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(47087, 4, '2020-11-24 13:54:16', '2020-11-24 18:54:16', '<h2>USCB Center for the Arts brings original radio-style broadcast<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>of ‘A Christmas Carol’<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>to stage</h2>\r\n<strong>By Mindy Lucas</strong>\r\n\r\nYou may think you know “A Christmas Carol” inside and out, but chances are you haven’t seen anything like this version.\r\n\r\nIn a one night only event, the Beaufort Theatre Company will present a broadcast-style take on the Charles Dickens classic with all the action set in a 1940s radio studio, complete with vintage commercials and live sound effects.\r\n\r\nThose who want to “tune in” can watch the production via live stream on Saturday, Dec. 5.\r\n\r\nThe idea behind the production harkens back to a time when families used to gather at home to listen to radio dramas.\r\n\r\n“That was part of what we liked about the idea,” Director and USC Beaufort Assistant Professor Libby Ricardo said. “It felt warm and family centric and it fostered community.”\r\n\r\nThe idea also resonated for the times, Ricardo said.\r\n\r\n“I think we’ve all been gathering around televisions or radios in cars, just listening to every thing that’s<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>happening in the world right now,” she said.\r\n\r\nSo in a sense, the format allows people to be together while being apart, she said.\r\n\r\nA cast of eight actors will portray dozens of characters – from Ebenezer Scrooge to the three spirits who help Scrooge realize the true meaning of Christmas. Actors on stage will be spaced 6 feet apart.\r\n\r\nInstead of rehearsing in person, the cast has been using Zoom to rehearse – a first for Ricardo though she found she didn’t mind the experience so much.\r\n\r\n“I actually really enjoyed it,” she said. “It allowed me to focus on vocal textures and performances of the show. This is an entirely new landscape and it’s been really fun.”\r\n\r\nWhat’s more, George Pate, USCB Associate Professor of English in Drama and Theater, wrote the adaption for the radio styled play – making it a true original production. Pate also happens to be Ricardo’s husband.\r\n\r\nWhile pulling from the original story, Pate knew they had to make sure the stage production was lively and would hold an at-home audience’s attention, Ricardo said.\r\n\r\n“You have to make sure they are entertained,” she said.\r\n\r\nThose familiar with Beaufort Theatre Company productions may recognize veteran actors Brad Ballington as Scrooge, James Duffy as Marley and Ghost of Christmas Present. Also Curtis Dansby, Emmitt O Brien, Dan Hodges, Julie Siebold, Rosie Lyda, Greg Rawls along with Ricardo will play multiple roles.\r\n\r\nSo if you’re feeling a little “Bah, humbug” or looking for something to encapsulate the magic and wonder of the holiday season, tune in to this one of a kind production of “A Christmas Carol.”\r\n\r\n“It’s still the same story and we hope that people will join us,” Ricardo said. “We’re excited to do something and gather even in this capacity.”\r\n\r\n<b>WANT TO WATCH?</b>\r\n\r\n“A Christmas Carol: A Radio Play” will be available by live stream only at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5. Tickets are $35-$100. For more information call (843) 521-4145 or visit www.uscbcenterforthearts.com', 'Tune in for a little Christmas magic', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'tune-in-for-a-little-christmas-magic', '', '', '2020-11-24 13:54:16', '2020-11-24 18:54:16', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47087', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47089, 4, '2020-11-24 13:58:34', '2020-11-24 18:58:34', '<strong>By Mindy Lucas</strong>\r\n\r\nIn the fight against the spread of COVID-19, this past week produced the first glimmer of hope as not one but three major pharmaceutical companies came forward with news of successful vaccines.\r\n\r\n“We consider this very encouraging news,” said South Carolina’s epidemiologist Dr. Linda Bell in a statewide phone conference held with members of the media on Wednesday, Nov. 18.\r\n\r\nDr. Bell and other health officials with the Department of Health and Environmental<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>Control (DHEC) outlined the process by which a vaccine would be rolled out in South Carolina – first to health care providers and others who most often come in to contact with the virus or those infected, then to the general public.\r\n\r\nAnd while Pfizer announced this past week that it has applied for emergency use authorization – Moderna expects to apply soon as well – health officials also cautioned that doesn’t mean the vaccine will be available this week or next.\r\n\r\nIn fact, the approval process could take several weeks after applications for emergency use are sent to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and several months before it is available to the general public, Bell said.\r\n\r\nThat’s why it’s more important than ever to continue with such protective measures as wearing masks and avoiding gatherings, Bell and other health officials have said.\r\n\r\n“Certainly for the immediate future for the upcoming holidays, all the recommendations that we have for prevention and protection must remain in place,” Bell said.\r\n\r\nWhile news of the availability of a vaccine have encouraged those on the front lines, many still are bracing for a surge in cases with the onset of colder weather and the flu season, which could further complicate matters.\r\n\r\nIn many parts of the country, the numbers of positive cases and hospitals overrun with COVID patients have exploded in recent weeks causing new lockdowns and restrictions and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to recommend against traveling or gathering for the Thanksgiving holiday.\r\n\r\nOn Friday, Nov. 20, CDC officials said they were alarmed to see 1 million new cases reported across the United States within the past week. Already in the United States, 250,000 people have died from the virus.\r\n\r\nIn Beaufort County where incidence rates have continued to remain high, news of a vaccine was particularly welcomed, though the number of patients who have had to be hospitalized in Beaufort has been relatively low, Beaufort Memorial Hospital’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kurt Gambla said.\r\n\r\nIn terms of hospitalizations, the hospital has seen only single digits and among those the hospital has tested, the numbers of positive tests for the virus have been running around 11 percent, he said.\r\n\r\n“We’d like to think the numbers very locally have remained low because we’ve been good, and I think that is true, but there’s also some luck involved with that,” Gambla said.\r\n\r\nLike the CDC, Gambla had recommended that families forego traveling or interacting with others outside the main household for Thanksgiving, and until a vaccine does become available, it is important for Beaufort residents to continue taking protective measures, he said.\r\n\r\n“Honestly, that is all we have right now,” he said.\r\n\r\nWhat’s worrisome is that Beaufort could still see an uptick in numbers this winter, he said.\r\n\r\n“It would be naive to think we’re going stay at these low numbers through the whole winter. We probably are going to see a surge, so our goal is … if we do have a surge to mitigate that as much as we can,” he said.\r\n\r\nThe hospital does have a surge plan in place, which it will implement if the numbers do begin to rise, he said.\r\n\r\nMoreover, even with a vaccine on the horizon, a large portion of the population – roughly 90 percent – would need to be immunized before we are able to relax prevention measures, according to the state’s epidemiologist.\r\n\r\n“The faster that we can get the population covered, the more quickly we can move to what we’re all looking forward to as more normalized activities,” said Dr. Bell.\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, Dr. Gambla is concerned that people will hear the news that a vaccine is coming and let their guard down, or abandon precautions altogether once it arrives here in Beaufort.\r\n\r\n“The vaccine is another tool that we layer on, until we’re immune,” he said, adding that all of these measures work together in helping to overcome the virus.\r\n\r\n“We really want to beat this thing and have a sense of control over this thing,” he said. “This is another tool we have to help with this.”\r\n\r\n<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n<b>FAQS ABOUT THE VACCINE</b>\r\n\r\nEven with the recent news that a vaccine may soon be underway, much is still unknown given how fluid the situation is.\r\n\r\nHowever, the following are just a few questions state and local health officials fielded recently.\r\n\r\n<b>Where will I be able to get the vaccine?</b>\r\n\r\nIn much the same way you get your flu shot, you will more than likely be able to obtain the COVID vaccination from your local health provider.\r\n\r\nThe federal government is also working with large grocery store chains for distribution, and about 175 organizations in South Carolina have already applied to become approved vaccine providers, said DHEC officials. However, those are still in various stages of approval.\r\n\r\nHere in Beaufort, Beaufort Memorial expects to be a vaccination site as well, Beaufort Memorial Hospital’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kurt Gambla said.\r\n\r\n<b>How much will it cost?</b>\r\n\r\nThe federal government is committed to making the vaccine available at no charge to consumers, said DHEC’s Dr. Linda Bell. Insurance providers will also cover administration and doctor’s office fees, so there will be no cost for the vaccine or for receiving the vaccine, she said.\r\n\r\n<b>Will my children be required to get the COVID vaccine in order to enter school next year?</b>\r\n\r\nRequiring the vaccine to enter schools is not under consideration at this time, DHEC officials said.\r\n\r\nHowever, private workplaces such as a doctor’s office or other facilities, may require workers to obtain the vaccination.\r\n\r\n<b>I’ve heard there are several vaccines. Which one will I get?</b>\r\n\r\nIt depends on a number of factors such as which manufacturer will be ready first, can effectively ship the vaccine to providers and which vaccination may be recommended for certain populations, DHEC officials noted.\r\n\r\nThe agency said it will work with federal guidelines in selecting which is best for certain populations. AstraZeneca and Oxford University, for example, announced this past week that their COVID-19 vaccine produced a strong immune response in older adults.\r\n\r\n<b>BEAUFORT COUNTY<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span></b><b>BY THE NUMBERS</b>\r\n\r\n<b>234.7 per 100,000 people </b>– Incidence Rate (More than 200 is considered high)\r\n\r\n<b>6,891 </b>– Total number of cases\r\n\r\n<b>311 </b>– Hospitalizations\r\n\r\n<b>94 </b>– Deaths\r\n\r\n*Source: S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control as of Nov. 22, 2020\r\n\r\n<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>', 'Health officials: Vaccines on the way but caution still needed', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'health-officials-vaccines-on-the-way-but-caution-still-needed', '', '', '2020-11-24 13:58:34', '2020-11-24 18:58:34', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47089', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47091, 4, '2020-11-24 14:00:49', '2020-11-24 19:00:49', '<strong>Photo by Bob Sofaly</strong>\r\n\r\nU.S. Army and Navy honor guard members hold the remains of four U.S. servicemen being laid to rest with full military honors Friday afternoon at the Beaufort National Cemetery. The bodies of the veterans, two from Dorchester County and two from Beaufort County, were never claimed by family members. Veterans groups stepped in to make sure all four received a proper funeral.&nbsp;', 'A PROPER GOODBYE', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'a-proper-goodbye', '', '', '2020-11-24 14:00:49', '2020-11-24 19:00:49', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47091', 0, 'post', '', 0),
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(47104, 4, '2020-12-02 11:03:03', '2020-12-02 16:03:03', '', '11232020 Mossy Oaks drainage work, 3 - 0222', 'Bob Sofaly photo\rA welder cuts a massive hole in a steel coffer dam to accomodate one of two 60-inch concrete storm drains Monday at the end of Rodgers Street off Battery Creek Road.', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '11232020-mossy-oaks-drainage-work-3-0222', '', '', '2020-12-02 11:03:03', '2020-12-02 16:03:03', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/11232020-Mossy-Oaks-drainage-work-3-0222.jpeg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47105, 4, '2020-12-02 11:03:07', '2020-12-02 16:03:07', '', '11232020 Mossy Oaks drainage work, 2 - 0204', 'Bob Sofaly photo\rWorkmen smooth out an area over a pair of 54-inch storm drains at Jane Way and First Blvd. on Monday.', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '11232020-mossy-oaks-drainage-work-2-0204', '', '', '2020-12-02 11:03:07', '2020-12-02 16:03:07', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/11232020-Mossy-Oaks-drainage-work-2-0204.jpeg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47106, 4, '2020-12-02 11:03:11', '2020-12-02 16:03:11', '', '11232020 Mossy Oaks drain work, 1 - 0207', 'Bob Sofaly photo\nA view of the new flood gates at end of to a pair of 60-inch, concrete storm drain pipes at the end of Rodgers Street off Battery Creek Road in the Mossy Oaks area.', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '11232020-mossy-oaks-drain-work-1-0207', '', '', '2020-12-02 15:13:48', '2020-12-02 20:13:48', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/11232020-Mossy-Oaks-drain-work-1-0207.jpeg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
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(47125, 4, '2020-12-02 11:22:03', '2020-12-02 16:22:03', '<strong>By Jane Caffrey</strong>\r\n\r\nThe League of Women Voters Beaufort S.C. Area would like to thank everyone who worked to ensure a safe and accurate Nov. 3 General Election.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nIt would like to thank the Beaufort County voters for turning out through unprecedented circumstances to make sure their voices were heard. The League extends their utmost gratitude to the dedicated people who powered the elections: the poll workers, election officials, election observers, postal workers, and volunteers.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nThe League also sends its congratulations to all the candidates who gave their time and efforts to offer to run for various offices to serve their communities, whether they ran or not.\r\n\r\nThe gift of being a young, new League of Women Voters organization is that it never knew what it couldn’t do. And never was that more important than during this 2020 Election Year, the year of the League\'s Centennial celebration. They were, in so many ways, “The Little Chapter that Could.”\r\n\r\nWith only 85 members – not all of whom are able to actively participate – this Chapter set a very strategic focused goals for voter education, voter outreach and voter access.\r\n\r\nVarious initiatives included community relations outreach via voter registration and Census help drives; following school bus routes delivering lunches from the Beaufort County School District; Church Food Drives; as well as organizing weekly tables at the Piggly Wiggly and Food Lion from August through October.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nThe League also invited candidates to submit their bios and answers to questions for Vote411 Voter Guides. The Beaufort League helped the League of Women Voters Vote411.org website reach more than 6 million views to get information about voting all over the country for a record-breaking election cycle. Voters viewed more than 37 million pages in both English and Spanish.\r\n\r\nPartnering with the LWV of the Hilton Head-Bluffton Area, the League of Women Voters Beaufort Area held various Beaufort County virtual Zoom Candidate Forums. The League also developed a Voter Ambassador Program, which provided voter education about the Early Voting and Absentee Ballot process.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nDovetailing with the 2020 election season was the 2020 Census. Our outreach efforts for the Election and Census completions consisted of meetings with the Beaufort County Board of Registration and Elections, informational videos, socially distanced in-person interactions with the community, postcards, flyers, signage, and social media. They arranged with Palmetto Breeze to provide “Rides to the Polls,” a service for disabled persons and others to request safe round-trip rides from home to the absentee voting site at no cost to individuals.\r\n\r\nMore than 840 volunteer hours were given by the Beaufort League members and partners in Getting out the Vote for their Give a Day for Democracy Campaign. Under the direction of Voter Services and Education Director Bernadette Hampton, League volunteers reached more than 3,000 people, registered 325 voters (not including those who registered online), sent more than 1,000 postcards and provided census help and information to more than 900 households.\r\n\r\nEven through the stresses that 2020 has brought, the League encourages you to take a moment to celebrate our democracy and to have a safe and Happy Holiday Season!\r\n\r\n<em>Jane Caffrey is the President of the League of Women Voters Beaufort S.C. Area. To become a member of the League of Women Voters Beaufort S.C. Area, visit <a href=\"http://www.lwvbeaufort.org/\">www.lwvbeaufort.org</a>. If you have any questions, email to lwvbeaufort@gmail.com.</em>', 'Thank you, celebrate democracy, have a happy holiday season', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'thank-you-celebrate-democracy-have-a-happy-holiday-season', '', '', '2020-12-02 11:22:03', '2020-12-02 16:22:03', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47125', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47127, 4, '2020-12-02 11:26:48', '2020-12-02 16:26:48', '<strong>By Scott Graber</strong>\r\n\r\nIt is early Saturday, and this morning, I have a fire in our hearth. I’ve built this fire from sticks, branches and debris that have fallen into our yard from an aging stand of magnolia trees.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nUsually I use an accelerant — a store-bought log – to get things going. But today’s kindling is organic, artisanal, free of chemicals.\r\n\r\nAs I sit in our living room I have a view of the Beaufort River getting its first shafts of low-angled sunlight. This light has turned the Spartina an electric yellow and infuses me with a sense of rebirth and renewal.\r\n\r\nThis morning I’m listening to the “People’s Pharmacy” that features Paul Offit, a pediatrician-professor-writer at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. Dr. Offit says that many Americans, perhaps 20 percent, will opt out of the forthcoming Covid vaccine. CBS polling says that half of its respondents intend to “wait and see” before taking the shot.\r\n\r\nWhat?\r\n\r\nIn his explanation, Offit mentions the “Cutter Incident” in 1955. This accident involved Cutter Laboratories and the fact that their process of inactivating the live polio virus was defective. Within days there were reports of paralysis and within month of the first mass vaccination program against polio had to be abandoned.\r\n\r\nThe Cutter incident eventually led to the replacement of Jonas Salk’s formaldehyde-attenuated vaccine with Albert Sabin’s vaccine. Sabin’s “live” virus was also attenuated but the virus could be “reactivated” resulting in occasional cases of polio.\r\n\r\nOffit makes it clear that the Cutter incident wasn’t Salk’s fault, rather the fault was with the manufacturer, but it added even more accelerant to a rivalry between two brilliant, egotistical pioneers in vaccine development, notorious for their bitter rivalry.&nbsp;\r\n\r\nOffit also makes it clear that in 1955 the vast majority of Americans were ready to take their chances with the vaccine because polio had completely terrorized the American public. I was 10 years old in those days, and remember mandatory naps, newsreels showing recumbent children in “Iron Lungs” and the Gamma Globulin shots my father gave me and my siblings.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nPolio was second only to the Atomic Bomb in terms of what most Americans feared the most.\r\n\r\nAnd, of course, we were a different country in the 1950s.\r\n\r\nOur parents were survivors just escaped from the great tragedy of World War II. There was a national sense of gratitude that infused those who made it back after the great shoot-out.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nThere was also an excitement about the science that had come out of this war — especially antibiotics like Streptomycin. It was a time when doctors were not yet beholden to insurance companies. Rather they were authentic, small town celebrities in the image of Marcus Welby.\r\n\r\nAfter the Cutter incident the courts ruled that compensation was due those who had been injured. This triggered a flood of well-publicized lawsuits. Later, in 1986, Big Pharma fought back convincing Congress it was entitled to immunity.\r\n\r\nNotwithstanding Congressional immunity there developed — according to Offit — a culture of risk aversion among pharmaceutical companies and a tendency to avoid experimentation and innovation. Many smaller companies then opted-out of vaccines altogether.\r\n\r\nNow I’m listening to the news — People’s Pharmacy and Offit are done — and the lead story is the number of infections and the forthcoming danger that will attend any Thanksgiving gathering. This is followed by a first-person account of race-based discrimination, which is followed by a story framed with the words, “Blood in the Streets of Uganda.”\r\n\r\nThis morning, we get an hourly recitation of disaster, followed by injustice, then incompetence and sometimes genocide. Into this recipe we mix in a conspiracy-ridden internet which often targets vaccines and vaccinations, calling them dangerous, unnecessary, a source of autism.\r\n\r\nAnd so we now have a substantial cohort of cynical, skeptical, disbelieving Americans who see conspiracy and incompetence in every landscape — and apparently some see it in the making and the delivery of this particular vaccine.\r\n\r\nThis is a tragedy.\r\n\r\nIn the last part of my father’s life, he taught at MUSC. While there he recruited Albert Sabin to come and also teach at the Medical School. My father and Sabin thereafter became friends.\r\n\r\nI would sometimes see them, sitting in our den on James Island, talking about the their changing world of RNA, DNA and pathogens unseen and unknown. To my everlasting regret, I never joined those conversations.\r\n\r\nI was young, self-absorbed, in a hurry to get to the beach.\r\n\r\n<em>Scott Graber is a lawyer, novelist, veteran columnist and longtime resident of Port Royal. He can be reached at <a href=\"mailto:cscottgraber@gmail.com\">cscottgraber@gmail.com</a>.</em>', 'I regret never joining the conversations', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', '47127-2', '', '', '2020-12-02 11:33:15', '2020-12-02 16:33:15', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47127', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47130, 4, '2020-12-02 14:26:09', '2020-12-02 19:26:09', '<strong>By Dave Murry</strong>\r\n\r\nMore that 20 years ago my wife, Terry, and I spent a long weekend in Aiken. While there, we had dinner with our very close friends, Joe, a pediatrician and his wife, Mary. The other guests were Dr. and Ms. Goode. Although recently retired, Dr. Goode still travelled with Joe, as they had for many years, on annual medical missions. While I was aware of Joe and Dr. Goode’s medical missionary work, I had only a nodding acquaintance with the Goodes and was unaware that she was also very involved with her church’s good work.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nIt was late December and quite cold, not only there but also in Beaufort. I knew that one of my friends, a commercial fisherman, would be working during that cold snap and I did not envy him at all. Maybe that’s one reason my mind was on fishing. More so than usual, I mean.\r\n\r\nAs we were getting ready, Terry just out of the blue said “David,” in a tone that got my attention. “Now look,” she said. “Not everyone has the same interest in fishing that you have. In fact, most people don’t. I do not want to look around and see that you have Ms. Goode cornered and the poor woman’s eyes are glazed over while you’re holding forth on fishing in Alaska or Wyoming or wherever just because it’s cold. I know full well that’s what’s on your mind, but no one needs to hear about it. Not tonight. It’s just not acceptable. I suggest that you inquire about others’ interests. Find out what’s going on in their lives. Just don’t make it about fishing.”<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n“Right,” I replied. “I’ve got it,” although her admonishment did serve to remind me of that that time in Wyoming when an early season weather system came roaring down … “Stop it,’ I thought, and began to think that maybe she had a point. Best be careful; wouldn’t want to be thought a bore.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nSo when we arrived I was on my absolute best behavior, which was real easy in the beginning because we were supposed to be mostly listening at first anyway. The two doctors were going to share, complete with a slide show, their recent experiences in a distant, war torn and poverty stricken country, and I was interested in hearing about it.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nNot long after a most interesting and informative presentation we were seated for dinner, and that’s when things started going awry. You see, I have a hearing impairment and Ms. Goode, whom I hardly knew, was seated on my bad side. So having turned over this new leaf and being truly focused on proper social etiquette, I inquired of her, “What’s going on in your life these days?”<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n“Well,” she replied, “I just got back from a mission.” And I thought she said she just got back from fishin’.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nThe first thing that went through my mind was that this was a perfect example of how I should be more careful about subconsciously stereotyping folks, because I had assumed, obviously for no good reason, that this lady would not have had the least interest in fishing.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n“That sounds just grand. Where were you?” I asked, expecting Florida or maybe the Bahamas, given the time of year.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n“Michigan,” was the response.\r\n\r\n“Well now, doesn’t that just take the cake,” I thought. “Her husband goes halfway around the world on a medical mission and she leaves the Deep South in late-December to go fishin’ in Michigan, of all places. Now there’s a truly dedicated fisher.”<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nI quickly glanced around to see if Terry was listening to this, in which case I was fully prepared to place the blame squarely where it belonged with a quick “She brought it up, not me!” but no worries – safe to continue this fascinating conversation.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n“That’s very interesting.” I said, “What for?” thinking it had to be for steelhead that time of year. I tried to imagine her in insulated waders standing knee deep in a Michigan steelhead stream fly casting in a snowstorm. I was having difficulty getting a clear picture.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nWith a rather perplexed expression, she replied “Souls.”\r\n\r\nNow this was getting to be too much. “Is that right?’ I asked, “In fresh water?”\r\n\r\nThat’s when I felt a sharp kick under the table against my shin. I looked up to see Terry giving me the cut-throat gesture universally understood to mean “Knock it off!’ I also noticed that everyone had rather puzzled expressions. So I let it drop, figuring that on the way back to the inn I could easily explain my innocence. Sure, it was a surprising coincidence that we shared the same interests, but I was simply being polite.\r\n\r\nAs soon as we were in the car I said, “Terry, you may not believe this but Ms. Goode is really serious about fish…” when I was interrupted with “For cryin’ out loud, she wasn’t fishin’. She was on a mission!”\r\n\r\n“Oh.” I said. “Well, that puts a whole different light on it. Gosh, I guess it’s a good thing I didn’t ask if she prefers ’em grilled or fried.’\r\n\r\nI didn’t catch all the response, but it sounded sort of like some mumbling about … “such a cross to bear.”\r\n\r\nWishing you happy holidays and tight lines, wherever and whatever you’re fishin’ for this holiday season,\r\n\r\nDave Murray\r\n\r\n<em>\r\nDave helped pioneer salt water fly fishing in the Lowcountry. He is a retired Orvis endorsed guide and currently teaches Orvis and Bay Street Outfitters’ fly fishing schools and fly casting clinics. He lives in Beaufort with his wife, Terry. He can be reached at davemurray1033@gmail.com</em>', 'Fishin’ in Michigan', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'fishin-in-michigan', '', '', '2020-12-02 14:26:09', '2020-12-02 19:26:09', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47130', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47132, 4, '2020-12-02 14:27:37', '2020-12-02 19:27:37', '<strong>From staff reports</strong>\r\n\r\nApplications for the 2021 Heritage Classic Foundation Scholar Awards are now available online for all Beaufort and Jasper County high school seniors.\r\n\r\nThe Heritage Classic Foundation will name new Scholars from the 2021 graduating class. Seniors in all Beaufort and Jasper County high schools are eligible to apply.\r\n\r\nEach Scholar will have an opportunity to receive a 4-year grant totaling up to $16,000 or $20,000.\r\n\r\nScholarship applications are reviewed on the basis of academic success, community service, essays written by the student and financial need. An interview is required by all finalists.\r\n\r\nSince this Scholar program was instituted in 1993, 342 graduating seniors have been named Heritage Scholars. These grants, to a college of the student’s choice, have totaled more than $4.45 million.\r\n\r\nApplications are now available online and can be found at www.heritageclassicfoundation.com. All applications must be completed by Jan. 15, 2021.\r\n\r\nThe 2021 Scholars will be recognized at the 53rd annual RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing to be played April 12-18, 2021 at Hilton Head Island’s Harbour Town Golf Links.\r\n\r\nThe Heritage Classic Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, is dedicated to supporting educational and charitable initiatives to enhance quality of life and economic vitality by hosting the RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing, South Carolina’s only PGA Tour golf tournament.\r\n\r\nSince it was founded in 1987, the Foundation has donated more than $44.6 million to people in need. For more information, call 843-671-2448, visit www.heritageclassicfoundation.com or follow on Facebook (Heritage Classic Foundation) and Twitter (@HCFGolf).', 'Heritage Classic Foundation Scholar applications available', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'heritage-classic-foundation-scholar-applications-available', '', '', '2020-12-02 14:27:37', '2020-12-02 19:27:37', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47132', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47135, 4, '2020-12-02 14:29:18', '2020-12-02 19:29:18', '<strong>Riverview Charter hiring teachers</strong>\r\n\r\nRiverview Charter School is seeking applicants to fill several certified teaching positions for the remainder of the school year.\r\n\r\nIn particular, the school is looking for a 5th Grade English and Science teacher and a 6th Grade social studies teacher.\r\n\r\nInterested applicants should fill out the online application found at https://riverviewcharterschool.org/employment-2/. Applicants should ensure they have all of the required documents – cover letter, resume, documentation to demonstrate who you are as a teacher (newsletter, unit plan, educational philosophy, etc.).\r\n\r\nApplicants will receive a confirmation email. Documents are reviewed and screened, and interviews are scheduled based on the credentials of the applicant and the need of the school.\r\n\r\nInterviews will be held by appointment only. Invitations for interviews will be send via email with a date and time.\r\n\r\n<strong>McMaster gives DHEC OK for school testing program</strong>\r\n\r\nGovernor Henry McMaster on Friday, Nov. 25, signed Executive Order 2020-73, which gives the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) the authority to implement its school testing program. Governor McMaster and SCDHEC Interim Director of Public Health, Dr. Brannon Traxler, discussed the new testing initiative last week.\r\n\r\n“Right now, too many South Carolina parents are having to choose between their jobs and their children because they aren’t being given an option to send their children to school for in-person instruction,” McMaster said. “School districts throughout our state have shown that we can safely educate our children in the classroom, and these tests will give students, teachers, and faculty members another layer of defense against the COVID-19 virus.”\r\n\r\nRoughly 220,000 Abbott BinaxNOW tests have been allocated for the program, with each participating district initially receiving enough tests to account for 10 percent of the staff and student body population.\r\n\r\nTests will be available to symptomatic students, teachers, and other staff. Results of the tests are available in approximately 15 minutes.\r\n\r\nParticipation in the testing program is voluntary and will require a consent form to be completed by minors’ parents or guardians. Individual school districts also have the ability to opt out of the program.\r\n\r\nSCDHEC anticipates distributing the tests to school districts soon, though participating districts will need time to distribute the tests to individual schools and train staff to administer the tests.', 'SCHOOL BRIEFS', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'school-briefs-58', '', '', '2020-12-02 14:29:18', '2020-12-02 19:29:18', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47135', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47137, 4, '2020-12-02 14:29:50', '2020-12-02 19:29:50', '<strong>From staff reports</strong>\r\n\r\nThe American Legion Beaufort Post 9 will hold an Oratorical Scholarship Contest in January for Beaufort area high school students with college scholarships – up to $25,000 for students bound to any college in the United States.\r\n\r\nUp to six selected participants will give a short, prepared oration on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution and respond to an assigned topic. Post 9 wants Beaufort area high school students to show their knowledge and appreciation of our Constitution and show how they are prepared for the duties,\r\n\r\nresponsibilities, and privileges of American citizenship.\r\n\r\nParents, students or teachers should contact Matt Swinsick at 843-277-7906 or (swinsickmul@gmail.com) with any questions or to register. Registration deadline is Dec. 15. More information is available at www.bftamlegpost9.org.', 'American Legion Oratorical Contest now open', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'american-legion-oratorical-contest-now-open', '', '', '2020-12-02 14:29:50', '2020-12-02 19:29:50', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47137', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47139, 4, '2020-12-02 14:32:38', '2020-12-02 19:32:38', 'BOYS HOOPS<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>TEAM CAPSULES\r\n\r\nSCHSL CLASS 4A\r\n\r\nBEAUFORT HIGH\r\n\r\nCoach: Jeremy Huff (2nd season)\r\n\r\nLast Year: (5-20, 0-6), 4th in region\r\n\r\nPlayoffs: DNQ\r\n\r\nKey losses: Jamaad Rivers, Josh Aiken, CJ Smith\r\n\r\nKey returners: Oliver Holmes, Zyrin Odom, Rush Riley, Daniel Phares\r\n\r\nBreakout Candidates: Micheal Dennison, Davis Willis, Jake Alvarez\r\n\r\nSCHSL CLASS 3A\r\n\r\nBATTERY CREEK\r\n\r\nCoach: CJ Brown (2nd season)<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nLast Year: (3-17, 1-7), 5th in region<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nPlayoffs: DNQ\r\n\r\nKey Losses: Amoni Waring, Obi Wilson<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nKey Returners: David Grober, Jordon Rivers<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nBreakout Candidates: David Smith\r\n\r\nSCHSL CLASS 1A\r\n\r\nWHALE BRANCH\r\n\r\nCoach: Jim Raymond (5th season)<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nLast Year: (21-7, 7-1), region champs<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nPlayoffs: Class 2A runner-up<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nKey Losses: Nick Pringle, Shawn Chisolm, Shemar Williams, Jaylin Perrales\r\n\r\nKey Returners: Jaylen Reeves\r\n\r\nBreakout Candidates: JaShaun Gillison, JaQuan Gillison\r\n\r\nSCISA CLASS 2A\r\n\r\nBEAUFORT ACADEMY\r\n\r\nCoach: Bobby Smith (2nd season)\r\n\r\nLast Year: (15-11, 6-6)<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nPlayoffs: QF (Richard Winn)\r\n\r\nKey Losses: Dawson Coleman\r\n\r\nKey Returners: Elijah Fess, Brandon Trapp, Braydon Dineen, Malachi Rodriguez, Sully Gay\r\n\r\nBreakout Candidates: Ben VanHise, Ben Frey\r\n\r\nJOHN PAUL II\r\n\r\nCoach: Mac Tamminen (3rd season)\r\n\r\nLast Year: (12-11, 7-5)<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nPlayoffs: R1 (Christian Academy MB)\r\n\r\nKey Losses: Reco Anderson, CJ Knight\r\n\r\nKey Returners: Jeremiah Young, Jackson Ogden, Malone Kinard-Huisinger, Mark Knight, Austin McIntosh\r\n\r\nBreakout Candidates: Christian Tilton, Austin Floyd\r\n\r\nGIRLS HOOPS<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>TEAM CAPSULES\r\n\r\nSCHSL CLASS 4A\r\n\r\nBEAUFORT HIGH\r\n\r\nCoach: Reggie Jones (8th season)\r\n\r\nLast Year: (9-12, 2-4), 3rd in region\r\n\r\nPlayoffs: R1 (Airport)<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nKey Losses: Sequoia Smalls\r\n\r\nKey Returners: Layla Warren, Quinn Wilson\r\n\r\nBreakout Candidates: Genesis Jonassaint, Jayla Daise\r\n\r\nSCHSL CLASS 3A\r\n\r\nBATTERY CREEK\r\n\r\nCoach: Lonnie Kluttz (1st season)\r\n\r\nLast Year: (3-17, 2-5), 3rd in region\r\n\r\nPlayoffs: R1 (Strom Thurmond)<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nKey Losses: Starr Reed, Coresha Rutledge\r\n\r\nKey Returners: Myra Smith, Kiara Wilson, Emonee Johnson\r\n\r\nBreakout Candidates: Noni Singleton\r\n\r\nSCHSL CLASS 1A\r\n\r\nWHALE BRANCH\r\n\r\nCoach: LaToya Mack (3rd season)\r\n\r\nLast Year: (20-8,6-2), 2nd in region\r\n\r\nPlayoffs: R3 (Latta)<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nKey Losses: None\r\n\r\nKey Returners: Kynew Barnwell, Zhani Thompson, Jazmin Diaz\r\n\r\nBreakout Candidates: Erin Rivers, Heaven Grant\r\n\r\nSCISA CLASS 2A\r\n\r\nBEAUFORT ACADEMY\r\n\r\nCoach: Lillian Aldred (4th season)<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nLast Year: (20-3, 7-3)\r\n\r\nPlayoffs: SCISA 1A Champions (Def. Dorchester Academy)<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nKey Losses: Amelia Huebel, Emily Ann Hiers\r\n\r\nKey Returners: Mike’Ala Washington, Tahleea Heyward\r\n\r\nBreakout Candidates: Mary Hanna Hiers<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nJOHN PAUL II\r\n\r\nCoach: Karen Floyd (5th season)\r\n\r\nLast Year: (22-5, 7-3)<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nPlayoffs: QF (Palmetto Christian)\r\n\r\nKey Losses: Tkai DeVore, Abby Quinty, Jasmine Hamilton, Katie Leigh Floyd<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nKey Returners: Taylor Michael, Paige Weniger, Bella Termini<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nBreakout Candidates: Caroline Gilmour\r\n\r\nFor full high school basketball coverage visit <a href=\"http://www.Lowcosports.com\">www.Lowcosports.com</a>.\r\n\r\n<em>\r\nAbove:&nbsp;Beaufort’s Oliver Holmes</em>', 'BASKETBALL PREVIEWS', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'basketball-previews', '', '', '2020-12-02 14:38:46', '2020-12-02 19:38:46', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47139', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47141, 4, '2020-12-02 14:34:04', '2020-12-02 19:34:04', '<strong>Photo by Bob Sofaly</strong>\r\n\r\nRoyals shortstop Weldon Smith puts the tag on Black Panthers Peter Tims during the bottom of the third inning Tuesday, Nov. 24 at Burton Wells Complex. The Royals went on to win 5-2 and advance to the Dec. 1 championship game against the Avengers.&nbsp;', 'CLOSE PLAY', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'close-play', '', '', '2020-12-02 14:34:04', '2020-12-02 19:34:04', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47141', 0, 'post', '', 0);
