’s painful difficulties. All are welcome. Anyone interested in participating may contact the group via email at EALowcountry@gmail.com or call or text Laurie at 252- 917-7082. For more information on EAI visit www. emotionsanonymous.org.
Al-Anon Beaufort County
7:30 p.m., Thursdays, 80 Lady’s Island Drive in Beaufort. “Do you worry about how much someone drinks? Is it affecting your life? You are not alone. Al-Anon Beaufort Serenity Group offers help and hope. Join the group in Beaufort, or visit the Lowcountry page at https://bit. ly/3HvksaF for more times and locations.
Rotary Club of the Lowcountry
7:30 a.m., Fridays, Sea Island Presbyterian Church, 81 Lady's Island Dr., Ladys' Island. Catered breakfast from local chef. Speakers weekly. Occasional social events replace Friday mornings, but will be announced on our website, www. rotaryclubofthelowcountrybeaufort.org.
MUSIC
Shrimp City Slim
5 to 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 21, Hop Dog, 223 Scott Street, Beaufort.
Campfire Tyler
11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Sundays, The Fillin’ Station, Lady’s Island.
Lowcountry Wind Symphony rehearsals
7 to 9 p.m., Wednesdays, Beaufort High School Band Room. The Lowcountry Wind Symphony, a 65-member concert band, invites new members. Woodwind, Brass, Percussion. Open to adults and talented high school youth. For more information, email director@lowcountrywindsymphony.com or call 843-304-0543.
Live entertainment 7 to 11 p.m., Wednesdays, Luther’s Rare and Well Done, 910 Bay Street, downtown Beaufort.
Chris Jones
7 to 11 p.m., Thursdays, Luther’s Rare and Well Done, 910 Bay Street, downtown Beaufort.
Habersham Third Fridays Music on Market
5 to 8 p.m., third Friday of the month, Habersham Marketplace.
Live entertainment 9 p.m. to midnight, Fridays & Saturdays, Luther’s Rare and Well Done, 910 Bay Street, downtown Beaufort.
OUTDOORS/NATURE
Free 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.
RECYCLING
Computer recycling program
St. Andrew by the Sea Methodist Church, 20 Pope Avenue, Hilton Head Island. St. Andrew by the Sea has started a program where your trashed computer is wiped clean of all data and recycled to Missioncentral.org — a 100% charity cause.
RUNNING JPII 2025 Ugly Sweater 5K Run & Walk 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 6, John Paul II Catholic School, 4211 North Okatie Highway, Ridgeland. Sponsored by the JPII PTO. Proceeds benefit the JPII PTO. Check-in at 9 a.m., race begins at 10. Registration by Nov. 19 is $35, includes T-shirt. Registration after Nov. 19 is $45, T-shirts available for purchase. Course is mixed surface — grass, dirt, and pavement. Prizes — Top finishers by age group and Ugliest Sweaters! The race is open to the public. Bring family, friends, and neighbors. For details, contact Miranda Shipman at PTO@thejp2.org.
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
St. Helena Branch Library’s 4th annual Unrated Chess Tournament 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 13, St. Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, St. Helena Island. Open to all ages and ability levels. Pizza and drinks provided at lunch break. Join us for fun and prizes. Registration is required. Call 843-255-6487 or email sthelenaislchess@gmail.com.
ACBL Duplicate Bridge Club
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., Tuesdays, Carteret Street. Events will be held weekly. Contact Director and Club Manager Susan DeFoe at 843-5972541 for location.
Charity card game
3:30 p.m., first Tuesday of each month, Mangiamo‘s Pizza, 2000 Main Street, Hilton Head Island. The Hilton Head liberal men’s group is sponsoring a free social/charity event with a fun, easy to learn card game. A percentage of the money spent on food and drink goes to the charity of our choice. Come socialize, have fun, and support a good cause. Reserve a spot by texting Dave Desjardins at 202-460-5286. Bridge Club 10 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays, Beaufort Branch Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort. Join us if you want to learn a new game, practice your skills, or need more players. Call the Beaufort Branch Library at 843-2556458 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.
BOE launches K-12 survey to inform strategic planning
Staff reports
The Beaufort County School District (BCSD) Board of Education (BOE) has announced a K–12 community survey designed to gather input from parents, students, staff, and community members to help shape the district’s strategic priorities for the next decade.
tify priorities in technology integration, workforce readiness, and instructional innovation. Feedback from the survey will be used to guide planning over the next 5 to 10 years to ensure BCSD students are prepared for an evolving workforce and rapidly changing digital landscape.
Chair Ingrid Boatright said in the media release. “This survey will help us understand community perspectives on equipping students with future-ready skills — including digital literacy, problem-solving, creativity, and AI fluency — and on how best to support teachers and families through those changes.”
According to a media release, the Board believes broad community participation is essential to iden-
“As technology reshapes how people live and work, our schools must evolve,” BCSD Board of Education Technology Committee
Key goals for the survey and subsequent planning include: Identifying opportunities to deepen technology integration and personalized learning across K–12
EDUCATION BRIEFS
Application available for Heritage Classic Foundation Scholar Awards
The Heritage Classic Foundation has announced the applications for the 2026 Heritage Classic Foundation Scholar Awards is available for all Beaufort and Jasper County High School Seniors.
The Heritage Classic Foundation Scholarship application is located through the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry’s scholarship portal. Students must create a username and password to access the application using this link: https://bit.ly/4nYcBBF.
The Heritage Classic Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, will name 11 new Scholars from the 2026 graduating class. Each Scholar will have an opportunity to receive a 4-year grant totaling up to $16,000 or $20,000, with one student receiving a one-year $4 000 grant.
To be eligible, students must meet the following criteria:
1 Student must be a high school senior.
2 Student must have a 3 5 or greater unweighted GPA on the S.C. Uniform Grading Scale.
3 Student must be a legal U.S. citizen.
4 Student must be a legal resident of Beaufort or Jasper County.
5 Student’s parents/guardians combined adjusted annual income must be less than $150,000
6 Student must enter college within one year after high school graduation.
7 Student must attend high school in Beaufort or Jasper County. We will also accept homeschooling and Governor’s School applicants.
