Georgia man arrested on Criminal Solicitation of a Minor charges
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson on Monday, Jan.9, announced the arrest of Eric Jon Zona (age 29) of Guyton, Ga., on one charge connected to the criminal solicitation of a minor.
Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators with the Beaufort Police Department made the arrest. Investigators with the Port Wentworth Police Department in Georgia assisted with this investigation.
Investigators said Zona solicited a person he believed to be a minor for sex.
Zona was arrested on December 22, 2022. He is charged with one count of Criminal Solicitation of a Minor (§16-15-342), a felony offense punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment.
This case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office. Attorney General Wilson stressed all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law.
Wreath retirement Saturday morning
A quick reminder from Wreaths Across America Beaufort that they need volunteers for the Remembrance Wreath Retirement at 8 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 14, at Beaufort National Cemetery.
Don’t forget a broom handle or rake — all the better to pick wreaths up. And it may be chilly so dress warmly.
Emancipation Proclamation Celebration
A Gullah Campfire Supper with Stories and Songs event is scheduled from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 14, at Morning Glory Homestead Farm on St. Helena Island.
The living history duo at the farm will portray actual people who lived here in 1863 and attended the ceremony marking the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation at Union Army Camp Saxton. An Army campsite will be on display, complete with A-Frame tent, campfire cooking equipment, and period clothing worn by the people of the time.
Hear dramatic presentations of journal entries and articles describing the mood and activities of the celebration. Hear songs and stories to get a feel for the atmosphere. Eat a farm-to-table meal using utensils like the soldiers.
Tickets range from $40 to $75. For more information, visit morninggloryhomestead.com or call 843-812-0344.
Penn Center hosting Community Sing
The public is invited to Community Sing at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 15 at Penn Center’s Frissell Community House to honor Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
There will be light refreshments. For more information, call 843-838-2474.
Certified barbeque judging class coming to Columbia
The South Carolina Barbecue Association (SCBA) will hold a one-day seminar in Columbia to train new barbecue judges. The seminar is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 18, in the recreation hall at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, located at 1715 Bull Street in Columbia.
Registration for the seminar is open to SCBA members and costs $50 per person, which includes a catered barbecue lunch. Non-members may join SCBA prior to or while registering for the seminar and be eligible to attend. SCBA annual membership dues are $45 for an individual or $60 for a family.
The seminar is the first step in becoming a SCBA Certified Barbecue Judge. After completing the class, potential judges will continue their training with hands-on experience as novice judges at three SCBA-sanctioned barbecue competitions. Competitions are held around the state at festivals and fairs, as well as other community events or stand-alone BBQ contests.
Those interested in becoming SCBA certified judges and attending the February 26 seminar should visit www.scbarbeque.com to register for the seminar and/or join the SCBA.
County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Department offices to close for staff development
The Beaufort County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Department Offices in both Bluffton and Beaufort will close Thursday, Jan. 12 and Thursday, Jan. 19 for staff development.
The offices will close at noon both days. Both offices will reopen for normal business hours Friday, January 13, at 8 a.m.
For more information, please call the Bluffton Office at 843-255-6020 or Beaufort at 843-255-6000.