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(47144, 4, '2020-12-02 14:37:25', '2020-12-02 19:37:25', 'Beaufort Academy’s boys<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>took down a state powerhouse in their season opener on Nov. 24, winning 73-63 at Clarendon Hall to hand the Saints their first loss to a SCISA opponent since the 2018 state championship game. The Eagles kept it rolling with a 52-51 win at Lowcountry Leadership on Monday.\r\n\r\nClarendon Hall star Kylic Horton poured in 40 points, but Malachi Rodriguez scored 13 to lead five Eagles in double-figures as BA dealt the Saints just their fourth defeat since the start of the 2018-19 season.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nBraydon Dineen, Elijah Fess, Brandon Trapp, and Ben VanHise each scored 10 points to join Rodriguez in double digits as the Eagles displayed their depth.\r\n\r\nThe Saints clobbered the Eagles 74-25 in last year’s opener in Beaufort and completed the season sweep with a 66-50 home win 10 days later, but BA was in control from the start this time.\r\n\r\nThe Eagles closed the first quarter on an 11-0 run to take a five-point lead and reeled off nine more points to start the second quarter and take a commanding 25-11 advantage. BA stayed the course and went to halftime up 38-26.\r\n\r\nClarendon pulled within 38-33 in the third quarter, but BA responded with a 9-2 run to cushion the margin and regain the momentum. The Saints kept coming and closed within four before Ben Frey hit a 3-pointer to put BA up 57-50 at the end of three periods, and Clarendon didn’t get any closer the rest of the way.\r\n\r\nBA then went on the road and knocked off a tough Lowcountry Leadership team Monday, escaping with a 52-51 victory.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nVanHise scored 18 points, and Fess punctuated his 16-point night with a buzzer-beating layup for the win to lead the Eagles. Frey added 12 for BA.\r\n<h4>Washington drops 31 as BA slams Saints</h4>\r\nBeaufort Academy’s girls opened their season with an impressive 58-19 victory at Clarendon Hall on Nov. 24.\r\n\r\nSophomore Mike’Ala Washington poured in a career-high 31 points to lead the way for the Eagles.\r\n\r\nTahleea Heyward added nine points, and Mary Hanna Hiers contributed eight for BA.\r\n\r\n<em>Above: BA’s Mike’Ala Washington</em>', 'BA boys off to 2-0 start, girls win season opener', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'ba-boys-off-to-2-0-start-girls-win-season-opener', '', '', '2020-12-02 14:37:25', '2020-12-02 19:37:25', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47144', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47147, 4, '2020-12-02 14:39:57', '2020-12-02 19:39:57', '<strong>Private Personal Visits With Santa</strong>\r\n\r\nThrough Dec. 22, Every Second Counts Escape Rooms, Lady’s Island. There will be 15-minute private reservation times on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays. Cost is $20 for first child, $7 for additional children/siblings. Activities include writing a personal letter to Santa, mailing those letters, hot cocoa, meeting Santa in the Christmas Holiday Room, a small gift from Santa and one free high definition photo with Santa. (Additional photos are $3 each.) Mask required upon arrival unless medical condition prohibits it. Masks not required for children younger than 4. Babies welcome and Santa will hold your baby. Santa will wear a special Christmas mask. During the free photo with Santa, parents can elect to have children wear masks or remove them. Visits with Santa himself are private. For more information, visit https://www.everysecondcountsesc.com/visit-with-santa.\r\n\r\n<strong>Habersham Southern Living Showcase Home tours</strong>\r\n\r\n10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Wednesday to Sunday, through Dec. 27 (excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays), 10 North Loudon Street, Habersham. Tickets are $10 each and are on sale at SouthernLivingShowcase.com. A portion of all ticket sales goes to benefit Friends of Caroline Hospice (www.focHospice.org). Allen Patterson Builders, Habersham Land Company and K. Lo Designs announce the completion and opening of “The Loudon,” built with innovative quality, functionality, and an elevated interior design featuring the iconic colors and textures of the Lowcountry. For more information about the partners and tours, visit SouthernLivingShowcase.com.\r\n\r\n<strong>Historic Beaufort Foundation’s Lafayette Soiree Auction</strong>\r\n\r\nThursday, Dec. 3 to Sunday, Dec. 6 at https://www.historicbeaufort.org/lafayette-soiree-2020. HBF has transformed the 2020 auction into an exciting online event, with nearly 60 items and experiences to enjoy now or plan for 2021. Check the HBF website for unique auction items highlighted each day until it’s time to open bids on Dec. 3.\r\n\r\n<strong>Photos With Santa</strong>\r\n\r\n4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 4, the Garden Courtyard behind The Beaufort Inn’s main inn. Sign-ups are required ahead of time and there are a limited number of spots available in each hour time slot. Santa, his elves, and the Beaufort Inn team, in partnership with Kathrynn Lott, local owner and designer at k.Lo Design &amp; Style are creating a scene that allows Santa and Mrs. Claus to interact with families while maintaining their distance. All photos will be taken outside and guests will be asked to social distance from other families and wear masks while in line. Photos will be sent digitally to the email provided when registering for the event. Guests will enjoy the full experience of letter writing to Santa, chatting with and taking a photo with Santa, and will receive a sweet treat after the photos.\r\n\r\nTo register, people can visit The Beaufort Inn (https://www.beaufortinn.com/santa-visits-the-beaufort-inn/) or Facebook Event “Reimagined Photos with Santa” through the EventBrite links provided in the description of the event.\r\n\r\n<strong>BA Blue &amp; White Classic Golf Tournament</strong>\r\n\r\nTee times 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 4, Ocean Creek Golf Course, Fripp Island. Tee times assigned the week of the event. Register 15 minutes prior to tee time at 1st tee box. Four-man Captain’s Choice (net and gross winners). Cost is $150/player (Includes lunch, golf and gift). Register to play or bid in online auction at one.bidpal.net/bluewhiteclassic2020.\r\n\r\n<strong>Through the Glass: 10th Annual Nativity Celebration</strong>\r\n\r\nDec. 4 through Jan. 6, First Presbyterian Church of Beaufort sanctuary, 410 Church Street in downtown Beaufort. Sanctuary will be open for day or evening self-guided tours of 12 beautiful nativity displays in 12 sanctuary windows.For more information, visit FirstPresBeaufort.org.\r\n\r\n<strong>Port Royal History Scavenger Hunt</strong>\r\n\r\n10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Historic Port Royal Foundation &amp; Museum, 1634 Paris Avenue. The Historic Port Royal Foundation will kick off a new History Scavenger Hunt featuring 23 locations in the historic section of downtown Port Royal. The brochure includes a map, riddles and histories for each site. Cost for the scavenger hunt guide is $5 and all proceeds go toward museum operations. The hunt brochure will also be available in the museum gift shop after the kick-off event. Historic Port Royal Foundation &amp; Museum is open 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday-Sunday and by appointment. For information call 843-524-4333 or email unionchurch1004@gmail.com.', 'WHAT’S HAPPENING', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'whats-happening-31', '', '', '2020-12-02 14:39:57', '2020-12-02 19:39:57', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47147', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47149, 4, '2020-12-02 14:42:01', '2020-12-02 19:42:01', '<h2>Mystic Osprey Gallery’s wildlife ornaments to benefit Lowcountry Raptors</h2>\r\n<strong>From staff reports</strong>\r\n\r\nHabersham’s Mystic Osprey Gallery has announced a holiday charity partnership with Lowcountry Raptors. All proceeds from every wildlife, Christmas ornament sold at the gallery will go directly to the birds in the care of the charity, which cares for owls, hawks, vultures, and falcons.\r\n\r\nEach ornament comes boxed with tissue paper, and is ready to gift. The ornaments are only available in-store, and not online.\r\n\r\n“Lowcountry Raptors is a wonderful organization, doing important, educational work,” Mystic Osprey Gallery owner Robert Howell said. “Lila Arnold, her volunteers and her birds visit classrooms, farmers markets, events, parks and libraries. For many people, especially kids, it’s the only opportunity to get close up to a live owl, hawk, or falcon and the programs teach people about raptors, predators and prey, conservation and habitat loss.\r\n\r\n“My wife, Emily, found terrific ornaments that were foxes, owls, cardinals, robins, bears, raccoons, hummingbirds and other wildlife creatures, so we decided to turn the ornaments into a fundraiser for Lowcountry Raptors. If you can’t make it to the gallery, you can also donate to the organization directly on the LowcountryRaptors.org website via paypal.”\r\n\r\n“Mystic Osprey Gallery had previously sponsored two of our birds-- Breezy, a Barred Owl, and Sterling, a Merlin Falcon – so when they called and asked if they could do this, we were thrilled, and the ornaments are adorable,” Lowcountry Raptors founder and leader Lila Arnold said.\r\n\r\nMystic Osprey Gallery showcases artists from around the country who explore nature, habitat, wildlife, and “our place within.” The work includes original paintings, prints, sculpture, jewelry, and ceramics.\r\n\r\n“Mystic Osprey Gallery celebrates nature, making Lowcountry Raptors a magical fit. These wonderful ornaments are a tiny reminder that there is much to do to protect our planet, its fauna, and flora,” Howell said.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<b>WHEN AND WHERE?</b>\r\n\r\nMystic Osprey Gallery is located at 23B Market, No. 1 in the Habersham Marketplace, Beaufort, S.C. Mystic Osprey’s hours are noon to 6 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday. You can also set-up a broadcast quality, curated, live tour of the gallery by calling 843-475-6781 or visiting MysticOsprey.com.', 'These ornaments are for the birds', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'these-ornaments-are-for-the-birds', '', '', '2020-12-02 14:42:28', '2020-12-02 19:42:28', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47149', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47153, 4, '2020-12-02 14:44:05', '2020-12-02 19:44:05', '<strong>DHEC offering free COVID-19 testing</strong>\r\n\r\nThe South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) is sponsoring COVID-19 testing from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 at the Beaufort County Health Department at 601 Wilmington Street.\r\n\r\nDHEC-sponsored testing is free, doesn\'t require insurance, and results are available in 72 hours. DHEC\'s testing options have expanded to include shallow nasal testing, an oral swab, or a saliva test at different locations. Pre-registering is recommended. Visit scdhec.gov/gettested.\r\n\r\nDHEC urges South Carolinians to be positive they\'re negative by routinely getting tested if they\'re regularly out in the community. It\'s especially important to get tested before and after holiday traveling or events.\r\n\r\nWhile testing is important, wearing face masks and social distancing remain key to preventing disease spread.\r\n\r\n<strong>Bayview Manor praised for<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>wound care</strong>\r\n\r\nBayview Manor was recently certified as a Vohra Wound Physicians Center of Excellence for Wound Management. This certification is an indication that the Bayview Manor nursing team is doing a good job reaching positive wound healing outcomes for residents.\r\n\r\n<em>Above: Brittany Kaczor, RN, and Dr. L. Stojanov of Bayview Manor. Submitted photo.</em>', 'HEALTH BRIEFS', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'health-briefs-16', '', '', '2020-12-02 14:44:05', '2020-12-02 19:44:05', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47153', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47155, 4, '2020-12-02 14:46:45', '2020-12-02 19:46:45', 'Ongoing studies indicate that eating a Mediterranean diet may reduce the effects of stress. Perhaps it’s time to rethink our traditional eating habits, including holiday meals.\r\n\r\nThe Mediterranean diet is not a single diet but rather an eating pattern that takes inspiration from the diet of southern European countries. There is an emphasis on plant foods, olive oil, fish, poultry, beans, and grains.\r\n\r\nThe diet draws together the common food types and healthful habits from the traditions of several different regions, including Greece, Spain, southern France, Portugal, and Italy.\r\n\r\nStudies suggest that people who live in the Mediterranean area or follow the Mediterranean diet have a lower risk of various diseases, including obesity, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. They are also more likely to enjoy a longer life than people in other regions.\r\n\r\nKey ingredients of the diet include fresh fruits and vegetables, unsaturated fats, oily fish, a moderate intake of dairy, and a low consumption of meat and added sugar. Studies have linked these factors with positive health outcomes.\r\n\r\nThere is no single definition of the Mediterranean diet, but one group of scientists used the following as their 2015 basis of research.\r\n\r\nVegetables: Include 3 to 9 servings a day.\r\n\r\nFresh fruit: Up to 2 servings a day.\r\n\r\nCereals: Mostly whole grain from 1 to 13 servings a day.\r\n\r\nOil: Up to 8 servings of extra virgin (cold pressed) olive oil a day.\r\n\r\nFat—mostly unsaturated—made up 37% of the total calories. Unsaturated fat comes from plant sources, such as olives and avocado. The Mediterranean diet also provided 33 grams (g) of fiber a day.\r\n\r\nThe baseline diet for this study provided around 2,200 calories a day.\r\n\r\nTypical ingredients\r\n\r\nHere are some examples of ingredients that people often include in the Mediterranean diet.\r\n\r\nVegetables: Tomatoes, peppers, onions, eggplant, zucchini, cucumber, leafy green vegetables, plus others.\r\n\r\nFruits: Melon, apples, apricots, peaches, oranges, and lemons, and so on.\r\n\r\nLegumes: Beans, lentils, and chickpeas.\r\n\r\nNuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and cashews.\r\n\r\nUnsaturated fat: Olive oil, sunflower oil, olives, and avocados.\r\n\r\nDairy products: Cheese and yogurt are the main dairy foods.\r\n\r\nCereals: These are mostly whole grain and include wheat and rice with bread accompanying many meals.\r\n\r\nFish: Sardines and other oily fish, as well as oysters and other shellfish.\r\n\r\nPoultry: Chicken or turkey.\r\n\r\nEggs: Chicken, quail, and duck eggs.\r\n\r\nDrinks: A person can drink red wine in moderation.\r\n\r\nThe Mediterranean diet does not include strong liquor or carbonated and sweetened drinks. According to one definition, the diet limits red meat and sweets to less than 2 servings per week.\r\n\r\n<em>\r\nSource: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com</em>\r\n\r\n<em>Written by Yvette Brazier on January 17, 2020</em>\r\n\r\n<em>Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R.D., L.D., ACSM EP-C<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;\r\n\r\n\r\nExclusive content from CARE Magazine.</span></em>', 'Why consider a Mediterranean diet?', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'why-consider-a-mediterranean-diet', '', '', '2020-12-02 14:46:45', '2020-12-02 19:46:45', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47155', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47158, 4, '2020-12-02 14:49:03', '2020-12-02 19:49:03', 'What to do with leftover turkey (if you have any)? Healthy and hearty, these gyros are fresh and delicious for lunch or a light supper.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n<b>Turkey-Apple Gyros</b>\r\n\r\nPreparation Time: 30 minutes • Number of Servings: 4 • Cups of Fruits and Vegetables per person: 1\r\n\r\nIngredients\r\n\r\n1 medium Golden Delicious apple, cored and thinly sliced\r\n\r\n2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice\r\n\r\n1 cup thinly sliced onion\r\n\r\n1 medium red bell pepper, cut into thin strips\r\n\r\n1 medium green bell pepper, cut into thin strips\r\n\r\n1 tsp olive oil\r\n\r\n8 ozs cooked turkey breast, cut into thin strips\r\n\r\n6 whole wheat pita bread rounds, lightly toasted\r\n\r\n1/2 cup plain low-fat yogurt\r\n\r\n1 garlic clove,minced\r\n\r\nDirections\r\n\r\nTOSS apple with lemon juice; set aside.\r\n\r\nSAUTÉ onion and peppers in a large nonstick skillet, in hot oil, stirring frequently until tender.\r\n\r\nADD turkey to skillet and stir until heated through.\r\n\r\nSTIR in apple mixture.\r\n\r\nADD garlic to yogurt and mix.\r\n\r\nFOLD pitas in half and fill with turkey mixture.\r\n\r\nDRIZZLE with yogurt mixture.\r\n\r\nNutrition Facts\r\n\r\nTurkey-Apple Gyros\r\n\r\nServing Size 1/4 recipe\r\n\r\nAmount Per Serving\r\n\r\nCalories 260\r\n\r\nCalories from Fat 30\r\n\r\n% Daily Value (DV)*\r\n\r\nTotal Fat 4g 5%\r\n\r\nSaturated Fat 1g 5%\r\n\r\nTrans Fat 0g 0%\r\n\r\nCholesterol 50mg 7%\r\n\r\nSodium 280mg 12%\r\n\r\nTotal Carbohydrate 36g 12%\r\n\r\nDietary Fiber 5g 20%\r\n\r\nSugars 9g\r\n\r\nProtein 24g\r\n\r\nVitamin A 20%\r\n\r\nVitamin C 150%\r\n\r\nCalcium 8%\r\n\r\nIron 15%\r\n\r\n* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.\r\n\r\nDiabetic Exchange**\r\n\r\nFruit: 0\r\n\r\nVegetables: 1\r\n\r\nMeat: 2\r\n\r\nMilk: 0\r\n\r\nFat: 0\r\n\r\nCarbs: 1\r\n\r\nOther: 0\r\n\r\n** Diabetic exchanges are calculated based on the American Diabetes Association Exchange System.\r\n\r\nThis recipe rounds exchanges up or down to equal whole numbers. Therefore, partial exchanges are not included.\r\n\r\n<em>Exclusive content from CARE Magazine</em>', 'SEASONAL RECIPE', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'seasonal-recipe-2', '', '', '2020-12-02 14:49:03', '2020-12-02 19:49:03', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47158', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47160, 4, '2020-12-02 14:51:21', '2020-12-02 19:51:21', '<strong>By Marie McAden</strong>\r\n\r\nBeaufort Memorial Express Care &amp; Occupational Health will be moving from its current location across from the hospital to new offices in the Port Royal Medical Pavilion at 1680 Ribaut Road next week. The walk-in medical clinic will begin operating from the building, formerly occupied by the Keyserling Cancer Center, starting Monday, Dec. 7.\r\n\r\nThe original site at 974 Ribaut Road was the first of three Express Care clinics BMH has opened since 2018 to speed up care for patients suffering from acute, non-life-threatening medical issues. Staffed by physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners board certified in urgent and primary care, the clinic offers well and sick visits for adults and children.\r\n\r\n“Our Express Care clinics are designed to provide patients with faster access to care if they can’t get in right away to see their doctor,” said Angie Barber, practice operations administrator for Beaufort Memorial Physician Partners. “They support our primary care practices, easing the demand for same-day appointments and decreasing unnecessary visits to the ER.”\r\n\r\nSame-day appointments and drop-ins are welcome for a wide range of minor ailments and injuries, including the flu, strep throat, sprains and strains, urinary tract infections, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration and lacerations. On-site x-ray and lab services are available.\r\n\r\nBeaufort Memorial Express Care and Occupational Health also serves employees of businesses participating in the hospital’s Well at Work, a comprehensive wellness program designed to cover everything from pre-employment physicals to workplace injuries.\r\n\r\nThe Beaufort office is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays; and 1 to 5 p.m., Sundays.\r\n\r\nIn addition, companies enrolled in the Well at Work program can send employees suffering workplace injuries to the clinic for expedited medical services, reducing lost time and rising workers’ compensation costs. The clinic also performs employee physical exams, drug and alcohol testing and biometric screenings, including cholesterol and blood pressure tests.\r\n\r\nFor more information, call 843-524-3344 or visit BeaufortMemorial.org/ExpressCare.\r\n\r\n<em>Above: The Beaufort Memorial Express Care &amp; Occupational Health practice will move its offices to 1680 Ribaut Road as of Monday, Dec. 7. The location is the former site of the Keyserling Cancer Center. Submitted photo.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'Beaufort Memorial Express Care clinic moving to Port Royal Medical Pavilion', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'beaufort-memorial-express-care-clinic-moving-to-port-royal-medical-pavilion', '', '', '2020-12-02 14:52:18', '2020-12-02 19:52:18', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47160', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47163, 4, '2020-12-02 14:53:58', '2020-12-02 19:53:58', '<strong>County offering electronics recycling event Dec. 12</strong>\r\n\r\nThe Beaufort County Department of Solid Waste and Recycling will host two free electronics recycling events for County residents on Saturday, Dec. 12. The events will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the following locations:\r\n\r\nBeaufort County Public Works, 9 Benton Field Road, Bluffton\r\n\r\nBeaufort County Public Works, 140 Shanklin Road, Beaufort\r\n\r\nPer COVID-19, citizens are asked to stay in their cars during the event. Staff will unload electronics and will use personal protection equipment (masks and gloves).\r\n\r\nAny personal computers, laptops, CRT monitors, LCD monitors, CRT televisions, non-CRT televisions, printers, hard drives and miscellaneous electronics (microwaves, cell phones, radios, fax machines and typewriters) will be accepted.\r\n\r\nIf you have questions about Beaufort County recycling events, please call the Solid Waste and Recycling Office at 843-255-2736 or visit the Solid Waste and Recycling website at www.beaufortcountysc.gov/recycle.\r\n\r\n<strong>County holding hiring event for correctional officers</strong>\r\n\r\nBeaufort County is hosting a virtual hiring event from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9 welcoming candidates for correctional officer trainee positions at the Beaufort County Detention Center.\r\n\r\nAttendees will learn more about the available opportunities and what it’s like to work for Beaufort County.\r\n\r\nVisit https://bit.ly/2Jlqs7R for more information or to register. Those interested can contact Natalie Garvin in Human Resources at 843-255-2991 with any questions.\r\n\r\n<strong>BCSO earns CALEA accreditation</strong>\r\n\r\nThe Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office announced that on July 31, 2020, the agency was awarded accreditation through the Commission on Law Enforcement Accreditation (CALEA).\r\n\r\nCALEA is recognized as the international gold standard for public safety agencies.\r\n\r\nAn accreditation through CALEA demonstrates that an agency is governed by strong policies, applies best practices in its operations, sets clear expectations for its officers, and instills a culture of professionalism.\r\n\r\nThe Sheriff’s Office first became accredited by CALEA in 2010 as part of Sheriff P.J. Tanner’s ongoing vision for excellence in Beaufort County law enforcement.\r\n\r\nIn 2013, after going through the re-accreditation process, the Sheriff’s Office was accredited by CALEA for its second time and in 2016 for its third time.\r\n\r\nOn Nov. 13, the Sheriff\'s Office Communications Center was awarded, for the second time, Communications Accreditation by CALEA.\r\n\r\nTo read more about CALEA, visit https://calea.org/.', 'NEWS BRIEFS', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'news-briefs-173', '', '', '2020-12-02 14:53:58', '2020-12-02 19:53:58', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47163', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47165, 4, '2020-12-02 14:55:16', '2020-12-02 19:55:16', '<strong>From staff reports</strong>\r\n\r\nBeaufort’s Mather School is one of the first eight community sites to be included in the newly established Reconstruction Era National Historic Network, the National Park Service announced Monday, Nov. 23.\r\n\r\nThis national network, launched in March 2020, will connect sites across the country who provide education, interpretation and research for the period of Reconstruction. The Reconstruction Era (1861-1900) is one of the most fascinating and misunderstood periods in American History and includes stories of freedom, education and self-determination.\r\n\r\nThe Mather School, which was created shortly after the Civil War to provide education to the formerly enslaved, joins among the new community sites added to the network several Historic Black Colleges and Universities created during Reconstruction and a site managed by the South Carolina State Park system which interprets the stories of freedom and tenant farming.\r\n\r\nIn addition to the Mather School, the sites are Allen University, Benedict College, Claflin University, Clinton College, Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site, South Carolina State University and Voorhees College.\r\n\r\n“The Reconstruction story is a national story,” Superintendent Scott Teodorski said in a release. “It includes sites from all over the country. Some of the sites are managed by the National Park Service and many are not. The Reconstruction Era National Historic Network provides an opportunity to connect these sites and to connect visitors to their stories as part of the Reconstruction Era. We are very excited to welcome these new sites to the network and look forward to working with them.”\r\n\r\nThe John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, signed into law on March 12, 2019, outlined the creation of the Reconstruction Era National Historic Network. This network, managed by Reconstruction Era National Historical Park, includes sites and programs that are affiliated with the Reconstruction Era, but not necessarily managed by the National Park Service.\r\n\r\nThis network is nationwide and works to provide opportunities for visitors to connect to the stories of Reconstruction. For more information about the Reconstruction Era National Historic Network, visit https://www.nps.gov/subjects/reconstruction/network.htm.\r\n\r\nFor more information about Reconstruction Era National Historical Park, visit www.nps.gov/reer or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ReconstructionNPS.', 'Mather School named to Reconstruction Era network', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'mather-school-named-to-reconstruction-era-network', '', '', '2020-12-02 14:55:16', '2020-12-02 19:55:16', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47165', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47168, 4, '2020-12-02 14:56:10', '2020-12-02 19:56:10', '<strong>From staff reports</strong>\r\n\r\nOn New Year’s Day 2020, more than 450 participants hit the water at Lighthouse Beach at Hunting Island State Park in the 11th annual Pelican Plunge, raising more than $3,000 for the Friends of Hunting Island.\r\n\r\nThe group won’t have a chance to top those numbers this New Year’s as Friends of Hunting Island announced Monday it was canceling the upcoming event as a result of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.\r\n\r\n“It is with careful consideration and deliberation that our organization has made the decision to cancel our Annual New Years Day event – the Pelican Plunge,” the organization said in a release.\r\n\r\n“Due to the current Covid-19 environment, it was determined that for the safety and well-being of our Hunting Island visitors, members and families, canceling this event is the prudent thing to do.\r\n\r\n“We wish all of our ‘plungers’ a happy and, most of all, healthy Holiday Season and look forward to restoring all that Hunting Island provides our community in the not-too-distant future.”\r\n\r\nThe nonprofit Friends of Hunting Island helps with Hunting Island State Park beach and trail maintenance and the conservation and support of its wildlife.', 'New Year’s Day Pelican Plunge at Hunting Island canceled', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'new-years-day-pelican-plunge-at-hunting-island-canceled', '', '', '2020-12-02 14:56:10', '2020-12-02 19:56:10', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47168', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47170, 4, '2020-12-02 14:57:20', '2020-12-02 19:57:20', 'The Kiwanis Club of Beaufort met at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23, behind the BiLo on Parris Island Gateway to assemble and deliver (contactless) almost 150 Thanksgiving dinners to needy families in northern Beaufort County. Working through the public schools and sponsored by BiLo and Coca Cola, the organization made deliveries to 15 schools for 145 needy families. Submitted photo.', 'GIVING BACK', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'giving-back', '', '', '2020-12-02 14:57:20', '2020-12-02 19:57:20', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47170', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47172, 4, '2020-12-02 14:59:52', '2020-12-02 19:59:52', '<strong>From staff reports</strong>\r\n\r\nThe Gullah Geechee Initiative Foundation (GGIF) hosted \"A Day of Thanks &amp; Giving\" on Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce at 711 Bladen Street.\r\n\r\nGGIF’s goal was to provide a turkey – along with food items typically used in preparing a Thanksgiving meal – to 100 individuals/households.\r\n\r\nGGIF is a nonprofit organization that provides programs to promote cultural enrichment, character development, academic excellence, athletics, and community outreach programs to residents living in the Lowcountry.\r\n\r\nIn a release, GGIF founder Kamal Mandela Wigfall said “in the midst of a pandemic, we still have so much to be thankful for. God\'s grace and mercies continue to surround us daily during these difficult times and assure us of brighter days ahead. Let us use this opportunity to remember the least among us, and where we can, let us assist our brother or sister.', 'Happy Thanksgiving', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'happy-thanksgiving-2', '', '', '2020-12-02 14:59:52', '2020-12-02 19:59:52', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47172', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47176, 4, '2020-12-02 15:01:08', '2020-12-02 20:01:08', '<strong>Photo by Bob Sofaly</strong>\r\n\r\nBurton firefighters Chase Davidson, left, and Basye Hivett install the Letters to Santa mailbox at the Headquarters station on Burton Hill Road on Monday. Each of the Burton fire stations have a similar box for children to mail their letters to Santa Claus.&nbsp;', 'Postal Work', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'postal-work', '', '', '2020-12-02 15:01:08', '2020-12-02 20:01:08', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47176', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47178, 4, '2020-12-02 15:03:01', '2020-12-02 20:03:01', '<strong>From staff reports</strong>\r\n\r\nWhile Beaufort’s annual Christmas parade, boat parade and Night on the Town have all been canceled out of concerns for the spread of the Coronavirus, there are still plenty of things to do and see this holiday season.\r\n\r\nHere are just a few:\r\n\r\n<strong>Free Holiday Parking</strong>\r\n\r\nHoliday parking at the downtown marina parking lot is now free through New Year’s Day.\r\n\r\nMany downtown merchants will be open until 7 p.m., Thursdays through Saturdays, Dec. 3-24.\r\n\r\n<strong>Celebrate the Season</strong>\r\n\r\nUSCB Center for the Arts and the City are sponsoring “Celebrate the Season,” a free outdoor exhibit of holiday traditions and practices from around the globe.\r\n\r\nThe display includes beautiful and informative interpretations of customs and practices central to holiday traditions and is open now through Dec. 13.\r\n\r\n<strong>First Friday</strong>\r\n\r\nThe Downtown Beaufort Merchants Association will celebrate “Hometown Christmas” at First Friday on Dec. 4. Many shops will remain open until 9 p.m.\r\n\r\nFor this and other events in public locations, make sure to have masks handy. Face coverings are still mandatory in public indoor spaces, including retail establishments and restaurants – and make sure maintain social distance.\r\n\r\n<strong>“Light Up the Town” Neighborhood Challenge</strong>\r\n\r\nNeighborhoods, grab your lights and get to work. Who gets the bragging rights as the best-decorated neighborhood in Beaufort?\r\n\r\nBonus: Take your kids on a family outing and drive from neighborhood to neighborhood to check out the displays.\r\n\r\n<strong>Holiday Under the Sea Scavenger Hunt</strong>\r\n\r\nThe City of Beaufort is launching a fun activity for families and kids – a scavenger hunt.\r\n\r\nSimply search for decorated sea animal ornaments in city parks, but make sure to leave the ornaments where you find them so others can join the fun.\r\n\r\nTake pictures and tag the City of Beaufort on Facebook with #bftHolidayUnderTheSea.\r\n\r\nThe hunt begins Dec. 16 and runs through New Year’s Day.\r\n\r\n<strong>Santa Mail</strong>\r\n\r\nChildren wanting to mail Santa their letters can do so from now until Dec. 18 at special mailboxes around the city. Those are:\r\n\r\nCity Hall – 1911 Boundary Street\r\n\r\nWaterfront Park playground\r\n\r\nCity of Beaufort’s fire stations (135 Ribaut Road, 1120 Ribaut Road, 1750 Ribaut Road or 571 Robert Smalls Parkway).\r\n\r\nKids can drop their letters off or can email letters to Santa at events@cityofbeaufort.org.\r\n\r\nMake sure letters have a clear return address on the envelope or the email. Videos of Santa reading the letters will be posted to Facebook beginning Dec. 19.\r\n\r\n<strong>Zoom with Santa</strong>\r\n\r\nOf course Santa is techno savvy! In fact, he’ll be zooming with kids from 2-3 p.m. on Dec. 19.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nChildren can tell the big guy what’s on their list. A Facebook link will be shared closer to the event on the city’s website<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;so stay tuned!\r\n\r\n</span>\r\n\r\n<b>WHAT’S HAPPENING?</b>\r\n\r\nDo you have a holiday event you believe we should share in The Island News? If so, email the details to TheIslandNews@gmail.com.\r\n\r\n<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>', 'Holiday happenings around town', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'holiday-happenings-around-town', '', '', '2020-12-02 15:03:37', '2020-12-02 20:03:37', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47178', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47181, 4, '2020-12-02 15:05:43', '2020-12-02 20:05:43', '<strong>Deacon Sam Lasiter</strong>\r\n\r\nDeacon Sam Lasiter, 97, of Yemassee, SC, and husband of Henriette Lundy Lasiter entered into eternal rest Friday, November 20, 2020 at the home of his daughter, Angela Lasiter. Viewing was November 24th, Helen Galloway\'s Memorial Chapel, with Edith Galloway in charge of services at Chisholm Galloway Home for Funerals. Graveside services with military honors, November 25th, Beaufort National Cemetery.\r\n\r\n<strong>Steven O\'Neal Glover</strong>\r\n\r\nSteven O\'Neal Glover, 30, of Fripp Point Community, St. Helena Island, SC, son of Amanda Glover passed away Wednesday, November 18, 2020. Viewing was the 26th at 11 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in Helen Galloway\'s Memorial Chapel, Chisholm Galloway Home for Funerals in Beaufort. Graveside services 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 27 at Scottville Baptist Church Cemetery, Olde Church Road, St. Helena Island.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n<strong>Betty Jean Richardson Brown</strong>\r\n\r\nBetty Jean Richardson Brown, 82, formerly of the Lands End community of St. Helena Island, SC, and wife of Thomas Edward Brown entered into eternal rest in Columbus, Ohio November 17, 2020. Viewing was Sunday, November 22nd in Helen Galloway\'s Memorial Chapel of Chisholm Galloway Home for Funerals in Beaufort. Graveside services were November 23, at Riverside Cemetery on St. Helena Island.\r\n\r\n<strong>Benjamin Jenkins</strong>\r\n\r\nBenjamin Jenkins, 91, of the Club Bridge Community of St. Helena Island, SC, and husband of Bernice Singleton Jenkins entered into eternal rest Monday, November 2, 2020 at the home of his daughter in Stafford, VA. Viewing at Chisholm Galloway Home for Funerals, in Beaufort. Graveside services Monday, November 9th, Faith Memorial Baptist Church Cemetery, St. Helena Island.\r\n\r\n<strong>Maggie Rivers Green</strong>\r\n\r\nMaggie Rivers Green, 84, of the Scott Community on St. Helena Island, SC, and widow of Enoch Green entered into eternal rest Monday, October 26, 2020 at the Beaufort Memorial Hospital. Viewing was on the 30th at Helen Galloway\'s Memorial Chapel of Chisholm Galloway Home for Funerals, Beaufort. Graveside services Saturday, October 31st at School Farm Cemetery on St. Helena Island.', 'DEATH NOTICES', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'death-notices-11', '', '', '2020-12-02 15:05:43', '2020-12-02 20:05:43', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47181', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47183, 4, '2020-12-02 15:06:40', '2020-12-02 20:06:40', '<strong>From staff reports</strong>\r\n\r\nThe Burton Fire District responded to a gas-fueled fire Wednesday, Nov. 25 that closed a portion of Broad River Drive, but resulted in no damages or injuries.\r\n\r\nJust past 11 a.m., the Burton Fire District was dispatched to a reported brush fire in the 600 block of Broad River Drive. Firefighters arrived on scene and located a small brush fire in a drainage ditch spreading toward a telephone pole.\r\n\r\nFirefighters began to extinguish the fire when they realized a natural gas line had broken, feeding the flames. Firefighters notified Dominion Energy who responded to the scene with a tractor to dig up the gas line and shut it off.\r\n\r\nFire officials said as long as the gas was burning it was being immediately burned off, and if they extinguished the flames it would have allowed the gas to flow freely and unseen throughout the nearby homes, increasing the danger.\r\n\r\nOnce the gas was shut off, firefighters extinguished the remaining flames.\r\n\r\nNo homes were evacuated. However, a few families chose to leave the area.\r\n\r\nBroad River Drive was closed in the 600 block area for more than two hours while firefighters and Dominion Energy controlled the leak and extinguished the fire.\r\n\r\nAccording to the Burton Fire District, the fire was caused by an illegal burn that got out of control. It is not known if the fire caused the leak.', 'Gas-fed fire temporarily closes street', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'gas-fed-fire-temporarily-closes-street', '', '', '2020-12-02 15:06:40', '2020-12-02 20:06:40', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47183', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47185, 4, '2020-12-02 15:07:16', '2020-12-02 20:07:16', '<strong>From staff reports</strong>\r\n\r\nGovernor Henry McMaster on Tuesday, Nov. 24, requested Dominion Energy withdraw its request to the Public Service Commission (PSC) for a 7.7 percent rate hike for its South Carolina customers.\r\n\r\nIn a letter to the company’s top state executive Rodney Blevins, the governor pointed out that the rate increase request was ill-timed while customers are struggling “to keep their lights on” during the COVID-19 pandemic.\r\n\r\n“A sizable rate increase at this difficult time would impose an unexpected and untenable burden on many South Carolinians,” McMaster wrote. “I simply cannot support Dominion’s application to increase its rates as South Carolinians continue to confront myriad challenges related to COVID-19.”\r\n\r\nIn August, Dominion filed an application with the PSC to increase power rates by 7.7 percent on approximately 753,000 South Carolina customers. Dominion is also seeking a 10.25 percent allowed rate of profit.\r\n\r\nMcMaster further stated that, “In the event that Dominion plans to proceed with seeking the PSC’s approval of its requested rate increase, please know that I will ask the PSC to reject Dominion’s application in its current form.”', 'McMaster opposes Dominion Energy’s rate-hike request', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'mcmaster-opposes-dominion-energys-rate-hike-request', '', '', '2020-12-02 15:07:16', '2020-12-02 20:07:16', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47185', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47187, 4, '2020-12-02 15:08:16', '2020-12-02 20:08:16', 'A tree fell Monday morning in Burton, injuring a driver as she was pulling out of her driveway.&nbsp;Just past 11 a.m., the Burton Fire District and Beaufort County EMS responded to a medical emergency on County Shed Rd. Firefighters arrived on scene and quickly discovered that as a female driver was leaving her driveway in her vehicle, a tree fell, sending a limb through her windshield causing her injury, which appeared to be non-life threatening. Since April, the Burton Fire District has responded to several emergency calls resulting from trees and limbs falling and damaging property, including a tree that fell on a home in August causing heavy damage and displacing a family of nine. Burton Fire District officials remind citizens that these weather-related incidents were not caused by tropical storm or hurricane-force winds but routine storms. Officials advise residents to secure or remove loose yard debris and trees or branches that threaten their home. If such trees or limbs cannot be removed, then avoid those areas of the home in weather conditions, and consider that risk when deciding whether to evacuate during storm warnings. Photo by Burton Fire District.', 'THE SKY IS FALLING', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'the-sky-is-falling', '', '', '2020-12-02 15:08:16', '2020-12-02 20:08:16', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47187', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47189, 4, '2020-12-02 15:10:36', '2020-12-02 20:10:36', '<strong>Photo by Bob Sofaly</strong>\r\n\r\nThe annual Community Meal on Thanksgiving Day was all on “to go” basis at the Parish Church of St. Helena. Here a volunteer, right, loads up a woman with fresh rolls and fruit after she gets her meals. Patrons could either walk up or drive by to get their meal due to Covid-19 concerns.', 'Community Meal on Thanksgiving', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'community-meal-on-thanksgiving', '', '', '2020-12-02 15:10:36', '2020-12-02 20:10:36', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47189', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47191, 4, '2020-12-02 15:11:48', '2020-12-02 20:11:48', '<strong>From staff reports</strong>\r\n\r\nThe Spirit of an old-fashioned Hometown Christmas is being celebrated Friday, Dec. 4, with late-night shopping, dining, and fun hosted by the Downtown Beaufort Merchants Association.\r\n\r\nThe night air will be filled with the sounds of Holiday melodies to set the mood for shoppers to explore downtown, have a meal and spend time checking out the eclectic mix of specialty stores, boutiques, galleries, restaurants and treat shops. Participating merchants will stay open until 9 p.m.\r\n\r\nDowntown merchants have filled their shop windows with beautiful, festive, and creative decorations to show off their holiday spirit.\r\n\r\nShoppers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite holiday-scape. A gallery of photos of the decorated windows will be posted on the association’s Facebook page.\r\n\r\nMerchants participating in the contest have gone all out to make downtown shine bright this season making this a fun way to spend time strolling along Bay St. and surrounding blocks to take in the sights.\r\n\r\nFinding that special holiday gift will be especially fun and rewarding this Friday. In addition to seasonal items, many merchants will feature locally crafted, one-of-a-kind, and specially curated items to make selecting gifts and treats easy. Many will offer specials and promotions as well.\r\n\r\nFor more information about Hometown Christmas First Friday and the Merchants Association’s Holiday window decorating contest, visit https://www.downtownbeaufortsc.org/. This and all First Friday activities are free and open to the public.', 'Enjoy Downtown Merchants Association’s Hometown Christmas', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'enjoy-downtown-merchants-associations-hometown-christmas', '', '', '2020-12-02 15:11:48', '2020-12-02 20:11:48', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47191', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47193, 4, '2020-12-02 15:13:58', '2020-12-02 20:13:58', '<strong>Photo by Bob Sofaly</strong>\r\n\r\nA view of the new flood gates at the end of a pair of 60-inch concrete storm drain pipes at the end of Rodgers Street off Battery Creek Road in the Mossy Oaks area.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;\r\n</span>\r\n\r\n<b>STAY INFORMED</b>\r\n\r\nAll those affected by or interested in the Mossy Oaks Project should register with the “Notify Me” application found on the City of Beaufort website (https://www.cityofbeaufort.org/list.aspx) and subscribe to the Mossy Oaks Stormwater Project updates. This will be the mechanism to receive near real-time updates on the project to include urgent issues like unscheduled road closures or utility interruptions.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'PROGRESS IN MOSSY OAKS', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'progress-in-mossy-oaks', '', '', '2020-12-02 15:13:58', '2020-12-02 20:13:58', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47193', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47195, 4, '2020-12-02 15:18:15', '2020-12-02 20:18:15', '<h4>By LOLITA HUCKABY\r\n<a href=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/lolita.jpg\"><img class=\" wp-image-44839 alignleft\" src=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/lolita-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"137\" height=\"183\"></a>\r\nPort Royal fine-tuning traffic study with more stop lights, planted medians</h4>\r\nPORT ROYAL – Turkey time is behind us, as well as the uncertainty it created as we decided whether to gather and with whom in this time of cornovirus. So are the elections (well, almost).\r\n\r\nLet\'s go back to considering something that never changes – local traffic.\r\n\r\nThe town of Port Royal seems the latest to attempt a proactive position, although for much of Beaufort County it almost seems like solving traffic congestion is the proverbial horse that\'s out of the barn.\r\n\r\nThe town council last month took a look at the latest consultants\' recommendations for improving traffic flow on Ribaut Road, traffic flow that amounts to approximately 30,000 vehicles per day.\r\n\r\nAs proposed before, the plan calls for more sidewalks and more traffic lights, specifically at the intersection of Edinburgh and Ribaut roads. A signal is also proposed where the Spanish Moss Trail will eventually cross Ribaut Road and into the Port of Port Royal development property.\r\n\r\nMore planted medians, as recently seen on Boundary Street in the city of Beaufort, are also suggested in the long-range plans as a way to slow traffic moving through the town.\r\n\r\nThe proposal carries a multi-million price tag, but town officials will be working with the county and state to get a share of taxpayer dollars to make the improvements.\r\n\r\nIt\'s all just a matter of time – and patience.\r\n\r\nAnyone wishing more details on the proposal can see them on Port Royal\'s web page – www.portroyal.org.\r\n<h4>Davis\' fight for medical marijuana goes on</h4>\r\nCOLUMBIA – After winning re-election last month, State Sen. Tom Davis of Beaufort is renewing his fight in Columbia to legalize medical marijuana.\r\n\r\nDavis, a Republican, said last week he plans to continue his push by presenting modifications he hopes will satisfy opponents of the bill he first introduced in 2016. Law enforcement officials have been critical but the latest revisions include plans for a field sobriety test to determine driving under the influence of weed.\r\n\r\nHis bill does not legalize smoking marijuana and limits the way it may be delivered to vaping, topical salve or edibles.\r\n\r\n<em>Lolita Huckaby Watson is a community volunteer and a former reporter/editorial assistant with The Beaufort Gazette, The Savannah Morning News, Bluffton Today and Beaufort Today. She can be reached at bftbay@gmail.com.</em>', 'LOWCOUNTRY LOWDOWN', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'lowcountry-lowdown-21', '', '', '2020-12-02 15:18:15', '2020-12-02 20:18:15', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47195', 0, 'post', '', 0);