Since this Scholar program was instituted in 1993, 397 graduating seniors have been named Heritage Scholars. These grants, to a college of the student’s choice, have totaled more than $5 56 million.
All applications must be completed by Jan. 15, 2026
The 2026 Scholars will be recognized at the 58th annual RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing to be conducted over the Harbour Town Golf Links, April 13-19 2026
Kapinos elected to Phi Kappa Phi
Joseph Kapinos of Beaufort, S.C., was recently elected to membership into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective all-discipline
Strengthening workforce readiness through skills that meet future labor market needs.
Supporting teachers with professional learning and resources for new tools and instructional approaches. Building stronger partnerships among schools, families, and community organizations to ensure equitable access and success for all learners.
The survey will be open through Friday, Dec. 5 2025
Community members may access the survey at con-
John Paul II Catholic School congratulates its 42 newest members of the National Honor Society. President David Lima reminded students that “intelligence alone is not enough; what truly distinguishes an NHS member are the morals and ethics that guide their choices.” Principal Heather Rembold praised the inductees for representing “the very best of JPII.” JPII offers special thanks to the 2025 NHS student-officers and Wendy Lacombe, NHS Advisor, for organizing the ceremony and celebration for the scholars and their families. Photo courtesy of John Paul II Catholic School
collegiate honor society, at Auburn University At Montgomery.
Kapinos is among approximately 20 000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni to be initiated into Phi Kappa Phi each year. Membership is by invitation only and requires nomination and approval by a chapter. Only the top 10 percent of seniors and 7 5 percent of juniors are eligible for membership. Graduate students in the top 10 percent of the number of candidates for graduate degrees may also qualify, as do faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction.
Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines.
Roberts makes Chancellor's List at Lionel Beaufort’s Megan Roberts earned a place on the Chancellor's List for Summer 2025, Lionel University's highest academic distinction. Achieving a perfect 4 0 GPA in Undergraduate coursework is an extraordinary accomplishment.
This honor reflects your discipline, focus, and commitment to excellence. You've demonstrated what is possible when determination
meets hard work, and we're proud to recognize your achievement.
Keep believing in your potential-you're building a powerful future.
Lionel University, in Carpinteria, Calif., is the only fully accredited, 100% online university solely dedicated to exercise science.
Polaris Tech Charter School makes gains on State Report Card
Polaris Tech Charter School improved in several important categories of the S.C. State Report Card for 2024-2025 and recorded “Excellent” ratings for graduation rate and college and career readiness. The elementary and middle grades both improved to “Good” ratings for student progress at the 500-student school in Ridgeland, SC.
“We celebrate the small victories but at the same time we acknowledge the challenges,” said Gen. (ret.) Lloyd “Fig” Newton, chair of the Polaris Tech Board of Directors.
“As a school and as part of the Lowcountry community, we believe we are putting in place the programs that will continue to boost student achievement in all grades, such as the in-school tutor-
“We celebrate the small victories but at the same time we acknowledge the challenges.”
GEN. (RET.) LLOYD
“FIG” NEWTON, chair of the Polaris Tech Board of Directors
ing service we expanded this year using several grants,” he said. Perhaps most importantly, students in elementary and middle school grades at Polaris Tech improved substantially in student progress, with both earning the “Good” rating for 2025
At all three grade levels at Polaris Tech, multi-lingual learners’ progress improved from Below Average in 2023-24 to Average last year. The “Overall” ratings for Polaris Tech included “Average” for the high school and middle grades, and “Below Average” for the elementary grades in 2025
– Staff reports
nectbeaufortschools.org/ board-of-education-community-survey. Parents may access the survey at connectbeaufortschools. org/board-of-education-parent-survey. An employee survey will be sent to staff via email and will be available on the intranet.
The BCSD BOE encourages all members of the Beaufort County community to participate and share their perspectives to help shape the future of district education.
Staff reports Beaufort County School District principals, assistant principals, curriculum coordinators, and human resources staff will be uniting for upcoming recruiting events to connect with qualified candidates for teaching and instructional positions across the district.
There are two recruiting events taking place as 2026 kicks off: Saturday, Jan. 10 2026 at the District Office at 2900 Mink Point Boulevard in Beaufort. Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at Bluffton High School located at 12 H.E. McCracken Circle in Bluffton.
These events are designed to give prospective teachers and education professionals the opportunity to meet with district and school leaders, explore career opportunities, and learn more about becoming part of one of South Carolina’s highest-paying districts for teachers.
Interested candidates can learn more and register online at www.beaufortschools.net/careers/recruiting-events.
“Our recruiting events are the perfect opportunity for educators to connect with district leaders, explore available positions, and learn how they can make a meaningful impact in our classrooms,” Coordinator of Recruitment Monique Brown said in a media release. “We look forward to meeting passionate educators who are ready to join our mission of inspiring and preparing every student for success.”
Educators who are unable to attend either event can still apply online to be considered for employment by visiting beaufortschools.net and clicking the orange CAREERS icon. For more information about BCSD recruiting events, please visit www. beaufortschools.net/careers/recruiting-events or email bcsdrecruiters@beaufort.k12.sc.us.
By Dr. Heidi Harrington Beaufort Memorial Plastic
Surgery & Aesthetics
Thinking of getting breast implants? You’re not alone. For years, breast augmentation has remained one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in America.
With multiple types of breast implants, which is right for you?
Choosing to undergo breast augmentation or breast reconstruction surgery is a very personal choice. What kind of implant you go with is just as personal, as each option has its own set of perks.
As defined by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, breast implants “are medical devices implanted under the breast tissue or chest muscle.” These devices are sought for two reasons that can improve comfort and confidence.
Currently, women in the United States have access to two FDA-approved implants: saline- and silicone gel-filled implants. Similar as they are, silicone and saline implants have differences. The most obvious is the material inside each. Understanding what’s inside each can help you decide which implant is best for you.
Silicone-filled implants
Silicone comes from silicon, a
Saline or silicone?
