By Mike McCombs
The Island News
Higgins Media Group, LLC, owner of The Island News, has acquired Lowcountry Weekly from its owner and publisher, Margaret Evans.
Lowcountry Weekly is a local tabloid-style newspaper printed twice a month that focuses on local arts, theater, books, cuisine, community events and lifestyle. It’s 8,000 copies are circulated throughout Beaufort County.
The acquisition became official on Monday, Oct. 19, 2026.
“I am excited to share with you that I have acquired Lowcountry Weekly and there are big plans for this fun and creative publication,” said Jake Higgins, owner of Higgins Media Group. “This paper has served as a staple in our community and provides wonderful articles about local arts, theater, books, cuisine, community events and lifestyle. That will continue, and the newspaper will continue to be distributed to Beaufort and Jasper Counties. We will be delivering this informative and fun publication to more people and more businesses while holding true to it’s intended purpose.”
Evans will continue to serve as Lowcountry Weekly’s editor and a contributing columnist. She has been writing her “Rants & Raves” column for more than 25 years, and has been honored by the S.C. Press Association with awards for column writing, humor writing, arts writing, and feature writing. Her essays have appeared in magazines and anthologies throughout the South, including “State of the Heart: South Carolina Writers on the Places They Love,” “Our Prince of Scribes: Writers Remember Pat Conroy,” and “Southbound Magazine.” She is the former editor of “Beaufort Magazine” and former editorial assistant to the late novelist Pat Conroy.
Margaret and Jeff Evans bought Lowcountry Weekly from its founding publisher, Deborah Hoffman, in 2000, and Margaret Evans has served as editor ever since. The Evanses have been deeply involved in Beaufort County’s arts community for three decades, and their publication has been, first and foremost, a reflection of that passion and dedication.
“I am happy to be joining Higgins Media Group,” Evans said. “Jake truly believes in the value of local journalism, and he has the vision and business know-how to ensure that our publications thrive.”
“Margaret is a wonderful person who has poured years of her life into refining and shaping the Lowcountry Weekly, and I am honored to have her on our team,” Higgins said. “I look forward to sharing with you what Margaret and our super talented staff writers continue to create.”
Mike McCombs is the editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.