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(47197, 4, '2020-12-02 15:19:24', '2020-12-02 20:19:24', 'Dec. 3 – Solid Waste and Recycling Board, 2 p.m., watch on The County Channel\r\n\r\nDec. 3 – Beaufort County’s Design Review Board, 2:30 p.m., Grace Coastal Church, 15 Williams Drive, Okatie; Attendees must wear a face mask and practice social distancing\r\n\r\nDec. 3 – Lady’s Island Plan Implementation Committee, 3 p.m., Beaufort County Government Robert Smalls Complex, Administration Building, Executive Conference Room, 100 Ribaut Road, Beaufort; Check for meeting information at www.beaufortcountysc.gov\r\n\r\nDec. 7 – Beaufort County Council’s Community Services Committee, 2 p.m., watch on The County Channel\r\n\r\nDec. 7 – Beaufort County Council’s Natural Resources Committee, 3:30 p.m., watch on The County Channel\r\n\r\nDec. 7 – Beaufort County Council’s Planning Commission, 6 p.m., watch on The County Channel\r\n\r\nDec. 8 – Southern Lowcountry Regional Board, 10 a.m., Check for meeting information at www.beaufortcountysc.gov\r\n\r\nDec. 9 – Stormwater Management Utility Board, 2 p.m., watch on The County Channel\r\n\r\nDec. 9 – City of Beaufort’s Historic District Review Board, 2 – 5 p.m., watch via Zoom or on the city’s Facebook page\r\n\r\nMeetings are updated as of press time and do not reflect any last minute cancellations.', 'PUBLIC MEETINGS FOR DEC. 3-9', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'public-meetings-for-dec-3-9', '', '', '2020-12-02 15:19:24', '2020-12-02 20:19:24', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47197', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47199, 4, '2020-12-02 15:21:02', '2020-12-02 20:21:02', 'Cynthia Rodgers took this photograph on Lady\'s Island of a rose still blooming in November. To submit a Lowcountry Life photo, you must be the photographer or have permission to submit the photo to be published in The Island News. Please submit high-resolution photos and include a description and/or names of the people in the picture and the name of the photographer. Email your photos to theislandnews@gmail.com.', '', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', '47199-2', '', '', '2020-12-02 15:21:02', '2020-12-02 20:21:02', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47199', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47202, 4, '2020-12-02 15:25:12', '2020-12-02 20:25:12', '<strong>By Mindy Lucas</strong>\r\n\r\nPlans to purchase the last remaining parcel along a stretch of land in the Boundary Street redevelopment project are finally moving forward.\r\n\r\nBeaufort City Council gave approval at is recent meeting, on Tuesday, Nov. 24, to purchase the Wendy’s on Boundary Street, after the restaurant chain agreed to an offer.\r\n\r\nNegotiations and plans to purchase the property have been in the works since September of 2015, Beaufort City Manager Bill Prokop said, when the city along with Beaufort County.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nThe plans were part of the Boundary Street redevelopment project and would clear the way for an unobstructed view of the marsh and a passive park along the corridor once the buildings were torn down.\r\n\r\n“It was basically the county was putting $1.5 million, the Open Land Trust was putting up … $500,000 and $1 million was coming from the city,” Prokop said.\r\n\r\nIn addition to the Wendy’s, those funds were earmarked and used to purchase the former United Way building, now being used by the county, the Sea Eagle Market and a Huddle House.\r\n\r\nThe city has agreed to purchase the Wendy’s building and property for $525,000, city officials said. Wendy’s is considering a move to a lot on Boundary and Neil Road, near a Burger King and McDonalds.\r\n\r\nWhile the county has been leasing the United Way building from the Open Land Trust for its engineering department, the county intends to tear down the building but exactly when that will happen is unknown.\r\n\r\nAt Tuesday’s meeting, city council members discussed whether to take the money for the purchase of the Wendy’s from the city’s land acquisition account or a TIF fund, or money from the area’s Tax Increment Financing District or combination of the two.\r\n\r\nThe council agreed to take up which fund to use closer to the time of purchase in March or April of 2021.', 'Final piece of Boundary Street project falls into place with purchase of Wendy’s', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'final-piece-of-boundary-street-project-falls-into-place-with-purchase-of-wendys', '', '', '2020-12-02 15:25:12', '2020-12-02 20:25:12', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47202', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47204, 4, '2020-12-02 15:27:57', '2020-12-02 20:27:57', '<strong>From staff reports</strong>\r\n\r\nCity of Beaufort Mayor Billy Keyserling will waste no time after his latest term as mayor ends before embarking on his next journey.\r\n\r\nKeyserling will conduct a socially distanced book release party from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 9, on the terrace at Saltus River Grill, 802 Bay Street, where he will feature his book <em>Sharing Common Ground: Promises Unfufilled But Not Forgotten.</em>\r\n\r\nWith the book, Keyserling’s seeks to create conversations among those of us who don’t talk to each other or understand the experiences of others.\r\n\r\nKeyserling has devoted himself to making Beaufort the epicenter of Reconstruction history through the continued expansion of the <a href=\"https://www.nps.gov/reer/index.htm\">Reconstruction Era National Historical Park</a>, as well as his nonprofit <a href=\"https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.reconstructionbeaufort.org%2F&amp;c=E,1,9gLdnshOjzL9JnrdUqCtFzW4UlAlQwFwJty9_Zv-JyMuM1wThmwWej2-VUQOWRzgbEa1Sz1cHWhiQPzNwxrr2YFiUdh76I04zZcljsxKaDE,&amp;typo=1\">The Second Founding of America: Reconstruction Beaufort</a>. This nonprofit, which he founded in 2018, seeks to promote Reconstruction education throughout the country and be an official advocate for the park.\r\n\r\n“Thank you Pat Conroy Literary Center and Saltus River Grill for organizing this opportunity for me to introduce a few stories of my past that launch my path forward to another mission after 20 years of public service,” Keyserling said in his newsletter.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'Keyserling hosting book signing at Saltus', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'keyserling-hosting-book-signing-at-saltus', '', '', '2020-12-02 15:27:57', '2020-12-02 20:27:57', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47204', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47206, 4, '2020-12-02 15:31:26', '2020-12-02 20:31:26', '<h2>City of Beaufort and USC Beaufort’s Center for the Arts team up for outdoor holiday display</h2>\r\n<strong>By Mindy Lucas</strong>\r\n\r\nThe City of Beaufort and USC Beaufort’s Center for the Arts have teamed up for an educational holiday display featuring traditions from a variety of cultures.\r\n\r\n“Celebrate the Season” opened this week and will be in front of the Center for the Arts on Carteret Street for visitors to explore through Sunday, Dec. 13.\r\n\r\nThe idea came about after the city had to cancel several of its major holiday events, including its annual Christmas parade, due to the coronavirus.\r\n\r\nAs the center’s director Bonnie Hargrove explained, both she and Rhonda Carey, the city’s events and tour operations coordinator, wanted to do something that would still celebrate the season yet be safe for residents and visitors alike.\r\n\r\nModeled after similar displays at other schools and universities, “Celebrate the Season” explores how different cultures and faiths celebrate this special time of year.\r\n\r\n“The more we learn about each other, the more we learn how much we are alike,” Hargrove said.\r\n\r\nCommunity members, students and faith groups helped create the display which highlights the food, music, gift giving and expressions of faith of different cultures.\r\n\r\nHargrove said they hope to bring back the display next year with even more traditions added.\r\n\r\n“It’s a good start and it’s an enthusiastic start, so we can only get better,” she said.\r\n\r\nVisitors are invited to explore the display, at 805 Carteret Street, from dusk to dawn through Dec. 13. The exhibit is free and family-friendly.\r\n\r\n\r\n<em>Photo by Mindy Lucas</em>', 'Celebrate the Season', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'celebrate-the-season', '', '', '2020-12-02 15:31:26', '2020-12-02 20:31:26', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47206', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47208, 4, '2020-12-02 15:37:30', '2020-12-02 20:37:30', '<h2>Guests attending city meeting said they weren’t in favor of removing monuments – instead they would like to add to them</h2>\r\n<strong>By Mindy Lucas</strong>\r\n\r\nThe City of Beaufort has waded into the debate over Confederate monuments and their place in public spaces.\r\n\r\nIn the first of what will likely be many discussions, Beaufort City Council took up the subject at its regular work session on Tuesday, Nov. 24 after city leaders received an inquiry into one such monument overlooking the Beaufort River.\r\n\r\nHistorians at the meeting noted that while there are very few Civil War monuments or plaques in Beaufort as compared with other cities such as Charleston or Savannah that played a larger role in the war, the city does have at least two monuments which prompted the discussion.\r\n\r\nOne, on the grounds of the former Beaufort County Courthouse on Bay Street, was paid for and installed by the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC) in 1957, according to Mary Somerville with the Beaufort chapter of the UDC.\r\n\r\nAnother, a marker honoring Stephen Elliott, a Brigadier General in the Confederate States Army, was placed in Stephen Elliott park at the foot of Woods Memorial Bridge in 1966 by members of the chapter. The marker stands across the street from the home in which the UDC Beaufort chapter was founded in 1910.\r\n\r\nOutgoing Beaufort Mayor Billy Keyserling said while he did receive an inquiry with questions about the monuments, he had not received a formal request to remove anything.\r\n\r\n“It struck me that before we did have any requests, that maybe a community conversation – there are sometimes two sides to a story maybe four, five or six – but that some of those who are concerned would have an opportunity to come together and get to know each other and better understand how they read history and what history means to them,” he said.\r\n\r\nWhile the memorial and the marker were erected against the backdrop of the Civil Rights Movement during the ’50s and ’60s, Somerville said they were not put up as a “racial statement” or to “celebrate the Confederate cause.”\r\n\r\n“The memorial … is simply a heartfelt remembrance of the Confederate dead,” she said.\r\n\r\nMembers of the Beaufort UDC had intended to erect a memorial earlier, she went on to say, but lost funds raised during the Great Depression. They saved their dues, 10 cents at a time, she said, until the money was raised for the monument which was erected in 1957.\r\n\r\nSomerville, along with area historians and members of the community, were invited to the meeting held via Zoom to share information on the monuments, and their thoughts on what should be done, if anything, about them or other such markers in the future.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_47103\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"452\"]<a href=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/conf-monument1.jpeg\"><img class=\"wp-image-47103 \" src=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/conf-monument1-702x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"452\" height=\"660\"></a> The obelisk in front of the former Beaufort County Courthouse was purchased and installed in 1957 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy Beaufort Chapter. Photo by Mindy Lucas.[/caption]\r\n\r\n“It is our contention that if you wanted to take down or hide any of these memorials or put them in a museum, or more likely some sort of a warehouse, that would absolutely serve no purpose for history,” Somerville said. “You can’t hide history. You need to understand it and we need to learn from it.”\r\n\r\nBeaufort resident Jeff Baker, who made the original inquiry, said any downtown monuments overlooking the Beaufort River or on public property where visitors tend to stop and take photos, should represent the majority of its citizens both past and present.\r\n\r\nBaker had sent a letter to the mayor and members of city council earlier in the year asking about the monuments, and while he said at the meeting that he wasn’t proposing removing them, he thought the city should be adding to them to provide some context to help people understand “the complex past of Beaufort and South Carolina.”\r\n\r\n“Any monument policy for the City of Beaufort should not project a romanticized version of the past, but rather provide a perspective that includes all the victims and heroes of any American event or tragedy,” he said.\r\n\r\n“Let people see the complexities of history and our attempt to paint as full a picture as possible,” he went on to say. “Democracy must represent a diversity of views; otherwise, we fall victim to one dominant political ideology.”\r\n\r\nSome at the meeting noted very little attention has been given to the monuments – possibly since Beaufort did not play as large a role in the Civil War as it had with other historical periods, they noted.\r\n\r\nBeaufort has had more sites and places of interest tied to the Reconstruction Era, both Keyserling and historian Larry Rowland said.\r\n\r\nIn fact, the Reconstruction Era National Historic Network, launched in March, just added eight community sites located throughout South Carolina to its network. Beaufort played a prominent role in the era – a role that has only recently become more well known with the advent of the Beaufort-based Reconstruction Era National Historical Park in just the last few years.\r\n\r\nFormer State House Representative Rev. Kenneth Hodges, who also attended the meeting, said he was not a proponent of removing monuments but for including more of the “untold stories.”\r\n\r\nHodges was part of the legislative discussions for removing the Confederate flag from the grounds in front of the South Carolina Statehouse. The flag was taken down in 2015, after nine people were shot and killed by a white supremacist at the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston.\r\n\r\nRemoving monuments from the statehouse grounds was not discussed at that time, Hodges said.\r\n\r\n“As a matter of fact, there was some of us who were trying to focus on adding more monuments to the statehouse grounds, specifically Robert Smalls and some others,” he said.\r\n\r\nHodges led the effort to have a bust of Smalls, who launched a daring plan to take a Confederate ship and escape to freedom, installed on the grounds of Tabernacle Baptist Church, in Beaufort.\r\n\r\nWhile the statue of Smalls is not on public grounds, it is frequently visited from visitors from all over the world, Hodges noted.\r\n\r\nIn addition, he is leading the current effort to have a statue of Harriet Tubman, whose history is also tied to Beaufort, erected on a small patch of ground on the other side of the church.\r\n\r\n“We are trying to tell the untold stories,” he said.\r\n\r\nHodges said the death of George Floyd in May and other events this year have renewed the country’s interest in civil war monuments and their role in public spaces.\r\n\r\n“How do we go forward,” he said. “How do we tell the whole story and respect each other’s culture?”\r\n\r\nBeaufort Mayor Elect Stephen Murray said the issue was complex but timely.\r\n\r\n“I do think some type of policy or some type of ongoing community dialogue about making sure we’re telling the whole story should be a goal of ours,” he said.\r\n\r\nKeyserling proposed looking at the possibility for “community discussions” on the issue.\r\n\r\nHe said the University of South Carolina has put together an extensive group to examine buildings and monuments in the Columbia area.\r\n\r\n“We would be well suited to have a policy,” he said.\r\n\r\nThose who attended the meeting are working to put together a few ideas for what that policy might look like, both he and Jeff Baker confirmed later by phone.\r\n\r\nThe issue is expected to be taken up again though there are no set dates at this time, the mayor said.\r\n\r\n<em>Top: The marker at the base of the Woods Memorial Bridge overlooking the Beaufort River was purchased and installed in 1966 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy Beaufort Chapter which is named after Stephen Elliott a Brigadier General in the Confederate Army. The chapter was formed in 1910 in the home across from the marker. Photo by Mindy Lucas</em>.', 'Beaufort wades into Confederate monument debate', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'beaufort-wades-into-confederate-monument-debate', '', '', '2020-12-02 15:37:30', '2020-12-02 20:37:30', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47208', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47210, 4, '2020-12-03 13:04:09', '2020-12-03 18:04:09', '', 'Screen Shot 2020-12-03 at 1.02.51 PM', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'screen-shot-2020-12-03-at-1-02-51-pm', '', '', '2020-12-03 13:04:09', '2020-12-03 18:04:09', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Screen-Shot-2020-12-03-at-1.02.51-PM.png', 0, 'attachment', 'image/png', 0),
(47211, 4, '2020-12-03 13:07:59', '2020-12-03 18:07:59', '', 'HHDT IN EP 11-24-20', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'hhdt-in-ep-11-24-20', '', '', '2020-12-03 13:07:59', '2020-12-03 18:07:59', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/HHDT-IN-EP-11-24-20.jpg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47212, 4, '2020-12-03 13:49:23', '2020-12-03 18:49:23', '<p>[vc_row][vc_column width=\"2/3\"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]</p>\n<h3>If you are a proud parent, relative or friend of a Marine about to graduate, you can purchase one or more copies of “The Island News” featuring your Marine\'s graduation class roster announcement to be sent to your home.</h3>\n<h4>The copies are $5 each.</h4>\n<h4><em>To order copies, please fill out the form below:</em></h4>\n<h6 style=\"padding-left: 40px;\"></h6>\n<p>[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text][vfb id=3][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=\"1/3\"][vc_wp_text title=\"marine\"]</p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/store/congratulatory-message/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-50310 size-medium\" src=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/square-button-rev1a-300x298.jpg\" alt=\"congratulate-marine\" width=\"300\" height=\"298\" /></a>If you want to place an ad in the Graduation issue of The Island News, Click the above button to fill out the Congratulatory message and form.</p>\n<p>[/vc_wp_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row]</p>\n', 'Copies of Parris Island Graduation Roster', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'open', '', 'graduation_announcements', '', '', '2022-06-12 23:44:13', '2022-06-13 03:44:13', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?page_id=47212', 0, 'page', '', 0),
(50495, 4, '2021-06-09 11:59:35', '2021-06-09 15:59:35', '<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><strong>By Joann Orischak</strong><br><br>Last month, the Beaufort County Council voted 7-4 to place a 1 percent local-option sales tax (LOST) on the November ballot. While this proposal has been debated multiple times in the last decade or so, County Council finally determined voters should have a say.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I’m not here to impose my thoughts on whether the LOST is worthy of your support or disapproval, but history has shown that citizens have not had an appetite for this particular tax for many reasons.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Still, Beaufort County municipality leaders have spoken with one voice on the merits of this tax to fund projects that have fallen through the cracks.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The public is capable of discerning the County’s needs and weighing in accordingly. In 2018, Beaufort County voters saw fit to implement a penny sales tax based on the information before them.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>So why has the LOST been so hard to digest?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Some will tell you it hurts our lower socio-economic population, while others point to its lack of specificity. The LOST has no expiration date and is short on details regarding how municipalities will direct funds. The result: the public is left to trust how local leaders will channel millions in taxpayer dollars.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>No one needs another dissection of voters’ faith (or lack thereof) in their elected representatives. Rather, my focus here is on our elected representatives’ mistrust of citizens. Trust is a two-way street between voters and those we’ve chosen to uphold our best interests.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>In a May 11, 2021 news interview with WSAV, Bluffton Mayor Lisa Sulka included in her statements regarding the LOST, “… and I think we’ve really earned the trust of our residents to see where we’re putting our money responsibly.”</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>That may very well be true. However, while simultaneously holding out a hand seeking voter consideration, the other hand later that same day shut its doors to in-person attendance to the Bluffton Town Council meeting. There may have been a reason for the Bluffton Town Council to restrict attendance that day, but according to news reports, no reason was provided in advance of the meeting. The public was left to participate remotely.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Why weren’t residents trusted to attend THEIR public meeting in person, or at the very least, understand why they could not?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Island Packet/Beaufort Gazette reported on the April 13 Beaufort County Council meeting where Council voted to revise the County’s uniform Freedom of Information Act policy. The Council carefully considered a S.C. Attorney General opinion which discouraged the Council’s proposed requirement to seek a signed affidavit prior to certain public records requests.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The Council ultimately substituted the signed affidavit language for “Commercial Solicitation Statement,” but the end effect sent the same message. The added stipulation, which is contrary to the spirit of the AG’s guidance and bucks common practice throughout S.C., limits access to public information.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Why must our County impose more stringent requirements for the release of public information compared to other S.C. geographies?</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>When our elected representatives insulate themselves and guard public information from those who elected them, they reveal mistrust of the very people they serve.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>If our local leaders want voters to trust their proposals, they need to include us in the processes (see administrative leadership selections) and tear down unnecessary roadblocks. In marginalizing the public now, our public officials are gambling at the polls later.</p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><em>JoAnn Orischak served as the District 11 Representative to the Beaufort County Board of Education from 2012-2020. She resides on Hilton Head Island and can be reached at JoAnnOrischak.TheIslandNews@gmail.com.</em></p>\n<!-- /wp:paragraph -->', 'Public trust for elected officials should run both ways', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'public-trust-for-elected-officials-should-run-both-ways', '', '', '2021-06-09 12:01:53', '2021-06-09 16:01:53', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=50495', 0, 'post', '', 0),
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(49637, 4, '2021-04-29 06:35:49', '2021-04-29 10:35:49', '', '04242021 Beer Garden fun - 6212', 'Bob Sofaly photo\nLocal entertainer Chris Jones picks his “Disastercaster” for the crowd at the Community Beer Garden on Saturday, April 24, at The Sands in Port Royal. Area food trucks supply the food and the cold beer is furnished by area micro-brewers. The events are pet and family friendly.', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '04242021-beer-garden-fun-6212', '', '', '2021-04-29 09:08:46', '2021-04-29 13:08:46', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/04242021-Beer-Garden-fun-6212-1.jpeg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(50459, 4, '2021-06-09 06:37:37', '2021-06-09 10:37:37', '', '06072021 Planning public hearing, 3-8694', 'Bob Sofaly photo\rRob Merchant, acting director of the Beaufort County Community Development Department, addresses the board during the public forum Monday evening in Bluffton.', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '06072021-planning-public-hearing-3-8694', '', '', '2021-06-09 06:37:37', '2021-06-09 10:37:37', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/06072021-Planning-public-hearing-3-8694.jpeg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(50460, 4, '2021-06-09 06:37:40', '2021-06-09 10:37:40', '', '06072021 Planning public hearing, 2-8659', 'Bob Sofaly photo\nJuliana Smith, left, Jessie White and Anne Cooke look look at some of the planning boards on display during the Beaufort County Planning open house Monday evening in Bluffton. More public meetings are planned for Tuesday at the Burton Wells Complex and Thursday at the public library on Johnathan Francis, Sr. Road on St. Helena Island. Meetings are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '06072021-planning-public-hearing-2-8659', '', '', '2021-06-09 14:46:03', '2021-06-09 18:46:03', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/06072021-Planning-public-hearing-2-8659.jpeg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47228, 4, '2020-12-04 09:16:39', '2020-12-04 14:16:39', '', 'TIN Parris Is Grads Web', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'tin-parris-is-grads-web', '', '', '2020-12-04 09:16:39', '2020-12-04 14:16:39', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/TIN-Parris-Is-Grads-Web.jpg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47332, 4, '2020-12-15 11:26:36', '2020-12-15 16:26:36', 'By Mindy Lucas\r\n\r\nA Beaufort County teenager has been arrested in connection with the shooting of another teen in the downtown business district of Beaufort, police say.\r\n\r\nOfficers with the Beaufort Police Department responding to gunfire in the 200 block of Scott Street shortly after 10 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12, found a teenager with multiple gunshot wounds, said department spokesman Capt. George Erdel in an email.\r\n\r\nThe victim, also from Beaufort County, was taken to Beaufort Memorial Hospital, where he was then airlifted to the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston for further treatment.&nbsp;\r\n\r\nAbout 45 minutes after the incident occurred, officers were notified that a 15-year-old who was involved in the incident wanted to turn himself in, Erdel said.\r\n\r\nInvestigators met with the teenager and his mother and conducted an interview.&nbsp;The suspect was then arrested for attempted murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime, Erdel said.\r\n\r\nThe suspect, who has not been identified, was taken to a Department of Juvenile Justice facility in Columbia where he was being held until a hearing.\r\n\r\nThe condition of the victim is not known at this time. MUSC does not release information on patients who are victims of a violent crimes.\r\n\r\nPolice are continuing to investigate. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Investigator Tony Re at (843) 322-7960 or the department’s anonymous tip line at (843) 322-7938.&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'Teenager arrested in shooting in downtown Beaufort', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'teenager-arrested-in-shooting-in-downtown-beaufort', '', '', '2020-12-15 11:55:16', '2020-12-15 16:55:16', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47332', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47232, 4, '2020-12-09 09:35:47', '2020-12-09 14:35:47', '', '12082020 Arnold Mitchell Swearing In - 08115', 'Bob Sofaly photo\nArnold “Mitch” Mithcell, left, gets sworn in as Beaufort City Councilman by Beaufort Municipal Judge Ralph “Ned” Tupper during Tuesday night’s City Council meeting. Holding the Bible for Mitchell is wife Kelly Mitchell.', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '12082020-arnold-mitchell-swearing-in-08115', '', '', '2020-12-09 11:38:37', '2020-12-09 16:38:37', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/12082020-Arnold-Mitchell-swearing-in-08115.jpeg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47233, 4, '2020-12-09 09:35:50', '2020-12-09 14:35:50', '', '12082020 Neil Liptitz swearing in - 0789', 'Bob Sofaly photo\nNeil LIptsitz, right, is sworn in as Beaufort City Councilman by Municipal Judge Ralph “Ned” Tupper during Tuesday night’s city council meeting. Holding the Bible duirng the ceremony is Lipsitz’ wife Michele Lipsitz.', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '12082020-neil-liptitz-swearing-in-0789', '', '', '2020-12-09 11:37:56', '2020-12-09 16:37:56', '', 47321, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/12082020-Neil-Lipsitz-swearing-in-0789.jpeg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47234, 4, '2020-12-09 09:35:53', '2020-12-09 14:35:53', '', '12082020 Stephen Murray swearing in - 0847', 'Bob Sofaly photo\nBeaufort Municipal Judge Ned Tupper, left, swears in Stephen Murray as Beaufort’s newestmayor during Tuesday night City Council meeting. Holding the Bible for Mayor Murray is his wife Melissa. At right are Murray’s twin daughters Genovieve and Josephine.', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '12082020-stephen-murray-swearing-in-0847', '', '', '2020-12-09 11:39:33', '2020-12-09 16:39:33', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/12082020-Stephen-Murray-swearing-in-0847.jpeg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
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(47241, 4, '2020-12-09 09:40:12', '2020-12-09 14:40:12', '', '12062020 Support Dog Parade, 2 - 0716', 'Bob Sofaly photo\nAbout 15 members of Alliance Therapy Dogs decided to have thier own doggie parade in Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park on Sunday afternoon, the day the annual Christmas Parade would have been held had it not been cancelled due to Covid-19 concerns, according to Rebecca Bass of Alliance Therapy Dogs.\n“The powers that be even cancelled the Christmas Boat Parade”, Bass said. “We already had out costumes made for the parade. We even had a float”, she said. “We were very disappointed” when the Alliance had learned the parade had been cancelled. So we decided to do some community service and have our own parade out doors, socially distanced but festive”', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '12062020-support-dog-parade-2-0716', '', '', '2020-12-09 11:08:04', '2020-12-09 16:08:04', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/12062020-Support-Dog-Parade-2-0716.jpeg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47242, 4, '2020-12-09 09:40:16', '2020-12-09 14:40:16', '', '12062020 Support Dog Parade, 1 - 0757', 'Bob Sofaly photo\nAbout 15 dogs with Alliance Thereapy Dogs were so upset that the annual Christmas Parade had been cancelled, they convinced thier owners to have their own parade Sunday afternoon through the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Here, Teagan Kelly, 7, of Hilton Head Island, pets Rowdy, one of the 15 Alliance Therapy Dogs that participated in Sunday’s Parade. Sunday, 12/6,  would have been the date for the annual parade.', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '12062020-support-dog-parade-1-0757', '', '', '2020-12-09 11:08:31', '2020-12-09 16:08:31', '', 47289, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/12062020-Support-Dog-Parade-1-0757.jpeg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
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(47244, 4, '2020-12-09 09:41:07', '2020-12-09 14:41:07', '', 'PoolReOpening1210', 'Bob Sofaly photo\nThe Beaufort County pools at Beaufort and Battery Creek HIgh Schools re-opened opend this week. BHS opened Monday with hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. BCHS opened Tuesday with the same hours of operation.', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'poolreopening1210', '', '', '2020-12-09 11:06:37', '2020-12-09 16:06:37', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/PoolReOpening1210.jpg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
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(47246, 4, '2020-12-09 09:42:22', '2020-12-09 14:42:22', '', '12052020 BHS @ BA girls hoops - 466', 'Bob Sofaly photo\nBeaufort Academy’s Tahleea Heyward gets double-teamed by Ky Moultrie and Layla Warren, on Saturday afternoon at BA. The home team Lady Eagles clung to a slim lead throughout the game and managed to best the visitng Lady Eagles 52-46.', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '12052020-bhs-ba-girls-hoops-466', '', '', '2020-12-09 10:40:00', '2020-12-09 15:40:00', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/12052020-BHS-@-BA-girls-hoops-466.jpeg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47247, 4, '2020-12-09 09:42:25', '2020-12-09 14:42:25', '', '12052020 BHS @ BA boys hoops - 6699', 'Bob Sofaly photo\rBeaufort High School’s Oiver Holmes, center, maintains control of the ball as he moves toward the basket Saturday afternoon against hosting Beaufort Academy. BHS went on to defeat BA 86-58.', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '12052020-bhs-ba-boys-hoops-6699', '', '', '2020-12-09 09:42:25', '2020-12-09 14:42:25', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/12052020-BHS-@-BA-boys-hoops-6699.jpeg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47248, 4, '2020-12-09 09:42:49', '2020-12-09 14:42:49', '', '12032020 BCHS @ WBHS girls hoops - -9642', 'Bob Sofaly photo\nWhale Branch’s Kynew Bamwell gets wrapped up by Battery Creek’s Kiara Wilson as team mate Myra Smith, left, moves up to help Thursday night at Whale Branch. The Lady Warriors cruised to a 56-20 win over the Lady Dolphins.', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '12032020-bchs-wbhs-girls-hoops-9642', '', '', '2020-12-09 10:44:07', '2020-12-09 15:44:07', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/12032020-BCHS-@-WBHS-girls-hoops-9642.jpeg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47249, 4, '2020-12-09 09:42:52', '2020-12-09 14:42:52', '', '12032020 BCHS @ WBHS boys hoops - 9864_edited-1', 'Bob Sofaly photo\nWhale Branch’s Jaylin Reeves tries to move the ball against Battery Creek’s David Smith on Thursday 12/3. The visiting Dolphins narrowly defeated the hosting Warriors 39-36.', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '12032020-bchs-wbhs-boys-hoops-9864_edited-1', '', '', '2020-12-09 10:42:39', '2020-12-09 15:42:39', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/12032020-BCHS-@-WBHS-boys-hoops-9864_edited-1.jpeg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47250, 4, '2020-12-09 09:43:09', '2020-12-09 14:43:09', '', '112012020 Baseball Championship - 9589', 'Bob Sofaly photo\n The Royals and the Avengers squared off for the Beaufort County Adult Men\'s Baseball Championship on Tuesday night at Burton Wells Park. Here, Royals’ shortstop Weldon Smith, left, ponders a throw to first base as Avengers Hartley Smith takes second base standing up. At right is Royals’ second baseman Tyler Rentz. The Royals and Avengers battled each for the 2020 Chamionship. The Royals bested the Avengers 8-4.', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '112012020-baseball-championship-9589', '', '', '2020-12-09 10:37:14', '2020-12-09 15:37:14', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/112012020-Baseball-Championship-9589.jpeg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
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(47254, 4, '2020-12-09 10:32:43', '2020-12-09 15:32:43', '<strong>By LARRY DANDRIDGE<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Larry-Dandridge.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-46908 alignleft\" src=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Larry-Dandridge-780x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"106\" height=\"139\"></a>Are you trying to decide which hospital to use? If you are eligible, you may want to use a medical center that consistently ranks in the 90th percentile of all private and public hospitals for Quality of Care, according to the Healthcare Effectiveness Information System.\r\n\r\nYou may also consider the hospital that provides services not found in other hospitals. Services including a Community Resource Center, Tele-Mental Health services, a Tele-Radiology Program, record-setting turnaround times for prosthetics, three nurse residency programs, patient and family-centered care, a medical foster home, world-class lodging for patient families at no cost, mail and walk-in pharmacy, free parking, free transportation from Hinesville and Savannah, GA, Orangeburg and several coastal SC counties.\r\n\r\nThere are tremendous benefits to using a five-star rated hospital that meets 90% of its requests for appointments within 30 days, provides employment specialists, has 800 trained and dedicated volunteers, a full-service welcome center, more than seven accreditations, an employee turn-over rate of less than 7% (industry is 18%), and first-class medical clinics with expanded services in Beaufort, Ladson, Goose Creek, Myrtle Beach, SC and in Hinesville and Savannah, GA. You may also want to consider a hospital that will authorize you to use and pay for medical care from other providers if needed.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nNo, I am not talking about the excellent Beaufort Memorial, Roper, Saint Francis, MUSC, and other hospitals in SC. I am referring to the Ralph H. Johnson (RHJ) VA Medical Center, which serves Vets and their families from the NC border to Hinesville, GA, and all of Lowcountry SC, inland to Orangeburg.\r\n\r\nThe RHJ VAMC is a flagship, advanced care, and teaching (tertiary) hospital, located in Charleston, SC, serving over 75,000 Vets in 21 counties. The RHJ is a 152-bed, hospital, partnered with the Medical University of SC. The RHJ also provides 20 operating nursing home care beds. Of the more than 875,000 patient appointments made through the RHJ each year, more than 870,000 of those appointments are provided at the VA or one of its outpatient clinics.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nThe VA Medical System, especially our terrific RHJ VA Med Center, is not our fathers’ or grandfathers’ WWII VA. The VA offers highest quality and user low-cost medical care. There are 170 VA Medical Centers and 1,063 outpatient sites, called Community Based Outpatient Clinics or CBOCs.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nThe RHJ is accredited by The Joint Commission, the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons, and the College of American Pathology. The RHJ Diabetes Education program has received national recognition from the American Diabetes Association and its Baccalaureate Nurse Residency Program is accredited by A study by Grant Thornton and McKinsey &amp; Company, the RAND Corporation, and the MITRE Corporation shows the VA excelling in consistently providing the highest level of quality care for our Veterans, who often have much more complex medical needs than the general population.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nIt is one of the fastest growing VA Medical Centers in the country and it has maintained its excellent quality of care, during an approximate five-to-eight percent annual growth rate, and the addition of 500 to 800 new patients every month. Volunteer drivers at the RHJ drive over 318,000 miles per year, bringing more than 6,500 Veterans, in for medical appointments.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nIn 2015 the Beaufort Clinic (CBOC), more than doubled in space, occupying the 4th floor of Naval Hospital Beaufort. Beaufort’s VA Outpatient Clinic provides primary care and mental health services to over 6,000 veterans in Beaufort, Hampton, and Jasper Counties. Veterans and active duty military can also receive care at the dermatology and physical therapy clinics located at Naval Hospital Beaufort. Ancillary services such as MRI, lab and x-ray are also provided through this agreement. The Beaufort Clinic phone number is 843-770-0444 and is located at 1 Pinckney Boulevard, Beaufort, SC 29902-6122.\r\n\r\nThe RHJ Pain Management Clinic offers alternative therapies such as: Acupuncture, aromatherapy, natural supplements, massage, mindful based, acceptance &amp; commitment, aqua therapy, yoga, Tai Chi, and Qigong. The RHJ VA Medical Center is also committed to safe and effective management of opioid meds.\r\n\r\nThe RHJ VA Medical Center also offers dozens of events, recreation, and other support for veterans, including, but not limited to, guitar lessons, sailing, concerts, tours, exercise sessions, quit smoking help, job assistance, athletic events, and much more.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nThere are too many other good things to say about the terrific RHJ VA Medical Center and its Community Based Outpatient Clinics in one newspaper article. However, you can find out much more about this wonderful Lowcountry asset, its beautiful Fisher House Charleston, and its CBOCs (remote clinics) at the RHJ web site https://charleston.va.gov/.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nIf you would like to volunteer at RHJ VA Medical Center or your local CBOC or drive for the Volunteer Vets Transportation Network, contact Volunteer Services at 843-789-7230 or email VHACHAVAVS@va.gov. The Coronavirus pandemic has affected services.\r\n\r\nAre you trying to decide which hospital to use? If you are eligible, you may want to use a medical center that consistently ranks in the 90th percentile of all private and public hospitals for Quality of Care, according to the Healthcare Effectiveness Information System.\r\n\r\nYou may also consider the hospital that provides services not found in other hospitals. Services including a Community Resource Center, Tele-Mental Health services, a Tele-Radiology Program, record-setting turnaround times for prosthetics, three nurse residency programs, patient and family-centered care, a medical foster home, world-class lodging for patient families at no cost, mail and walk-in pharmacy, free parking, free transportation from Hinesville and Savannah, GA, Orangeburg and several coastal SC counties.\r\n\r\nThere are tremendous benefits to using a five-star rated hospital that meets 90% of its requests for appointments within 30 days, provides employment specialists, has 800 trained and dedicated volunteers, a full-service welcome center, more than seven accreditations, an employee turn-over rate of less than 7% (industry is 18%), and first-class medical clinics with expanded services in Beaufort, Ladson, Goose Creek, Myrtle Beach, SC and in Hinesville and Savannah, GA. You may also want to consider a hospital that will authorize you to use and pay for medical care from other providers if needed.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nNo, I am not talking about the excellent Beaufort Memorial, Roper, Saint Francis, MUSC, and other hospitals in SC. I am referring to the Ralph H. Johnson (RHJ) VA Medical Center, which serves Vets and their families from the NC border to Hinesville, GA, and all of Lowcountry SC, inland to Orangeburg.\r\n\r\nThe RHJ VAMC is a flagship, advanced care, and teaching (tertiary) hospital, located in Charleston, SC, serving over 75,000 Vets in 21 counties. The RHJ is a 152-bed, hospital, partnered with the Medical University of SC. The RHJ also provides 20 operating nursing home care beds. Of the more than 875,000 patient appointments made through the RHJ each year, more than 870,000 of those appointments are provided at the VA or one of its outpatient clinics.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nThe VA Medical System, especially our terrific RHJ VA Med Center, is not our fathers’ or grandfathers’ WWII VA. The VA offers highest quality and user low-cost medical care. There are 170 VA Medical Centers and 1,063 outpatient sites, called Community Based Outpatient Clinics or CBOCs.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nThe RHJ is accredited by The Joint Commission, the Commission on Cancer of the American College of Surgeons, and the College of American Pathology. The RHJ Diabetes Education program has received national recognition from the American Diabetes Association and its Baccalaureate Nurse Residency Program is accredited by A study by Grant Thornton and McKinsey &amp; Company, the RAND Corporation, and the MITRE Corporation shows the VA excelling in consistently providing the highest level of quality care for our Veterans, who often have much more complex medical needs than the general population.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nIt is one of the fastest growing VA Medical Centers in the country and it has maintained its excellent quality of care, during an approximate five-to-eight percent annual growth rate, and the addition of 500 to 800 new patients every month. Volunteer drivers at the RHJ drive over 318,000 miles per year, bringing more than 6,500 Veterans, in for medical appointments.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nIn 2015 the Beaufort Clinic (CBOC), more than doubled in space, occupying the 4th floor of Naval Hospital Beaufort. Beaufort’s VA Outpatient Clinic provides primary care and mental health services to over 6,000 veterans in Beaufort, Hampton, and Jasper Counties. Veterans and active duty military can also receive care at the dermatology and physical therapy clinics located at Naval Hospital Beaufort. Ancillary services such as MRI, lab and x-ray are also provided through this agreement. The Beaufort Clinic phone number is 843-770-0444 and is located at 1 Pinckney Boulevard, Beaufort, SC 29902-6122.\r\n\r\nThe RHJ Pain Management Clinic offers alternative therapies such as: Acupuncture, aromatherapy, natural supplements, massage, mindful based, acceptance &amp; commitment, aqua therapy, yoga, Tai Chi, and Qigong. The RHJ VA Medical Center is also committed to safe and effective management of opioid meds.\r\n\r\nThe RHJ VA Medical Center also offers dozens of events, recreation, and other support for veterans, including, but not limited to, guitar lessons, sailing, concerts, tours, exercise sessions, quit smoking help, job assistance, athletic events, and much more.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nThere are too many other good things to say about the terrific RHJ VA Medical Center and its Community Based Outpatient Clinics in one newspaper article. However, you can find out much more about this wonderful Lowcountry asset, its beautiful Fisher House Charleston, and its CBOCs (remote clinics) at the RHJ web site https://charleston.va.gov/.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nIf you would like to volunteer at RHJ VA Medical Center or your local CBOC or drive for the Volunteer Vets Transportation Network, contact Volunteer Services at 843-789-7230 or email VHACHAVAVS@va.gov. The Coronavirus pandemic has affected services.\r\n\r\n<em>Larry Dandridge is a patient at the RHJ VA Medical Center; an Army ex-Enlisted Infantryman, Ex-Warrant Officer Combat Pilot, and retired Lt. Colonel; a past Veterans Service Officer; a volunteer Patient Adviser at the RHJ VA Medical Center; the Fisher House Charleston volunteer Good Will Ambassador; the volunteer VP for Veteran Affairs for the Coastal Carolina Association of the US Army (AUSA) Chapter; the Author of the award winning BLADES OF THUNDER (Book One); the CEO of TVV Publishing LLC; a past Aerospace Company Regional Manager; the Founder of CLC Hospice LLC; a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt; a Motivational Speaker; a past University Business, Aeronautics, Military Science, and Writing Instructor; and a contributing writer for the Lowcountry Weekly &amp; Island News. You can reach Larry at LDandridge@earthlink.net .<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span></em>', 'Why use the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center?', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'why-use-the-ralph-h-johnson-va-medical-center', '', '', '2020-12-09 10:32:43', '2020-12-09 15:32:43', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47254', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47256, 4, '2020-12-09 10:35:32', '2020-12-09 15:35:32', '<strong>By SCOTT GRABER</strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Screen-Shot-2020-10-28-at-11.56.56-AM.png\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-46592 alignleft\" src=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Screen-Shot-2020-10-28-at-11.56.56-AM.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"115\" height=\"132\"></a>It is Friday, and this morning I’m in the “Morning Room” at the Historic Davenport House in downtown Savannah. As we stand in this spacious, well-proportioned room, our masked guide tells us Isaiah Davenport was from New England.\r\n\r\n“He immigrated from New England and married a woman from Beaufort,” she said. Then he built a red brick, Federal-styled house to promote his house-building trade.\r\n\r\nDavenport arrived about the same time 700 people (in Savannah) died from yellow fever. Some of these were tended-to by Mary Lavender, Georgia’s first female doctor, who had no clue that the disease came by way of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito that arrived years earlier from West Africa.\r\n\r\nLavender only knew that it turned your skin yellow and your vomit black. In fact, yellow fever would eventually kill Isaiah Davenport himself when he was 42.\r\n\r\nIn his short lifetime, Davenport managed to father eight children and acquire another eight “enslaved Africans” from Hilton Head Island. Our guidebook says that Africans were bought when times were good, mortgaged when things were dicey, sold when times were bad.\r\n\r\nThe Davenport children proved to have an independent streak — two sons fighting for the Union and three fighting for the Confederacy. One imagines spirited discussions around the dinner table forcing Sarah Davenport to scream, “For God’s sake, can’t you kids talk about the Braves?”\r\n\r\nThe Davenport House fell on hard times in the 1950s and was threatened with demolition. In fact demolition, then the sale of bricks, then the building of a parking garage came to be a formula repeatedly used by Savannah entrepreneurs. But this formula bothered seven Savannah matrons.\r\n\r\nSeven women got together and fought for the Davenport House. Then they turned their considerable energy to other houses and rallied the public against the relentless advance of downtown parking. This led to the formation of the Historic Savannah Foundation and the creation of the Historic District in Savannah.\r\n\r\nA little later, a similar fight would occur in Beaufort. That effort centered on an effort to demolish the Anchorage. This leaking, creaking, “architectural dinosaur” would be replaced by a modern, energy efficient law office. But like in Savannah, a group of Beaufort women led by Helen Harvey would fight and eventually save the Anchorage.\r\n\r\nDowntown Savannah has flourished with the stabilization of its Historic District. Every day, thousands surge down its tree-canopied streets, admiring its well-tended squares and only worried about getting an 8 p.m. dinner reservation at Husk. Tourists from Rochester walk (or ride) past million dollar renovations saying, “Why the hell didn’t we do this at home?”\r\n\r\nBut, of course, there’s trouble right here in River City.\r\n\r\nThat trouble is the reality that 14 million tourists need a place to sleep. To that end a dozen new hotels have been built and 15 are in the works. The iconic clash between hotels and history began with the building of the Hyatt in the 1980s.\r\n\r\nThe Hyatt presents a cube that makes no concession to the historic City Hall next door; and it is noticeably larger than the older buildings around it. I will admit that it does have a jaw-dropping atrium lobby and an incomparable view of the China-bound ships that pass within 100 yards.\r\n\r\n“There’s tremendous pressure on the city from developers of hotels,” Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) Chairman of Architectural History Robin Williams said. “City Council gets developers who bristle at these limitations.”\r\n\r\nAnother problem is the fact that the District is also home to many state and federal office buildings. Apparently, the feds are not burdened with District guidelines; and the County is building its Judicial Center where its old jail was located. Both projects have also provoked criticism and confrontation.\r\n\r\nNow a third government agency, the National Park Service, has placed the National Historic District on its “Threatened List” saying “it is in imminent danger of a severe loss of integrity.”\r\n\r\n“The loss of National Historic Landmark status would be analogous to a major league sports team being demoted to the minor leagues,” Williams said.\r\n\r\nNobody wants Savannah to drift down into the minor leagues.