Understanding the types of breast implants
semimetallic element that combines with oxygen in nature to form silicon dioxide, or silica. Silica is found in beach sand, crystals and quartz, making it one of the most common substances on Earth. To produce silicon, silica is heated with carbon at high temperatures. This silicon can then be processed to create a long chemical chain called silicone, which can be a liquid, gel or rubbery substance. Silicone breast implants use silicone gel. To qualify for silicone breast augmentation, you must be at least 18 years old. Silicone breast implants have
The role of a cancer nurse navigator
Special to The Island News
After receiving a cancer diagnosis, everything feels unpredictable. That’s when a cancer nurse navigator can help.
These specially trained nurses guide you through every step of treatment and recovery, offering a compassionate hand to hold onto during this challenging time.
“Patients with cancer are more than a medical diagnosis,” says Kim Wade, RN, BSN, OCN, oncology-certified nurse navigator with Beaufort Memorial. “They’re all individuals and deserve personalized attention and care. That’s what cancer nurse navigators provide.”
What does a Cancer Care Navigator do?
A cancer nurse navigator can help you manage the physical, emotional and financial stress of a cancer diagnosis. These specially trained nurses guide you through every step of the treatment process, recovery and beyond. They coordinate appointments, educate patients about a cancer diagnosis and related treatments, and create a plan for survivorship once treatment ends.
With a diverse knowledge of treatment options and available support systems, cancer nurse navigators understand each patient’s needs are different. A good navigator can pinpoint your or your loved one’s biggest challenges after a diagnosis, whether it’s a language barrier, transportation issue or complex treatment plan.
A nurse navigator also serves as your first point of contact after a patient is diagnosed with cancer. They will connect you to doctors at the hospital and those outside the cancer center, such as your primary care provider. Your nurse navigator will communicate with you about contact options and be easy to reach, helping you navigate your options, eliminate barriers and be there throughout the process.
Cancer Care is a team effort
Beaufort Memorial offers monthly support groups for cancer patients and educational opportunities. Cancer treatment is a team effort, including input from you, your loved ones and the cancer care team.
Your nurse navigators are a part of your care team, and integral to ensuring that communication about every facet of your cancer treatment plan is explained to you thoroughly. From your initial consultations with your nurse navigator, you should un-
undergone extensive medical research. All of this research has produced a safe way to enhance the size and shape of the breasts, making you more comfortable in your body for years to come.
This type of breast implant provides benefits including appearing and feeling more natural.
Saline breast implants
Saline implants are water-based and filled with saline solution. Depending on your cosmetic surgeon’s preferences, these implants may be prefilled or filled in during your procedure. This type of breast
derstand more about your diagnosis, treatment options and what to expect.
Patient care goes beyond providers’ offices and healthcare facilities, and patient outcomes are better when multidisciplinary teams — including nurse navigators — are part of the cancer journey.
Types of Cancer Care Navigators
In addition to general cancer nurse navigators, at Beaufort Memorial, there are specialized types of cancer care navigators and support staff, including: Breast oncology nurse navigators do all the same things as oncology nurse navigators, but are trained in and dedicated to assisting breast cancer patients.
Oncology financial navigators provide financial and medical bill counseling to help you manage the financial aspects of your care. They can also help you find community resources for household expenses, programs to assist with the cost of treatment and help you apply for financial assistance programs if needed.
Oncology research nurses connect you with clinical trials that offer new forms of treatment. They can educate you about your trial options and explain the qualifications, risks and benefits.
Oncology social workers help you work through challenges during your journey. They provide counseling sessions to manage stress, anxiety, fears, family dynamics and other emotional components of cancer, and facilitate monthly support groups to connect you with others affected by cancer.
Oncology social workers can help arrange transportation to and from appointments, coordinate care with your medical team to complete medical leave paperwork, and connect you to financial resources and other valuable community services.
“Nurse navigators are here to help patients and their families focus on overcoming cancer,” Wade says. “Our goal is to manage the finer details of care to minimize their stress. Nurse navigators can also arrange care more quickly, and when patients receive the care they need sooner, they may have better results from treatment.”
augmentation is available for women aged 18 or older.
Benefits of saline-filled breast implants include increased firmness and a smaller incision.
Breast implants often provide years of boosted confidence. On occasion, however, an issue may arise. Issues you may experience include the following:
• Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) —
BIA-ALCL is not a type of breast cancer. It’s an immune system cancer that can cause swelling, pain or a mass at the site of the breast implant. Symptoms may begin years after placement. Though typically confined to the area surrounding the implant, it can spread to various parts of the body. If you experience swelling or pain, consult your healthcare provider for evaluation and possible imaging.
Repeated surgeries — Depending on the age of your implants, your particular health situation or how long ago you had a breast enhancement procedure, you may need a second or third breast augmentation surgery. Keep in mind that multiple surgeries carry additional risks, so discuss your options thoroughly with your surgeon.
• Rupture — With silicone implants, leaking silicone usual-
ly remains within the breast area. This can make it difficult to know when a rupture has occurred, as the leaked silicone continues to support breast shape. Over time, breast size may change, and you may experience tingling or other sensations in the breast. A rupture is more obvious with a saline-filled implant. The saline escapes the shell, and your body quickly absorbs the saline, leaving the affected breast with a deflated appearance. If you suspect a rupture, seek immediate medical attention to assess and address the issue.
When choosing between the types of breast implants, saline and silicone is just one decision. Other considerations include fitting your implant with your body type and goals, your finances and the shape and size of the implant.
The most vital part to any breast augmentation is your care team, Working with a caring board-certified plastic surgeon positions you to have a wonderful surgical experience and results you cherish for as long as the implants remain in place.
Heidi Harrington, M.D., is a board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon with two decades of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery experience. She sees patients at Beaufort Memorial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics in Okatie.
Have a ‘good morning’ — get a healthy start to your
Special to The Island News
Did you know heart attacks are more common in the morning? Some research even suggests that a.m. heart attacks are also the most serious. As if mornings weren't stressful enough.
The good news is that there's an opportunity to make those early hours work for you and your health.
Every morning, you make decisions that can have an impact on your heart, said interventional cardiologist Dr. Francis “Frank” O’Neill with Beaufort Memorial Heart Specialists.
"Although genetics are important, the kinds of habits we employ are even more important," he said.
Take these changes one at a time, and soon you'll be on your way to a healthier day — and life.
