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<p><strong>Weathers running for re-election</strong></p>
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<p>Hugh Weathers, South Carolina’s Commissioner of Agriculture, has announced his intent to run for re-election. A fourth-generation farmer from Bowman, Commissioner Weathers has held the position since 2004, representing more than 25,000 farms in the Palmetto State.</p>
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<p><strong>Identify the signs of overdose: County offers free Narcan, 5-minute raining</strong></p>
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<p>The Beaufort County Alcohol and Drug Abuse Department will be offering a free 5-minute Narcan training between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 22. The training helps understand how to identify the signs of an overdose and how to help someone who may be overdosing.</p>
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<p>No appointment is required, and you don’t have to leave your car. Everyone who takes the 5 minute training will receive free supplies of Narcan.</p>
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<p>The 5-minute training will be held curbside at the BCADAD Beaufort office, 1905 Duke Street and the BCADAD Bluffton office, 4819 Bluffton Parkway.</p>
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<p>Free "Deterra Bags" will be available too. These bags are the proper way to dispose of expired, unwanted medication.</p>
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<p>For more information visit www.beaufortcountysc.gov/alcohol-and-drug.</p>
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<p><strong>Individual Income Tax season opens Monday, Jan. 24</strong></p>
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<p>The South Carolina Department of Revenue (SCDOR) will begin accepting Individual Income Tax returns for tax year 2021 on Monday, Jan. 24, consistent with the date announced by the IRS. The filing deadline for both state and federal 2021 income tax returns is Monday, April 18.</p>
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<p>“We encourage all South Carolina taxpayers to file electronically and to choose direct deposit,” SCDOR Director Hartley Powell said in a release. “This is the most convenient, secure, and accurate way to file your return and receive your refund without any delays.”</p>
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<p>“I urge all South Carolinians to choose direct deposit for their income tax refunds,” State Treasurer Curtis Loftis said. “Your refund is sent quickly and directly to your bank account as soon as your return is processed. No more waiting on the mail. It’s simply the fastest way to receive your refund.”</p>
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<p><strong>United Way of Lowcountry adds 2 new board members</strong></p>
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<p>The United Way of the Lowcountry (UWLC) has added two new community leaders to its all-volunteer governing board.</p>
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<p>Jeanine Bostick and Carl Kilpatrick will join the existing UWLC Board of Directors.</p>
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<p>“We are incredibly fortunate that United Way of the Lowcountry attracts dedicated individuals, like Jeanine and Carl, who are willing to donate their time and talents to build a stronger Lowcountry,” UWLC President and CEO Dale Douthat said in a release.</p>
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<p>A native of Jasper County, Bostick serves as the Director of Jasper County Board of Elections &amp; Voter Registration. Prior to joining Jasper County, she worked with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control in Beaufort and South Carolina Department of Corrections in Ridgeland.</p>
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<p>Also a native of Jasper County, Kilpatrick is the Market President for Northern Beaufort and Jasper County at South State Bank. He has more than 25 years of experience in the banking industry and has served on numerous boards in the area.</p>
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