\r\n\r\nEveryone associated with this geography wants the visitors and their sales and accommodation taxes; as well as the green- and purple-haired SCAD students who give contrast to the older, large-bellied tourists; as well as the young soldiers on leave from Ft. Stewart.\r\n\r\nAll of these folks are “stakeholders” in the preservation of the Davenport House and of this little bit of Federal architecture.\r\n\r\n<em>Scott Graber is a lawyer, novelist, veteran columnist and longtime resident of Port Royal. He can be reached at cscottgraber@gmail.com.</em>', 'Everyone is a stakeholder when it comes to preservation', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'everyone-is-a-stakeholder-when-it-comes-to-preservation', '', '', '2020-12-09 10:35:32', '2020-12-09 15:35:32', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47256', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47258, 4, '2020-12-09 10:36:09', '2020-12-09 15:36:09', '<strong>LowcoSports.com</strong>\r\n\r\nA baker’s dozen area private-school football stars were selected to play for the South All-Stars in the 2020 SCISA North-South All-Star Football Game on Friday at Heathwood Hall in Columbia.\r\n\r\nAfter leading the Rebels to a third consecutive SCISA 1A state championship, Thomas Heyward coach Nic Shuford served as head coach for the South squad, which claimed a 20-14 victory over the North.\r\n\r\nShuford had five of his own players on the roster — OL/DL Therion Cannon and John Hewlett, QB/DB Peyton Bennett, RB/DB JR Patterson, and ATH Bruzza Pusha — as well as a quartet of stars from SCISA 2A champion Hilton Head Christian Academy — QB/WR/DB JP Peduzzi, WR/DB Cameron Strickland, DL Liam Sirgo, and LB Troy Chisolm.\r\n\r\nBeaufort Academy WR/LB Elijah Fess and RB/DB Ja’Sean Lawson also were on the winning roster, along with Hilton Head Prep RB/WR/DB Tommy Stauffer and John Paul II QB/DB Jeremiah Young.', '13 Lowcountry SCISA stars selected for all-star football game', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', '13-lowcountry-scisa-stars-selected-for-all-star-football-game', '', '', '2020-12-09 10:36:09', '2020-12-09 15:36:09', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47258', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47260, 4, '2020-12-09 10:37:23', '2020-12-09 15:37:23', '<strong>Photo by Bob Sofaly</strong>\r\n\r\nThe Royals and the Avengers squared off Tuesday, Dec. 1 for the Beaufort County Adult Men\'s Baseball Championship at Burton Wells Park. Here, Royals’ shortstop Weldon Smith, left, ponders a throw to first base as Avengers’ Hartley Smith takes second base standing up. At right is Royals’ second baseman Tyler Rentz. The Royals and Avengers battled each for the 2020 league championship with the Royals winning, 8-4.&nbsp;', 'FOR ALL THE MARBLES', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'for-all-the-marbles', '', '', '2020-12-09 10:37:23', '2020-12-09 15:37:23', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47260', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47262, 4, '2020-12-09 10:38:36', '2020-12-09 15:38:36', '<strong>From staff reports</strong>\r\n\r\nJohn Paul II Catholic School students James Keefer, Christian Tilton, Kelon Reynolds, Collin Anfinson, Lauren Weniger, and Kathleen Hammett have been selected to participate in the first Hugh O’Brien Community Leadership Workshop.\r\n\r\nDuring the workshop, the six JPII students will get the chance to dive deeper into personal leadership, interact with other high school leaders, and be challenged to go out and make a difference in their communities. The virtual workshop will take place on Jan. 30, 2021.', 'Six JPII students picked for leadership workshop', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'six-jpii-students-picked-for-leadership-workshop', '', '', '2020-12-09 10:38:36', '2020-12-09 15:38:36', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47262', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47264, 4, '2020-12-09 10:40:15', '2020-12-09 15:40:15', '<strong>By Gabriel Jenkins</strong>\r\n\r\nAfter letting a late lead evaporate in the first meeting, Beaufort Academy’s girls weren’t going to let another opportunity to knock off crosstown rival Beaufort High slip away.\r\n\r\nThis time around, BA locked down on defense in the final minutes to preserve a 52-46 home win over BHS, something BA coach Lillian Aldred thinks her program might have done for the first time.\r\n\r\nMike’Ala Washington poured in 22 point to lead the way for BA, while Chase Vaigneur had a huge day with nine points and seven rebounds, Shanese Bostick added nine points inside, and Tahleea Heyward contributed eight. Layla Warren scored 20 points and Quinn Wilson had nine to lead BHS.\r\n\r\nBA got out to a fast start and put up a quick lead, and BA’s defense was persistent and created numerous turnovers in the first half. BHS started to slow things down and find points in the paint and knocked down some midrange shots to close within 22-19 late in the second quarter, but BA settled down and took a 27-22 lead into hafltime.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nIn the third quarter, Washington caught fire, dishing out dimes and knocking down a couple of threes as BHS searched for an answer to slow her down. BA was up 42-35 late in the third thanks to the fluid ball movement that created open shots, and the Eagles extended the advantage to 46-38 going into the fourth quarter.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nIn the fourth, BHS started to put things together with Warren and Wilson leading the way. They brought the lead down to five early in the period, but BA regained control of the momentum and pushed the lead to double-digits with two minutes left before holding on.\r\n\r\nBA (3-1) traveled to Northwood Academy on Monday. BHS (1-1) hosts Bluffton on Dec. 15 to open region play.\r\n\r\n<em>Above: Beaufort Academy’s Tahleea Heyward gets double-teamed by Beaufort High’s Ky Moultrie and Layla Warren on Saturday afternoon at Beaufort Academy. BA clung to a slim lead throughout the game and managed to best visiting Beaufort 52-46. Photo by Bob Sofaly.</em>', 'BA girls knock off BHS in crosstown rematch', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'ba-girls-knock-off-bhs-in-crosstown-rematch', '', '', '2020-12-09 10:40:15', '2020-12-09 15:40:15', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47264', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47267, 4, '2020-12-09 10:41:17', '2020-12-09 15:41:17', '<strong>By Gabriel Jenkins</strong>\r\n\r\nNo Kirkland Krazies? No problem. Beaufort High’s boys raced out to a big early lead and cruised to an 86-58 road win over crosstown rival Beaufort Academy on Saturday, sweeping the season series.\r\n\r\nOliver Holmes led the way for BHS with 26 points, while Rush Riley added 17, James Dennison had 13, and Daniel Phares contributed nine for the home Eagles. Elijah Fess scored 18, and Ben Frey had 12 to lead BA.\r\n\r\nBHS started out with an impressive first half, playing aggressively and creating numerous turnovers to take an early 18-4 lead. BA couldn’t match the Eagles’ speed and tenacity, as BHS extended the lead to 31-7 by the end of the quarter.\r\n\r\nIn the second quarter, BA started to bring more energy on defense and tightened it up offensively, thanks to Fess and Frey, but the deficit was already too daunting. BA clawed back within 38-19 early in the second but couldn’t stop Holmes, who quietly put up 26 points and helped his Eagles build a 52-29 halftime lead.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nBA started to foul in the second half to try to close the gap, but BHS took advantage by racking up easy points at the foul line.\r\n\r\nIt was 70-45 after three, and BHS star Zyrin Odom came up with a steal and breakaway dunk early in the fourth that took the wind out of BA’s notions of a comeback.\r\n\r\nBHS (2-0) opens region play at home against Bluffton on Dec. 15, while BA (2-3) traveled to Northwood Academy on Monday.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>', 'BHS has no trouble finishing sweep', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'bhs-has-no-trouble-finishing-sweep', '', '', '2020-12-09 10:41:17', '2020-12-09 15:41:17', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47267', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47269, 4, '2020-12-09 10:42:46', '2020-12-09 15:42:46', '<strong>By Brackin Lambert</strong>\r\n\r\nAfter dominating for three quarters, Battery Creek’s boys had to hold off a fourth-quarter surge to secure a 39-36 win at Whale Branch on Friday — the Dolphins’ first win over their crosstown rivals in three years.\r\n\r\nThe Warriors erased most of a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter, but the Dolphins were able to deny Whale Branch a possession with a chance to tie it in the final seconds. David Smith heaved a baseball pass to Rashard Baker with 0.6 seconds remaining on the clock and Baker dribbled it out to secure the win.\r\n\r\n“I feel good. I think we were well prepared for this,” Dolphins coach CJ Brown said. “We watched a lot of film of the Colleton County game, and we’re still riding off that Colleton County game. We’re still riding that wave.”<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nSmith led the way offensively for Battery Creek with 13 points, four steals and four rebounds. Jordon Rivers and Kaya George each added seven points for the Dolphins.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nThe Dolphins started off strong with a Baker bucket, and Rivers electrified the crowd with back-to-back breakaway dunks, forcing Whale Branch coach Jim Raymond to burn two early timeouts. Creek kept up the strong defense, ending the first quarter up 13-4.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nCreek’s offense continued its hot start in the second quarter, as David Grober sent home a 3-pointer from the corner and Smith stepped into the passing lane for an easy layup, extending the Dolphins’ lead to nine. Baker and Smith knocked down contested buckets to push the lead up to 14 to end the quarter.\r\n\r\nThe Warriors battled back during the second half, picking spots to snag loose balls chipping away at the deficit, but their failure to take advantage of opportunities to stay in the game early came back to haunt them. Whale Branch was 5-for-25 from the foul line, while the Dolphins converted 80 percent of their free throws.\r\n\r\nDevonta Barnard drained a triple from the top of the key to pull Whale Branch within three with less than 30 seconds to play, but that was the last time the Warriors had possession. Following a mishandled loose ball, Battery Creek retained possession, setting up the final play.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nCreek’s defense was able to withstand the late push from Whale Branch to secure the Dolphins second win of the year. The Dolphins did not win their second game until the middle of January last season.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nThe Warriors did a nice job of containing Creek in the halfcourt set, but the Dolphins used 13 steals — four each from Rivers and Smith and three from Baker — to generate easy buckets.\r\n\r\n“That’s going to be the key for us, turning our defense into offense,” Brown said. “We were able to contain Jaylen and AJ was pretty good and a couple of other guys showed up, but we knew what we had to do defensively once we got on the court.”<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nBattery Creek (2-0) opened a three-game homestand starting Tuesday with Colleton County. The Dolphins defeated the Cougars in the season opening game last Tuesday. Whale Branch (1-1) traveled to Estill on Tuesday for a rematch of its season-opening win.\r\n\r\n<em>Above: Whale Branch’s Jaylin Reeves tries to move the ball against Battery Creek’s David Smith on Thursday, Dec. 3. The visiting Dolphins narrowly defeated the hosting Warriors, 39-36. Photo by Bob Sofaly.</em>', 'Dolphins get defensive to hold off Warriors', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'dolphins-get-defensive-to-hold-off-warriors', '', '', '2020-12-09 10:42:46', '2020-12-09 15:42:46', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47269', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47271, 4, '2020-12-09 10:44:17', '2020-12-09 15:44:17', '<strong>LowcoSports.com</strong>\r\n\r\nThe Whale Branch girls rattled off 18 straight points to start the game and rolled to a 56-20 victory over visiting Battery Creek on Friday.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nKynew Barnwell scored 16 points, Jazmin Diaz added 14, and Zhani Thompson had 10 to lead the Warriors, who took advantage of 37 Battery Creek turnovers.\r\n\r\nThe Warriors started the game with an 18-0 run before Myra Smith finally got the Dolphins on the board before Whale Branch’s Jalaila Jenkins drilled a triple from the corner ending the first with the Warriors up 21-2.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nWhale Branch continued the offensive surge throughout the half, going to the locker room up 37-8 after Thompson scored all 10 of her points in the second quarter.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nNoni Singleton had eight points, four rebounds, and three steals, and Ashante Shaw added four points, six rebounds, and five steals for the Dolphins. Erin Rivers added nine points for the Warriors.\r\n\r\nWhale Branch (2-0) traveled to Estill on Tuesday for a rematch of the Warriors’ 54-30 home win in the season opener. Battery Creek (1-1) began a three-game homestand against Colleton County on Tuesday. The Dolphins defeated the Cougars 41-32 in their opener.\r\n\r\n<em>Above: Whale Branch’s Kynew Bamwell gets wrapped up by Battery Creek’s Kiara Wilson as teammate Myra Smith, left, moves up to help Thursday night at Whale Branch. The Lady Warriors cruised to a 56-20 win over the Lady Dolphins. Photo by Bob Sofaly.</em>', 'Warriors start hot, blitz Dolphins', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'warriors-start-hot-blitz-dolphins', '', '', '2020-12-09 10:44:17', '2020-12-09 15:44:17', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47271', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47273, 4, '2020-12-09 10:46:04', '2020-12-09 15:46:04', 'Creativity comes in many forms, and it’s up to parents to explore the full spectrum with their children as they grow and evolve. “Children are strikingly creative when encouraged by loving, observant adults,” says Syracuse University Professor Emerita of Child Development Alice Sterling Honig, PhD. “Give a child a necktie and she or he may conjure how to use it as a seatbelt, a sash, a leash for a doggie, a tail for a kite, and further! Play dreamy music like ‘The Skater’s Waltz,’ and toddlers move their bodies in graceful, creative ways. With gentle support, children can unleash creativity early in a myriad of domains and ways, with an unlimited array of materials and gadgets. Nurture their budding talents!”\r\n\r\nParents should also be aware that children’s creativity levels may naturally fluctuate with time. “Developmental research has found that children\'s creative thinking ability tends to decline during middle childhood,” says Manish Saggar, PhD. “However, this decline has not been consistently demonstrated, and the underlying neural and behavioral factors that affect fluctuations in children\'s creative thinking ability remain uncharacterized.” To help get to the bottom of this mystery, Saggar and his colleagues conducted a longitudinal study investigating the neurobehavioral basis of creative thinking ability during middle childhood in a sample of 48 children. “We found that although some children show a classic decline in creative ability, others exhibit a significant increase in creativity over time. These trajectories were not associated with differences in intelligence, age, or sex, but rather other developmentally-relevant constructs, including heightened externalizing behavior (i.e., rule-breaking and aggression).”\r\n\r\nIn the end, the experts agree that creativity is for everyone, and the earlier we encourage it in our children, the more beneficial it will be in the long run. Creative kids lead to creative adults, and the kind of problem-solving skills that children begin honing in their youth will inevitably come in handy down the line, whether they’re writing a symphony, figuring out an algebra problem, pitching a startup, designing a website or solving a major societal problem. With these tips in mind, families will enjoy exploring the world of imagination and embracing their creativity.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nFor more information, see www.childrenandscreens.com or write to info@childrenandscreens.com.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>Exclusive content from CARE Magazine</em>', 'ParentPulse: CH-CH-CHANGES', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'parentpulse-ch-ch-changes', '', '', '2020-12-09 10:46:04', '2020-12-09 15:46:04', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47273', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47275, 4, '2020-12-09 10:56:23', '2020-12-09 15:56:23', '<strong>By LAURA KAPONER</strong>\r\n\r\n“It made an insecure, unstable girl feel strong and powerful. It gave me one thing to be happy with myself about. And that is what is most dangerous about it\" – Aasiyah Holmes.\r\n\r\nEating disorders are an indiscriminate assassin relentless in pursuit with an arsenal of tactics to get the job done. Furthermore, eating disorders do not discriminate on the basis of age, assigned gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity or any other category society may divide people into.\r\n\r\nFor those who are aware of their trauma, it\'s often the depths of shame that create a barrier in reaching out for help. And in extreme cases, this delay in intervention may cause irreparable psychological or physical damage.\r\n\r\nAs early as the age of 11 years old, Aasiyah Holmes, from northern Georgia, developed a hyper awareness of her own body as compared to those of her peers. With an innocent curiosity, Holmes came across an eating disorder forum. She used the warning signs of eating disorders as a blueprint for her own behaviors.\r\n\r\nWhat may have started out as an attempt to lose some weight spiraled into something far more dangerous. For the next several years she became trapped in a cycle of restriction, purging and binging.\r\n\r\nEating disorders are often oversimplified with suggestions of merely changing the sufferer\'s eating habits. Unhelpful and hurtful advice to just eat more or eat less really just perpetuates the cycle of self abuse.\r\n\r\nThe reality is it\'s not truly about the food, the food is used as a means to control something going on that is buried far deeper. What makes eating disorders particularly difficult is that the very thing harming the sufferers is the same exact thing they need to survive.\r\n\r\nHolmes delayed asking for help because she feared judgment. Another fear was those who would question the severity of her struggles.\r\n\r\nShe tried to disengage with her eating disorder on her own, but that only resulted in multiple failed attempts at recovery. Even with the awareness of the harm she was causing herself, she felt overwhelmed by what it would take to break from those deeply ingrained habits.\r\n\r\nThere came a point where Holmes realized her strongest chance at recovery was to fully admit to herself she needed outside support. Mustering the courage to open up about her eating disorder with those closest to her was answered with compassion and genuine care – two things she realized she had denied showing toward herself.\r\n\r\n\"Learning healthy ways to cope with my anxieties is what pushed me forward,\" Holmes said. She created a network of support to propel her toward learning how to care and accept herself. She understood beyond her loved ones, it was crucial to get professional help as well.\r\n\r\nAn eating disorder is not necessarily a condition someone can fully recover from, but they can be in a healthy stage of ongoing recovery. Holmes still has to work at addressing all the years of disordered thinking. She discovered she had it within her to recognize and welcome the fighter within.\r\n\r\n<em>Laura Kaponer is a mental health advocate and blogger, as well as a volunteer with the local chapter of NAMI. You can find her on social media by searching #Laurakaponeris1in5.</em>', 'Eating disorder sufferers must recognize and welcome the fighter within', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'eating-disorder-sufferers-must-recognize-and-welcome-the-fighter-within', '', '', '2020-12-09 10:56:23', '2020-12-09 15:56:23', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47275', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47277, 4, '2020-12-09 10:57:28', '2020-12-09 15:57:28', 'Concerns from those who are hesitant about vaccines often fall into these categories:<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nCan I trust the source of the recommendation?<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nIs the vaccine effective?<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nIs the vaccine safe?<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nIs the vaccine needed?<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nAre there reasonable alternatives?\r\n\r\nHesitance toward vaccines is common, says Dr. Robert M. Jacobson, medical director of Primary Care Immunization Program at Mayo Clinic. He says health care providers should expect questions about the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nMayo Clinic relies on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), an independent authority that meets three times a year to decide which vaccines are recommended. The committee is a trusted source, Dr. Jacobson says. It is independent of Congress, the Food and Drug Administration and the National Institutes of Health, and it uses an evidence-based system that addresses questions of effectiveness and safety, as well as need and reasonable alternatives. The committee also works with organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Physicians, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to ensure there is broad agreement with its recommendations.\r\n\r\n\"We will be looking at the scientific evidence. We will be able to address the issues of effectiveness, safety, need, and reasonable alternatives, to provide trusted information for our patients and staff.\"<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nEffectiveness is determined by using randomized, controlled trials to discern which outcomes are coincidences and which are caused by the vaccine. The trials require tens of thousands of volunteers who are randomized into two groups, one that receives a placebo and one that receives the vaccine. Both groups of volunteers are studied to see whether they develop the infection. The researchers don\'t know which group volunteers are in because identities are masked until the outcomes are collected.\r\n\r\nSafety also is tested by the randomized, controlled trials. The trials track bad outcomes, such as reactivity (fever or injection-site soreness), illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths. Recommended vaccines must meet a higher safety standard than prescription medicines, Dr. Jacobson says, because they are preventive and given to otherwise healthy people. And the safety results are more precise. Many more people (from 10 to 100 times as many) are tested in these trials.\r\n\r\nThe necessity of the vaccine is measured by epidemiology studies that examine large population groups to determine risk of the disease. There are some vaccines the Food and Drug Administration licenses as effective and safe, but they are not needed. The risk for the disease prevented by these vaccines is too low to justify their use.\r\n\r\nAlternatives are considered, as well. Again, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices does not recommend some vaccines found to be effective and safe by the FDA. In these cases, it is because an alternative to the vaccine is a better choice.\r\n\r\nThe committee recommends only vaccines that meet all four requirements — effectiveness, safety, need and lack of reasonable alternatives. And Mayo Clinic recommends for its patients what the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends.\r\n\r\n<em>Written by By Deb Balzer. Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting. Due to the fluid nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientific understanding, along with guidelines and recommendations, may have changed since the original publication date. For more information and all your COVID-19 coverage, go to the Mayo Clinic News Network and mayoclinic.org.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;\r\n\r\nExclusive content from CARE Magazine</span></em>', 'Answers to common questions about whether vaccines are safe, effective and necessary', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'answers-to-common-questions-about-whether-vaccines-are-safe-effective-and-necessary', '', '', '2020-12-09 10:57:28', '2020-12-09 15:57:28', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47277', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47279, 4, '2020-12-09 10:59:54', '2020-12-09 15:59:54', 'Who knew holiday foods could help your mental health? Christine DeLozier, food expert and author, reveals that festive favorites can boost your mood.\r\n\r\nMood-boosting holiday staple foods:\r\n\r\nPeppermint: Bring on the candy canes! Peppermint has been proven in studies to help with memory and to relieve stress, making it the perfect sweet treat to cope with the super-busy whirlwind nature of the holiday season.\r\n\r\nApples: Apples are abundant in a type of antioxidant called flavonoids, which demonstrated in research the ability to improve mood within just two hours of eating them! In one study, flavonoids improved cognitive function and the effects lasted six hours post-consumption. Apples are loaded with other feel-good substances too, such as B vitamins. Who doesn’t love a fresh-baked apple pie? Or, for a lower-fat option, make some homemade applesauce with mood-boosting cinnamon.\r\n\r\nCranberries: Don’t skip the cranberry sauce with dinner. Cranberries are loaded with vitamin C and flavonoids. Humans are one of the few animals who are unable to produce our own vitamin C, which is a major player in dopamine metabolism in the body. It is well established that people with mood and psychiatric disorders are quite often deficient in vitamin C. According to numerous studies, vitamin C rapidly improves mood. In fact, the higher our vitamin C levels are, the less confusion, anger and depression we have, according to one study. Other studies have effectively used vitamin C to complement other interventions in the treatment of depression. Boil fresh cranberries with honey, grated nutmeg and cinnamon. Or you can add some mandarin orange slices to increase the mood-boosting ability.\r\n\r\nYams: Yams are loaded with vitamins and minerals including potassium, which helps maintain optimal cognitive function. Low potassium intake is associate with greater risk of mood disturbances and depression. One study for example, showed that a high potassium diet improved tension and symptoms of depression. A whopping 40% of the minerals of yams are in the skin! Try twice baked yams, where you scoop out the flesh, mix it with a wee bit of maple syrup and aromatic spices such as cardamom and cloves. Top with toasted pecans for a delicious side dish.\r\n\r\nPumpkin/Pumpkin Seeds: Pumpkin is rich in mood-boosting minerals, such as potassium, as well as vitamin A, and B vitamins. Potassium is considered a mental-health food because of its powerful effect on mood. Low potassium levels are related to depression and mood disturbances. One study, for example, measured the effect of a high potassium, low sodium diet and found significant improvements to mood. Pumpkin seeds contain abundant tryptophan, which is a precursor of serotonin, a mood-boosting chemical produced by our bodies. In research, dietary tryptophan improved the mood of participants over the course of a four-day, high-tryptophan diet. Subjects experienced less anxiety and depressive symptoms. Pumpkin seeds are also a good source of zinc, which can give an immediate boost to mood, having an antidepressant effect. Everyone loves pumpkin pie, but baked pumpkin with a bit of salt and pepper is also delicious! Be sure to save the pumpkin seeds for roasting!\r\n\r\nScientific research has found that those who maintain a high potassium, low sodium diet are less anxious, depressed, confused and angry, and have more energy and vigor. As a major player in dopamine metabolism, potassium has proven in research to rapidly improve mood. It is well established that people with mood and psychiatric disorders are quite often deficient in vitamin C. In fact, the higher our vitamin C levels are, the less confusion, anger and depression we have, according to one study. Other studies have effectively used vitamin C to complement other interventions in the treatment of depression. Learn more at ChristineDelozier.com.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nNOTE: As with any dietary supplements, it is advised to consult with your healthcare provider and ask if any supplements you take will negatively interact with prescribed medications. Supplements as part of a regular healthy diet should not be a problem, but if you have—for example—kidney conditions, your potassium intake may need to be monitored.', 'Foods that may help your mental health', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'foods-that-may-help-your-mental-health', '', '', '2020-12-09 10:59:54', '2020-12-09 15:59:54', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47279', 0, 'post', '', 0);
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(47282, 4, '2020-12-09 11:02:15', '2020-12-09 16:02:15', '<strong>Private Personal Visits With Santa</strong>\r\n\r\nThrough Dec. 22, Every Second Counts Escape Rooms, Lady’s Island. There will be 15-minute private reservation times on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays. Cost is $20 for first child, $7 for additional children/siblings. Activities include writing a personal letter to Santa, mailing those letters, hot cocoa, meeting Santa in the Christmas Holiday Room, a small gift from Santa and one free high definition photo with Santa. (Additional photos are $3 each.) Mask required upon arrival unless medical condition prohibits it. Masks not required for children younger than 4. Babies welcome and Santa will hold your baby. Santa will wear a special Christmas mask. During the free photo with Santa, parents can elect to have children wear masks or remove them. Visits with Santa himself are private. For more information, visit https://www.everysecondcountsesc.com/visit-with-santa.\r\n\r\n<strong>Habersham Southern Living Showcase Home tours</strong>\r\n\r\n10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Wednesday to Sunday, through Dec. 27 (excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays), 10 North Loudon Street, Habersham. Tickets are $10 each and are on sale at SouthernLivingShowcase.com. A portion of all ticket sales goes to benefit Friends of Caroline Hospice (www.focHospice.org). Allen Patterson Builders, Habersham Land Company and K. Lo Designs announce the completion and opening of “The Loudon,” built with innovative quality, functionality, and an elevated interior design featuring the iconic colors and textures of the Lowcountry. For more information about the partners and tours, visit SouthernLivingShowcase.com.\r\n\r\n<strong>Artisan Pop-Up Market</strong>\r\n\r\n12-5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, Lot 9 Brewing Co., 258 Red Cedar St. No. 14, Bluffton. Will feature more than a dozen local artists, artisans and makers. Lowcountry Lobster’s food truck will be available, along with holiday music to inspire some Christmas shoppers. Social distancing best practices will be in place with attendees and vendors required to wear masks. The Dec. 12 event will include the following vendors: Handmade Beaufort, Meg\'s Sweet Treats, BB Boutique &amp; Co, Woodsman\'s Wife, True South RH, Fabula Collective, Declan\'s Delights, Mystic Mates, Cottonwood Soap Co., Bluffton Candles, Eagle Creations, BP Carbon, 7th &amp; Palm and Little Fish Boteak.\r\n\r\n<strong>Santa at Beaufort Executive Airport</strong>\r\n\r\n3 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 13, Beaufort Executive Airport terminal, Lady’s Island. According to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) from the Beaufort Aviation Association, Rudolph and the reindeer are in temporary quarantine so Santa is flying-in on a return flight to refuel with “aviation fuel” and cookies. Families are welcome.\r\n\r\n<strong>Parent’s Night Out Little Elves Workshop</strong>\r\n\r\n5:30 to 10 p.m., Friday, Dec. 18, Wardle Family YMCA, 1801 Richmond Avenue, Port Royal. For kids age 3 months to 12 years. Pack a swimsuit and towel for swimming in the Y’s heated indoor pool. There will be holiday arts and crafts, cookie decorating, games, food and fun! Dinner will be provided. Cost is $20 per child ($15 siblings) and registration is at the Y in Port Royal or call 843-522-9622. Note that the Y follows all CDC guidelines for social distancing and the current Port Royal mask ordinance (children age 9 and older must wear a mask except when eating and actively swimming). For more information, visit beaufort-jasperymca.org.\r\n\r\n<strong>1st annual Christmas<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>Classic Beer Mile</strong>\r\n\r\n3 to 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 19, Sands Parking Lot, Port Royal. Cost is $35. Price increases after Dec. 11. Presented by Salt Marsh Brewery. 100% of the proceeds to benefit the Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry. What is a Beer Mile? Drink a beer, run a quarter mile. Drink a beer, run a quarter mile. Drink a beer, run a quarter mile. Drink a beer, run a quarter mile. Four beers, one mile.\r\n\r\nEach competitor drinks four 12 ounces of Salt Marsh Brew. Beer must be consumed before the lap is begun, within the transition area. The race begins with the drinking of the first beer in the transition zone. Competitors must drink the entire 12 ounces before they begin running. The beer must be a minimum of 5 percent alcohol by volume. Competitors who vomit before they finish the race must complete one penalty lap at the end of the race (immediately after the completion of their fourth lap). Vomitting more than once during the race still requires only one penalty lap at the end. It is strongly recommended, when attempting official records, to tip the empty beer can or bottle over your head at the end of a chug to verify an empty vessel. Register for the race at https://bit.ly/3qGNE1q.\r\n\r\n<strong>The Nutcracker</strong>\r\n\r\n10 a.m. and 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 19, USCB Center for the Arts via live stream. The Bolshoi Ballet is on the big screen in HD. Tickets are $10.\r\n\r\n<strong>Holiday Day Camp</strong>\r\n\r\nDec. 23-24 or Dec. 28-31, The Wardle Family YMCA, 1801 Richmond Avenue, Port Royal. Kids age 3 and older. Camp dates are Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. except Dec. 24 and 31, which are half day (7 a.m.-noon). Drop-in rates are $25 for members, $30 for nonmembers and the four-day rate (Dec. 28-31) is $80 for members and $100 for nonmembers. Age-appropriate activities including crafts, field/gym games, swimming, nature walk (weather permitting) and more. Please pack a lunch and bring a swimsuit. Register at the Y in Port Royal.\r\n\r\n<strong>Parkinson’s Support<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>Group Meeting</strong>\r\n\r\n1:30 to 2:45 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 7 via Zoom. In person meetings at BMH will resume post COVID-19. We are individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, care partners of those with Parkinson’s and individuals or companies providing products or services for people who have Parkinson’s. For more info, contact Rick Ostrander at pdawaresc@gmail.com or Facebook at Parkinson’s Support Group Of Beaufort, S.C., Port Royal and Lady’s Island.\r\n\r\n<strong>15th Annual Beaufort International<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>Film Festival</strong>\r\n\r\nMonday-Friday, Feb. 15-19, 2021 at Tabby Place, 913 Port Republic Street.\r\n\r\n<strong>MCAS Beaufort Airshow</strong>\r\n\r\nSaturday-Sunday, April 24-25, 2021, MCAS Beaufort. Visit BeaufortAirShow.com.', 'WHAT’S HAPPENING', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'whats-happening-32', '', '', '2020-12-09 11:02:15', '2020-12-09 16:02:15', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47282', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47284, 4, '2020-12-09 11:03:09', '2020-12-09 16:03:09', '<strong>From staff reports</strong>\r\n\r\nSouth Carolina reported 2,115 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday Dec. 8, just three days after setting a new record for daily positive cases with 2,715.\r\n\r\nThe state’s numbers are consistent with, if not higher than, the pandemic’s peak – so far--\r\n\r\nS.C. had four confirmed deaths from COVID, bringing the state’s total during the pandemic to 4,253.\r\n\r\nBeaufort County reported 49 new confirmed cases on Tuesday. The county is approaching a seven-day daily average of 60, almost as high as its peak in early August.\r\n\r\nThe S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control is recommending people modify their holiday plans to reduce the spread of COVID-19. DHEC is encouraging all South Carolinians to get tested before and after attending a gathering or travel. But while testing is important, wearing masks and social distancing continue to be key in limiting the spread of the virus.\r\n\r\nThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer some advice for holiday planning but wants to emphasize that staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.\r\n\r\n<strong>People who should not attend in-person holiday celebrations</strong>\r\n\r\nPeople with or exposed to COVID-19 Do not host or participate in any in-person festivities if you or anyone in your household:<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nHas been diagnosed with COVID-19 and has not met the criteria for when it is safe to be around others.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nHas symptoms of COVID-19.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nIs waiting for COVID-19 viral test results.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nMay have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nIs at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.\r\n\r\n<strong>\r\nPeople at increased risk for severe illness</strong>\r\n\r\nIf you are at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, or live or work with someone at increased risk of severe illness, you should:<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nAvoid in-person gatherings with people who do not live in your household.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nAvoid larger gatherings and consider attending activities that pose lower risk (as described throughout this page) if you decide to attend an in-person gathering with people who do not live in your household.\r\n\r\n<strong>Lower-risk activities</strong>\r\n\r\nLower-risk activities recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) include:\r\n\r\nHaving a small dinner with only people who live in your household.\r\n\r\nPreparing traditional family recipes for family and neighbors, especially those at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 and delivering them in a way that doesn’t involve contact with others. Currently, CDC says there is no evidence to suggest that handling or consuming food is associated with COVID-19.\r\n\r\nHaving a virtual dinner and sharing recipes with friends and family.\r\n\r\nShopping online rather than in person.\r\n\r\nWatching sports events, parades, and movies from home.\r\n\r\n<strong>Travel tips</strong>\r\n\r\nStaying home is the best way to protect yourself and others. If you must travel, short trips by car with members of your own household with no stops along the way are considered low risk.\r\n\r\nThose traveling longer distances by car should remember that many of their favorite “stopping places” may be closed. “Drive-through only” may also mean restrooms are closed and travelers should plan accordingly.\r\n\r\nIf you must travel, be informed of the risks involved.', 'COVID numbers remain high for SC, getting higher for Beaufort County', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'covid-numbers-remain-high-for-sc-getting-higher-for-beaufort-county', '', '', '2020-12-09 11:05:20', '2020-12-09 16:05:20', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47284', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47287, 4, '2020-12-09 11:06:49', '2020-12-09 16:06:49', '<strong>From staff reports</strong>\r\n\r\nWhile most county government buildings and facilities will continue to be closed or limited to the public until further notice because of the Covid-19 pandemic, there have been some re-openings.\r\n\r\nAll Beaufort County library branches have re-opened as limited public access with 50 percent of normal occupancy. Curbside service continues, and bookmobiles will resume limited scheduled visits where customers will not be allowed on board.\r\n\r\nAll library events and meeting room reservations remain suspended. Visitors and employees are required to wear a mask and practice social distancing.\r\n\r\nSome Beaufort County Parks and Recreation re-openings began Nov. 30:\r\n\r\nBattery Creek Pool – Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.\r\n\r\nBeaufort Pool – Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.\r\n\r\nBluffton Pool – Monday thru Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.\r\n\r\nBurton Wells Recreation Center – Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.', 'County libraries, pools re-open on limited basis', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'county-libraries-pools-re-open-on-limited-basis', '', '', '2020-12-09 11:06:49', '2020-12-09 16:06:49', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47287', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47289, 4, '2020-12-09 11:11:37', '2020-12-09 16:11:37', 'About 15 members of Alliance of Therapy Dogs decided to have their own doggie parade in Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park on Sunday afternoon, the day the annual Christmas Parade would have been held had it not been canceled due to Covid-19 concerns, according to Rebecca Bass of Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Photo by Bob Sofaly.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_47290\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"362\"]<a href=\"https://actionclub.site/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Screen-Shot-2020-12-09-at-11.09.09-AM-1.png\"><img class=\"wp-image-47290 size-full\" src=\"https://actionclub.site/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Screen-Shot-2020-12-09-at-11.09.09-AM-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"362\" height=\"438\"></a> Teagan Kelly, 7, of Hilton Head Island, pets Rowdy, one of the 15 Alliance of Therapy Dogs that participated in Sunday’s parade. Photo by Bob Sofaly.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'DOG DAY PARADE', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'dog-day-parade', '', '', '2020-12-09 14:24:51', '2020-12-09 19:24:51', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47289', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47292, 4, '2020-12-09 11:13:36', '2020-12-09 16:13:36', '<strong>From staff reports</strong>\r\n\r\nThree Burton Fire District firefighters, all Marine Corps veterans, graduated from the South Carolina Fire Academy on Friday, Dec. 4, bringing home two of the three academy awards for excellence.\r\n\r\nTwo Beaufort/Port Royal firefighters were among the graduates, as well.\r\n\r\nBurton Firefighters Nick Bekisz, Wes Theobald, and Mauricio Gallego and Beaufort Port/Royal firefighters Brandon Clement and Ty’Reek Scott uccessfully completed the South Carolina Fire Academy’s eight-week recruit school, which was made even more challenging with COVID-19 restrictions.\r\n\r\nThe firefighters earned national certifications in firefighting, hazardous materials response training, specialized rescue, and emergency medical training.\r\n\r\n“This challenging program requires commitment, passion, and dedication,” Fire Academy Superintendent Dennis Ray said in a release. “These recruits have successfully worked together as a team, performed extensive hands-on training with live fires, and passed intensive practical skills evaluations and written tests to meet the National Fire Protection Association standards.”\r\n\r\nTheobald was chosen by the academy instructors to receive the Pride of the Battalion award, given to the recruit who has demonstrated “Leadership, Integrity, Determination and Good Value.”\r\n\r\nGallego was chosen by his classmates to receive the Order of the Maltese Cross award for demonstrating its principles. The Maltese Cross is a firefighter’s badge of honor, signifying that he or she works in courage. The Eight Obligations of The Maltese Cross are: Live in Truth, Repent of Sins, Love Justice, Be Sincere and Whole–Hearted, Have Faith, Give Proof of Humility, Be Merciful, and Endure Persecution.\r\n\r\n“We are proud of all our graduates and excited to start them on their journey of serving our citizens and adding to the services we provide,” Burton Fire Chief Harry Rountree said in a release.', '5 area firefighters graduate SC Fire Academy; 2 take home awards', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', '5-area-firefighters-graduate-sc-fire-academy-2-take-home-awards', '', '', '2020-12-09 11:13:36', '2020-12-09 16:13:36', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47292', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47295, 4, '2020-12-09 11:14:59', '2020-12-09 16:14:59', '<strong>From staff reports</strong>\r\n\r\nIt’s a busy time of the year for HELP of Beaufort.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nHELP is the largest volunteer organization and food pantry in Beaufort County, and it has seen a substantial increase in food pantry patrons this year.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nAccording to Help of Beaufort Executive Director Lori Opozda in September, the demand for emergency food had already doubled since March.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nHelp of Beaufort relies primarily on food donations from the public to stock the shelves. Eighty percent of the food comes from donations. The rest comes from the USDA and what they purchase at local grocery stores.\r\n\r\nThere are two opportunities for citizens to lend Help of Beaufort a hand in the next week or so.\r\n\r\n<strong>Boston Butt fundraiser</strong>\r\n\r\nBoston Butts, cooked by Sea Eagle Market, are being sold for $40. To order and pay online, visit helpofbeaufort.org. You can also order and pay in person at 1810 Ribaut Road or call 843-524-1223. Pick up is from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Dec. 18 and Sunday, Dec. 19, at HELP of Beaufort at 1810 Ribaut Road in Port Royal.\r\n\r\n<strong>Fill The Bus</strong>\r\n\r\nThe Wardley Family YMCA is holding a Fill The Bus event for Help of Beaufort. From Sunday, Dec. 13 through Friday, Dec. 18, the YMCA will be collecting nonperishable food items to support Help of Beaufort. A table will be set up in the Y parking lot, where donations can be left.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nFrom 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday and Friday, the bus will be parked outside the Piggly Wiggly in Port Royal.\r\n\r\nNeeds include non-perishable food items such as canned, boxed and jarred foods like vegetables, spaghetti sauce, condiments, soup, stuffing, pasta, beans, coffee, applesauce, tea, boxed dinners, tuna, baby food, diapers, baby wipes, etc.