Your wake-up time
The first step to a good morning starts the night before when you decide to go to bed. Crash late and you cheat yourself out of the many health benefits of sleep.
"We now know that sleep has an impact on not only functionality but also coronary artery disease," said Dr. O’Neill. Not getting enough sleep appears to affect glucose metabolism, blood pressure and inflammation, which can increase your risk for conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.
And one study even found that people who sleep less than six hours a night are about twice as likely to have a stroke or heart attack as those who sleep six to eight hours. If you find yourself getting eight hours of sleep and still not feeling rested, talk to your doctor. People with sleep apnea, which causes
day
frequent night waking, often have heart problems.
Your breakfast
"For any lifestyle choice to be impactful, it has to be sustainable," Dr. O’Neill said. Strive to find foods that fit your palate. Try to limit the salt, sugar and saturated fat in your breakfast while increasing vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Skip the high-sugar cereals, doughnuts and pastries.
Your activity
If you're able to squeeze a workout into your morning – even just 30 minutes of brisk walking or a quick interval training routine –you'll start things off knowing you've already done your recommended exercise for the day. "Making it part of the morning routine is great because it helps set up your day for success," Dr. O’Neill pointed out.
If morning workouts aren't your style, you can still build some activity
into your morning by looking for small ways to get more steps. Walk to work or the bus stop or take the office stairs instead of the elevator.
Your attitude
Stress may feel inevitable, even though you know it has a negative effect on your heart health. But you can choose to be positive and mindful in an effort to tackle stress head-on.
Long-term psychological stress leads to increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can result in higher blood sugar levels (a marker for diabetes), digestive issues, sleep problems, memory issues and weight gain.
Managing stress takes practice. A few steps you can take in the morning include meditating and deep-breathing exercises to help you set the stage for a calmer day. You can also try affirmations; telling yourself you're going to have a great day can be a positive tool.
Dr. Heidi Harrington
Sand Sharks are an easy sell
USCB men picked to finish 2nd in Peach Belt
By Justin Jarrett LowcoSports.com
If we’ve learned anything through the first two seasons of USC Beaufort Sand Sharks basketball it’s that The Cove is a pretty great place to spend a winter night.
The Sand Sharks’ home gym was rocking this weekend for the 2025-26 USCB women’s team’s debut, and it should be packed when coach Ron Fudala’s men return home Wednesday against Florida Tech after putting up triple-digits in a pair of wins in Florence.
The men are the easy sell, picked to finish second in the Peach Belt Conference after making a run to the PBC Tournament championship a year ago, way ahead of schedule. The additions outweigh the subtractions, with Fudala mining the transfer portal for reinforcements from all levels, ranging from former D1 to prep school. College of Charleston point guard Evan Kilminster, an Australian import who had 10 points and five assists in a 100-80 victory over Emory & Henry on Friday and flirted with a triple-double in Saturday’s 103-91 win over Francis Marion.
Junior-college transfer Ish Rashid also had an epic Sand Sharks debut, putting up 14 points and seven boards against the Wasps and following it up with a game-high
er hand, are flying a bit under the radar. They were picked to finish eighth in the Peach Belt, a sign that the league’s coaches know coach Sharon Versyp’s first two teams have been snake-bitten by injuries but are closer to turning the corner than it would seem.
point for stretches and Izellah “Z” Kendrick is raw but relentless in the post and can step out and shoot it from the perimeter.
24 points and seven more rebounds against the Patriots.
Returners Dominic Eason and Kevaughn Price, both picked to the preseason All-PBC Team, picked up where they left off, and junior guard Dylan Lewis hit double-digit scoring in both games, but some
of last year’s stars are fighting for minutes, an indication that Fudala and Co. have upped the ante again in Year 3
Anything less than a trip to the NCAA Tournament will be a disappointment to all involved.
The USCB women, on the oth-
Versyp’s first wave of recruits have begun to dissipate through graduation, creating roster spots for a higher-caliber of talent now that the foundation has been established and USCB has secured full NCAA membership and postseason eligibility. The result is a freshman class that is ready to contribute now, as former Hilton Head Prep star Courtney Campbell has shown while running the
As the freshmen develop around returning stars Lydia Gattozzi, Janiyah Heyward, and Taniyah Bowman, as well as USC Aiken transfer Sami Bardonaro, it’s easy to see this year’s Sand Sharks team growing into a legitimate Peach Belt contender by the new year.
The atmosphere in The Cove has already been electric, but some early success could pack the place even more this winter. College basketball season is here, and the Lowcountry has a couple of home teams it can get behind.
Bridges, JPII finish XC season strong
By Justin Jarrett LowcoSports.com
The high school cross country season wrapped up Friday and Saturday with the SCHSL state championships, and Bridges Prep’s runners carried the banner for Northern Beaufort County.
The Bucs finished seventh in the girls race and 12th in the boys standings, with Elise Thompson (21:03) and
Iris DeBois (21:17) leading the way with top-30 finishes. Blake Lesesne (18:56) and Austin Lesesne (19:18) were the top finishers for the boys.
Earlier this month, John Paul II’s boys finished as the runners-up in the SCISA 4A state meet, finishing with 62 points to outpace everyone but champion Wilson Hall (31). Blake Hubik (16:15) placed sixth overall to lead
three Golden Warriors who finished in the top 10 along with Matthew Yanachik (16:22 21) and Brayden Frickel (16:22 59).
Earl Campbell Tourney tips off Friday
The annual tip-off of the area high school basketball season is on tap this weekend, with games starting at 5 p.m. Friday and continuing through Monday for the
Earl Campbell Thanksgiving Tournament at Whale Branch Early College High School in Seabrook.
The host Warriors will be joined by boys teams from May River, Hardeeville, Ridgeland and Royal Live Oaks, while Whale Branch, Beaufort, Ridgeland, May River, Hampton County, Bluffton, Bridges Prep, and Hardeeville are entered in the girls’ field.
Games start at 5 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday, and 5 p.m. Monday.
Bucs hosting JCS Memorial on Saturday Bridges Prep will be the site of the first wrestling tournament of the season when the Bucs host the 2nd annual JCS Memorial Tournament in honor of late Bucs wrestler Josh Shipley. The field consists of 21
teams from South Carolina and Georgia, including Battery Creek, John Paul II and the host Bucs, along with neighboring squads from Bluffton, Colleton County, Colleton Prep, Hardeeville, Hilton Head, and several Savannah-area schools.
Wrestling is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. Saturday with varsity matches in the new gym and JV divisions in the auxiliary gym.
State
SECOND ROUND
30, Pendleton 7
View Prep 50, Crescent 49
Bamberg-Ehrhardt 49, Latta 6 THIRD ROUND
State Hunter-Kinard-Tyler at Lamar Lewisville at C.A. Johnson Lower State Johnsonville at Cross Carvers Bay at Bamberg-Ehrhardt SCISA 4A FIRST ROUND Porter-Gaud 13,
Church 47, Walhalla 7 Woodruff 49, West-Oak 7
49, Fox Creek 8 Loris 59, Battery Creek 19 Orangeburg-Wilkinson 25, Keenan 12 Hanahan 38, Waccamaw 21
54, Aynor 14
With several top players returning, including preseason All-Peach Belt Conference pick Dominic Eason, the USC Beaufort men’s basketball team is picked to finish second in the PBC and make a run at the NCAA Division II national tournament in its first year of eligibility. Ashton McNair/USCB Athletics
VOICES
Editor’s Note: The opinions of our columnists in the Voices section are not necessarily the opinions of The Island News
They haven’t really had the hard conversation
When I was 14 my father — who was then working at the Army’s Surgical Research Unit at Fort Sam Houston — suggested that I enter San Antonio’s science fair.
In those days a plaster of Paris volcano — or subjecting a hamster to a month-long dose of Jerry Lee Lewis — were typical science fair entries.
My father was then working on burns, and he suggested that I graft skin from a white Guinea Pig onto a black Guinea Pig. That experiment would eventually lead me to (a summer job) irradiating mouse spleens to see if the spleen would regenerate after most of the spleen had died.
All of these projects were designed to get me interested in medical school and, regrettably, they failed.
But when I saw the Nov. 10 New Yorker article on runaway monkeys at Yemassee — “How forty three monkeys united animal rights activists and the right” — I
could not resist diving into the topic.
Were it not for the Murdaugh murders in Hampton, America would know little about our low-lying geography or the people who live in Yemassee. Sure enough the New Yorker begins with your standard one-trafficlight, one-liquor-store description of the town.
“The region was once dominated by slave plantations; during the two World Wars, Yemassee was best known for its train depot, which welcomed recruits on their way to basic training. Today, many residents depend on the Monkey Farm for their livelihood. They work there, or they have family members who
do, or they feed its employees. At lunchtime, especially on paydays, the local mini-mart is packed with Alpha Genesis staff. So is the liquor store.”
“The one traffic light town teemed with rumors about how the escape had happened. …”
But soon the author, Ava Kofman, moves to a sympathetic veterinarian who (apparently) described the smell — “feces shot through with ammonia” — as well as the “swarms of cockroaches” and “staff negligence.”
Kofman’s lengthy piece eventually gets round to the debate surrounding the use of monkeys in medical research.
These days it is impossible to write about any topic without somehow getting back to Donald Trump and his cost-cutting administration. in this regard, Kofman profiles Justin Goodman, who heads up an organization called White Coat Waste and who says that government should stop financing “monkey prisons.”
“We are bullish on the
incoming Administration’s ability to stop animal testing. … It’s the perfect storm of conditions.”
“It is far from the only group, however, peddling the claim that an immediate end to animal research would not only be ethically justified but scientifically sound,” Kofman writes.
“This absolute framing elides the fact that, though non-animal methods are highly effective in certain areas — such as skin sensitivity and eye irritation — they cannot replicate the complexity of living, functioning organisms, especially in efforts to understand whole-body reactions, neurochemistry and progressive disease.”
Because monkeys are anatomically and genetically similar to humans — they have similar brains, muscle structure and immune systems — research with monkeys is more relevant to humans compared to information from mice or rats. Macaques are important when brain
disfunction is the focus — Parkinson’s, Schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s Disease.
“The tau protein, found in neurons, is implicated in Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia and other dementias. Misfolded tau disrupts essential brain cell function, spreading through connected regions of the cortex that are crucial for memory and cognition,”
(National Primate Research Centers, Aug. 14, 2024.)
Primate research related to the role of the tau protein and its relationship to neuron death is currently tracking the spread of tau over six months and allowing testing for “interventions targeting the tau protein.”
Notwithstanding the fact that 7 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease, and 1 million have Parkinson’s Disease; the National Institutes of Health, EPA and FDA are now implementing policy that will make all animal testing the exception rather than the rule.
“God did not make animals on planet Earth for
us to abuse and torture,” Marty Makary, Commissioner of the FDA said in July 2025
“People want the idea that we don’t need animals anymore to be true because they love animals,” says Heather Sidener, a former head of clinical medicine at the Oregon National Primate Research Center.
“They haven’t really had the hard conversation with themselves about, ‘What if it was my husband? What if it was my child?’ Would I really say to them, ‘I think you should die because I don’t think we should use animals to see if this new medicine is safe?’”
Editor’s note: For a number of years the author of this column, Scott Graber, represented Dr. David Taub and L.A.B.S., predecessors in ownership of the Yemassee Monkey Farm and Morgan Island.
Scott Graber is a lawyer, novelist, veteran columnist and longtime resident of Port Royal. He can be reached at cscottgraber@gmail.com.
There is no ‘housing crisis’
“
Real Estate Always Goes Up!” and “Housing is the American Dream!” were the two famous slogans that nearly broke the world in 2008 Now we have another mantra driving housing market mania: “Housing Crisis!”
Yes, housing is overpriced right now, and that sucks for most people. But it’s certainly not a “crisis,” and we do ourselves no favors by pretending it is. Overreacting may feel righteous, but it’s also how we make really bad decisions.