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nAlso needed are dry goods like toilet paper, ziplock bags, plastic wrap, detergent, paper plates, foil, cleaning products, trash bags, tissues, etc., as well as toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, tooth brushes, hand sanitizer, body wash, band aides, etc.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nAnd of course there is a need for bottled water, fruit juice, hot chocolate mix, dry dog food, cat food, and cat litter.\r\n\r\nFor more information, visit HelpOfBeaufort.org.', 'Help of Beaufort could use helping hand this holiday season', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'help-of-beaufort-could-use-helping-hand-this-holiday-season', '', '', '2020-12-09 11:14:59', '2020-12-09 16:14:59', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47295', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47297, 4, '2020-12-09 11:16:26', '2020-12-09 16:16:26', 'From staff reports\r\n\r\nMossy Oaks Multijurisdictional Drainage Task Force Chairman Neal Pugiliese gave an update on the Mossy Oaks Stormwater Project in his weekly newsletter after two weeks of work in Basin I (Vicinity of the Duck Pond) and Basin II (Vicinity of Southside Park).\r\n\r\n<strong>Basin 1<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span></strong>\r\n\r\n(vicinity of Duck Pond)\r\n\r\nWork in Basin 1 in the vicinity of Jane Way and First Blvd. continues at a very brisk pace. We’re cleaning and shaping ditches and will soon apply grass seed to limit erosion. While the ditch work continues, First Blvd. will remain closed for the safety for residents and work crews.\r\n\r\nDespite both the rain and cold weather, work along the Spanish Moss Trail continues at a very productive rate with more massive drainpipes being installed, along with preparatory work to accommodate 1,000 feet of new sewer pipe.\r\n\r\nAlso, drainpipe was installed along North Royal Oaks following the relocation of utility services.\r\n\r\nAs of today, there is only one more gas line and one more water service line that requires relocation throughout the entire project area.\r\n\r\nNext week, work along Jane Way and First Blvd. should conclude. All major drainpipes have been installed throughout the Jane Way and First Street constellation.\r\n\r\nThese new pipes represent a huge increase in capacity to handle stormwater, meaning that homes are less prone to flooding than ever before. Some work remains at the end of Jane Way following the relocation of the final gas service line.\r\n\r\nOnce work on Jane Way concludes, crews will shift to the area where Battery Creek Road intersects with the Duck Pond. The final water service line will be relocated, massive drainpipes will be installed and Battery Creek Road will be restored to the correct elevation. We expect that Battery Creek Road will be closed in the vicinity of the Duck Pond for approximately 3 to 5 weeks, depending on weather.\r\n\r\nNext week, crews will begin assembling 1,000 feet of new sewage line to be installed along the Spanish Moss Trail on or about Dec. 15. After that, the Spanish Moss Trail will be repaved and restored to its original condition.\r\n\r\nWork along the ditch system between North Royal Oaks and West Royal Oaks will continue.\r\n\r\n<strong>Basin 2<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span></strong>\r\n\r\n(vicinity of Southside Park)\r\n\r\nAll improvements along Battery Creek Road have been completed, and all the drainpipes on Lawton Farms Road have been installed and are completely functional.\r\n\r\nWork on the Spanish Moss Trail in this basin is being done by another construction company and as in Basin 1, about 1,400 feet of steel sheet pile are being driven into the Spanish Moss Trail between Riverside and Brotherhood. To date, about 800 feet of steel wall has been installed with about another 600 feet to go.\r\n\r\nOnce the steel sheet wall is installed the tidal flap gates and drainpipes will be installed. Residents should expect another three weeks of steel sheet pile driving along the Spanish Moss Trail.\r\n\r\n<b>STAY INFORMED</b>\r\n\r\nPlease encourage all those affected or interested in the Mossy Oaks Project to register with the “Notify Me” application found on the City of Beaufort website (https://www.cityofbeaufort.org/list.aspx) and subscribe to the Mossy Oaks Stormwater Project updates. This is the mechanism to receive near real-time updates on the project to include urgent issues like unscheduled road closures or utility interruptions.', 'Mossy Oaks work continues at brisk but successful pace', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'mossy-oaks-work-continues-at-brisk-but-successful-pace', '', '', '2020-12-09 11:16:26', '2020-12-09 16:16:26', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47297', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47299, 4, '2020-12-09 11:17:56', '2020-12-09 16:17:56', '<h2>Wreaths Across America following strict guidelines for Covid-19</h2>\r\n<strong>From staff reports</strong>\r\n\r\nWreaths Across America Beaufort will be placing Remembrance Wreaths at Beaufort National Ceremony beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19.\r\n\r\nDue to Centers for Disease Control and National Cemetery Association restrictions, there will be no program and no ceremony this year, and volunteer groups will be limited to 50 people in the cemetery at a time.\r\n\r\nHaving passed the halfway goal in Remembrance Wreath sponsorships, current wreath sponsorship stands at more than 13,000 wreaths.\r\n\r\nThere are more than 21,000 veteran heroes buried in Beaufort National Cemetery, including 1000 children and two Congressional Medal of Honor recipients.\r\n\r\nDue to volunteer limitations, priority will be given to family members wanting to place wreaths on the headstones of loved ones. Small groups will be rotated in half hour increments at various locations around the cemetery.\r\n\r\nTrucks will arrive with the Remembrance Wreaths and the traditional motorcycle escort at 10:45 a.m. If the public would like to watch the escort and arrival of the tractor trailers, they are asked to stay outside the cemetery gates.\r\n\r\nWhen the trucks enter the cemetery, boxes of wreaths will be unloaded and distributed to the volunteer groups at their locations around the cemetery.\r\n\r\nGroups must be registered with Location Coordinator David Edwards or will not be allowed to enter the cemetery per National Cemetery Association guidelines. He can be reached at waabeaufort@outlook.com or by calling 912-313-1506.\r\n\r\nParking within the cemetery will be strictly limited. Members of the public not volunteering in groups are asked to visit the cemetery to pay their respects in the days after the Remembrance Wreaths are placed.\r\n\r\nRemembrance Wreath retirement will be Saturday, Jan. 23.\r\n\r\n\r\n<b>JERSEY MIKE’S HELPS WITH WREATHS AT ARLINGTON</b>\r\n\r\nSub sandwich franchise Jersey Mike’s Subs on Monday, Dec. 7, made a $300,000 challenge grant to support Wreaths Across America.\r\n\r\nThrough this donation, Jersey Mike’s has once again stepped up to help WAA reach its goal of placing a live veteran’s wreath on every headstone at Arlington National Cemetery. Through Monday, Dec. 14, every $15 wreath sponsorship made at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/JerseyMikes will be matched by the company, up to $300,000.\r\n\r\nSince 2010, Jersey Mike’s has supported WAA’s mission with more than $2.2 million dollars. Last year, 2.2 million veterans’ wreaths were placed in honor of veterans nationally and abroad, including on all the markers of those buried at Arlington National Cemetery.\r\n\r\n“Experiencing the placement of a wreath, and knowing the impact that one simple action has for so many, is truly meaningful,” Jersey Mike’s founder and CEO Peter Cancro said in a release. “The thought of a headstone being left bare is unimaginable and it something we want to help make sure doesn’t happen.”', 'Wreath laying will be different this year', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'wreath-laying-will-be-different-this-year', '', '', '2020-12-09 11:17:56', '2020-12-09 16:17:56', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47299', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47301, 4, '2020-12-09 11:18:51', '2020-12-09 16:18:51', '<strong>County spraying for mosquitoes</strong>\r\n\r\nBeaufort County Mosquito Control may conduct aerial and/or ground treatments through Frday, Dec. 11. Mosquito Control applies EPA-registered public health insecticide during ideal weather using low-flying aircraft throughout daylight hours and spray trucks from about 11 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.\r\n\r\nFor additional information, please contact Mosquito Control at 843-255-5800.\r\n\r\n<strong>MCRD Parris Island conducting live-fire training</strong>\r\n\r\nMarine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island will be conducting live-fire training from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12. The marsh and waterways in the range impact area to include Archers Creek, Ribbon Creek, and Edding Creek will be closed to boater traffic.\r\n\r\nFor questions regarding firing times and waterway closures please contact the Weapons and Field Training Battalion Range Control at 843-228-3170.\r\n\r\n<strong>County launches penny tax website</strong>\r\n\r\nBeaufort County announced Dec. 4 the launch of the official website for the One Cent Sales Tax Program. The site is designed to offer citizens quick and easy access to information and provide the avenue for project updates and community feedback.\r\n\r\nSince the implementation of the one-cent tax in 2018, our county has been preparing for these projects that will improve the lives of all Beaufort County citizens. Visit www.beaufortcountypenny.com for more information the penny tax is affecting the community.\r\n\r\nFor questions or persons requiring additional assistance due to language barriers, contact the Capital Projects Department at 843-255-2700.', 'NEWS BRIEFS', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'news-briefs-174', '', '', '2020-12-09 11:18:51', '2020-12-09 16:18:51', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47301', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47303, 4, '2020-12-09 11:21:17', '2020-12-09 16:21:17', '<strong>From staff reports</strong>\r\n\r\nIn honor of Arbor Day, observed throughout South Carolina on the first Friday in December, the City of Beaufort and its Public Works Department, along with the Pigeon Point Beautification Committee and the Beaufort Garden Club, planted trees in two city parks.\r\n\r\nAt 10 a.m. the Pigeon Point Beautification Committee assisted in planting at Christensen Park on Pigeon Point Road. Later, at Morrall Park on Craven Street, the Beaufort Garden Club did the same.\r\n\r\nFor 29 years, the City of Beaufort has been named a Tree City USA by the National Arbor Day Foundation. Beaufort has received this national award in recognition of its commitment to its trees and urban/community forests. Criteria for this award include having a tree ordinance, a tree board (Park &amp; Tree Advisory Committee), a community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.\r\n\r\n“Gaining Tree City USA recognition is an honor to the tree workers, managers, volunteers, PTAC members and others who work so hard on behalf of our community trees,” Parks Supervisor Adam Wellins said in a release. “It is a time when we reflect on the beauty of trees and recognize the benefits and dynamic nature of our ever-changing urban forest.”\r\n\r\nTree and plant donations were courtesy of the Beaufort Garden Club and the City of Beaufort.', 'Trees planted at 2 city parks in honor of Arbor Day', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'trees-planted-at-2-city-parks-in-honor-of-arbor-day', '', '', '2020-12-09 11:21:17', '2020-12-09 16:21:17', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47303', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47306, 4, '2020-12-09 11:25:13', '2020-12-09 16:25:13', '<strong>By LOLITA HUCKABY</strong>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h4><b><a href=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/lolita.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-44839 alignleft\" src=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/lolita-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"147\" height=\"196\"></a>McTeer Bridge accident still under investigation; motorists still flying along roadway</b></h4>\r\nPORT ROYAL –&nbsp;It\'s been more than two months since Tikia \"Ty\" Lashay Doe and her three sons died in the Beaufort River, victims of a vehicle accident that is still officially under investigation.\r\n\r\nA Port Royal Police Department spokesman said last week the department, as lead agency in the fatal accident, is still waiting on reports from the S.C. Highway Patrol which is assisting in the investigation.\r\n\r\nThe last reports on the accident, issued two weeks after the Sept. 19 incident, say the Dodge Caravan in which Doe and her sons were passengers, went over the railing of the eastbound lane of the McTeer Bridge, in between the two bridges.\r\n\r\nDonald Perry, who was driving the vehicle, was able to escape the submerged vehicle but Doe, who was pregnant and the three boys, did not.\r\n\r\nAlong with their mother, 16-year-old Jashawn Hawkins, Alonzo Houston, 6, and Cameron Perry, 3 were found by divers in the submerged car and declared dead at the scene.\r\n\r\nThe report also stated a gold-colored Chevrolet Malibu driven by a 19-year-old and a gray F-150 truck were believed to be involved in the crash which resulted in the family mobile going over the railing.\r\n\r\nPolice interviewed the drivers of all vehicles and the Malibu driver, who was driving with a beginner\'s permit, reported he didn\'t know what caused the wreck other than he swerved from the right lane to the left and was behind the F-150.\r\n\r\nAccording to the report, a witness said she saw the Malibu driver switching lanes but she did not see the crash.\r\n\r\nNo charges have been filed in the case.\r\n\r\nIn the meantime, F-150s and other large trucks continue to race up and down the McTeer Bridge, along S.C. 802 and down Sam’s Point Road as if the roadway is the drivers\' private airfield. In some minds, they\'ve become the \"pit bulls\" of the vehicular flow with a possibly undeserved bad reputation, but a reputation none the less.\r\n<h4>Sound of Freedom shifting</h4>\r\nBEAUFORT – Speaking of flying down the road, MCAS Beaufort had an early holiday present for some of the local community.\r\n\r\nThe Air Station\'s primary runway, which has been under renovation for the past year, is now complete and the heavy jet traffic over the downtown area will be shifted back to that main runway. Heads up for the residents of Habersham and Pleasant Point.\r\n<h4>Waiting for your tax bill?</h4>\r\nBEAUFORT – The year 2020 is drawing to an end, but the Beaufort County taxman still hasn\'t \"cometh.\"\r\n\r\nBecause of an ongoing feud about millage rates between the Tax Auditor Jim Beckert and the rest of the county administration, particularly County Treasurer Maria Wall, 2020 tax bills haven\'t been mailed yet.\r\n\r\nTaxpayers who have that money burning a hole in their pocket can go online to MyBeaufortCounty or wait until the bill actually comes. The county staff, in the meanwhile, have gotten permission from the S.C. Department of Revenue to give an extension until Feb. 15 to make payment.\r\n\r\nNot sure if that qualifies as good news or bad news or just a continuation of 2020 craziness.\r\n<h4>Get your Chick-fil-A fix now</h4>\r\nBEAUFORT – Focus has been on the chessboard-like movements of Wendy\'s fast-food restaurants, as well as the comings and goings in the grocery store scene.\r\n\r\nNow it\'s Chick-fil-A\'s turn to break our hearts by announcing it\'s closing down at the end of this month for renovations.\r\n\r\n“What?” you may say. “How will I survive?” But the chain’s owners say they\'ll re-open in early March. You would think with all the business they\'re apparently experiencing, in this time of Covid they might want to postpone that work. But what do we know.\r\n<h4>809 Port Republic Street, moving on up</h4>\r\nBEAUFORT – Plans for Dick Stewart and his 303 Associates\' latest project were expected to be blessed by the city\'s Historic Review Board this week.\r\n\r\nThe plans for a three-story additional structure to complete the adjacent Beaufort Inn received preliminary approval in September. After some tweaking recommended by the HRB, architect Bill Chambers is ready to move forward, although there is no timeline yet associated with construction.\r\n\r\nPart of the construction calls for the removal of a small structure on 305 West Street, which the Historic Beaufort Foundation pointed out during preliminary review was one of the few remaining structures owned and operated post-World War II by African-American businessmen.\r\n\r\nNo schedule yet for construction of a parking garage to house the inn’s occupants, a project that has also been in the discussion stage between 303 Associates and the city for several years.\r\n<h4>New parks won’t be ready by Christmas</h4>\r\nLADY’S ISLAND – Plans for two new county parks, including the long-awaited Whitehall property, became public this week before the County Council’s Natural Resources Committee.\r\n\r\nThe Whitehall park, which was purchased as part of the county-city negotiations with developer Sam Levin, is a 10-acre parcel closest to the Sea Island Parkway. Plans were developed after two virtual public comment periods which attracted more than 600 comments.\r\n\r\nThe park will have gated access to vehicles during the day light but includes a proposed pathway that walkers travel. Included is a new walkway from the park to the Parkway sidewalk which crosses the Woods Memorial Bridge and into the city of Beaufort.\r\n\r\nNot included is a dog park which a number of public comments recommended. According to the planners, there is not enough space for a dog park as well as the other areas requested.\r\n\r\nEight acres of the tract has a conservation easement imposed on it so that land will remain in its natural state.\r\n\r\nThe Beaufort City Council will get a look at the plans next week at their council meeting.\r\n\r\nThe future of the remaining part of Whitehall continues to be in the hands of lawyers.\r\n\r\nThe Committee also took a look at plans for a passive park at Fort Frederick, in Port Royal on the Beaufort River and adjacent to the Naval Hospital. Future phases of development in that area include a fishing dock and ramp for launching kayaks.\r\n\r\n<em>Lolita Huckaby Watson is a community volunteer and a former reporter/editorial assistant with The Beaufort Gazette, The Savannah Morning News, Bluffton Today and Beaufort Today. She can be reached at bftbay@gmail.com.\r\n\r\n</em>\r\n\r\n<b>RUNWAY MAINTENANCE COMPLETE</b>\r\n\r\nHere is MCAS Beaufort’s statement about the completion of runway renovations:\r\n\r\nMarine Corps Air Station Beaufort’s primary runway, 05/23, has been under construction since November 2019, and is now complete. Aircraft flight patterns will resume back to normal, with runway 05/23 being primary and 14/32 being secondary.\r\n\r\nThe maintenance conducted improved the proficiency, safety and readiness of our pilots and airfield operations. We appreciate the continued support and patience from our Beaufort community.\r\n\r\nFor information about aircraft noise, please see the Air Installations Compatible Use Zones (AICUZ) section on our website at www.beaufort.marines.mil/Community-Resources/. It is important to note that the decibel levels on the AICUZ map are the day-night average sound level (DNL), not single event noise. Single event noise can be higher than the average. For example, if you live in the 60-65 DNL zone, you may experience single event noises greater than 65 dB.\r\n\r\nFor questions or concerns, please send us an email at BFRT_JPAO@usmc.mil or leave us a voicemail at 843-228-6229.\r\n\r\n“The noise you hear is the sound of freedom.”\r\n\r\n<em>&nbsp;</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>&nbsp;</strong>', 'LOWCOUNTRY LOWDOWN', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'lowcountry-lowdown-22', '', '', '2020-12-09 11:25:46', '2020-12-09 16:25:46', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47306', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47309, 4, '2020-12-09 11:27:17', '2020-12-09 16:27:17', 'Dec. 10 – Keep Beaufort County Beautiful Board, 2 p.m., virtual meeting only, To sign up for public comment call (843) 255-2745.\r\n\r\nDec. 10 – Rural and Critical Lands Preservation Board, 2:30 p.m., watch on Webex or The County Channel.\r\n\r\nDec. 10 – City of Beaufort’s Design Review Board Thursday, 2 p.m., watch via Zoom or on the city’s Facebook page.\r\n\r\nDec. 13 – Daufuskie Island Fire District, 5 p.m., virtual meeting only, watch on Go To Meeting, email comments or questions to DaufuskieIslandFD@gmail.com or call (843) 785-2116 to sign up.\r\n\r\nDec. 14 – Beaufort County Council Finance Committee, 2 p.m., watch on The County Channel; also open with limited seating, participants must wear a mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines.\r\n\r\nDec. 14 – Beaufort County Council Executive Committee Meeting, 4 p.m., watch on The County Channel; also open with limited seating, participants must wear a mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines.\r\n\r\nDec. 14 – Beaufort County Council Caucus, 5 p.m., watch on The County Channel; also open with limited seating, participants must wear a mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines.\r\n\r\nDec. 14 – Beaufort County Council Regular Meeting, 6 p.m., watch on The County Channel; also open with limited seating, participants must wear a mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines.\r\n\r\nDec. 15 – Southern Lowcountry Regional Board, 10 a.m., virtual meeting, for meeting information contact Kim Chapman (843) 706-4505.\r\n\r\nDec. 15 – Bluffton Township Fire District, 4 p.m., for meeting information contact Amanda Cazenave (843) 757-2800.\r\n\r\nMeetings are updated as of press time and do not reflect any last minute cancellations.', 'PUBLIC MEETINGS FOR DEC. 10-16', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'public-meetings-for-dec-10-16', '', '', '2020-12-09 11:27:17', '2020-12-09 16:27:17', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47309', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47311, 4, '2020-12-09 11:29:26', '2020-12-09 16:29:26', '<h4>Thank you for articles on veterans’ benefits</h4>\r\nToday, I am writing to simply say: Thank you for the articles your newspaper printed 19 and 26 Nov., concerning our veterans’ benefits and medical healthcare services and options. The edition of The Island News, no matter when soldiers retire, should feature articles that impact “THEIR process” wherever they may be along the continuum of life.\r\n\r\nMr. Larry Dandridge’s two articles have been entertaining, informative and a constant source of knowledge, inspiration and energy.\r\n\r\nI hope that your newspaper will continue to be loaded with articles that I believe are enlightening and helpful to our veterans, retirees and their families.\r\n\r\nWe count on newspapers like yours, to keep actively engaged in helping to promote our military, in supporting our Soldiers and their Families and remaining strong within our communities with your information.\r\n\r\nLastly, keep our Soldiers and Families and our great Nation, in your thoughts and prayers! It is my honor to have served you and this Nation.\r\n\r\n<em>– Ray Johnson, Chief Warrant Officer 5, USA, Retired\r\n\r\n</em>\r\n<h4>Thank you Mayor Keyserling, good luck Mayor Murray</h4>\r\nMayor Keyserling has often stated that he is the bridge between his generation and the younger generation. These were the words he usually spoke during our orientation session with the Young Leaders of Beaufort program he and I developed.\r\n\r\nThe Young Leaders of Beaufort were comprised of middle schoolers from across the Beaufort area including public, private and charter schools. The goals of the program were to promote civic responsibility and develop positive character traits in our students.\r\n\r\nMayor Keyserling modeled these traits as he interacted with our students. Mayor Keyserling listened and took great interest in what all the students had to say. He would tell the students that someday one of you could be the next mayor of Beaufort.\r\n\r\nThat bridge has now been crossed.\r\n\r\nStephen Murray will be Beaufort\'s next mayor. I had the opportunity several years ago to teach Stephen at Lady\'s Island Middle School. Stephen has those character traits and civic awareness that Mayor Keyserling has talked about all those years.\r\n\r\nThank you Mayor Keyserling for your service and devotion to the youth of Beaufort County. Good luck to you Stephen Murray as you build and expand on that bridge for the next generation.\r\n\r\n<em>– Scott Shipsey, Community Resource Coordinator, Lady’s Island Middle School.</em>', 'LETTERS TO THE EDITOR', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'letters-to-the-editor-30', '', '', '2020-12-09 11:29:26', '2020-12-09 16:29:26', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47311', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47313, 4, '2020-12-09 11:30:39', '2020-12-09 16:30:39', '<em>Lolita Huckaby of The Island News snapped this photo of the work being done in Port Royal’s Cypress Wetlands. To submit a Lowcountry Life photo, you must be the photographer or have permission to submit the photo to be published in The Island News. Please submit high-resolution photos and include a description and/or names of the people in the picture and the name of the photographer. Email your photos to theislandnews@gmail.com.</em>', 'LOWCOUNTRY LIFE', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'lowcountry-life-138', '', '', '2020-12-09 11:30:39', '2020-12-09 16:30:39', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47313', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47440, 4, '2020-12-17 08:42:33', '2020-12-17 13:42:33', '', 'Screen Shot 2020-12-17 at 8.41.42 AM', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'screen-shot-2020-12-17-at-8-41-42-am', '', '', '2020-12-17 08:42:33', '2020-12-17 13:42:33', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Screen-Shot-2020-12-17-at-8.41.42-AM.png', 0, 'attachment', 'image/png', 0),
(47317, 4, '2020-12-09 11:32:19', '2020-12-09 16:32:19', '<h2>Firefighter linked to<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>case involving death<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>of Trey Pringle</h2>\r\n<strong>By Mindy Lucas</strong>\r\n\r\nAn area firefighter accused of using a chokehold on a Seabrook man who died after an altercation with authorities in 2018, is now wanted on charges of soliciting sex from a 13-year-old girl, officials say.\r\n\r\nThe Beaufort Police Department has taken out warrants for Brandon Cory Thomsen, 46, of Beaufort.\r\n\r\nThe warrants include one count of criminal solicitation of a minor and one count of disseminating obscene material to a person under 18, according to the department’s spokesman Capt. George Erdel.\r\n\r\nThomsen is a firefighter with the Burton Fire District.\r\n\r\nAs of press time on Tuesday, his whereabouts were unknown and no arrests had been made, Erdel said.\r\n\r\nThe mother of the 13-year-old contacted police on Nov. 28 after she discovered her daughter had received illicit messages from Thomsen via Snapchat, according to a redacted police report obtained by The Island News.\r\n\r\nSnapchat is a popular mobile app that allows users to share photos or send messages that are available for a short time only before becoming inaccessible.\r\n\r\nDescribed as a “good family friend” in the report, Thomsen had asked to add the 13-year-old to his Snapchat a few days before the incident. He then sent the girl illicit song lyrics.\r\n\r\nOn Friday, Nov. 27, Thomsen contacted the 13-year-old asking her to “invite a friend” and that he was having a “get together” at his residence. He also sent her explicit messages of a sexual nature, according to the report.\r\n\r\nThe 13-year-old became “extremely uncomfortable” and asked why he<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>was contacting her. Thomsen asked that she not divulge the conversation.\r\n\r\nThe next morning, the 13-year-old told her mother she wanted to talk to her and that “something bad had happened.” When confronted by the family via text message, Thomsen said, “Yeah, I’m sorry, totally wrong person,” according to the report.\r\n\r\nScreenshots were taken of the messages and the mother contacted the police.\r\n\r\nPrior to this recent incident, Thomsen was accused of employing a chokehold in an incident that led to the death of 24-year-old Trey Pringle, according to news reports from the time.\r\n\r\nThe incident began on Feb. 17, 2018 when Pringle’s family called 911. Pringle, who had a documented history of mental illness, had smashed a TV and cut himself. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, Burton Fire District and Beaufort County EMS responded to the call for help.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nPringle was calm when first responders initially arrived on the scene, but when deputies attempted to restrain him he became agitated, according to news reports.\r\n\r\nAccording to a lawsuit filed by the family against Thomsen, the firefighter employed a headlock/chokehold “without authorization or training.”\r\n\r\nPringle was also Tased a total of five times during the altercation, reports say. Pringle stopped breathing and flat lined at which point restraints were removed and EMS technicians performed CPR, but Pringle was left unconscious and in cardiac arrest.\r\n\r\nHe died three days later in the hospital.\r\n\r\nAn autopsy determined that he had died during “restraint in a prone position with chest compression.”\r\n\r\nSince then, Pringle’s death has been brought up in various protests and on social media demanding “Justice for Trey” though no charges have been brought relating to the incident.\r\n\r\nOn Thursday, Dec. 3, after the Burton Fire District was made aware of warrants for Thomsen’s arrest, Thomsen was placed on immediate suspension, according to a statement from the fire district.\r\n\r\n“While this is an ongoing investigation, because of our position of public trust, the Burton Fire District takes these charges very seriously, and upon notification of the warrants, Brandon Thomsen was placed on immediate suspension,” the statement read.\r\n\r\nThomsen has not been on duty since Aug. 20, the statement also indicated, though no reason has been given for why he has not been working since then.\r\n\r\nAfter contacting the Beaufort law firm of Moss, Kuhn, &amp; Fleming, who handles general matters for the fire district, the firm referred The Island News to Thomsen’s Columbia attorney, Michael Burchstead with Collins &amp; Lacy.\r\n\r\nIn a text response, Burchstead stated, “We are unable to comment on pending litigation.”\r\n\r\nAnyone with information as to Thomsen’s whereabouts should contact Sgt. Stephanie Karafa at 843-322-7914.', 'Burton firefighter wanted on charges for soliciting sex from 13-year-old', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'burton-firefighter-wanted-on-charges-for-soliciting-sex-from-13-year-old', '', '', '2020-12-09 11:32:19', '2020-12-09 16:32:19', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47317', 0, 'post', '', 0);
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(47319, 4, '2020-12-09 11:35:26', '2020-12-09 16:35:26', '<strong>By BILL RAUCH</strong>\r\n\r\nWelcome Mayor Stephen Murray and the new Beaufort City Council.\r\n\r\nThere are great challenges before you. But looking across your ranks, I believe you are up to the job, that you will multitask as necessary, and that you will be a council that is remembered fondly for many years to come.\r\n\r\nYou take office at a terrible time. The worst of the pandemic may still be to come; unemployment is high and may get worse before it gets better; the economy continues to teeter while Washington fiddles; and while it appears property tax revenues may hold up, the bed tax, the meal tax and other essential city revenues are way off.\r\n\r\nBe not afraid. In adversity, there is always opportunity.\r\n\r\nWith that can-do spirit in mind let’s have a look at some of the city’s unfinished business that has been ignored for the past decade.\r\n\r\nMayor Murray, I was<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>heartened to see, ran with the iconic Woods Bridge as his logo and running mate. Yes, the bridge should be placed on the National Register. While not necessarily easy, that’s the easy part.\r\n\r\nTraffic on the bridge must be relieved too. And that means returning the city’s focus to building the third crossing. This common-sense solution was first proposed in the S.C. Highway Department’s 1973 BEAUTS Study, and it has been revisited from time to time over the ensuing half century. Again and again, the third crossing at Brickyard has been shown to be the only practical alternative.\r\n\r\nBut with not a penny in the till, where will the vast amounts of needed money come from?\r\n\r\nKeep an eye out for new infrastructure money out of Washington; stick tight with Senators Graham and Scott and with Rep. Mace; stick tight with Shannon Erickson and Tom Davis; and watch for Bluffton and Hilton Head needing improved roads and bridges, the money for which can come only from a new penny sales tax. Drive a single-minded bargain there, and then match those dollars from pots of transportation and infrastructure money maintained by the state and federal governments.\r\n\r\nThe Air Station has an interest here too. They are potentially a powerful ally.\r\n\r\nRemind those who say it can’t be done that one county councilman, Mark Generales, using the strategy I just described, single-handedly, over the city’s objections, put together the money to build the new two lanes of the “New” (McTeer) Bridge.\r\n\r\nImagine what can be done if the Air Station, Beaufort County and the City of Beaufort lock arms on this. While you are imagining, think about the snarled traffic on the McTeer Bridge when the Woods Bridge goes down, and then think of the Army Corps of Engineers’ 1991 Woods Bridge replacement alternative that called for a fixed span bridge similar to the McTeer Bridge that towers above and casts a shadow over the Waterfront Park and Bay Street. The stakes here are high indeed.\r\n\r\nAnother high stakes ball to keep in the air is the city’s defense of its position as Beaufort County’s civic center. The County is demonstrably keeping its headquarters here, and City Hall is now right across the street. But the School District has one troublesome foot already out of Beaufort’s door and aimed at Bluffton. Their headquarters offices (that are currently in a drafty old school building replete with many empty classrooms) should be where the closed Piggly Wiggly stands on the third corner of Boundary Street and Ribaut Road.\r\n\r\nWhat if you supported the county’s effort to pass the impact fee for schools, and encouraged the District to use some of that money to move their headquarters to better quarters back downtown where it belongs?\r\n\r\nBy the way, you say you want housing. Why not there in Mink Point after the School District comes home to downtown Beaufort?\r\n\r\nIf you need them, here are the civic center arguments. Governments benefit the citizens they serve in many ways by having their offices in close proximity. Besides the obvious convenience for anyone wanting to find and visit their government, collegiality is more likely to overtake rivalry when staffers and elected officials see one another at lunch, or in the parking lot, or at the dry cleaner, or on the street-corner.\r\n\r\nWhen governments cooperate, the taxpayers win. Beaufort County and the School District especially can use a refresher here. If they were neighbors, they’d be more likely to work out their differences.\r\n\r\nAnd from a purely parochial viewpoint keeping the School District’s headquarters in Beaufort means, over time, thousands of good jobs for Beaufort’s residents. Kudos to those — like Stephen Murray — who are seeking to bring in new jobs. But just as important is keeping — and growing — the ones we have.\r\n\r\nIn your capacity as Redevelopment Commissioners, you are unquestionably up to this challenge. Just remember that in local government you get a lot more with honey than you do with vinegar. This will take some honey.\r\n\r\nThe time is long past also to begin to seriously implement the Southside Park master plan. Southside is Mossy Oaks’ park, and Mossy Oaks put you where you are today.\r\n\r\nBe patient. Opportunities to find that money will come too. But you must be ready when they do, and judging from some of what was said in the campaign I know you will be.\r\n\r\nFinally, you have been given a great gift by not having to run in primaries. At all costs remain non-partisan. With a Democratic administration in the White House and Rep. James Clyburn the House Majority Whip, times will certainly come when you will want to be able to reach out to them. Yet your Federal and State legislative delegations are almost universally Republican. You will of course need them too. There’s only one solution. When you are asked if you are a Republican or a Democrat say, “I’m both. Whoever’s helping Beaufort, I’m for them!”\r\n\r\nIt’s time for Beaufort to catch up.\r\n\r\nThere’s more, but let’s start there. You can do it. I’m pulling for you, and way more importantly, so too are the 14,000 residents of Beaufort, and the 25,000 more residents of Beaufort’s adjacent areas who rightly and proudly call this special place their home town.\r\n\r\n<em>Bill Rauch was the Mayor of Beaufort from 1999 to 2008. He has twice won awards from the S.C. Press Association for his Island News columns.</em>', 'New mayor, council face Beaufort\'s unfinished business', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'new-mayor-council-face-beauforts-unfinished-business', '', '', '2020-12-09 11:35:26', '2020-12-09 16:35:26', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47319', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47321, 4, '2020-12-09 11:40:39', '2020-12-09 16:40:39', '<b>Beaufort Mayor Stephen Murray, city council members sworn in\r\n</b>\r\n\r\n<strong>By Mindy Lucas</strong>\r\n\r\nBeaufort business owner and former city councilman Stephen Murray was sworn in as Mayor of Beaufort on Tuesday night.\r\n\r\nMurray was joined by new council members Neil Lipsitz and Mitch Mitchell, who also won seats on the council in November’s General Election.\r\n\r\nThe swearing in ceremony, presided over by Municipal Judge Ned Tupper, took place at City Council’s most recent meeting, on Dec. 8, in council chambers.\r\n\r\n“Tonight, I begin my journey in a new capacity of service for our remarkable home town,” said Mayor Murray.\r\n\r\n“I realize that I’ve got very big shoes to fill and much to learn,” Murray went on to say. “But I’m committed to the work, and I’m thankful for so many of you that stand with me always ready to share your knowledge, take up the work that needs to be done or pick me up when I stumble.”\r\n\r\nA native of Beaufort, Murray has served on City Council since 2014. He owns two Beaufort-based<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_47233\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"433\"]<a href=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/12082020-Neil-Lipsitz-swearing-in-0789.jpeg\"><img class=\" wp-image-47233\" src=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/12082020-Neil-Lipsitz-swearing-in-0789-1024x816.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"433\" height=\"345\"></a> Bob Sofaly photo<br>Neil Lipsitz, right, is sworn in as Beaufort City Councilman by Municipal Judge Ralph “Ned” Tupper during Tuesday night’s city council meeting. Holding the Bible during the ceremony is Lipsitz’ wife Michele Lipsitz.[/caption]\r\n\r\nbusinesses, Kazoobie Kazoos and New South Shirts.\r\n\r\nHe is past chair of the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce and was founding chairman and is a board member of the Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation. In addition, he helped establish the Beaufort Digital Corridor and currently serves on its board and as vice chairman of the South Coast Cyber Center.\r\n\r\nMurray said stewardship would be “a strong theme” of his tenure as mayor.\r\n\r\n“Quality and value-driven services, core daily functions for our residents and guests will always remain our top priority,” he said. “But we must always challenge our direction, our investments, our policies, our regional relationships through the lens of stewardship and the belief that we are merely caretakers shouldered with the responsibility of leaving a strong and enduring community to future generations.”\r\n\r\nMurray, who was joined by his wife, Melissa, and twin girls, opened his comments by thanking former Mayor Billy Keyserling and recognizing his years of service.\r\n\r\nKeyserling, who served as Beaufort’s mayor for 12 years, announced in July he would not seek re-election for a fourth term as mayor and later endorsed Murray’s candidacy.\r\n\r\n“It’s been a fabulous ride for me,” said Keyserling. “There’s never been a higher honor for me than to serve as mayor of my hometown.”\r\n\r\nAlso recognized for their service to Beaufort were Council members Mike McFee and Nan Sutton.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_47232\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"403\"]<a href=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/12082020-Arnold-Mitchell-swearing-in-08115.jpeg\"><img class=\" wp-image-47232\" src=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/12082020-Arnold-Mitchell-swearing-in-08115.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"403\" height=\"408\"></a> Bob Sofaly photo<br>Harold “Mitch” Mitchell, left, gets sworn in as Beaufort City Councilman by Beaufort Municipal Judge Ralph “Ned” Tupper during Tuesday night’s City Council meeting. Holding the Bible for Mitchell is wife Kelly Mitchell.[/caption]\r\n\r\nMcFee, who also served as Mayor Pro Tem, came in third in election results and followed Mitch Mitchell by less than 1 percent. McFee said he will run for Murray’s vacated seat on council. A special election will be held for that seat, but has yet to be scheduled.\r\n\r\nSutton did not seek re-election.\r\n\r\nAlso welcomed by those in attendance Tuesday night, were new Council members Lipsitz and Mitchell.\r\n\r\nLipsitz is a lifelong Beaufort resident. His family’s department store – the Lipsitz Department Store – closed in 2009 after more than 100 years of operation.\r\n\r\nLipsitz owned a shoe store on Bay Street and also worked in real estate. He has been a docent at the Beaufort History Museum, and was a member of the Beaufort County Tax Equalization Board. In addition, he was recently a member of the South Carolina Board of Nursing.\r\n\r\nMitchell grew up in Sheldon Township and is a retired Air Force major general and retired airline pilot. His military career spanned 39 years, including active duty and the reserves.\r\n\r\nHe was deputy inspector general of the Air Force and commanded at the squadron, wing, numbered Air Force, and joint command levels. He was a commercial pilot for two airlines, and retired from Alaska Airlines in 2014. He is a member of the Beaufort County Planning Commission and has served on the boards of the Beaufort History Museum and Penn Center.\r\n\r\nThe first meeting of Beaufort’s new city council will take place on Tuesday, Dec. 15.\r\n\r\n<em>Top: Beaufort Municipal Judge Ralph “Ned” Tupper, left, swears in Stephen Murray as Beaufort’s new mayor during Tuesday night’s City Council meeting. Holding the Bible for Mayor Murray is his wife Melissa. At right are Murray’s twin daughters, Genevieve and Josephine. Photo by Bob Sofaly.</em>\r\n\r\n<strong>Related Story:</strong>\r\n<h4><strong><span class=\"\">What Will \'Mayor Billy\' Be Doing Next?</span></strong></h4>\r\n<span class=\"\"> Former Mayor Billy Keyserling, 72, announced in July he would not seek re-election for a fourth term as Beaufort’s mayor. To find out what he’ll be doing next, <a href=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/longtime-beaufort-mayor-finds-fulfillment-in-work-outside-mayors-office/\">continue reading here.&nbsp;</a></span>', 'Ready for the job', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'ready-for-the-job', '', '', '2020-12-09 14:18:56', '2020-12-09 19:18:56', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47321', 0, 'post', '', 0),
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(47337, 4, '2020-12-16 08:21:46', '2020-12-16 13:21:46', '', 'Stephen Murray', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'stephen-murray-3', '', '', '2020-12-16 08:21:46', '2020-12-16 13:21:46', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Stephen-Murray.jpg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47338, 4, '2020-12-16 08:22:00', '2020-12-16 13:22:00', '', '05252015 Stephen Murray @ Memorial Day Parade -0036', 'Then city councilmen Stephen Murray, left, and Mike McFee wave to the crowd in this 2015 Memorial Day Parade. Photo by Bob Sofaly', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '05252015-stephen-murray-memorial-day-parade-0036', '', '', '2020-12-16 16:13:37', '2020-12-16 21:13:37', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/05252015-Stephen-Murray-@-Memorial-Day-Parade-0036_edited-1.jpeg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
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(47340, 4, '2020-12-16 08:22:28', '2020-12-16 13:22:28', '', 'Whitehall Sketch Plan before', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'whitehall-sketch-plan-before', '', '', '2020-12-16 08:22:28', '2020-12-16 13:22:28', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Whitehall-Sketch-Plan-before.png', 0, 'attachment', 'image/png', 0),
(47341, 4, '2020-12-16 08:22:42', '2020-12-16 13:22:42', '', 'Whitehall revised plans Dec 14', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'whitehall-revised-plans-dec-14', '', '', '2020-12-16 14:52:15', '2020-12-16 19:52:15', '', 47425, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Whitehall-revised-plans-Dec-14.png', 0, 'attachment', 'image/png', 0),
(47342, 4, '2020-12-16 08:23:02', '2020-12-16 13:23:02', '', '12132020 Santa Flyu In, 2 - 1121', 'Bob Sofaly photo\nSanta Claus passes out toy airplanes to Jonathan,4, and Benjamin Black, 6, during Santa’s Fly In on Sunday at Beaufort Executive Airport On Lady’s Island. At left is Santa’s elf Jean Sulc. Santa, who showed a remarkable likeness to Jim Atkins, flew into Lady’s Island in a Cessna 172 pilotewd by Jerry Hyde. He said his reindeer were temporarily quarantined due to Covid concerns but assured everyone they would be all be ready for the Christmas Eve rush.', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '12132020-santa-flyu-in-2-1121', '', '', '2020-12-16 14:07:58', '2020-12-16 19:07:58', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/12132020-Santa-Fly-In-2-1121.jpeg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47343, 4, '2020-12-16 08:23:05', '2020-12-16 13:23:05', '', '12132020 Santa Fly In, 1 - 0350', 'Bob Sofaly photo\rThree-year-old Andrew Lewis gets a head start with his visit to Santa Claus after the Jolly Ol’ Elf climbs out a Cessna 172 into Beaufort Executive Airport on Sunday on Lady’s Island. Santa said he had to fly in an airplane as he reindeer were in quarantined at the North Pole due to Covid concerns. Santa assured all present that they would all reigndder would be ready for thier Christmas Eve flight.', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '12132020-santa-fly-in-1-0350', '', '', '2020-12-16 08:23:05', '2020-12-16 13:23:05', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/12132020-Santa-Fly-In-1-0350.jpeg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47344, 4, '2020-12-16 08:23:08', '2020-12-16 13:23:08', '', 'WreathsAcrossAmericaLogo', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'wreathsacrossamericalogo-2', '', '', '2020-12-16 08:23:08', '2020-12-16 13:23:08', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/WreathsAcrossAmericaLogo-1.png', 0, 'attachment', 'image/png', 0),
(47345, 4, '2020-12-16 08:23:09', '2020-12-16 13:23:09', '', 'Rotary Club donation 2020', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'rotary-club-donation-2020', '', '', '2020-12-16 08:23:09', '2020-12-16 13:23:09', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Rotary-Club-donation-2020.jpg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
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(47347, 4, '2020-12-16 08:24:10', '2020-12-16 13:24:10', '', 'Mrs. Judy', 'Judy Siedentopl, a seamstress, hems a uniform aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island S.C., Dec. 9, 2020. Judy has been working at Parris Island for 51 years. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samuel C. Fletcher)', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'mrs-judy', '', '', '2020-12-16 08:24:10', '2020-12-16 13:24:10', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/6448598.jpg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
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(47349, 4, '2020-12-16 08:25:15', '2020-12-16 13:25:15', '', 'Mrs. Judy', 'Judy Siedentopl, a seamstress poses for a photo aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island S.C., Dec. 9, 2020. Judy has been working at Parris Island for 51 years. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samuel C. Fletcher)', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'mrs-judy-3', '', '', '2020-12-16 08:25:15', '2020-12-16 13:25:15', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/6448596.jpg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47350, 4, '2020-12-16 08:25:39', '2020-12-16 13:25:39', '', 'Mrs. Judy', 'Judy Siedentopl, a seamstress poses for a photo aboard Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island S.C., Dec. 9, 2020. Judy has been working at Parris Island for 51 years. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Samuel C. Fletcher)', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'mrs-judy-4', '', '', '2020-12-16 08:25:39', '2020-12-16 13:25:39', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/6448595.jpg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47351, 4, '2020-12-16 08:26:12', '2020-12-16 13:26:12', '', 'Dog eyeing Christmas ornament', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'dog-eyeing-christmas-ornament', '', '', '2020-12-16 08:26:12', '2020-12-16 13:26:12', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Dog-eyeing-Christmas-ornament.jpg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47352, 4, '2020-12-16 09:55:29', '2020-12-16 14:55:29', '<strong><em>Hunted by state law enforcement, Thomsen fled to Georgia medical facility</em></strong>\r\n\r\nBy Mindy Lucas\r\n\r\nAn area firefighter wanted on charges of soliciting sex from a 13-year-old girl is no longer working as a firefighter with his department, officials say.\r\n\r\n“Brandon Thomsen is no longer employed by the Burton Fire District,” said Capt. Dan Byrne with the district by phone on Tuesday, Dec. 15.\r\n\r\nAsked specifically if Thomsen was fired or had resigned, Byrne said the district does not discuss personnel issues.\r\n\r\n“All we can say is he is longer employed (with the district),” Byrne said.\r\n\r\nEarlier in the month, Thomsen had been placed on “immediate suspension” by the fire district after it was notified that warrants had been taken out for his arrest.\r\n\r\nIn addition, Thomsen, 46, was recently located at a medical facility in Brunswick, Georgia. Police learned of his presence at the facility on Dec. 6, said Beaufort Police Department spokesman Capt. George Erdel.\r\n\r\n“We had hoped to quickly pick him up, but he fled from his residence prior to the arrest warrants being issued,” Erdel said.\r\n\r\nAn “active, ongoing and parallel fugitive investigation” was conducted with the help of officers from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) in an attempt to locate Thomsen, Erdel said.\r\n\r\nThomsen’s name was also placed in the NCIC, or National Crime Information Center’s system and a “BOLO” or “Be on the Lookout” was also issued to area law enforcement agencies in an attempt to find him, Erdel said.\r\n\r\nWhy Thomsen is at the facility or what he is being treated for has not been released due to patient privacy concerns, Erdel said.\r\n\r\n“We cannot release information about his hospitalization, other than to say that when he is no longer being hospitalized, he will be picked up in Georgia and taken to jail to begin the extradition process.&nbsp;We do not know how long that will take,” Erdel said in an email Tuesday.\r\n\r\nOn Nov. 28, the mother of the 13-year-old contacted police after her daughter told her of illicit messages she had received from Thomsen via Snapchat, according to a redacted police report. Thomsen was described as a “very good family friend” in the report.\r\n\r\nOn Dec. 2, police took out warrants for Thomsen’s arrest including one count of criminal solicitation of a minor and one count of disseminating obscene material to a person under 18, according to the report.\r\n\r\nIn addition, in 2018, Thomsen was accused of employing a chokehold on 24-year-old Trey Pringle, of Seabrook, in an altercation involving Pringle and police. Pringle, who was also Tased during the altercation, was hospitalized and died three days later, according to news reports from the time.\r\n\r\nPrior to being suspended earlier this month, Thomsen had not been on duty since Aug. 20, according to the fire district, though no reason has been given for why he has not been working since then.\r\n\r\nAfter contacting the Beaufort law firm of Moss, Kuhn, &amp; Fleming, earlier in December as instructed by the fire district, the firm referred <em>The Island News</em> to Thomsen’s Columbia attorney, Michael Burchstead with Collins &amp; Lacy. In a text response, Burchstead stated, “We are unable to comment on pending litigation.”\r\n\r\nAdditional questions sent to the fire district regarding Thomsen’s employment while with the district were not immediately answered as of press time on Tuesday, Dec. 15.\r\n\r\n<em>Check back here&nbsp;</em><em>as this story continues to de</em><em>velop.</em>\r\n\r\nRelated:&nbsp;<a href=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/burton-firefighter-wanted-on-charges-for-soliciting-sex-from-13-year-old/\"><strong>Burton firefighter wanted on charges for soliciting sex from 13-year-old</strong></a>', 'Burton firefighter wanted on charges for soliciting sex from 13-year-old ‘no longer employed’ with district', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'burton-firefighter-wanted-on-charges-for-soliciting-sex-from-13-year-old-no-longer-employed-with-district', '', '', '2020-12-16 10:59:21', '2020-12-16 15:59:21', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47352', 0, 'post', '', 0),
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(47357, 4, '2020-12-16 13:15:11', '2020-12-16 18:15:11', '', '-DSC_0128', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'dsc_0128-2', '', '', '2020-12-16 13:15:11', '2020-12-16 18:15:11', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/DSC_0128.jpg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47358, 4, '2020-12-16 13:16:04', '2020-12-16 18:16:04', '', '12222020 Denmark @ BCHS boys hoops - 0377', 'Bob Sofaly photo\nBattery Creek’s Rashard Baker, left, gets fouled while trying make his shot during the secnd quarter against Denmark-Omar on Friday. The Dolphins bested the Viking 64-70 and improved thier overall record to 4-0.', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '12222020-denmark-bchs-boys-hoops-0377', '', '', '2020-12-16 13:52:14', '2020-12-16 18:52:14', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/12112020-Denmark-@-BCHS-boys-hoops-0327.jpeg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47359, 4, '2020-12-16 13:20:49', '2020-12-16 18:20:49', '', 'Screen Shot 2020-12-16 at 1.17.53 PM', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'screen-shot-2020-12-16-at-1-17-53-pm', '', '', '2020-12-16 13:20:49', '2020-12-16 18:20:49', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Screen-Shot-2020-12-16-at-1.17.53-PM.png', 0, 'attachment', 'image/png', 0),
(47360, 4, '2020-12-16 13:20:58', '2020-12-16 18:20:58', '', 'Screen Shot 2020-12-16 at 1.17.32 PM', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'screen-shot-2020-12-16-at-1-17-32-pm', '', '', '2020-12-16 13:20:58', '2020-12-16 18:20:58', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Screen-Shot-2020-12-16-at-1.17.32-PM.png', 0, 'attachment', 'image/png', 0),
(47361, 4, '2020-12-16 13:21:00', '2020-12-16 18:21:00', '', 'Screen Shot 2020-12-16 at 1.16.42 PM', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'screen-shot-2020-12-16-at-1-16-42-pm', '', '', '2020-12-16 13:21:00', '2020-12-16 18:21:00', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Screen-Shot-2020-12-16-at-1.16.42-PM.png', 0, 'attachment', 'image/png', 0),
(47362, 4, '2020-12-16 13:21:06', '2020-12-16 18:21:06', '', 'Screen Shot 2020-12-16 at 1.15.02 PM', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'screen-shot-2020-12-16-at-1-15-02-pm', '', '', '2020-12-16 13:21:06', '2020-12-16 18:21:06', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Screen-Shot-2020-12-16-at-1.15.02-PM.png', 0, 'attachment', 'image/png', 0),
(47363, 4, '2020-12-16 13:27:24', '2020-12-16 18:27:24', '<strong>By LARRY DANDRIDGE<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span></strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Larry-Dandridge.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-46908 alignleft\" src=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Larry-Dandridge-780x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"107\" height=\"140\"></a>You can find out how to file for VA Disability Benefits by reading the information published online by the US Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) at https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-claim/.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nHowever, before you file a claim you should determine if you are eligible for VA disability benefits. A Veterans Service Officer (VSO) can help you (Veterans and Dependents) apply for a determination of eligibility for VA disability benefits.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n<strong>Basic Eligibility Criteria</strong>\r\n\r\nThe VA states at its Eligibility for VA disability benefits page, https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility :<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n“You may be eligible for VA disability benefits or compensation if you have a current illness or injury (condition) that affects your body or mind and you meet at least one of the requirements below.\r\n\r\nBoth of these must be true. You:<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n1. Served on active duty, active duty training, or inactive duty training, and<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n2. have a disability rating for your service-connected condition.\r\n\r\nAnd at least one of these must be true. You:<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n1. Got sick or injured while serving in the military and can link this condition to your illness or injury (called an in-service disability claim), or<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n2. Had an illness or injury before you joined the military and serving made it worse (called a pre-service disability claim), or<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n3. Have a disability related to your active duty service that did not appear until after you ended your service (called a post service disability claim).\'\r\n\r\nIf you received a bad conduct, other-than-honorable, or dishonorable discharge you may be not be eligible for disability benefits. There are some exceptions, like emergency mental health care.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nVeterans can apply to their service’s Discharge Review Board to have a discharge upgraded. All branches of the military consider you to have a strong case for a discharge upgrade if you can show your discharge was connected to any of these categories: Mental health conditions, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Traumatic brain injury (TBI), Sexual assault or harassment during military service, Sexual orientation (including under the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy).\r\n\r\nSince it is the VA who will determine your eligibility, you must apply for an eligibility determination and enrollment at your local VA Medical Center or online. In the case of the Lowcountry of SC and from Hinesville and Savannah, GA to the NC-SC Border and inland to Orangeburg, SC, you need to contact the RHJ VA Medical Center’s Eligibility and Enrollment Office.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n<strong>Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center Eligibility Office</strong>\r\n\r\nThe RHJ VA Eligibility Office is located on the first floor, room B189, 109 Bee Street, Charleston, SC 29401. The eligibility office phone number is 843-789-7008. Enter thru the main entrance to the hospital, which faces Bee Street, and the eligibility office is located near the center of the lobby. Make sure you sign in at the automated Kiosk, in the lobby, to get a place in line and a numbered ticket, which will be called when it is your turn to enter the Eligibility Office. It takes 48 hours after you apply for an eligibility determination to get an answer from the RHJ VA Medical Center Eligibility Office.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nWhen you go to the Eligibility Office, take with you a legible copy of your DD214 and a picture form of identification (driver’s license, SC ID card, passport, etc.). You will need to fill out a VA Enrolment Application for Health Benefits Form 10-10EZ to apply. You can download the 10-10EZ Form at https://www.va.gov/find-forms/about-form10-10ez/ or you can call the RHJ VA Eligibility Office at 843-789-7008 and they will mail or email you a copy of the blank form.\r\n\r\nThe form asks for a lot of information. You may use any of the following sources to request help in filling out the VA 10-10ez form: The RHJ VA Medical Center Eligibility Office, VA at 1-877-222-VETS (8387), the VA\'s website at http://www.va.gov and select \"Contact the VA\", or a National or State Veterans Service Organization (VSO).<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nSome VSO and VA services are being disrupted by the Coronavirus pandemic and some only see people by appointment, so call before traveling to their office. Here are two local and free sources that can provide help to Veterans, the County VSO and the DAV Chapter 12 CSO, in Beaufort County you can contact for help:\r\n\r\nBeaufort County VSO, 1905 Duke Street, Beaufort, SC 29902, Phone 843-255-6880, Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. Carl Wedler is the Director and the office email is Beaufort@scdva.sc.gov .\r\n\r\nDisabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 12, Chapter Service Officer (CSO), Michael Vergantino, phone number is 843-301-2543 and email is MLV1039@gmail.com . Mike is the DAV Chapter 12 Commander and CSO. The chapter currently meets on the second Monday of the month, at VFW Post 8760, at 37 Castle Rock Rd, in Beaufort SC 29906.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n<em>Larry Dandridge is a patient at the RHJ VA Medical Center; an Army ex-Enlisted Infantryman, Ex-Warrant Officer Combat Pilot, and retired Lt. Colonel; a past Veterans Service Officer; a volunteer Patient Adviser at the RHJ VA Medical Center; the Fisher House Charleston volunteer Good Will Ambassador; the volunteer VP for Veteran Affairs for the Coastal Carolina Association of the US Army (AUSA) Chapter; the Author of the award winning BLADES OF THUNDER (Book One); the CEO of TVV Publishing LLC; a past Aerospace Company Regional Manager; the Founder of CLC Hospice LLC; a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt; a Motivational Speaker; a past University Business, Aeronautics, Military Science, and Writing Instructor; and a contributing writer for the Lowcountry Weekly &amp; Island News. You can reach Larry at LDandridge@earthlink.net .<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span></em>', 'Are you eligible for VA Disability Benefits?', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'are-you-eligible-for-va-disability-benefits', '', '', '2020-12-16 13:27:24', '2020-12-16 18:27:24', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47363', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47365, 4, '2020-12-16 13:31:07', '2020-12-16 18:31:07', '<strong>By Lance Cpl. Samuel Fletcher, USMC</strong>\r\n\r\nJudy Siedentopl has been working for the United States Marine Corps longer than any Marine currently serving in uniform.\r\n\r\nSiedentopl, who is 90 years old, has served under 26 different generals while working on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.\r\n\r\nBorn in Japan on Sept. 21, 1930, Siedentopl had two children and moved to the United States to offer them a better life for them, she said.\r\n\r\nShe started working at Parris Island as a seamstress when she was 38. Throughout her career she has seen a lot of change and has worked on several different uniforms, starting with the Vietnam-Era uniforms to present day.\r\n\r\nIn Siedentopl’s 52 years working on the depot, she has seen a lot of history.\r\n\r\n“A long time ago, President Reagan came and visited Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island,” Siedentopl said while describing her most eventful memory aboard Parris Island. “So everyone left work that day to go see him.”\r\n\r\nSiedentopl said she does not like to be stuck at home and enjoys keeping busy. Which is why she plans to keep working.', '‘Mrs. Judy’ is the dean of Parris Island', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'mrs-judy-is-the-dean-of-parris-island', '', '', '2020-12-16 13:31:07', '2020-12-16 18:31:07', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47365', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47367, 4, '2020-12-16 13:38:13', '2020-12-16 18:38:13', '<strong>By DAVID TAUB</strong>\r\n\r\nIn more than 500 years, several powerful forces, institutions and corrupt ideas created the mythology of racism that predominates in Western cultures today. One such force stands out in recent history: Eugenics.\r\n\r\nThe so-called “science” of Eugenics exploded late in the 19th century and dominated the biological sciences, culture, government and politics for the next half century. The Eugenics movement almost single-handedly cemented the fable of racism as a bedrock belief in the societies of all Western democracies.\r\n\r\n“Scientific racism” was a construct of the Eugenics movement, allegedly built on Physical Anthropology and Darwinian evolution. There were three principles that underpinned scientific racism: humans were divided into distinct hierarchical races, with Nordic and Aryan white races at the top; intellectual, moral, cultural and physical traits of each race were believed to be immutable; and the mixture of the races were believed to result in reversion to the inferior type.\r\n\r\nEugenics demanded that mixing the superior white race with the inferior black races MUST be prevented. Regrettably, the pseudo-science of Eugenics dominated because bio-evolutionary science would not discover the basis of heredity (DNA) until the 1950s.\r\n\r\nFortunately, this true understanding of the real principles of human inheritance killed Eugenics. Alas, it died too late to prevent the evils of racism from being inculcated into our culture and infecting the “Halls of Government.”\r\n\r\nEarly in the 20th century, three powerful and influential Eugenics organizations were formed: Eugenics Record Office (ERO); Eugenics Research Organization (ERO) and the Eugenics Committee of the United States of America (ECUSA). These organizations included as members and were supported by powerful and wealthy white men, including such luminaries as Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, the Carnegie and Rockefeller Foundations, Robert Yerkes, SCOTUS Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., Thomas Edison, banker J. P. Morgan, and many other scions of America’s elite. The immediate goals of these small but immensely formidable eugenics organizations promoted selective breeding, sterilization of the “unfit” races and limiting immigration of the lower races.\r\n\r\nAs early as 1882, California passed the Chinese Exclusion Act because Eugenicists believed the Chinese were undesirable and “unfit.\" In 1917, an “Asiatic Barred Zone” was created preventing immigration from much of east Asia.\r\n\r\nEarly in the 20th century, Eugenicists established the Immigration Restriction League, which had enormous influence on American government and the American psyche. In 1924, led by the die-hard Eugenicist U. S. Senator Albert Johnson, Congress passed and President Coolidge signed the Johnson-Lodge Act.\r\n\r\nThis race-based restrictive immigration law remained the major policy directing immigration until 1952. The quotas set in 1939 were responsible for preventing Jews fleeing German persecution on the MS St. Louis from entering Ellis Island; all 620 passengers were returned to Europe.\r\n\r\nRacism dwelling within our government reared its ugly head again during the Trump administration. The President attempted to prohibit immigration of middle-eastern Muslims and also residents from “s..thole” countries (all of whom were black), because these folks were considered inferior to white Americans; Trump’s deceitful beliefs come right out of the eugenics’ textbook.\r\n\r\nDriven by POTUS’ racial animus, the number of refugees admitted has fallen from 85,000 to barely 12,000, annually.\r\n\r\nAfter the Civil war, marriage bans were primarily racially driven; i.e., whites and black could not marry. Eliminating mixing whites with “inferior” races was always a major goal of the Eugenics movement; in 1919 the Eugenics organizations announced that, “… In reality, the Negro is inferior to the White. This is not hypothesis or supposition; it is a crude statement of actual fact.”\r\n\r\nBy 1913, 29 states (of 48) had laws forbidding race mixing; love could get you thrown in jail. As late as the 1960s, 17 states of our republic still had anti-miscegenation laws prohibiting interracial marriage.\r\n\r\nCalifornia became the first state to ban these laws, and in 1967, the Supreme Court’s decision in the landmark case of Loving v. Virginia, ended such laws forever as unconstitutional.\r\n\r\nThe first state to legalize enforced sterilization of the “unfit” was Indiana, in 1907, and thereafter other states enacted similar such laws. By 1920, more than three thousand legal sterilizations of “imbicels,” unfits, and lower races, were accomplished.\r\n\r\nIn 1927, Virginia’s “one drop of blood” sterilization law became the law of the land, when the U. S. Supreme Court, in the infamous Buck v. Bell case (with only one dissenting vote) approved the Act of Virginia as constitutional.\r\n\r\nSadly, the great jurist Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. led the fight to legalize enforced sterilization of the “unfit;” he was a dedicated believer in Eugenics. Then the dam burst, and three years after the Buck v. Bell decision, 30 states had adopted sterilization laws and approximately 36,000 people were sterilized. By the elimination of enforced sterilization by 1981, over 70,00 had been done.\r\n\r\nRegrettably, America’s invention of Eugenics had world-wide impact. Germany’s sterilization laws were almost word for word based on the American Eugenics model. The Nazi’s “final solution” that became the genocidal Holocaust, murdering more than 6 million “defective/inferior Jews,” was Nazis taking Eugenic principles to its ultimate conclusion — extermination.\r\n\r\n<em>“Well, all I know is what I read in the newspapers.” – Will Rogers.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span></em>\r\n\r\n<em>David M. Taub was Mayor of Beaufort from 1990 through 1999 and served as a Beaufort County Magistrate from 2010 to 2015. You can reach him at david.m.taub42@gmail.com.</em>', 'Eugenics: The Godfather of the tragic mythology of racism in the Western World', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'eugenics-the-godfather-of-the-tragic-mythology-of-racism-in-the-western-world', '', '', '2020-12-16 13:38:13', '2020-12-16 18:38:13', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47367', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47369, 4, '2020-12-16 13:39:44', '2020-12-16 18:39:44', '<strong>By SCOTT GRABER</strong>\r\n\r\nIt’s early and this morning I’m sitting in the lobby of the Marshall House having turned up the rheostat-controlled lighting and poured myself a cup in of complimentary coffee.\r\n\r\nThe Marshall House is antebellum in origin but it competes with a dozen new hotels that come with health spas, rooftop restaurants and lobbies where one might park the Graf Zeppelin.\r\n\r\nThe Marshall House concedes nothing to these newcomers — still comfortable with its uneven hardwood floors, narrow hallways and smallish, low-ceiling lobby.\r\n\r\nNeither does the Marshall House make excuses for its Confederate ephemera: or make contextual comment under the framed uniform of the Savannah Volunteers (in its lobby) to quiet current sensibilities.\r\n\r\nI suppose — in these days of of racial tumult — I am more sensitive on this score.\r\n\r\nSeveral days ago I listened to a writer, Jeffrey Blount, talk about his novel, “The Emancipation of Evan Walls” (Koehler Books, 2019).\r\n\r\nThis was in connection with my book club and we were fortunate to actually get the author to participate in our discussion.\r\n\r\nNormally I don’t like it when the author participates — sometimes when I read a novel I don’t like it. If the author shows up, common courtesy makes it impossible to criticize his writing or her storyline. (Years ago I did a review at “Books Sandwiched In” where the author and his wife sat in the first row.)\r\n\r\nBut in the case of Jeffrey Blount, I didn’t worry much about criticism because there is a lot to like about “The Emancipation of Evan Walls.”\r\n\r\nEvan Walls, the protagonist in Blount’s novel, comes of age in Tidewater Virginia just as that state is beginning to integrate its public schools. Evan is African American, gifted intellectually and athletically, and discovers that he wants something better than the life being lived by his kinsmen. Evan makes it clear to his family and to his friends that ultimately he wants out of Canaan, Va.\r\n\r\nFor his ambition Evan is resented, occasionally beaten-up and vilified by his African American kinsmen. He is called “Snowball,” labeled an “Uncle Tom,” and spends a lot of time alone in a nearby forest wondering whether he is betraying his friends, endangering his family, doing something selfish and being a traitor to those he loves.\r\n\r\nEvan Walls is an unusual exploration of the resentment that comes when a Black man, or woman, tries to escape his circumstances and compete in the so-called “White World.”\r\n\r\nEvan Walls is also full of well-crafted characters who plunge the reader into the heads of the people who call Canaan, Va., home. In particular it gives the reader insight into the anger that is carried around inside (most) Black folk; the fear that is carried around in (most) White folk; the self-loathing that is carried around by all of us. It is, in short, a candid and painful portrait of the American South in the 60s, 70s and 80s. It may be as descriptive today and it was 40 or 50 years ago.\r\n\r\nFor years I’ve heard the lament that “We need a national dialogue on race relations.” And we have also seen demands for a “reckoning” after the killing of Black men in Minnesota and in Atlanta.\r\n\r\nWhat, I’ve wondered, would this “national discussion” look like? Who would be sitting at the table? Would there be a table? Would it be televised? Would it make any difference?\r\n\r\nI wonder these days if a “national discussion” would change anybody’s view about race. We seem to have departed the world of persuasion and entered into a time when raw force is the preferred method moving the heart from one belief to a different belief.\r\n\r\nThere was a time when we were known as a people who would argue, debate and compromise — but these days compromise is considered a bad thing, a weakness.\r\n\r\nSo I’m not altogether sure a “conversation” would move many hearts. But if we could somehow, someway stop the shouting, the vilification, I believe a discussion around the characters in “Emancipation of Evan Walls” would be a great place to start.\r\n\r\nIt would be good in the sense that one must get into the brains and inhabit the hearts of the key players in our national tragedy. William Faulkner did this with the characters that he created, as did Willie Morris, James Baldwin and Toni Morrison. Those who write novels usually go straight for the gut; and Jeffrey Blount doesn’t waste his time in the weeds.\r\n\r\n<em>Scott Graber is a lawyer, novelist, veteran columnist and longtime resident of Port Royal. He can be reached at cscottgraber@gmail.com.</em>', 'What would a national dialogue on race relations look like?', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'what-would-a-national-dialogue-on-race-relations-look-like', '', '', '2020-12-16 13:39:44', '2020-12-16 18:39:44', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47369', 0, 'post', '', 0);
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(47371, 4, '2020-12-16 13:45:59', '2020-12-16 18:45:59', '<strong>By TERRY MANNING</strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Screen-Shot-2020-10-28-at-11.56.43-AM.png\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-46593 alignleft\" src=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Screen-Shot-2020-10-28-at-11.56.43-AM.png\" alt=\"Terry Manning\" width=\"111\" height=\"133\"></a>One of the more random things I remember about being in student government in junior high school is getting to occasionally participate in the raising and lowering of the American flag that flew in front of the school.\r\n\r\nI learned how to fasten the flag to the chain used to raise it to full height and then secure that chain to the bottom of the flagpole. I learned how to lower the flag while making sure it never touched the ground before another person and I could fold it properly and return it to the principal’s office. I recall being told the flag should not be flown in inclement weather.\r\n\r\nThe U.S. Flag Code allows for all-weather flags to be displayed, but to this day, I frown when I see one left out in the rain.\r\n\r\nFrom a distance, the flag is a beautiful symbol flapping in the wind, but I was surprised that when I saw one up close for the first time there were loose threads, mild discoloration and other signs of wear. It wasn’t just a symbol, it was a real thing, and still is, much like the country and people it represents. I think we forget that sometimes.\r\n\r\nSo much of the current political discourse is a combative mix of sound and fury where words seem to mean nothing to the people who say them — or to the people who gleefully parrot them — except for the words’ value in agitating others.\r\n\r\nHow dare I suggest my Facebook friends wear masks to slow the spread of the coronavirus. That’s not legitimate concern on my part. It’s just for show. I’m “virtue signaling.”\r\n\r\nIf I look for opportunities to be inclusive or stand up for others’ interests, I’m being “politically correct” or a “social justice warrior.” To my mind, none of these are bad things, but then the tone sharpens. It becomes “them versus us.” Others are not people with whom we disagree, they are “the enemy.” They are “radicals” who want to “destroy” the country.\r\n\r\nWe are so quick to call people who vote a certain way “racists,” when I believe they often are more concerned with protecting their homes and their savings and having something to leave their children than in disenfranchising and hurting minorities.\r\n\r\nI continue to be amazed at the number of people for whom threats that seem obvious to many of us don’t strike a chord with others until they endanger — or kill — people they know and care about.\r\n\r\nWe are a multitude of people split along a multitude of vectors. A nation of people who are seen and heard and expect to be accommodated pitted against another that is unseen, unheard, ignored and expected to be content with their position.\r\n\r\nA nation whose occupants assume if systems are working in their favor, it doesn’t matter who those systems fail. A nation that worries about traditions and constructed things that must be protected and maintained and another whose citizens raise the voices, take to the streets and rouse discomfort simply to have their lamentations acknowledged, their existence affirmed.\r\n\r\nAnd we all live under the same flag.\r\n\r\nThese differences and our struggles with them are our loose threads and discolored areas. The winds and rain and bleaching sunlight that weather our flag are mirrored by people who seek to widen the cracks in our societies, who would take our beautiful diversity and tell us it is a flaw rather than a strength.\r\n\r\nWhen a flag has suffered enough damage, it is supposed to be retired and disposed of in a manner that befits its honor. To hear some tell it, America itself is in danger of reaching that point, or we have already been torn asunder and left in disrepair. I don’t share that opinion.\r\n\r\nThere are bright days ahead for this union and its people. We simply have to treat each other with due care and respect.\r\n\r\n<em>Terry E. Manning lives and works in Savannah, Ga. He is a Clemson graduate and worked for 20 years as a journalist. He can be reached at teemanning@gmail.com.</em>', 'There are still bright days ahead for this nation', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'there-are-still-bright-days-ahead-for-this-nation', '', '', '2021-03-30 14:58:36', '2021-03-30 18:58:36', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47371', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47574, 4, '2020-12-24 12:18:52', '2020-12-24 17:18:52', 'By Mindy Lucas\r\n\r\nA Beaufort County man wanted in connection to the 2019 death of his girlfriend’s 8-month-old son has been found and arrested, police say.\r\n\r\nFrederick Luma, 27, of Lady’s Island, was arrested on Wednesday, Dec. 23, outside of Atlanta, according to statement issued by the Beaufort Police Department.\r\n\r\nHe was found by authorities in Clayton County, Georgia, and is currently being held at the Clayton County Jail awaiting extradition back to Beaufort, the statement said.\r\n\r\nOn June 19, 2019, Luma called 911 to report the baby was not breathing.\r\n\r\nThe infant was taken to the hospital by Emergency Medical Services and died a short time later, according to the statement.\r\n\r\nInvestigators interviewed Luma, who admitted to shaking the baby. Luma left the area before arrest warrants were issued. &nbsp;\r\n\r\nHe is being charged with homicide by child abuse.\r\n\r\nAnyone with information about this case is asked to contact Investigator Joshua Dowling at (843) 322-7950 or the Anonymous Tip Line, 843-322-7938.', 'Beaufort County man accused in death of 8-month-old arrested', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'beaufort-county-man-accused-in-death-of-8-month-old-arrested', '', '', '2020-12-24 12:18:52', '2020-12-24 17:18:52', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47574', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47374, 4, '2020-12-16 13:46:51', '2020-12-16 18:46:51', '<strong>Beaufort High students evacuated due<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>to gas leak</strong>\r\n\r\nA gas leak was detected at approximately 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 10, at Beaufort High School. The fire department arrived on the scene within two minutes and the building was evacuated by 8:35.\r\n\r\nBy recommendation of the Fire Marshall, students were sent home due to the amount of time required to clear the building. Parents were notified of the situation and that they could pick up their children. Additionally, 32 school buses returned to the school to take students home.\r\n\r\nA preliminary investigation determined the cause of the leak was related to an issue with a pipe, and repairs were started immediately.\r\n\r\n“Our personnel did an excellent job keeping our students safe,” Superintendent Frank Rodriguez said in a release. “This is why drills are so important. So, when a situation arises you’re ready.”\r\n\r\n<strong>Beautfort native wins People\'s Choice Award for high-tech map making</strong>\r\n\r\nTwo Cedarville (Ohio) University students earned the People\'s Choice Award for their global information system (GIS) map showing Ohio wild animal-vehicle collision sites and hotspots.\r\n\r\nBenjamin Dunning, an environmental science major from Beaufort, and Lauren Pride, an environmental science major from Batavia, Ohio, were recognized with the award during the recent Southwest Ohio GIS Users Group (SWOGIS) meeting.\r\n\r\nGIS is a computer based system that enables users to gather, manage and analyze data, then use that information to create maps and 3D visualizations that provide insight for better decision-making by business and government leaders.\r\n\r\nNearly 100 individuals registered for the SWOGIS competition.\r\n\r\n<strong>Admissions season open at JPII</strong>\r\n\r\nFor any family interested in learning about a John Paul II Catholic School education, admissions season has begun. A virtual Open House will be held at noon, Sunday, Jan. 31 at www.johnpaul2school.org. Applications for 2021-2022 are now available online. New student applications are due Feb. 15, and tuition assistance applications close March 15.\r\n\r\nCall Anne McClure, JPII admissions coordinator, for more information at 843-645-3838.\r\n\r\nJPII educates students from 7th to 12th grades and is currently conducting in-person learning with a remote option.', 'EDUCATION BRIEFS', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'education-briefs-19', '', '', '2020-12-16 13:46:51', '2020-12-16 18:46:51', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47374', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47376, 4, '2020-12-16 13:49:39', '2020-12-16 18:49:39', '<strong>GIRLS BASKETBALL</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>BA takes down<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>another crosstown foe<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span></strong>\r\n\r\nBeaufort Academy’s girls picked up another win over a crosstown public school rival on Tuesday, winning 36-28 at Battery Creek.\r\n\r\nThe Eagles held the Dolphins to 19 percent from the field, including 1-of-18 from 3-point range, to win the defensive struggle, giving BA wins over Beaufort High and Battery Creek this month.\r\n\r\nCreek did a nice job of limiting opportunities for BA star Mike’Ala Washington, who was held to a season-low 10 points and grabbed six rebounds, but Washington’s backcourt mate took advantage. Tahleea Heyward poured in a season-high 17 points and grabbed five boards, while Mary Hanna Hiers snagged nine rebounds and Ari Gonzalez had six boards to help the Eagles seal the win.\r\n\r\nNoni Singleton had eight points and six boards to lead the Dolphins, while Ashante Shaw added four points and a team-high 11 rebounds.\r\n\r\nBA (4-2) hosts First Baptist at 6 p.m. Friday. The Eagles will celebrate Senior Night and hold their state championship ring ceremony to honor last year’s SCISA 1A champs. Battery Creek (2-3) travels to May River for a non-region matchup at 4 p.m. Saturday.\r\n\r\n<strong>Warriors blow by Bamberg-Ehrhardt</strong>\r\n\r\nKynew Barnwell had another huge game with 27 points, seven steals, and three assists to lead Whale Branch to a 54-12 rout of visiting Bamberg-Ehrhardt on Friday.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nBarnwell averaged 31 points in two wins this week after pouring in 35 in a victory over Estill on Tuesday.\r\n\r\nZhani Thompson added nine points and three steals for the Warriors, while Erin Rivers had eight points and three boards.\r\n\r\nThe Warriors are off to a 4-0 start going into region play.\r\n\r\n<strong>Barnwell drops 35<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>as WB routs Estill</strong>\r\n\r\nThe Whale Branch girls backed up their season-opening win over Estill with a 66-42 road win in the rematch of Class 1A top-five teams Tuesday.\r\n\r\nKynew Barnwell poured in 35 points to lead the way for the fifth-ranked Warriors, banging in a pair of 3-pointers in the first quarter and then torching the No. 4 Gators with a series of slashes to the bucket and breakaways created off turnovers.\r\n\r\nErin Rivers continued her dominance in the paint for Whale Branch with 15 points and unofficially recorded her third straight double-double to start the season, and Zhani Thompson added 14 points.\r\n\r\nTamyia Hutchinson scored 23 points to lead the Gators.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n<strong>Creek can’t find range in loss to Vikings</strong>\r\n\r\nBattery Creek’s girls took a tough home loss Friday night, falling 38-23 to visiting Denmark-Olar.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nThe Vikings pulled away in the second half of a defensive struggle that saw a combined 48 turnovers.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nThe Dolphins brought good energy early on and trailed 9-8 at the end of the first quarter, but Battery Creek just couldn’t find a rhythm at the offensive end. Creek made just six field goals all night and shot 11 percent overall, including 1-for-20 from 3-point range.\r\n\r\nCreek’s defense kept it in the game, holding the Vikings to 27 percent from the floor. The Dolphins were within 20-17 at halftime before going frigid in the second half.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nA 3-pointer from Sophia Felix gave Creek a flash of hope in the fourth quarter, pulling the Dolphins within five, but Denmark-Olar used a strong performance on the boards to neutralize the comeback and close it out.\r\n\r\nFelix had five points and nine rebounds, Myra Smith and Iesha Shaw each scored five points, and Emonee Johnson had four points and nine boards for the Dolphins.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n– Gabriel Jenkins\r\n\r\n<strong>Golden Warriors<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>pick up first win</strong>\r\n\r\nJohn Paul II’s girls used a dominant defensive effort to earn their first victory of the season Thursday, winning 26-19 at Charleston Collegiate.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nPaige Weniger collected 10 points and five steals, and Maddie Heathcott just missed a double-double with nine points and 12 rebounds to lead the way for the Golden Warriors. Cayce Graves swiped 10 steals to lead JPII’s strong defensive showing, while Bella Termini had five steals and three points, and Ru Bennett grabbed six rebounds.\r\n\r\n“The girls have been working so hard and it’s paying off,” JPII coach Karen Floyd said.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n<strong>BOYS BASKETBALL</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Warriors rally<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>to knock off Gators</strong>\r\n\r\nThe Whale Branch boys continued their trend of slow starts followed by second-half surges Tuesday, escaping with a 40-35 win at Estill after erasing a 12-point halftime deficit.\r\n\r\nAJ Singleton scored six of his game-high 10 points in the fourth quarter of the defensive struggle to help the Warriors outscore the Gators 29-12 in the second half and 13-2 in the final period.\r\n\r\nDevonta Barnard added eight points for the Warriors, who had to look for other offensive options with the Gators focused on shutting down star point guard Jaylen Reeves. Reeves finished with just five points, but he was 3-of-4 from the foul line in the fourth quarter to help seal the win.\r\n\r\n<strong>JPII stays perfect<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>with 3 in double digits</strong>\r\n\r\nJohn Paul II’s boys continued their undefeated start to the season with a 67-41 win at Patrick Henry on Friday.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nMark Knight posted a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds to lead three players in double figures for the Golden Warriors.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nChristian Tilton added 14 points and five rebounds, and Jeremiah Young had 13 points and five assists for JPII.\r\n\r\n<em>Above: Battery Creek’s Sophia Felix, far right, keeps her eye on Denmark-Olar’s Aveion Stukes during the third quarter of their basketball game Friday night. The Lady Vikings went on to defeat the Lady Dolphins, 38-23. Photo by Bob Sofaly.</em>', 'HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL ROUNDUP', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'high-school-basketball-roundup', '', '', '2020-12-16 13:49:39', '2020-12-16 18:49:39', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47376', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47378, 4, '2020-12-16 13:50:41', '2020-12-16 18:50:41', '<strong>By Mike McCombs</strong>\r\n\r\nDespite the cancellation of the 2021 East-West Shrine Bowl because of coronavirus concerns, game organizers have been announcing all-star selections throughout the month of December to recognize outstanding senior seasons.\r\n\r\nBeaufort’s Nyles Pinckney, a Whale Branch Early College High School graduate and a graduate defensive tackle for the Clemson Tigers earned recognition last week.\r\n\r\nIn conjunction with the National Football League, Pinckney and other players selected will participate in virtual training sessions in preparation for the NFL Draft.\r\n\r\nPinckney has 24 tackled, including three for loss, in 10 games for the Tigers this season, including two starts. But his highlight for the season was a one-yard touchdown run against Georgia Tech.\r\n\r\nEntering 2020, Pinckney had 71 tackles (10.5 for loss), 2.0 sacks, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries in 857 snaps over 43 career games (13 starts) for the Tigers. Among those tackles for loss was a key stop on a fake field goal in Clemson’s 2018 National Championship win over Alabama.\r\n\r\nPinckney earned his degree in criminal justice in May 2019 and added a degree in sociology in May 2020. Because of NCAA exceptions due to Covid-19, Pinckney could decide to return to Clemson of one more season in 2021 if he so desired.\r\n\r\nThe 96th annual East-West Shrine Bowl had been scheduled for Jan. 23, 2021, at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla.\r\n\r\nSome 2021 all-stars will participate in various virtual experiences with Shriners Hospitals for Children patients in recognition of the game’s nearly century-long commitment to supporting the health care system’s life-changing mission.\r\n\r\nThe nation’s oldest college football all-star game, the East-West Shrine Bowl dates back to its original contest in 1925. The game benefits Shriners Hospitals for Children and its mission to provide excellent care for children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate, regardless of the families’ ability to pay.\r\n\r\nThousands of East-West Shrine Bowl players have gone to the NFL in the past century, including 78 who went on to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.