If we want to have an honest, productive conversation on this important issue, we must first acknowledge and understand how prices across the nation have become so expensive in the first place: over a decade of artificially low mortgage rates, massive inflation from COVIDera money printing, lingering supply chain issues, and everrising taxes, fees, insurance, tariffs, and energy costs. It’s a perfect storm of stupid. But “expensive” is not the same thing as “scarce.” And, despite the hype, our current housing inventory is actually pretty normal,
even here in Beaufort. In addition to the thousands of new apartments and homes coming online soon in the city and county, additional factors are also continuously adding to our supply. AirBnBs are being converted back into long-term housing as the Short Term Rental boomlet cools. The FHA is propping up delinquent loans that will soon flow back into the market as foreclosures or resales. Aging Baby Boomers are downsizing or, unfortunately, passing away, freeing up homes and apartments. On top of that, stricter immigration enforcement and deportations are opening up lower-end units. When you put all of this together, it becomes clear that our problem is not a lack of housing. It’s price.
So what to do about these sticky prices? Well, the newest idea floating around D.C., declaring a “National Housing Emergency,” would be counterproductive, to put it mildly. It would flood the market with more subsidized financing, gimmicks, and/ or another round of dirt-cheap rates, which would undo all the price progress currently being made. We also already tried that for 15 years, and it caused a lot of the problems we’re dealing with now, so do we really want to repeat those same mistakes just as the market is finally beginning to heal?
At the core of all this is the fact that vested interests need the illusion of a “crisis” to justify building more and charging more. They don’t really care whether “more” is actually needed or not. And they will always resist falling prices tooth and nail because that means less profit and tax revenue for them. To be clear, that’s a perfectly understandable and very human motivation, but it’s our responsibility as a community to be aware and honest about those inputs. The good news is we are finally
in the midst of a natural market correction, even here in Beaufort. Housing is like an aircraft carrier; it doesn’t turn on a dime, but it is drifting in the right direction. National home values grew only 1 3% year-over-year in August, well below inflation. And rental prices are falling nationwide, -0 31% month-over-month in October, marking the steepest October decrease in over 15 years, with year-over-year rent growth slowing to just 0 8%. This is a good thing, and we need to allow it to continue.
None of this means we should “build nothing” or “stop growth” in Beaufort. That is a straw man argument repeated by unserious people. But it does mean we should do a better job of managing our future. We need to pay more attention to other locales’ bad decisions, learn from our own past mistakes, and proceed cautiously instead of panicking and blindly trusting big builders and their consultants to “save us.”
We must let this natural housing correction play out and keep our national and local policies steady so prices, rents, and inventory can find their
natural balance. That’s how we create true “affordable” and “workforce” housing.
Above all, we must protect Beaufort from the overdevelopment and glut that has ruined so many other once-great communities (with the best of intentions, of course). Our small, unique area simply cannot absorb the avalanche of new units already approved, much less the thousands more proposed. These high-density eyesores are not only being built on our fragile marshes, they are being built on lies.
We must find ways to reduce the size of these incoming projects or cancel them altogether. We also need to find the courage to begin downzoning properties and stop the one-way ratchet of zoning maximization. It’s time to end the destructive inevitability of overdevelopment.
There’s another slogan politicians and powerful interests love to recite, and that is “Never let a crisis go to waste.” But when everything is a “crisis” … nothing is.
Erich Hartmann is a creative director, brand strategist, and writer. He lives in Beaufort
SCOTT GRABER
with his wife and two sons.
ERICH HARTMANN
VOICES
S.C. judge involved in case of national importance
In a week of explosive news that saw the end of the nation’s longest government shutdown and the release of 20 000 pages of documents that may take down a president, you might have missed a really interesting story about a South Carolina federal judge.
It seems that Senior U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie of Columbia is doing special duty in a Washington case of great import to the nation. She’s looking into a critical issue involving the prosecution of two of President Donald Trump’s foes: Former FBI Director James B. Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. At issue is whether Trump loyalist Lindsay Halligan, the novice interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia appointed after her predecessor refused to indict the two, should be a federal prosecutor at all.
Lawyers for Comey and James say her appointment violated federal laws related to interim
I'm torn on the concept of guilt by association.
Does it make sense that I should be held accountable for being in a particular place at a particular time if somebody else did wrongdoing but I did not? Or vice-versa? I am sure I have done some things over the course of my life that would blow the tops off the heads of people who have known me since childhood. I can say without hesitation none of them are responsible for any of those mind-boggling things I did. Further, I have personal experience with loved ones who suffered the consequences of being in the wrong car when some of their buddies decided to do bad things. It can be devastating to families for generations to come.
But … (There’s always a “but,” isn’t there?) What is the old saw about birds of a feather flocking together? Or the other one about a person being known by the company they keep? All those old wives knew something when they came up with those sayings. Not to mention what the Bible says about hanging
appointments, which the Justice Department denies.
So Currie, first appointed to the federal bench by President Bill Clinton in 1994 after serving as a chief deputy state attorney general and federal prosecutor, has been brought in to referee the issue before the case really gets going. And the whole thing is important, legal analysts say, because it calls into question whether a president can install loyalists to prosecute political foes through interim appointments to bypass congressional oversight.
What’s particularly interesting in the cases against the former
around ne’er-do-wells and people who are of generally poor character. I’ll cut to the chase: When the files from the investigation of convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein files were rumored to be released, I didn’t miss a wink of sleep. I knew I wasn’t anywhere in those files, and I had no concerns that anyone I knew or cared about would be in them, either. Did you have that worry? Probably not, and for the same reasons as mine: You are not a pedophile, you don't associate with pedophiles, nor do you have a desire to ever become one.
And if you did have concerns about the contents of those files, what would you do if you found out that someone you know actually was an associate of Epstein?
What if the person named was a relative?
director and current New York attorney general is how quickly Halligan, who had no prosecutorial experience, got indictments, according to The Washington Post: “In both cases, Halligan pursued the charges over objections from career prosecutors in her office who had concluded there was insufficient evidence to support them. She presented the cases to the grand jury herself.”
And this is where everything gets extra delicious if you know anything about Cam Currie’s career: She knows exactly how grand juries work. Why? Because she ran the South Carolina State Grand Jury for five years until she became a federal judge.