\r\n\r\nSome of the many college all-stars who played in past games include Tom Brady, Gale Sayers, John Elway, Lawrence Taylor, Pat Tillman, Brett Favre, Dick Butkus, Mike Ditka, Frank Gifford and Roger Staubach.', 'Whale Branch’s Pinckney earns East-West Shrine Bowl nod', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'whale-branchs-pinckney-earns-east-west-shrine-bowl-nod', '', '', '2020-12-16 13:50:41', '2020-12-16 18:50:41', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47378', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47380, 4, '2020-12-16 13:51:16', '2020-12-16 18:51:16', '<strong>LowcoSports.com</strong>\r\n\r\nWhale Branch’s Jerry Hatcher was named the Coach of the Year and Jaylen Reeves was picked as the Co-Player of the Year on the All-Region 7-1A team announced last month. The Warriors placed nine players on the all-region football team and two more on the all-region volleyball squad.\r\n\r\nHatcher led the Warriors to the first undefeated regular season in program history before falling in the Lower State semifinals, and Reeves starred on both sides of the ball for Whale Branch.\r\n\r\nRB/LB Jadon Grant, C Aaron Rhode, OL/DL Xavier Chaplin, DE Jaylen Roberts, RB/LB Joseph Hicks, WR/DB Amar Jenkins, K Henry Tome, and LB D’ante Parker joined Reeves on the all-region team.\r\n\r\nErin Rivers and Trinity Heyward represented Whale Branch on the All-Region 7-1A volleyball list.', 'Whale Branch stars, coach among Region 7-1A fall honorees', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'whale-branch-stars-coach-among-region-7-1a-fall-honorees', '', '', '2020-12-16 13:51:16', '2020-12-16 18:51:16', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47380', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47382, 4, '2020-12-16 13:52:28', '2020-12-16 18:52:28', '<strong>LowcoSports.com</strong>\r\n\r\nBattery Creek’s boys have nearly doubled their win total from coach CJ Brown’s inaugural season a year ago. They haven’t even put a dent in the loss total.\r\n\r\nA year after winning only three games in Brown’s head coaching debut at his alma mater, the Dolphins are one of the last remaining undefeated teams in the Lowco after improving to 5-0 with a 66-56 home win over Beaufort Academy on Tuesday.\r\n\r\nThe backcourt trio of David Smith, Rashard Baker, and Jordon Rivers has led the way thus far — and they combined for 44 points in the win over BA — but there has been a different unsung hero every game it seems.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nIn Friday’s hard-fought 70-64 win over visiting Denmark-Olar, it was Justin Smalls who gave the Dolphins a boost off the bench with 12 points, six rebounds, and four steals in 12 minutes, but in Tuesday’s contest it was Jaeon Allen who stepped up. Allen dominated inside against BA, racking up 16 points, 10 rebounds, and six steals in what was by far his best performance of the season.\r\n\r\nSmith also scored 16 against the Eagles, while Baker added 15 points, five boards, and four assists, and Rivers contributed 13 points. Smith had 18 and Baker added 16 in the win over Denmark-Olar.\r\n\r\nBA had a shot to hand the Dolphins their first defeat, at one point trimming the margin to four points in the fourth quarter behind 19 points from Ben VanHise, 13 from Elijah Fess, and seven from Ben Frey, but Creek was able to close it out.\r\n\r\nThe Dolphins (5-0) will try to double last season’s win total when they travel to May River for a non-region matchup at 5:30 p.m. Saturday.\r\n\r\nThe Eagles (4-5) have dropped five straight on the court but have picked up two forfeit victories over that stretch, including one against two-time defending SCISA 1A champion Clarendon Hall, which forfeited Friday’s scheduled contest. BA won the first meeting, 73-63 in Summerton, to open the season.\r\n\r\n<em>Right: Battery Creek’s Rashard Baker, left, is fouled while shooting during the second quarter against Denmark-Omar on Friday. The Dolphins bested the Vikings 64-70 and improved their overall record to 4-0. Photo by Bob Sofaly.</em>', 'Battery Creek stays perfect with tough win over Beaufort Academy', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'battery-creek-stays-perfect-with-tough-win-over-beaufort-academy', '', '', '2020-12-16 13:52:28', '2020-12-16 18:52:28', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47382', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47384, 4, '2020-12-16 13:53:55', '2020-12-16 18:53:55', '<strong>LowcoSports.com</strong>\r\n\r\nBluffton’s girls opened Region 7-4A play with a 45-30 win over visiting Beaufort High on Tuesday.\r\n\r\nThe Bobcats frustrated the Eagles at the offensive end in the first half, building a 12-4 lead after one quarter and extending the margin to 22-10 by halftime. Beaufort started knocking down some shots in the second half, but the Eagles couldn’t close the gap.\r\n\r\nBeaufort bottled up Bobcats star Tacoya Heyward at the offensive end, holding the quick-footed freshman to four points, but she created opportunities for her teammates, who took advantage.\r\n\r\nSamari Mitchell scored 12 points, Kayleigh Washington added 10, and Katie Rodney chipped in nine off the bench to lead Bluffton.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nBeaufort’s Layla Warren scored 15 points and Quinn Wilson had 11, including a pair of second-half 3-pointers to try to keep the Eagles in it.\r\n\r\nThe Bobcats (1-1, 1-0) travels to Hilton Head High on Friday to continue region play, while Beaufort (1-2, 0-1) travels to Savannah Country Day for a non-region matchup Friday.\r\n\r\n<em>Beaufort High’s Layla Warren drives to the basket during the Eagles’ 45-30 loss at Bluffton on Tuesday to open Region 7-4A play. Warren scored 15 points to lead the Eagles. Photo by Justin Jarrett / LowcoSports.com</em>', '', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', '47384-2', '', '', '2020-12-16 13:53:55', '2020-12-16 18:53:55', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47384', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47386, 4, '2020-12-16 13:55:17', '2020-12-16 18:55:17', '<strong>LowcoSports.com</strong>\r\n\r\nIt took some time to put away a pesky Bluffton team, but Beaufort High’s boys remained undefeated and opened Region 7-4A play with a 69-44 road win over the Bobcats on Tuesday.\r\n\r\nThe Eagles hit the Bobcats with a quick blitz out of the gate, then held off multiple surges in the second and third quarters before pulling away in the final period with a barrage of breakaways and free throws.\r\n\r\nRush Riley poured in 19 points to lead the way for Beaufort, draining a trio of 3-pointers, while Oliver Holmes added 16 for a lethal Eagles backcourt. Beaufort did a beautiful job of moving the ball on offense, creating open looks all over the court as Zyrin Odom (12 points, 10 rebounds) and James Dennison (10 points) joined the backcourt due in double figures.\r\n\r\nThe Bobcats showed some mettle in the second and third periods to keep it close, aided by key 3-pointers from Edwin Graham and Eric Eastham in the second quarter and third-quarter treys from Trevon Brown and Adrian Ransburg, but the Eagles just kept coming at them.\r\n\r\nThe defensive pressure became too much for the Bobcats as they wore down, and Holmes helped close it out with seven fourth-quarter points while the Eagles went 7-for-8 from the foul line down the stretch.\r\n\r\nBrown scored 14 points and Ransburg added 12 for the Bobcats, but Beaufort took Eastham out of the game, holding Bluffton’s leading scorer and top returner to just one field goal before he fouled out.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nThe Eagles (3-0, 1-0) travel to Savannah Country Day for a non-region matchup Friday, while the Bobcats (1-1, 0-1) travel to Hilton Head High on Friday to continue region play.\r\n\r\n<em>Beaufort High’s Rush Riley goes up for a layup during the Eagles’ 69-44 win at Bluffton to open Region 7-4A play on Tuesday. Riley scored a game-high 19 points to lead the Eagles. Photo by Justin Jarrett / LowcoSports.com</em>', 'Eagles soar to 3-0 with region win at Bluffton', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'eagles-soar-to-3-0-with-region-win-at-bluffton', '', '', '2020-12-16 13:55:17', '2020-12-16 18:55:17', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47386', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47388, 4, '2020-12-16 14:01:11', '2020-12-16 19:01:11', '<h4><i>This classic family favorite is made healthier with lean ground turkey and colorful garden vegetables.\r\n</i></h4>\r\n<b>Prep Time: </b>10 minutes<b>\r\nCook Time: </b>55 Minutes<b>\r\nServing Size: </b>4 servings/2 slices meatloaf<b>\r\n\r\nIngredients&nbsp;</b><b>For Meatloaf:<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span></b>\r\n\r\n2 C assorted vegetables, chopped—such as mushrooms, zucchini, red bell peppers, or spinach<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n12 oz 99 percent lean ground turkey<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n• C whole-wheat breadcrumbs (or substitute regular breadcrumbs)<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n• C fat-free evaporated milk ( Evaporated milk can be kept tightly sealed in the refrigerator for up to 3 days).\r\n\r\n• tsp ground black pepper<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n2 Tbsp ketchup<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n1 Tbsp fresh chives, rinsed, dried, and chopped (or 1 tsp dried)<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n1 Tbsp fresh parsley, rinsed, dried, and chopped (or 1 tsp dried)\r\n\r\nNonstick cooking spray<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n<b>For glaze:<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span></b>\r\n\r\n1 Tbsp ketchup\r\n\r\n1 Tbsp honey\r\n\r\n1 Tbsp Dijon mustard<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n<b>Directions</b>\r\n\r\n1. Preheat oven to 350 ºF.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n2. Steam or lightly sauté the assortment of vegetables.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n3. Combine vegetables and the rest of the meatloaf ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well. Spray a loaf pan with cooking spray and spread meatloaf mixture evenly in the pan.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n4. Combine all ingredients for glaze. Brush glaze on top of the meatloaf.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n5. Bake meatloaf in the oven for 45–50 minutes (to a minimum internal temperature of 165 ºF).<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n6. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting into eight even slices.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n7. Serve two slices on each plate.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://actionclub.site/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Screen-Shot-2020-12-16-at-1.59.24-PM-1.png\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-47390\" src=\"https://actionclub.site/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Screen-Shot-2020-12-16-at-1.59.24-PM-1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"509\" height=\"316\"></a>\r\n</span><em>Exclusive content from CARE Magazine</em>\r\n<h4><i>&nbsp;</i></h4>', 'Heart Healthy Recipe: Garden Turkey Meatloaf', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'heart-healthy-recipe-garden-turkey-meatloaf', '', '', '2020-12-16 14:01:11', '2020-12-16 19:01:11', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47388', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47392, 4, '2020-12-16 14:03:16', '2020-12-16 19:03:16', 'It\'s cold and flu season, and one symptom of both illnesses is a cough.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nIn some cases you may need to seek medical care for a cough. In other cases, such as when cough is acute, causes a lot of discomfort or interferes with sleep, you may want to consider using cough medicines.\r\n\r\nOtherwise, self-care measures may ease your cough and help you feel more comfortable. One such measure is honey. Drinking tea or warm lemon water mixed with honey is a time-honored way to soothe a sore throat. But honey alone may be an effective cough suppressant, too.\r\n\r\nIt is important to know that children under the age of two should not be given honey.\r\n\r\nLearn more about calming your cough with honey from Dr. Pritish Tosh, a Mayo Clinic infectious diseases physician.\r\n\r\nFood poisoning, also called foodborne illness, is caused by harmful organisms, such as bacteria, viruses and parasites, in contaminated food. Symptoms of food poisoning, which can start within hours of eating contaminated food, often include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.\r\n\r\nFortunately, most cases of food poisoning can be prevented with proper food preparation and cooking, and how leftovers are handled. Leftovers can be kept for three to four days in the refrigerator. After that, the risk of food poisoning increases.\r\n\r\nBecause bacteria typically don\'t change the taste, smell or look of food, you can\'t tell whether food is dangerous to eat. If you\'re in doubt about the safety of leftovers, it\'s best to throw them out.\r\n\r\nhttps://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org\r\n\r\nExclusive content from CARE Magazine', 'careTALK', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'caretalk', '', '', '2020-12-16 14:03:16', '2020-12-16 19:03:16', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47392', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47394, 4, '2020-12-16 14:04:15', '2020-12-16 19:04:15', 'It varies from one person to the next. A decent body of research has made the phrases \"consume alcohol in moderation\" and \"good for the heart\" go together like gin and tonic. But moderate drinking may not be good for everyone, so a personalized approach is best.\r\n\r\nFor some people, depending on what medications you are taking and other factors, even light drinking might not be a good thing. For other people, moderate drinking could plausibly be beneficial. “Moderate” when applied to alcohol means no more than two drinks a day for men and no more than one a day for women.\r\n\r\nHealthy drinking?\r\n\r\nMany studies have found a statistical link between light to moderate drinking and better health. Moderate drinkers appear to suffer fewer heart attacks and strokes, less diabetes, and stronger bones in older age, compared with people who drink lightly or not at all. In addition, some research finds that people who consume between two and six standard drinks per week—an average of less than one drink per day—are less likely to have cardiovascular disease.\r\n\r\nBut these findings don\'t necessarily mean that alcohol itself is responsible for the healthy pattern. Perhaps moderate drinkers also eat healthier foods, exercise more, and control stress better. Or, it might be that people who don\'t drink are generally in poorer health, so they don\'t drink alcohol because it interacts badly with their medications. That would tend to make moderate drinkers look healthier in comparison.\r\n\r\nDrinking too much spells trouble. In men, the health effects show up as increased heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers—although part of this may be due to the fact that heavy drinkers may also use tobacco.\r\n\r\nA personalized medicine approach starts with a conversation with a trusted doctor about whether moderate drinking is safe and prudent for you. That\'s a question well worth asking your physician.\r\n\r\n<em>Read the full-length article: \"How much alcohol is too much?\". The Harvard Men\'s Health Watch is available from Harvard Health Publications, the publishing division of Harvard Medical School, for $20 per year. Subscribe at www.health.harvard.edu/mens or by calling 877-649-9457 (toll-free).\r\n\r\nExclusive content from CARE Magazine</em>', 'How much alcohol is safe?', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'how-much-alcohol-is-safe', '', '', '2020-12-16 14:04:15', '2020-12-16 19:04:15', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47394', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47396, 4, '2020-12-16 14:06:34', '2020-12-16 19:06:34', 'The holiday season is full of joy. But in the midst of decorating and socializing, pet owners may overlook the needs of their pets. Hectic schedules and homes full of unusual décor can throw pets off-kilter.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nNo pet owner wants their pet to feel uncomfortable or suffer any injuries, so it’s important that owners exercise caution with the following items come the holiday season.\r\n\r\nBones: Is turkey on the menu for the family feast? If so, resist the urge to toss some bones and scraps to dogs or cats. Small bones or bone chips can become lodged in the digestive tracts of pets and cause serious injury. If you want to provide your pet with a holiday treat, choose a safer, store-bought (preferably non rawhide) bone.\r\n\r\nAromatic oils: The holidays are not the same without the familiar scent of mint, cinnamon or pine. Some people resort to scented candles or aromatherapy oils to create the perfect holiday ambiance. But some synthetic aromas or even natural extracts can be toxic to cats and dogs. Stick to nontoxic items and keep them well out of the pet’s reach.\r\n\r\nChocolate and other sweets: An abundance of treats seems to be par for the course during the holiday season. Dogs should avoid all chocolate, but dark chocolate poses a particularly serious threat. Chocolate can cause agitation, elevated heart rate, diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, and even death. In addition, candy or cookies sweetened with the artificial sweetener xylitol can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure for dogs.\r\n\r\nPine needles and trees: When ingested, pine needles can puncture the intestines of pets. In search of an easy drink, dogs and cats may be drawn to the fresh water reservoir of live trees, increasing the likelihood that they knock over a Christmas tree, injuring themselves and causing damage around the house. Trees should be properly secured and fallen needles should be promptly discarded.\r\n\r\nTinsel and decorations: Skip the tinsel if you have a cat. Felines are likely to mistake tinsel for a toy. Eating tinsel can cause severe damage to a cat’s intestinal tract, as it may get caught in the stomach while the rest of it continues to pass through the intestines. Tinsel also may wrap around the tongue, increasing the cat’s risk of choking. Ornaments also are tempting playthings. Cats may pounce on glass ornaments, breaking them and suffering injury. Keep pets in mind when selecting tree ornaments and opt for unbreakable ornaments when possible.\r\n\r\nElectrical cords: The American Animal Hospital Association says holiday lights mean more electrical cords for kittens and puppies to chew. Secure all cords and keep them out of reach of pets.\r\n\r\nCandles: The subtle flicker of a lit candle can add ambiance to a space. But all it takes is the swish of a tail or the pat of a paw to knock over a candle and spark a fire. Never leave lit candles unattended. If you have boisterous pets, opt for LED simulated candles instead.\r\n\r\nAlcohol: Spirits are sometimes a part of celebrations, but alcoholic beverages should be kept out of reach of pets. Alcohol suppresses the immune system, and it can result in significant health issues for pets who consume it.\r\n\r\nThe holiday season is a time for celebration. Ensure that these festivities are as safe for pets as they are enjoyable.\r\n\r\n<em>Exclusive content from CARE Magazine</em>', 'Holidays are potentially hazardous to pets', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'holidays-are-potentially-hazardous-to-pets', '', '', '2020-12-16 14:06:34', '2020-12-16 19:06:34', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47396', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47398, 4, '2020-12-16 14:08:04', '2020-12-16 19:08:04', '<strong>Photo by Bob Sofaly</strong>\r\n\r\nSanta Claus passes out toy airplanes to Jonathan, 4, and Benjamin Black, 6, during Santa’s Fly In on Sunday at Beaufort Executive Airport On Lady’s Island. At left is Santa’s elf Jean Sulc. Santa, who showed a remarkable likeness to Jim Atkins, flew into Lady’s Island in a Cessna 172 piloted by Jerry Hyde. He said his reindeer were temporarily quarantined due to Covid concerns but assured everyone they would be ready for the Christmas Eve rush.&nbsp;', 'SANTA CLAUS TOUCHES DOWN', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'santa-claus-touches-down', '', '', '2020-12-16 14:08:04', '2020-12-16 19:08:04', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47398', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47400, 4, '2020-12-16 14:08:59', '2020-12-16 19:08:59', '<strong>SCDHHS head Baker resigns</strong>\r\n\r\nAfter serving for more than three years as Director of the S.C. Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS), Joshua Baker has resigned from his position, effective Jan. 11, 2021, Gov. Henry McMaster announced Tuesday, Dec. 15.\r\n\r\n“Director Baker has served our state with distinction in several capacities for nearly a decade, and he will leave the Department of Health and Human Services better than it was when he arrived,” McMaster said in a release. “Over the past three years, he has simultaneously prioritized the health of South Carolinians and the financial health of our state as a whole. His leadership and expertise have served our people well and will be missed.”\r\n\r\n“Over the past three years, we have fixed material weaknesses in our state’s Medicaid Eligibility and enrollment systems, implemented four major modules of the agency’s aging software infrastructure, maintained a strong financial position, and received federal approval for three waivers – two under the Healthy Connections Community Engagement Initiative and the Palmetto Coordinated System of Care – to improve the lives and health outcomes of South Carolinians,” Baker said in his letter of resignation.\r\n\r\n<strong>County spraying for mosquitoes</strong>\r\n\r\nBeaufort County Mosquito Control may conduct aerial and/or ground treatments through Friday, Dec. 18. Mosquito Control applies EPA-registered public health insecticide during ideal weather using low-flying aircraft throughout daylight hours and spray trucks from about 11 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n<em>For additional information, please contact Mosquito Control at 843-255-5800</em>', 'NEWS BRIEFS', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'news-briefs-175', '', '', '2020-12-16 14:08:59', '2020-12-16 19:08:59', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47400', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47402, 4, '2020-12-16 14:09:50', '2020-12-16 19:09:50', '<strong>By Wells Fargo Advisors</strong>\r\n\r\nMarket volatility this year may have prompted you to review your investment plans, including your retirement goals. As you look at them, you may want to consider converting from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nRoth IRAs possess characteristics that make them generally attractive planning tools; for example, they are not subject to required minimum distribution (RMD) rules during the life of the original account owner, which means you can use them as an estate planning tool for passing money to your heirs. A combination of tax law changes and market conditions might make Roth IRAs even more attractive now, especially to investors who are in a position to pay taxes due upon conversion with non-retirement plan assets.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nHere are four reasons why now might be a good time to convert:\r\n\r\n1. If market volatility has depressed your portfolio’s value, you may owe less in taxes. When you convert to a Roth IRA, you will owe taxes on any tax-deductible contributions you made to the traditional IRA as well as any tax-deferred earnings that may have built up in the account over the years. A lower account value would typically result in a lower tax bill.\r\n\r\n2. If you expect your portfolio’s value to recover in the future, converting now could shield future earnings from taxation. After conversion, any assets in the Roth IRA could potentially grow on a tax-advantaged basis and qualified distributions would be tax-free.*<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n3. If you expect future tax rates will be higher when you begin to take distributions, converting and paying a lower tax now might make economic sense. Moreover, qualified distributions would be tax-free.*<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n4. Your nonspouse designated beneficiaries can let an Inherited Roth IRA continue to potentially grow, taking no distributions until year 10 when they fully distribute the account with no tax consequences. After the passage of the SECURE Act in late 2019, nonspouse designated beneficiaries generally must distribute an Inherited IRA by the end of the 10th calendar year beginning the year after the IRA owner dies.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nIf your employer’s qualified retirement plan (QRP), such as a 401(k) or 403(b), offers a Roth designated account option, you also may want to consider making contributions to this account. Designated Roth account assets can be rolled over only to a Roth IRA or another employer’s designated Roth account, if that plan accepts the rollover.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nIt’s important to remember that you can no longer recharacterize or undo a Roth IRA conversion. This is an important decision, so contact your financial advisor to discuss if a Roth IRA conversion is right for you.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n*Qualified Roth IRA distributions are not included in gross income. Roth IRA distributions are generally considered “qualified” provided a Roth IRA has been open for more than five years and the owner has reached age 59• or meets other requirements. Withdrawals may be subject to an IRS 10% additional tax for early or pre-59• distributions.\r\n\r\nRoth IRA conversions are not suitable for all individuals. Wells Fargo Advisors is not a tax or legal advisor. Please consult your financial, tax, and legal advisors before taking any action that may have tax or legal consequences and to determine whether a Roth conversion is suitable for your specific situation.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nPlease keep in mind that rolling over your qualified employer sponsored retirement plan (QRP) assets to an IRA is just one option. Each option has advantages and disadvantages, and the one that is best depends on your individual circumstances. You should consider features such as investment options, fees and expenses, and services offered. Investing and maintaining assets in an IRA will generally involve higher costs than those associated with a QRP. We recommend you consult with your plan administrator before making any decisions regarding your retirement assets.\r\n\r\n<em>This article was written by/for Wells Fargo Advisors and provided courtesy of Whitney McDaniel, CFP ®, AAMS®, Financial Advisor in Beaufort, SC at (843) 524-1114.</em>\r\n\r\n<em>Investments in securities and insurance products are: NOT FDIC-INSURED/NOT BANK-GUARANTEED/MAY LOSE VALUE</em>\r\n\r\n<em>Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo &amp; Company.</em>\r\n\r\n<em>© 2019 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span></em>', 'Four reasons you may want to convert to a Roth IRA', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'four-reasons-you-may-want-to-convert-to-a-roth-ira', '', '', '2020-12-16 14:09:50', '2020-12-16 19:09:50', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47402', 0, 'post', '', 0);
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(47404, 4, '2020-12-16 14:38:21', '2020-12-16 19:38:21', '<strong>Private Personal Visits With Santa</strong>\r\n\r\nThrough Dec. 22, Every Second Counts Escape Rooms, Lady’s Island. There will be 15-minute private reservation times on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays. Cost is $20 for first child, $7 for additional children/siblings. Activities include writing a personal letter to Santa, mailing those letters, hot cocoa, meeting Santa in the Christmas Holiday Room, a small gift from Santa and one free high definition photo with Santa. (Additional photos are $3 each.) Mask required upon arrival unless medical condition prohibits it. Masks not required for children younger than 4. Babies welcome and Santa will hold your baby. Santa will wear a special Christmas mask. During the free photo with Santa, parents can elect to have children wear masks or remove them. Visits with Santa himself are private. For more information, visit https://www.everysecondcountsesc.com/visit-with-santa.\r\n\r\n<strong>Habersham Southern Living Showcase Home tours</strong>\r\n\r\n10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Wednesday to Sunday, through Dec. 27 (excluding Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays), 10 North Loudon Street, Habersham. Tickets are $10 each and are on sale at SouthernLivingShowcase.com. A portion of all ticket sales goes to benefit Friends of Caroline Hospice (www.focHospice.org). Allen Patterson Builders, Habersham Land Company and K. Lo Designs announce the completion and opening of “The Loudon,” built with innovative quality, functionality, and an elevated interior design featuring the iconic colors and textures of the Lowcountry. For more information about the partners and tours, visit SouthernLivingShowcase.com.\r\n\r\n<strong>Parent’s Night Out Little Elves Workshop</strong>\r\n\r\n5:30 to 10 p.m., Friday, Dec. 18, Wardle Family YMCA, 1801 Richmond Avenue, Port Royal. For kids age 3 months to 12 years. Pack a swimsuit and towel for swimming in the Y’s heated indoor pool. There will be holiday arts and crafts, cookie decorating, games, food and fun! Dinner will be provided. Cost is $20 per child ($15 siblings) and registration is at the Y in Port Royal or call 843-522-9622. Note that the Y follows all CDC guidelines for social distancing and the current Port Royal mask ordinance (children age 9 and older must wear a mask except when eating and actively swimming). For more information, visit beaufort-jasperymca.org.\r\n\r\n<strong>1st annual Christmas Classic Beer Mile</strong>\r\n\r\n3 to 5 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 19, Sands Parking Lot, Port Royal. Cost is $35. Price increases after Dec. 11. Presented by Salt Marsh Brewery. 100% of the proceeds to benefit the Beaufort-Jasper YMCA of the Lowcountry. What is a Beer Mile? Drink a beer, run a quarter mile. Drink a beer, run a quarter mile. Drink a beer, run a quarter mile. Drink a beer, run a quarter mile. Four beers, one mile. Each competitor drinks four 12 ounces of Salt Marsh Brew. Beer must be consumed before the lap is begun, within the transition area. The race begins with the drinking of the first beer in the transition zone. Competitors must drink the entire 12 ounces before they begin running. The beer must be a minimum of 5 percent alcohol by volume. Competitors who vomit before they finish the race must complete one penalty lap at the end of the race (immediately after the completion of their fourth lap). Vomitting more than once during the race still requires only one penalty lap at the end. It is strongly recommended, when attempting official records, to tip the empty beer can or bottle over your head at the end of a chug to verify an empty vessel. Register for the race at https://bit.ly/3qGNE1q.\r\n\r\n<strong>The Nutcracker</strong>\r\n\r\n10 a.m. and 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 19, USCB Center for the Arts via live stream. The Bolshoi Ballet is on the big screen in HD. Tickets are $10.\r\n\r\n<strong>Holiday Day Camp</strong>\r\n\r\nDec. 23-24 or Dec. 28-31, The Wardle Family YMCA, 1801 Richmond Avenue, Port Royal. Kids age 3 and older. Camp dates are Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. except Dec. 24 and 31, which are half day (7 a.m.-noon). Drop-in rates are $25 for members, $30 for nonmembers and the four-day rate (Dec. 28-31) is $80 for members and $100 for nonmembers. Age-appropriate activities including crafts, field/gym games, swimming, nature walk (weather permitting) and more. Please pack a lunch and bring a swimsuit. Register at the Y in Port Royal.\r\n\r\n<strong>Parkinson’s Support Group Meeting</strong>\r\n\r\n1:30 to 2:45 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 7 via Zoom. In person meetings at BMH will resume post COVID-19. We are individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, care partners of those with Parkinson’s and individuals or companies providing products or services for people who have Parkinson’s. For more info, contact Rick Ostrander at pdawaresc@gmail.com or Facebook at Parkinson’s Support Group Of Beaufort, S.C., Port Royal and Lady’s Island.\r\n\r\n<strong>15th Annual Beaufort International Film Festival</strong>\r\n\r\nMonday-Friday, Feb. 15-19, 2021 at Tabby Place, 913 Port Republic Street.\r\n\r\n<strong>MCAS Beaufort Airshow</strong>\r\n\r\nSaturday-Sunday, April 24-25, 2021, MCAS Beaufort. Visit BeaufortAirShow.com.', 'WHAT’S HAPPENING', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'whats-happening-33', '', '', '2020-12-16 14:38:21', '2020-12-16 19:38:21', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47404', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47406, 4, '2020-12-16 14:38:56', '2020-12-16 19:38:56', '<strong>From staff reports</strong>\r\n\r\nOn Wednesday, Dec. 9, two Beaufort County lawmakers pre-filed bills to legalize medical cannabis in the state.\r\n\r\nThe South Carolina Compassionate Care Act was introduced by long-time medical cannabis advocate Sen. Tom Davis (R) in the Senate and Rep. Bill Herbkersman (R) in the House.\r\n\r\nThis is the first time Rep. Herbkersman has served as the lead sponsor in the House. The previous House sponsor, Rep. Peter McCoy, was appointed U.S Attorney.\r\n\r\nRep. Herbkersman cited his late brother’s experience finding relief from medical cannabis as he was stricken with cancer as a motivation for sponsoring the bill.\r\n\r\n“It is unacceptable that South Carolinians with serious illnesses have to break the law to alleviate their suffering. My brother deserved better,” Herbkersman said in a release. “Our friends, family, and neighbors deserve the same options to medicine that are afforded to Americans in 36 other states. Waiting any longer will only add to the suffering that is experienced by those who are plagued with debilitating illnesses. Passing this legislation is long overdue.”\r\n\r\nThe bills would create a comprehensive, well regulated medical cannabis program to allow patients with serious medical conditions and illnesses to safely access and use medicinal cannabis, when recommended by their physicians.\r\n\r\nWhile the bills are similar, the House bill is considered less restrictive as it would allow doctors to recommend medical cannabis for patients with any debilitating medical condition and allow for more modes of administration.\r\n\r\n“I feel there is a very good chance we get something passed this session,” Davis said in a release. “This bill has been fully vetted after five years of testimony and input from various stakeholders. The time has come for lawmakers to get out of the way and allow patients, in consultation with their physicians, to legally and safely access medicinal cannabis.”\r\n\r\nA summary of the House bill (H. 3361), can be found at https://bit.ly/3mmY2YL, and a summary of the Senate bill (S. 150) can be found at https://bit.ly/3r0tG1F.\r\n\r\n“Research has made it evident that the health benefits of medical cannabis use outweigh the potential risks. South Carolinians deserve the ability to safely and legally use a substance that has been proven to be effective in treating a variety of medical conditions and poses fewer negative side effects than many prescription drugs, especially opioids, which continue to claim many lives,” Dr. Bill Griffith of Anderson said. “The illegality of medical cannabis in our state is forcing many patients to rely on the dangerous underground market to access their medicine. Passing this legislation would ensure that patients have safe, tested, and reliable access to medical cannabis.”\r\n\r\nArkansas, Florida, Louisiana, and Mississippi area among the 36 states that have legalized cannabis for medical use. According to a 2018 Benchmark Research poll, South Carolinians overwhelmingly support allowing cannabis for medicinal use – 72 percent of South Carolinians favor medical cannabis legalization, including 63 percent of Republicans.\r\n\r\nHilton Head Island’s Margaret Richardson suffers from trigeminal neuralgia. Her husband, Scott Richardson, is a former state senator and ex-director of the S.C. Department of Insurance.\r\n\r\n“I am speaking not only for myself but all South Carolinians who suffer from devastating medical conditions. We should have the choice to use medical cannabis and not suffer through the horrible side effects of taking opioids,” Margaret Richardson said. “Unless you have had a family member or close friend experience this level of excruciating pain, it’s hard to understand the personal devastation. Passing this legislation will give us – your constituents, friends and neighbors, many of whom are suffering in silence – a chance to live our lives with dignity.”', 'Davis, Herbkersman pre-file medical cannabis bills for 2021', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'davis-herbkersman-pre-file-medical-cannabis-bills-for-2021', '', '', '2020-12-16 14:38:56', '2020-12-16 19:38:56', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47406', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47408, 4, '2020-12-16 14:39:51', '2020-12-16 19:39:51', '<strong>From staff reports</strong>\r\n\r\nBeaufort County Council recently approved a lease template to be used by the airport in negotiation with potential aircraft hangar developers.\r\n\r\nThe airport is opening an initial phase of development area and seeks a Letter of Intent (LOI) to develop aircraft hangar facility following from potential developers. The LOI must include:\r\n\r\nDescription of hangar and proposed aeronautical use (personal, business, etc.);\r\n\r\nType(s) of aircraft that will be housed in hangar;\r\n\r\nEstimated amount of activity and estimated annual fuel purchase from ARW;\r\n\r\nProposed lease rate (based on square foot rate per year) with minimum set at $0.25 per square foot;\r\n\r\na schedule of development.\r\n\r\nLetters of intent will be evaluated by a committee and will be ranked according to overall best value to the airport. That ranking will establish the site selection order of preference.\r\n\r\nThe airport intends to award multiple leases. LOIs must be received by the Airports Business Manager, T. Marlene Myers, at Tracy.Myers@bcgov.net not later than 3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 21. A copy of the lease template may be obtained by contacting the Business Manager.', 'Beaufort Executive Airport ground leases available', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'beaufort-executive-airport-ground-leases-available', '', '', '2020-12-16 14:39:51', '2020-12-16 19:39:51', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47408', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47410, 4, '2020-12-16 14:41:21', '2020-12-16 19:41:21', '<strong>From staff reports</strong>\r\n\r\nBeaufort County Library System Interim Director Amanda Dickman and St. Helena Branch Library Head Librarian Maria Benac were special guests at the Rotary Club of Beaufort’s Dec. 9 luncheon as the club donated $450 to the Friends of Beaufort Library for the purchase of children’s books.\r\n\r\nDickman addressed the Rotarians and recounted the unique challenges of operating the county library system in the COVID-19 environment, knowing the importance of reading to thousands of Beaufort residents during months of staying in their homes. She cited the statistic of more than 20,000 curbside deliveries of books and other library materials during the months when all county libraries were closed to the public.\r\n\r\nDickman also spoke of the background for the County acquiring two Bookmobiles and the impact of that service over the past three years.\r\n\r\nBenac also addressed the group and expressed appreciation for the donation.\r\n\r\nThe Rotary Club of Beaufort purchases adult books for the main library and children’s books for the branch library as a thank you to each guest speaker throughout the year. The guest is asked to sign a book plate and the books are put into circulation for county residents.\r\n\r\nThe Rotary Club of Beaufort hosts “hybrid” meetings, with its members either attending in person or virtually using Zoom.\r\n\r\n<em>The Rotary Club of Beaufort recently presented a $450 check to the Friends of the Beaufort Library in support of children\'s reading services at the St. Helena Library. Pictured are Rotary President Robert Bussa, St. Helena Library Branch Manager Maria Benac, Acting Beaufort Library Director Amanda Dickman and Rotary Director of International Services Nancy Dykeman. Submitted ph</em>oto.', 'Rotary Club supports public library', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'rotary-club-supports-public-library', '', '', '2020-12-16 14:41:21', '2020-12-16 19:41:21', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47410', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47412, 4, '2020-12-16 14:42:30', '2020-12-16 19:42:30', '<strong>From staff reports</strong>\r\n\r\nWreaths Across America Beaufort will be placing Remembrance Wreaths at Beaufort National Ceremony beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19. But because of National Cemetery Association and Centers for Disease Control guidelines and restrictions, the public will not be able to be invited.\r\n\r\nThere will be no program and no ceremony this year, and volunteer groups are limited to 50 people in the cemetery at a time. All volunteer group spots have been filled.\r\n\r\nHaving passed the halfway goal in Remembrance Wreath sponsorships, current wreath sponsorship stands at more than 13,000 wreaths.\r\n\r\nThere are more than 21,000 veteran heroes buried in Beaufort National Cemetery, including 1000 children and two Congressional Medal of Honor recipients.\r\n\r\nTrucks will arrive with the Remembrance Wreaths and the traditional motorcycle escort at 10:45 a.m. If the public would like to watch the escort and arrival of the tractor trailers, they are asked to stay outside the cemetery gates.\r\n\r\nWhen the trucks enter the cemetery, boxes of wreaths will be unloaded and distributed to the volunteer groups at their locations around the cemetery.\r\n\r\nParking within the cemetery will be strictly limited. Members of the public not already approved as part of volunteer groups are asked to visit the cemetery to pay their respects in the days after the Remembrance Wreaths are placed.\r\n\r\nRemembrance Wreath retirement will be Saturday, Jan. 23.', 'Public won’t be admitted for Wreaths Across America Beaufort', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'public-wont-be-admitted-for-wreaths-across-america-beaufort', '', '', '2020-12-16 14:42:30', '2020-12-16 19:42:30', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47412', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47414, 4, '2020-12-16 14:43:19', '2020-12-16 19:43:19', '<strong>From staff reports</strong>\r\n\r\nWork on the Mossy Oaks Stormwater Project remains on schedule and on budget, according to the latest update from Col. Neal Pugliese, USMC (Ret.), the Chairman of the Mossy Oaks Multijurisdictional Drainage Task Force.\r\n\r\nBasin 1<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n(vicinity of Duck Pond)\r\n\r\nLots of progress was made this week in Basin 1 in the vicinity of Jane Way, North Royal Oaks, West Royal Oaks, Battery Creek Road, and First Blvd., including the installation of drainpipes. These new pipes, set at the correct elevation, represent a large increase in capacity and capability.\r\n\r\nThe surrounding ditches have been graded and prepared for grass seed. Two 54-inch drainage systems were installed under Battery Creek Road where it intersects with the Duck Pond.\r\n\r\nBetween Broome and Rodgers along the Spanish Moss Trail, 1,000 feet of sewage pipe has been installed. That pipe is undergoing the first of two pressure tests to measure the pipe’s ability to process waste at full capacity.\r\n\r\nAlso, work began again on the West Royal Oaks ditch. Work has been slower than usual given the very damp nature of the ditch.\r\n\r\nFinally, both BJWSA and Dominion Energy relocated their final service lines to accommodate the new drainage system.\r\n\r\nWork will soon begin in earnest to pave Battery Creek Road. With good weather and warmer temperatures, we can expect the road to be closed for about four more weeks.\r\n\r\nCrews have assembled 1,000 feet of high-pressure sewage line between Broome Lane and Rodgers. The transfer from the old service to the new service was scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 16, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.\r\n\r\nFinally, weather and soil conditions permitting, work along the ditch system between North Royal Oaks and West Royal Oaks will continue.\r\n\r\nBasin 2<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n(vicinity of Southside Park)\r\n\r\nThe project in this area is substantially complete with the contractor working on the final punch list items.\r\n\r\nThe drainage system along Battery Creek Road and Lawton Farms Road is functional and working as designed. Work on the Spanish Moss Trail in this basin is being done by another construction company and, as in Basin 1, about 1,400 feet of steel sheet pile are being driven into the Spanish Moss Trail between Riverside and Brotherhood.\r\n\r\nTo date, about 1,100 feet of steel reinforcing wall has been installed with about another 300 feet to go. Once the steel sheet wall is installe,d the tidal flap gates and drainpipes will be installed. At the current production rate, residents should expect another two weeks of steel sheet pile driving along the Spanish Moss Trail.\r\n\r\nStay informed\r\n\r\nThose affected or interested in the Mossy Oaks Project should register with the “Notify Me” application found on the City of Beaufort website (https://www.cityofbeaufort.org/list.aspx) and subscribe to the Mossy Oaks Stormwater Project updates.', 'Mossy Oaks project on time, on budget', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'mossy-oaks-project-on-time-on-budget', '', '', '2020-12-16 14:43:19', '2020-12-16 19:43:19', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47414', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47738, 4, '2021-01-11 13:57:31', '2021-01-11 18:57:31', '', 'Traxler sm', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'traxler-sm', '', '', '2021-01-11 13:57:31', '2021-01-11 18:57:31', '', 47731, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Traxler-sm.png', 0, 'attachment', 'image/png', 0),