As a lawyer and a judge with 31 years of experience on the bench, she knows how the system is supposed to work. When you realize the core value of her legal career has been a lifelong commitment to the rule of law, you may better understand her stalwart support and belief in due process, legal standards,
What if the person named was a teacher? Or a parent of a child at your child’s school? A parent of one of your child’s Little League teammates?
What if the person named was a member of your church, your bowling team, or the Rotary Club?
What if the person named was a public official, say, a state representative?
Or … what if the person named was the President of the United States? You might not know him personally, but say you voted for him.
Then what? What would you do? What would you want others to do?
Would you want this person’s involvement with Epstein to be investigated thoroughly? Would you expect that person to cooperate with the investigation or try to obstruct it?
The Fifth Amendment to the Constitution allows people who are involved in legal proceedings to opt out of saying anything that might implicate them or get them into even worse trouble. We're not supposed to make assumptions about people exercising their rights by pleading the Fifth,
accountability and making sure that no one — no government, institution or individual — is above the law. So you can see where we may be headed. Through the years, Currie’s record has shown a commitment to fairness, due process and the rule of law. In 2009, she ruled the state of South Carolina couldn’t have a cross and the phrase “I believe” on license plates because it was a First Amendment violation. In 2023, she ruled that the conservative Freedom Caucus had to be treated like other legislative caucuses when it came to rules on organizing, fundraising and elections. Most recently, she oversaw a 2025 case involving R.J. May, a former Lexington County legislator who pleaded guilty to five counts of distributing child sexual abuse material. She’ll sentence him in January.
“Currie’s record reflects a consistent emphasis on procedural rigor and adherence to established legal standards,” according to a Newsweek profile.
It’s anybody’s guess where the cases against Comey and James will end up. But skepticism by Currie about Halligan’s appointment came through clearly at one point Thursday when she seemed to catch Justice Department lawyers in hypocrisy. In Halligan’s case, they’ve been arguing her appointment as prosecutor was proper. But in a past case involving special prosecutor Jack Smith, appointed to investigate Trump’s mishandling of classified documents, they took the opposite position in trying to disqualify him.
A ruling is expected by Thanksgiving. If Halligan is disqualified or the cases are thrown out for some legal reason, one message may become clear — the Justice Department should be off limits to presidents and they shouldn’t use it to seek revenge.
Andy Brack is editor and publisher of the Charleston City Paper and Statehouse Report. Have a comment? Send it to feedback@statehousereport.com.
“Does it make sense that I should be held accountable for being in a particular place at a particular time if somebody else did wrongdoing but I did not? Or vice-versa? I am sure I have done some things over the course of my life that would blow the tops off the heads of people who have known me since childhood. I can say without hesitation none of them are responsible for any of those mind-boggling things I did.”
TERRY MANNING, concept of guilt by association.
but we do, don't we?
For myself, and I would bet an overwhelming majority of the people reading this, these speculations are mere thought exercises. We have no reason to fear being in the Epstein files, nor do we have any reason to worry about the people with whom we associate.
For a select – and growing – group of people in
high-profile places in our government and society, though, these questions are not merely points to ponder.
They are very real matters of freedom, justice, life and death.
These people leveraged their money and power to take advantage of the powerless.
Despite what former Fox News host Megyn Kelly
says, it really doesn't matter that there are differences between a 14-year-old and an 8-year-old. What they have in common is the right to live without the threat of the rich and powerful abusing them, of passing them around at their get-togethers like party favors. When I say I don't know any pedophiles, it's because I don't know that I know any pedophiles. It is entirely possible that I know one or more, and simply am not aware of it.
But if a group of them were passing around notes filled with jokes and innuendo about my attendance at and participation in the parties where they did their evil deeds, it would make sense for others to think I might have something to do with it as well.
So if there was a snowball’s chance in hell I could prove that I was innocent, I would move heaven and earth to do so. I wouldn't be trying to block legal inquiries or threaten others who are trying to bring the truth to light.
Terry E. Manning worked for 20 years as a newspaper journalist. He can be reached at teemanning@gmail.com.
Week @ 7:30 p.m. Good Friday, Apr. 18 @ noon Easter Vigil, Apr. 19 @ 7:30 p.m.
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Good Friday, Apr. 18 @ noon Easter Vigil, Apr. 19 @ 7:30 p.m.
Apr. 20 @ 9 & 11 a.m. 1104 11th St., Port Royal stmarksportroyal.org
ANDY BRACK
TERRY MANNING
LOCAL MILITARY
SMMC Ruiz visits Parris Island
The VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers
This is article 2 of 3 on the “VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers”. You can read article one online in the Nov. 13 2025 edition of The Island News at https://bit.ly/4r6NyPN.
Active-duty service members
Active-duty service members undergoing a medical discharge must apply for VA health care before or after submitting their application for caregiver assistance. Learn more about active-duty service members and VA health care at the VA webpage “Active-duty service members and VA Health Care,” at https://bit.ly/47Laa0G.
How many caregivers can the eligible veteran appoint?
The veteran can appoint the following number of caregivers: 1 Primary Family Caregiver (the main caregiver); and Up to 2 Secondary Family Caregivers (people who serve as backup support to the primary caregiver when needed)
What benefits can eligible Primary and Secondary caregivers receive?
Eligible Primary and Secondary Family Caregivers can receive these benefits: Caregiver education and training; Mental health counseling; Certain travel benefits when traveling with the Veteran to receive care. Learn more about VA travel pay reimbursement at https://bit. ly/4rbTB5O.
Eligible Primary Family Caregivers may also receive these benefits: A monthly stipend (payment). You must be enrolled in direct deposit using the VA customer engagement portal to get your monthly stipend. Learn how to set up
direct deposit as a caregiver at https://bit.ly/3JGfwkH. Go to the customer engagement portal at https://bit.ly/4i6tfhp Access to health care benefits through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA), if you do not already qualify for care or services under another health care plan. Learn more about CHAMPVA at https://bit. ly/481tUvN. Free legal and financial planning assistance related to the needs of the injured veteran. At least 30 days of respite care per year. Respite is a period of rest or a break from caregiving. Access to telehealth therapy sessions through the VA’s virtual psychotherapy program for caregivers (VPPC). Access to military commissaries, exchanges, and recreation retail facilities.
How do I apply for this program?
The family caregiver and the veteran must apply together and participate in the application process to determine eligibility for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. You will both need to sign and date the application and answer all questions for your role.
If the veteran is already enrolled in this program and wants to add a new family caregiver, the veteran and the new caregiver must submit a new application.
Remember, there can only be “1 Primary” and “up to 2 Secondary Family Caregivers” designated at any one time. You can apply online, by mail, or in person.
Option 1: Online
You can apply online right now. Apply for caregiver assistance at https://bit.ly/3K7Qhb2
Option 2: By mail
Fill out a joint Application for the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (VA Form 10-10CG). The form is used to apply for the VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). The VA will use the information on this form to help determine your eligibility. A Veteran, as defined herein, may appoint one (1) Primary Family Caregiver applicant and up to two (2) Secondary Family Caregiver applicants. On average, it will take 15 minutes to complete the application, including the time required to read the instructions, gather the necessary information, and fill out the form. Each time a new Primary or Secondary Family Caregiver is requested, a new Form 10-10CG is required. This includes a caregiver who is already approved and designated as a Primary Family Caregiver and wishes to be designated as a Secondary Family Caregiver, or a caregiver who is already approved and designated as a Secondary Family Caregiver who wishes to apply as a Primary Family Caregiver.
Get VA Form 10-10CG to download at the VA webpage “About VA Form 10-10CG” at https://bit. ly/4pctTMp.
Mail the form and any supporting documents to this address: 10-10CG Evidence Intake Center PO Box 5154 Janesville, Wis. 53547-5154
Option 3: In person
Bring your completed VA Form
10-10CG to the caregiver support team at your nearest VA medical center. You can find a caregiver support team in 1 of these ways: Go to our caregiver support program teams directory webpage, “VA Caregiver Program” at https://bit.ly/4p9BH1q, or Call the Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274 (TTY: 711), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center (Charleston, S.C.) Caregiver Support Team's direct phone number is 843-789-7959
The William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center (Columbia, S.C.) Caregiver Support Team's direct phone number is 803-695-6777. The Fayetteville VA Medical Center (Fayetteville, N.C.) Caregiver Support Team's direct phone number is 910-4882120 Extension 7558
Where can I get help filling out the VA Form 10-10CG and answers to questions?
You may use any of the following to request assistance: Ask VA to help you fill out the form by calling the Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274
Access VA's website at http:// www.va.gov and select "Contact Us."
Locate and contact the Caregiver Support Team (Social Worker) at your nearest VA health care facility using the team locator available at http://www.caregiver.va.gov/.
Contact a Veterans Service Organization and ask a VA-accredited Veterans Service Officer.
Don’t send medical records along with your application. If you need assistance with completing the application or would like to check the status of your applica-
tion, you can call the Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274 (TTY: 711). We’re here Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. What documents can I submit if I’m signing this application on behalf of a Veteran?
If you’re a representative signing this application on behalf of a veteran, you must have legal authority to make decisions on behalf of the veteran. Or you must have authority to fill out and sign applications on behalf of the veteran. You can submit 1 of these types of documents:
A valid power of attorney, or A legal guardianship order, or Another type of legal document that your state considers proof of this authority, or An Alternate Signer Certification (VA Form 21-0972), or An Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant’s Representative (VA Form 21-22), or An Appointment of Individual As Claimant’s
Continued next week.
LARRY DANDRIDGE
U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Maj. Carlos A. Ruiz, the 20th Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, speaks to recruits with Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025. During his two-day visit to the depot, Ruiz met with senior enlisted leaders and drill instructors to discuss training standards and observe daily operations. Master Sgt. Kassie McDole/USMC
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Christopher J. Geier
Attorney at Law, LLC
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Office: 843-986-9449 • Fax: 843-986-9450 chris@bftsclaw.com • www.geierlaw.com
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The Bread of Life
A father surprises his daughter on her birthday.
During his time away on deployment, she has been able to look at his photo and read his letters. She has been able to speak with him on the phone, or even see him on a video call. All of this is helpful, but nothing can top her dad being back home, right there with her. She can run over to him and be wrapped in his arms.
When we love someone, we want to be physically with them. Photos, letters, phone calls, and even video chats can only go so far. As human beings, we crave to be physically united with our loved ones. This is because God created us as embodied spirits: an immaterial spirit united with a material body. Since we are “bodypersons,” our bodies matter in our expressions of love and affection. When the father and daughter hug, for example, they are together not just spiritually but their entire selves, both body and soul.
As Christians, we yearn to be close to Jesus. Like the deployed father in our example, Jesus can seem to be far away from us. We can grow closer to him in various ways, such as looking at a depiction of him in sacred art, reading his words in the Gospels, and speaking with him each day in our prayer time. While such opportunities are important and beautiful, wouldn’t it be amazing if Jesus were to actually become present in our midst, and we could spend time with him? And even more, what if we were able to become united with him in love, in both body and soul?
Jesus loves you and wants to be united with you! Because Jesus loves each of us so much, he did plan for there to be a way that he could continue to be physically present with us, and even to become physically one with us. He promised that he would give himself to us as the Bread of Life. Ever since the earliest days of Christianity, one finds Christians proclaiming that when they come together for worship, they receive Jesus himself in what appears to be ordinary bread and wine. This gift is called the Eucharist.
The Bread of Life
Message 1 of 8
As explore this mystery, we discover its beauty. In this message series, we will seek to answer some important questions about the Eucharist. What did Jesus teach in the Gospels? How did God prepare for this gift in the Old Testament? What can we find in the writings of Paul and the apostles? How did Christians worship in the early centuries, and what did they believe about Communion? How does this gift make a difference in our lives today as Christians? The more one learns about the Eucharist, the more beautiful it becomes.
If Jesus is offering such an amazing gift, wouldn’t you want to experience it?
In every Catholic church throughout the world, Christians continue to experience this wonderful treasure in our worship, as Jesus commanded. Jesus wants to unite himself with you, not only in spirit, but as you are, both body and soul. He wants to be truly one with you, much more than the closest embrace. He wants to feed you with the true Bread of Life.