(47418, 4, '2020-12-16 14:46:04', '2020-12-16 19:46:04', '<strong>From staff reports</strong>\r\n\r\nThe Lowcountry Council of Governments is requesting that the public review and provide comments on the final draft Hazard Mitigation Plan for Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper counties.\r\n\r\nThe 2020 Lowcountry Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan is an update of the 2015 plan and combines the four counties into one streamlined document. The plan profiles the natural hazards including historic location and past occurrence data along with identifying the mitigation actions to save lives and to prevent major property damage and other losses caused by natural disasters in the Lowcountry region.\r\n\r\nThe plan represents the jurisdictions’ commitment to reduce the risks from natural hazards as well as to serve as a guide for decision makers as they commit resources to reducing the effects of natural hazards.\r\n\r\nThe report can be viewed on the Lowcountry COG website at https://www.lowcountrycog.org. Copies are also available upon request.\r\n\r\nWritten comments on the draft will be accepted until close of business Jan. 8, 2021. Send your comments to Maleena Parkey, Lowcountry COG, P.O. Box 98, Yemassee, S.C. 29945 or via email at mparkey@lowcountrycog.org.\r\n\r\nFor additional information regarding the draft Hazard Mitigation Plan, call 843-473-3987.', 'Lowcountry Council of Governments seeks comment on hazard plan update', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'lowcountry-council-of-governments-seeks-comment-on-hazard-plan-update', '', '', '2020-12-16 14:46:04', '2020-12-16 19:46:04', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47418', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47420, 4, '2020-12-16 14:48:16', '2020-12-16 19:48:16', '<strong>PURITA R. WOLFE<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span></strong>\r\n\r\n(a.k.a. Miss Rita)\r\n\r\n“We try to treat everyone like family and everyone becomes family,” Rita Wolfe told The Island News in February.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nA whole lot of people in Beaufort – and the Philippines – lost a family member last week.\r\n\r\nPurita R. Wolfe, 64, of Beaufort and wife of Mark Wolfe, died Friday, Dec. 11, 2020 at Beaufort Memorial Hospital.\r\n\r\nPurita was born in Marikina, Philippines and was the daughter of Milagros Reyes Santos and the late Isaac Santos. She was co-owner, with her husband, of the Fillin’ Station, Lady’s Island, for 22 years before selling the business earlier this year.\r\n\r\nRita Wolfe could be seen six days a week working with her husband behind the bar and in the kitchen at the Fillin’ Station. On special occasions, she would hand make lumpia egg rolls, usually for free, for the crowd.\r\n\r\nEvery year, the couple would return to Rita’s hometown and take enough food to feed 100 Families. They handed out bags of food and supplies to the poorest people they could find so, as Rita said, “At least for one day they could eat good.”\r\n\r\nBurial will be held at a later date at Loyola Memorial Park, Marikina, Philippines.\r\n\r\n– Mike McCombs', 'OBITUARY', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'obituary-9', '', '', '2020-12-16 14:48:16', '2020-12-16 19:48:16', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47420', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47422, 4, '2020-12-16 14:49:49', '2020-12-16 19:49:49', 'Beaufort’s Andrea Ogiony used a telephoto lens so as not to get too close to this mama alligator and her babies at a pond in Habersham. To submit a Lowcountry Life photo, you must be the photographer or have permission to submit the photo to be published in The Island News. Please submit high-resolution photos and include a description and/or names of the people in the picture and the name of the photographer. Email your photos to theislandnews@gmail.com.', 'LOWCOUNTRY LIFE', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'lowcountry-life-139', '', '', '2020-12-16 14:49:49', '2020-12-16 19:49:49', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47422', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47425, 4, '2020-12-16 14:55:58', '2020-12-16 19:55:58', '<strong>By Mindy Lucas</strong>\r\n\r\nPlanners for the Whitehall development project went back before the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) on Monday, Dec. 14 with a revised development plan, and this time their proposal was approved.\r\n\r\nIn a unanimous vote held at the MPC’s regular meeting Monday night, members gave their stamp of approval to a revised plan that featured significantly less density on the Lady’s Island property.\r\n\r\nThe developer’s previous plan was denied by the commission in September after some members called into question whether the site plan reflected the intent of the county’s zoning code.\r\n\r\nIn an apparent effort to go “back to the drawing board” planners had reworked site plans to include what developers and commission members estimated to be about 20-25 percent less density in terms of buildings.\r\n\r\nResidential space now includes single family lots and townhomes as opposed to the larger scale apartment buildings the previous plan featured. Zoned for mixed use, the plan still includes some space for businesses or other commercial uses.\r\n\r\nWhile access points remained the same, roads within the development&nbsp;were reworked slightly with a road off Harbor View Circle now connecting to other roads in the development.\r\n\r\nSome residents commenting at the public meeting voiced concerns that this would allow drivers to cut through the Harbor View Circle neighborhood, but overall, seemed in favor of the changes.\r\n\r\n“By far this is the best Whitehall plan to date,” said one resident from the neighborhood.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_47341\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"401\"]<a href=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Whitehall-revised-plans-Dec-14.png\"><img class=\"wp-image-47341 \" src=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Whitehall-revised-plans-Dec-14-1024x646.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"401\" height=\"253\"></a> Whitehall revised plans as of December 14 (Top of page: earlier sketch plan)[/caption]\r\n\r\nOne of the most vocal critics of the developer’s previous plan at previous meetings, commission member Judy Alling, praised the new plan.\r\n\r\n“This is what I believe the community was hoping for,” she said. “I believe it will meet most of their needs.”\r\n\r\nThe revised plan also received approval from area conservation groups which had objected to previous plans.\r\n\r\n“While not perfect, the plans represent a critical step in the right direction,” said Jessie White, South Coast Office Director with the Coastal Conservation League. “This new plan reflects significant improvement over prior drafts, and we’re encouraged because it better exhibits sensitivity to both the character and sustainable long-term growth for Lady’s Island and City of Beaufort.”\r\n\r\nStill, some residents and commission members raised concerns over the need for a traffic light at Sea Island Parkway (U.S. Highway 21) and Meridian Drive, concerns that have been ongoing since the project was first proposed.\r\n\r\n“I still think that is the proper location for a traffic signal, and I still think it’s going to be problematic because traffic is already problematic along Sea Island Parkway and it’s going to get worse with any amount of development that goes here,” commission member Bill Bardenwerper said.\r\n\r\nHowever, approval of a traffic light is ultimately in the hands of the South Carolina Department of Transportation, Commission Chairman Mike Tomy reminded those who called in.\r\n\r\n“They’ll be making a determination whether there is a traffic light there or not,” he said.\r\n\r\nWhile DOT does not historically commit to traffic lights unless traffic volumes warrant their construction, engineers at previous meetings have indicated it is highly likely those volumes would be met once the development is built.\r\n\r\nA traffic light at Meridian is also being considered as part of the Beaufort High School access realignment project, part of a group of projects that is being funded by the 1 percent sales tax increase approved by Beaufort County voters in 2018.\r\n\r\nBeaufort County purchased the other half of the original Whitehall site, or remaining 10 acres, in 2018 and has since moved forward with plans to develop a public park which will front the development and overlook the Beaufort River.\r\n\r\nRelated stories: <a href=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/whitehall-subdivision-plan-rejected/\">Whitehall subdivision plan rejected</a>', 'Planning Commission greenlights Whitehall development plan', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'planning-commission-greenlights-whitehall-development-plan', '', '', '2020-12-16 15:59:26', '2020-12-16 20:59:26', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47425', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47427, 4, '2020-12-16 15:01:56', '2020-12-16 20:01:56', '<strong>By LOLITA HUCKABY&nbsp;</strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/lolita.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-44839 alignleft\" src=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/lolita-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"136\" height=\"181\"></a><strong>It\'s Back!</strong>\r\n<strong>Country Council approves return of mask ordinance</strong>\r\n\r\nBEAUFORT<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;–&nbsp;</span>A mask ordinance for the unincorporated areas of Beaufort County is back in place.\r\n\r\nA majority of County Council on Monday night approved the emergency ordinance to continue the restrictions they let lapse in October. Monday night\'s swing vote came from Councilman Stu Rodman who in October felt like citizens could handle the matter themselves.\r\n\r\nEven the three council members who voted against the ordinance – Brian Flewelling, Chris Hervochon and Mike Covert, who was attending his final council meeting – said they personally wear masks but felt a mandate was not necessary.\r\n\r\nThe county will join all the other local municipalities in mandating mask wearing in public places. Only Hardeeville, which is partially in Beaufort County, does not have a mask ordinance.\r\n\r\nThe county ordinance, like the other municipal ordinances, will remain in place until Gov. Henry McMaster lifts the state\'s emergency ordinance.\r\n\r\nThe local ordinances have been in place since July, with penalties. To date, no law enforcement agencies have reported writing any tickets or warnings.\r\n\r\n<strong>Farewell and good wishes</strong>\r\n\r\nBEAUFORT – Beaufort County Council, besides quickly dealing with the mask ordinance, said farewell to several folks who are leaving at the end of the year.\r\n\r\nCouncilman Mike Covert of Bluffton, who has served for three years on council, said his farewell after opting not to seek another term. He promised his colleagues he’d “be back” in two years. But he did not say where.\r\n\r\nAmong the county<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>employees handing over their keys is Coroner Ed Allen who, after 33 years with the county, first as EMS Director then as the elected coroner for 12 years, also opted not to run again. His successor David Ott will take office in January\r\n\r\nAllen said his family insisted it was “time for him to come home,” which is Lady’s Island. Allen said he was ready.\r\n\r\n<strong>McMaster\'s plan to give COVID relief to private schools rejected</strong>\r\n\r\nBEAUFORT – In case you missed it, Gov. Henry D. McMaster\'s plan to give federal COVID-19 relief funds to private schools took another beating last week, this time from the S.C. Supreme Court.\r\n\r\nA lower court had already ruled in October that the Governor\'s plan to direct $32 million to private K-12 schools to provide financial aid for enrolled low and moderate-income students.\r\n\r\nThe court agreed with critics that the federal dollars should go to public education and could not be spent in private schools.\r\n\r\nThe state has to agree on how to spend the CARES funds by the end of the year or risk losing those dollars.\r\n\r\nThat clock is ticking.\r\n\r\n<strong>Black Chamber of Commerce holds onto Accommodations Tax allocations</strong>\r\n\r\nBEAUFORT – A lawsuit against the Beaufort County Black Chamber of Commerce almost sidetracked a $32,000 allocation from the County Council this week.\r\n\r\nAccording to reports in The Beaufort Gazette, the suit was filed by a group of BCBCC board members who contend President Larry Holman has refused to share financial reports with the group and may be endangering the tax exempt status of the organization.\r\n\r\nCounty Council\'s Finance Committee was reviewing allocations of the state accommodations tax revenues when it was pointed out $32,000 initially recommended for the chamber were no longer on the distribution list.\r\n\r\nBecause of questions raised in the lawsuit about the legitimacy of the chamber board, financial staff had turned to the committee for advice on how to proceed.\r\n\r\nThe committee, followed later in the evening by the County Council, agreed the dollars should be held in escrow for the BCBCC until the legal issues are cleared.\r\n\r\n\"Let\'s not make this into a mess for ourselves,\" Councilman York Glover, a member of the committee, said.\r\n\r\n<strong>Plans inch forward but no opening date yet for Harris Teeter</strong>\r\n\r\nLADY’S ISLAND – Plans for that Harris Teeter store inched forward last week with approval from the city\'s Design Review Board for exterior design of the grocery and adjoining convenience store.\r\n\r\nThe two buildings, on the corner of Sam’s Point Road and Sea Island Parkway, will occupy the lot formerly occupied by Publix, before it moved across the street in 2016.\r\n\r\nAn inquiry to the Harris Teeter corporate offices in Matthews, N.C., indicated they have no timetable to announce for their opening.\r\n\r\nAcross the Beaufort River, on the west side of town, plans are also moving forward on the new Wendy\'s planned for the corner of Trask Road and Boundary Street. City officials last month announced plans to purchase the existing Wendy\'s, further east, as part of the Boundary Street redevelopment project.\r\n\r\nRepresentatives of the fast-food franchise told the DRB they hope to come in for final approval of plans by the January board meeting.\r\n\r\n<em>Lolita Huckaby Watson is a community volunteer and a former reporter/editorial assistant with The Beaufort Gazette, The Savannah Morning News, Bluffton Today and Beaufort Today. She can be reached at bftbay@gmail.com.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRelated stories:&nbsp;<a href=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/allen-moving-on/\">Longtime Beaufort County Coroner set to retire</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/plan-for-ladys-island-harris-teeter-continues-to-move-forward/\">Plan for Lady’s Island Harris Teeter continues to move forward</a>', 'LOWCOUNTRY LOWDOWN', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'lowcountry-lowdown-23', '', '', '2020-12-16 17:26:07', '2020-12-16 22:26:07', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47427', 0, 'post', '', 0),
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(47590, 4, '2020-12-30 13:50:26', '2020-12-30 18:50:26', '', '03-weights', 'Exercising helps Elyse Hanna clear her head and focus on herself. Experts at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center say, rather than adding more stress to your life with the pressure of a big New Year’s resolution, focus on what makes you happy and give yourself a much-needed break in 2021.', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '03-weights', '', '', '2020-12-30 13:50:26', '2020-12-30 18:50:26', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/03-weights.jpg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
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(47593, 4, '2020-12-30 13:52:59', '2020-12-30 18:52:59', '', 'Charlie Company Haircuts', 'Gunnery Sgt. Matthew Dike, the lead instructor for the Senior Drill Instructor Course, poses for a photo on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island S.C., Dec. 9, 2020. The Senior Drill Instructor Course is required for all drill instructors to become senior drill instructors on Parris Island. (U.S. Marine Corps (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Hageali)', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'charlie-company-haircuts', '', '', '2020-12-30 13:52:59', '2020-12-30 18:52:59', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/6457084.jpg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47594, 4, '2020-12-30 16:58:38', '2020-12-30 21:58:38', '<strong>By Scott Graber</strong>\r\n\r\nIt is Saturday morning, early, and I’m in Port Royal where it is raining.\r\n\r\nThis morning I’ve got my coffee, Chock Full o’ Nuts, and a cranberry scone — the scone actually baked by me several days ago. Today being Saturday, I’m without a newspaper — and though news stories can be retrieved from the laptop, which I’m now using, am reluctant to clutter-up my sleep-laundered brain.\r\n\r\nPerhaps I’ll read.\r\n\r\nSomewhere along the line, perhaps when I was 16 or 17, I wandered into a library and picked-up a novel written by Nevil Shute entitled “Trustee from the Toolroom.”\r\n\r\nI don’t understand how this happened because previous trips to this small, underused hospital library usually involved looking through large photographic folios chock full of photographs of German soldiers ransacking Warsaw or bedraggled American soldiers on the 38th Parallel. These folios, and 25-cent hamburgers at the nearby hospital cafeteria, were my motivation in those long-gone days.\r\n\r\n“Trustee from the Toolroom” is a story about an underachiever who is given a job well beyond his pay grade. This task sends a quiet, contemplative man on a quest to the South Pacific where he recovers a small inheritance that enables him to raise his dead sister’s child.\r\n\r\n“Trustee from the Toolroom” captured my imagination, leading me like a Sidewinder heat-seeking missile to other writers of fiction.\r\n\r\nTwenty years later I stumbled upon Shirley Hazzard and her novel “Transit of Venus” — a novel that compelled me to read everything else this woman had written including, “The Great Fire.” In November of this year, I was delighted to see that the New Yorker had done a retrospective profile on Shirley Hazzard and her writing.\r\n\r\n“The Transit of Venus” articulates the values by which it seeks to be judged; one character is praised for having a “meticulous voice from another century”; a second for his “fidelity to unfashionable ideals.” A book within the book passes the ultimate test – “Open at any page and find truth, like the Bible.”\r\n\r\nWhen I was 16, sitting in the Landstuhl Army Hospital library, I wasn’t seeking truth; I just wanted an escape from what I perceived to be an oppressive, boring life. I didn’t know that throughout “Trustee for the Toolroom” I was getting a subtle set of “truths” – a syllabus of ideas and values. And I was getting these things without a lecture from an adult.\r\n\r\nCharacters seduce, wed, widow. They betray and grant mercy. They break one another’s hearts and attempt to mend them only after it’s too late. Beliefs espoused in youth gain dramatic irony from the vantage of old age. Life altering events are revealed in in offhand comments or clause-long slips into the future tense.\r\n\r\nNor did I realize, back in Landstuhl, that I was getting a cast of characters who would “seduce, wed, widow.” As I read my novel, “Trustee,” I found I was drawn to the quiet, self-effacing protagonist; disliked his egotistical brother in law; and admired the fact that this settled, unremarkable man would leave the world he knew and risk his safety for his dead sister’s child.\r\n\r\nFew other 20th-century authors dared the audacity of Hazzard’s melodrama. The sense of destiny that shrouds her characters gives them — and, by some transitive property, the reader — an archaic grandeur of feeling. Perhaps you really are fated to live where and when you do, surrounded by secret heroes and villains. Perhaps you really were meant to have fallen in love with that person and to have had him cleaved from you on the exact date that he was.\r\n\r\nI don’t know if I felt a “sense of destiny” as I sat in that small library (discretely eating my cheeseburger) but I think I thought, “If this bland, nondescript man can have a great adventure in life, maybe I can also have that adventure.” I only know that I was inspired by the success of the character that I then inhabited.\r\n\r\nI wanted to live his life.\r\n\r\nAs I finished-up the Shirley Hazzard profile, I decided I really liked the writer’s prose, so I turned back to the first page and discovered that the piece was written by Alice Gregory.\r\n\r\nMany years ago I had helped move a historic house across town to the Point where it was bought by Noel Seeburg. Noel and I thereafter became friends and eventually I befriended his daugher, Vandy.\r\n\r\nThen, many years later Vandy and her husband, Michael Gregory, gave us Alice Gregory.\r\n\r\n<em>Scott Graber is a lawyer, novelist, veteran columnist and longtime resident of Port Royal. He can be reached at cscottgraber@gmail.com.</em>', '‘Open at any page and find truth’', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'open-at-any-page-and-find-truth', '', '', '2020-12-30 16:58:38', '2020-12-30 21:58:38', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47594', 0, 'post', '', 0);
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(47596, 4, '2020-12-30 17:03:30', '2020-12-30 22:03:30', '<strong>By Larry Dandridge</strong>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Larry-Dandridge.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-46908 alignleft\" src=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Larry-Dandridge-780x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"112\" height=\"147\"></a>Military members and their families have, at times, been exposed to HAZMAT. Veterans and their dependents can find out if they may be eligible for disability compensation and other VA benefits for illnesses and conditions, caused by contact with hazardous materials, while they were serving. For help in determining eligibility read the information at https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nBelow is a list of some of the instances of Vets and their families HAZMAT exposure.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nCamp Lejeune Contaminated Drinking Water. If you served at Camp Lejeune or MCAS New River between August 1953 - December 1987, you may be at risk for certain illnesses caused by contaminants in the drinking water during that time. Read the information at: https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility//hazardous-materials-exposure/camp-lejeune-water-contamination/.\r\n\r\nSpecific Environmental Hazards. If you served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Djibouti, or near Atsugi, Japan, you may have had contact with toxic chemicals in the air, water, or soil. Burn pits, sulfur fires, and waste generator pollutants. See: https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility//hazardous-materials-exposure/specific-environmental-hazards/.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nGulf War and Afghanistan Illness. If you served in the Southwest Asia or Afghanistan, you may be at risk of certain illnesses linked to this region. See: https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility//hazardous-materials-exposure/gulf-war-illness-southwest-asia/ and …. exposure/gulf-war-illness-afghanistan/.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nAgent Orange. If you served in Vietnam or in or near the Korean Demilitarized Zone or at a U.S. Army installation in Thailand or a Royal Thai AFB base during the Vietnam Era or in certain related jobs, you may have had contact with the herbicide, Agent Orange. Contact the VA for a free Agent Orange Registry health exam and read the information at https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/health-isues-related-to-service-era/vietnam-war/.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nAsbestos. If you worked in certain military jobs, you may have had contact with asbestos (toxic fibers). If you served in Iraq or other countries in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, you may have had contact with asbestos when old buildings got damaged, releasing toxic chemicals into the air. Or, you may have had contact with asbestos if you worked in certain jobs or settings, like shipyards or vehicle repair. If you worked in jobs with certain HAZMAT, talk to your doctor about getting tested for illnesses that affect your lungs. See https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/asbestos/ .\r\n\r\nBirth Defects Like Spina Bifida. If you served in Vietnam, in Thailand, or in or near the DMZ during the Vietnam Era, and your child has spina bifida or certain other birth defects, your child may be eligible for disability benefits. See https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/special-claims/birth-defects .\r\n\r\nMustard gas or lewisite. If you served in the German bombing of Bari, Italy, in WWII or worked in certain jobs, you may have had contact with mustard gas. See https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/mustard-gas-lewisite/ .\r\n\r\nProject 112/SHAD. If you were part of warfare testing for Projects 112 or Shipboard Hazard and Defense (SHAD) from 1962 to 1974, you may be at risk of illnesses caused by chemical testing. See: https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/project-42-shad/ .<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nRadiation Exposure. If you served in the post WWII occupation of Hiroshima or Nagasaki, were imprisoned in Japan, worked with or near nuclear weapons testing, or served at a gaseous diffusion plant or in certain other jobs, you may be at risk for illnesses believed to be caused by radiation. See: https://www.va.gov/disability/eligibility/hazardous-materials-exposure/ionizing-radiation/.\r\n\r\nChemical and Bio Testing. If you volunteered for medical research for chemical - biological programs between 1942 - 1945, you can get medical care through the US Army if you have an illness or injury caused by participation. Visit https;//armymedicine.health.mil/CBTP or call 800-984-8523 for more information.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nFiling a claim can be complicated and confusing, therefore using a VSO, other certified adviser, your VA Regional Office, or by calling 800-827-1000 is always smart. SC County Vet Affairs Offices contact information is at https://scdva.sc.gov/county-veterans-affairs-offices . To file a claim, follow the instructions at https://www.va.gov/disability/how-to-file-claim/.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nThe Island News articles on Veterans and their benefits are meant to encourage Vets and their families to learn what their benefits are and file claims for those benefits. These articles are not a substitute for the advice of a VSO, other trained professional advisors, or a Vets Benefits Regional Office or the information published by the VA.\r\n\r\n<em>Larry Dandridge is a patient at the RHJ VA Medical Center; an Army ex-Enlisted Infantryman, Ex-Warrant Officer Combat Pilot, and retired Lt. Colonel; a past Veterans Service Officer; a volunteer Patient Adviser at the RHJ VA Medical Center; the Fisher House Charleston volunteer Good Will Ambassador; the volunteer VP for Veteran Affairs for the Coastal Carolina Association of the US Army (AUSA) Chapter; the Author of the award winning BLADES OF THUNDER (Book One); the CEO of TVV Publishing LLC; a past Aerospace Company Regional Manager; the Founder of CLC Hospice LLC; a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt; a Motivational Speaker; a past University Business, Aeronautics, Military Science, and Writing Instructor; and a contributing writer for the Lowcountry Weekly &amp; Island News. You can reach Larry at LDandridge@earthlink.net.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span></em>', 'Are you eligible for VA Disability Compensation and other benefits for illnesses - conditions caused by hazardous materials (HAZMAT)?', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'are-you-eligible-for-va-disability-compensation-and-other-benefits-for-illnesses-conditions-caused-by-hazardous-materials-hazmat', '', '', '2020-12-30 17:03:30', '2020-12-30 22:03:30', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47596', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47599, 4, '2020-12-30 17:10:23', '2020-12-30 22:10:23', '<strong>By Lance Cpl. Samuel Fletcher, USMC</strong>\r\n\r\nGunnery Sgt. Matthew Dike, the lead instructor for the Senior Drill Instructor Course, poses for a photo Dec. 9 on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. The Senior Drill Instructor Course is required for all drill instructors to become senior drill instructors on Parris Island. Photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Hageali, USMC.\r\n\r\nOn Dec. 15, 2020, Staff Sgt. Andy Archer with Mike Company, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion, saved a recruit’s life at the chow hall on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Archer said while supervising his platoon at the chow hall, a recruit walked up to him visibly in distress. Archer realized the severity of the situation and acted quickly.\r\n\r\n“We were at noon chow and I was watching the platoon like a normal day,” Archer said. “Out of nowhere a recruit walked up, and his face was red. I performed the Heimlich maneuver and after the third pump (I was able to dislodge the food). I looked at him and made sure he was alright. Once I realized he was OK, I told him to finish eating.”\r\n\r\nArcher, like all drill instructors, are CPR certified at Drill Instructor School and must requalify every two years to ensure they are capable of providing life saving measures for recruits if needed.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\n<em>Above:</em>&nbsp;<em>Gunnery Sgt. Matthew Dike, the lead instructor for the Senior Drill Instructor Course, poses for a photo Dec. 9 on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. The Senior Drill Instructor Course is required for all drill instructors to become senior drill instructors on Parris Island. Photo by Lance Cpl. Ryan Hageali, USMC.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'USMC LIFESAVER: Gunnery Sgt. Matthew Dike', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'usmc-lifesaver-gunnery-sgt-matthew-dike', '', '', '2020-12-30 17:10:23', '2020-12-30 22:10:23', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47599', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47601, 4, '2020-12-30 17:11:17', '2020-12-30 22:11:17', '<strong>All-Lowco Football Team to be<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>announced Sunday</strong>\r\n\r\nLowcoSports will announce its 2020 All-Lowco Football Teams live on Facebook on Sunday night.\r\n\r\nFor the first time, LowcoSports will honor the top football stars in Beaufort and Jasper counties with separate All-Lowco Teams for SCHSL schools and SCISA schools, as well as an honorable mention list.\r\n\r\nSpecial awards will include the Coach of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year for both SCHSL and SCISA.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nThe team will be announced during a live broadcast of the LowcoSports Lowdown podcast streamed on Facebook Live beginning at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 3.\r\n\r\nLocal businesses can become a supporting sponsor of the All-Lowco Football Teams for $200 and receive marketing benefits including a logo and weblink on the All-Lowco Team page, as well as mentions on social media and during the live broadcast. Email LowcoSports@gmail.com for information.\r\n\r\n<strong>BA girls drop<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>tourney opener</strong>\r\n\r\nBeaufort Academy’s girls returned to action Monday with a 49-37 loss to Palmetto Christian in the Carolina Invitational.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>\r\n\r\nMike’Ala Washington scored 14 points, Tahleea Heyward added 11, and Chase Vaigneur had six for the Eagles.\r\n\r\nBA (4-4) was back in action at the tournament Tuesday.', 'SPORTS BRIEFS', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'sports-briefs-24', '', '', '2020-12-30 17:11:17', '2020-12-30 22:11:17', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47601', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47603, 4, '2020-12-30 17:12:09', '2020-12-30 22:12:09', '<strong>LowcoSports.com</strong>\r\n\r\nThe honors continue to roll in for Hilton Head High’s Class 4A state champion volleyball team, which swept the superlative awards and placed five players on the All-Region 7-4A team released this week.\r\n\r\nSeahawk star Ady O’Grady was named the Player of the Year, and Garret Talarczyk took Coach of the Year honors, while HHIHS stars Kenzie Ryan, Ava Edri, McKenna Mason, and Lily Edri joined O’Grady on the all-region team.\r\n\r\nMay River’s Addison Black and Gabby Boegel also made the all-region list, along with Beaufort High’s Hannah Merchant.\r\n\r\n<strong>2020 All-Region 7-4A<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">&nbsp;</span>Volleyball</strong>\r\n\r\nCoach of the Year: Garret Talarczyk, Hilton Head High\r\n\r\nRunner of the Year: Ady O’Grady, Hilton Head High\r\n\r\n<strong>All-Region Team</strong>\r\n\r\nAdy O’Grady, Hilton Head High\r\n\r\nKenzie Ryan, Hilton Head High\r\n\r\nKatie Tillman, James Island\r\n\r\nAddison Black, May River\r\n\r\nHannah Merchant, Beaufort\r\n\r\nAva Edri, Hilton Head High\r\n\r\nMcKenna Mason, Hilton Head High\r\n\r\nGabby Boegel, May River\r\n\r\nLily Edri, Hilton Head High\r\n\r\nRayna Gilbert, James Island', 'State champ Seahawks headline all-region honors', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'state-champ-seahawks-headline-all-region-honors', '', '', '2020-12-30 17:12:09', '2020-12-30 22:12:09', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47603', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47605, 4, '2020-12-30 17:13:56', '2020-12-30 22:13:56', '<strong>LowcoSports.com</strong>\r\n\r\nRunners from May River and Beaufort High dotted the All-Region 7-4A cross country teams, with runners from Hilton Head High and Bluffton also earned all-region honors.\r\n\r\nMay River’s Katherine Rosenblum was named the boys coach of the year, and the Region 7-4A champion Sharks placed five runners on the all-region team. Beaufort also had five all-region runners, including Runner of the Year Nash Mills. Bluffton and Hilton Head High each had one representative.\r\n\r\nClass 4A state champion James Island swept the superlative honors on the girls side, with David Lee earning Coach of the Year honors and state champion Hannah Vroon named Runner of the Year.\r\n\r\nFour Bluffton runners landed on the all-region team, along with three runners from May River, and two from Beaufort. Hilton Head High’s girls placed second at the state meet but did not compete during the region season.\r\n\r\n<strong>2020 All-Region 7-4A Cross Country</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>BOYS</strong>\r\n\r\nCoach of the Year: Katherine Rosenblum, May River\r\n\r\nRunner of the Year: Nash Mills, Beaufort\r\n\r\nAll-Region Team\r\n\r\nNash Mills, Beaufort\r\n\r\nColin Keck, May River\r\n\r\nReid Vonrosenberg, Lucy Beckham\r\n\r\nArmando Macias Jimenez, Bluffton\r\n\r\nConnor Eby, Beaufort\r\n\r\nJaxon Beebe, May River\r\n\r\nMills Campbell, May River\r\n\r\nSean Hamby, May River\r\n\r\nHudson Graham, James Island\r\n\r\nNick Gariti, Hilton Head\r\n\r\nKai Evans, James Island\r\n\r\nGavin Moore, Beaufort\r\n\r\nMarlon Belden, Beaufort\r\n\r\nCohen MacDonald, May River\r\n\r\nJoseph Patterson, Beaufort\r\n\r\n<strong>GIRLS</strong>\r\n\r\nCoach of the Year: David Lee, James Island\r\n\r\nRunner of the Year: Hannah Vroon, James Island\r\n\r\nAll-Region Team\r\n\r\nHannah Vroon, James Island\r\n\r\nAnya Arroyo, May River\r\n\r\nCharlize Antia, Beaufort\r\n\r\nAmelia Carson, James Island\r\n\r\nAva Gerschutz, Bluffton\r\n\r\nKirra Borg, James Island\r\n\r\nCaroline Stickler, May River\r\n\r\nVicky Sosa, May River\r\n\r\nAubrey Sampson, Bluffton\r\n\r\nAnna Brown, Beaufort\r\n\r\nPenelope Roman, Bluffton\r\n\r\nKaitlyn McDonagh, Bluffton\r\n\r\nAllison Kammer, Lucy Beckham\r\n\r\nAvery Belk, James Island\r\n\r\nMK Huddleston, James Island', 'Sharks, Eagles head up All-Region 7-4A honorees', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'sharks-eagles-head-up-all-region-7-4a-honorees', '', '', '2020-12-30 17:13:56', '2020-12-30 22:13:56', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47605', 0, 'post', '', 0);
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(47435, 4, '2020-12-16 16:18:05', '2020-12-16 21:18:05', 'By Mindy Lucas\r\n\r\nBeaufort business owner and former city councilman Stephen Murray was sworn into office on Dec. 8 as the city’s first mayor in 12 years.\r\n\r\nWhile Murray is one of the youngest mayors the city has had in decades, politics and civic engagement weren’t always top of mind for the 39-year-old.\r\n\r\nThanks to a drama teacher at Beaufort High School, Murray was “bit by the theater bug” and as a result found his way into business at an early age.\r\n\r\nOver the years, he has started and managed several successful business ventures and currently runs Kazoobie Kazoos and New South Shirts. He and wife, Melissa Murray, Beaufort County School District’s PK-12 Director of Literacy, have twin girls.\r\n\r\nAs the city’s new mayor, Murray will be coming in at a time of increased growth and development, tension between developers and historic and environmental preservationists and a global pandemic that has affected Americans everywhere.\r\n\r\n<em>The Island News</em> recently talked with Murray by phone, just before his swearing in, on these and other issues and his goals as mayor.\r\n\r\n<strong>TIN: How did you get your start in business. Where did you get your drive to be self employed and basically a self-made business owner?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>&nbsp;</strong><strong>Murray:</strong> When I was a freshman at Beaufort High School, I had to pick an elective. I decided it was theater or studio art. At the time I figured theater I could B.S. my way through, but studio art I’d have to produce tangible work, and I wasn’t that good of an artist.\r\n\r\nSo I picked theater, and Tim Brown was my instructor. It was his, I think, first year of teaching. He was just out of college and organized a trip to New York (City) that fall. So I was fortunate enough to go on that trip and got to go to Broadway. I was about 14 at the time and just got bit by the theater bug. Just the whole, the production of it all really struck me.\r\n\r\nSo I came back to Beaufort and really got involved in the theater program thanks to Mr. Brown. I had an opportunity at the time, as a job, to run the sound board for The Shed Center for the Arts. I think I made about $15 an hour at the time, while my buddies were bagging groceries at the Piggly Wiggly for minimum wage. I thought I had died and gone to heaven.\r\n\r\nBut that sort of turned into the ‘90s. The mid ‘90s was a really exciting time for live performance in Beaufort. We had several dance companies in town both for the young and adults. Byrne Miller Dance company was bringing travelling professional troupes to Beaufort. Southern Circuit Film Series happened a couple of times a year. The Hallelujah Singers was very active at the time with Marlena Smalls and Anita Prather.\r\n\r\nSo it was exciting because I was able to stay pretty busy all through high school and made really good money doing sound and lighting and technical direction and setting up some of these travelling shows as a technical director.\r\n\r\nAnd so I thought, I couldn’t get paid to act, even though that was kind of one of my passions, but I could get paid to be in the theater on the technical side of things, and I enjoyed that almost as much.\r\n\r\nSo I was making pretty good money and had pretty stable work as I graduated high school here in Beaufort. I was making probably $20 plus an hour for most of my jobs. So I decided to go to college just because that was what was expected, but I didn’t necessarily enjoy it, and I was really called into the work, and I wanted to travel.\r\n\r\nSo the thing about this is it was ’99, so the internet was just kind of really getting going. There’s a website called playbill.com that has a theater classified section, and so I applied for a job as a production manager in a touring children’s show.\r\n\r\nThat’s how I met Rick Hubbard who is the king of Kazoo. So I toured with him for about a year on the road.\r\n\r\n<strong>TIN: If he was the king of kazoo, what was he doing on the road?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Murray:</strong> (Hubbard) was a performer and a singer and entertainer for a number of years.\r\n\r\nI don’t know if you remember, there was a Fox Kids Club. They had these affiliates all over the country and each Fox affiliate had a Kids Club host. And so in the afternoon when you came home from school, you had Duck Tales and Tale Spin and a bunch of different cartoons and during the commercial break they would have this host who would come out and teach you some life lesson.\r\n\r\n…And so Rick was the Kids Club host. He sort of turned that local celebrity into a travelling show. He did two: one for family festivals all over the country and theaters and outdoor events and then he had a kids’ show in schools called “Who Can Do It? I can.”\r\n\r\nIt was a motivational live interactive performance for elementary school-age kids. …Throughout the show he gave away kazoos. He was giving away 30 or 40,000 kazoos a year and had turned it into a real business. He’s played Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center, 40,000-person kazoo bands and Cincinnati with Weird Al Yankovic.\r\n\r\nSo in 1997, he bought kazoos.com. (Hubbard) is kind of a techno-geek. So he bought that and opened an e-commerce website and when I say e-commerce, it was essentially a single page.\r\n\r\n…Overtime though, up to about 2000, he kept building the site and after spending a year on the road with him, I decided I didn’t want to live out of a suitcase anymore. The road life isn’t nearly as glamorous as you see on TV.\r\n\r\nSo he was complaining about the kazoo business, the few customers that they had a week, and I had dabbled a little bit in computers and had offered to take it over. At this point it was just a retailer. We bought kazoos from other manufacturers and resold them online.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_19831\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"1020\"]<a href=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/DSC02657.jpg\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-19831\" src=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/DSC02657-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"1020\" height=\"679\"></a> After a four-person race for two positions on the Beaufort City Council, Stephen Murray, right, celebrates Tuesday, Nov. 4, with his wife Melissa and a crowd of supporters after winning a seat. The second seat was filled by Phil Cromer. Photo by Eric Smith.[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>TIN: So that’s how you got your first business?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Murray:</strong> Before that, I had my little theater company and had employees that helped me with doing lights and sound setup and that was my first business. And like a lot of 14-year-olds, I had a lawn care business with maybe 20 or so frequent clients, and I had a carpet cleaning business after that.\r\n\r\n<strong>TIN: Sounds like you were already well on your way to being an entrepreneur or self-made business owner by the time you were a young adult.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Murray:</strong> Yeah, so I ran the business for Rick for about a year, and the manufacturer up in Michigan, because of offshore competition, lost about 60% of his business overnight and decided he was going to get out of the business and sell off all the assets. So he called us and said he was going to have to close his shop.\r\n\r\nI was 19 years old at the time and Rick, in hindsight it’s kind of crazy, but he flew me to Detroit to look at the operations. I came back to Beaufort and said, ‘Kazoos! Looks super easy. We should buy it.’\r\n\r\nSo he got together with a partner and bought all the assets, and we moved the business to Hilton Head Island. So kind of overnight we became manufacturers and had no idea what we were doing. Rick and the partner essentially just let me run the business because they both had other jobs.\r\n\r\nOver the course over the next few years, we figured out had to make kazoos and ended up taking it to Tampa, Florida for about seven or eight years. Almost a decade ago, I guess, I bought both partners out and became sole owner of the business.\r\n\r\nWe moved back in ’09. The business was growing and we needed a larger location, and Melissa and I decided we wanted to start a family.\r\n\r\n<strong>Is New South Shirts a recent business?</strong>\r\n\r\nWhile we were in Florida, we had a carpet cleaning business, we did kazoos, I worked on a paint crew for awhile, I did kitchen and bathroom remodeling with a friend of mine. Then we had a tutoring business …so Melissa and I had a tutoring business for three years, 40 employees, four different sites.\r\n\r\nWhen we moved back to Beaufort, we closed the tutoring business, and I had some profits from that business that we needed to do something with.\r\n\r\nI kind of fell in love with the technology of the T-shirts, and we had some extra space in the factory we were trying to fill, so in 2010 we just celebrated ten years in the kazoo business and in 2010 I started New South Shirts.\r\n\r\n<strong>TIN: When you say you fell in love with the technology of T-shirts, is there something interesting to that, that people don’t know about?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Murray:</strong> New South is a digital printer. These digital apparel printers are kind of like an oversized inkjet printer like you’d see at your house except they are designed to print right on the shirt.\r\n\r\nI always thought the technology of being able to print with no set up charges, no set ups, to be able to print on demand, like right on one garment in high resolution and high quality, is really kind of intriguing to me.\r\n\r\nWe’ve expanded since then. We do embroidery and silk screening, but the business started just because no one in Beaufort was offering that kind of technology, and I thought it would be kind of fun to try to build a business around it.\r\n\r\n<strong>TIN: How is that going?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Murray:</strong> We were doing pretty good until COVID hit. But we just celebrated ten years and have three employees.\r\n\r\n<strong>TIN: How did those skills in business and other work translate into public service or do you see that as separate from public service?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>&nbsp;</strong><strong>Murray:</strong> So growing up, I had a dad who was in small business most of my life, so I liked the sort of freedom and flexibility that I saw that he had.\r\n\r\nConversely, I had a mom who worked 60 plus hours in corporate America and missed a lot of things because she had to work, and I could tell that she was kind of miserable about it.\r\n\r\nI didn’t come from a family of wealth, and so I think I also realized that if I wanted to acquire wealth and build economic security, I was going to have to do that on my own and find my own destiny.\r\n\r\nSo those two things kind of are what got me wanting to create my own enterprises. I tend to be Type A (personality), so I often have a hard time working for people.\r\n\r\nAnd so again, theater was a really good opportunity. It inspired a passion for literature. I just started reading – text, plays and scripts. We wrote a lot in class. It teaches you about you about public speaking. If you get down into method and character acting, you really start talking about people’s intentions and motivations, and I think those things have been helpful. It teaches you about empathy early on.\r\n\r\nI think those things are really important in public service, because a lot of the work is about bringing people around the table and trying to understand where they are coming from as an individual and then figuring out that common ground to be able to move whatever the issue is forward.\r\n\r\n<strong>&nbsp;</strong><strong>TIN: When did you know you wanted to run for mayor? Have you known for sometime, or was there one moment in the last year or so when you thought, I need to do this?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>&nbsp;</strong><strong>Murray:</strong> It’s really surreal, Mindy, that I’m going to be mayor. I mean, I grew up under the shadow of (former and longtime mayor) Henry Chambers. He was my grandfather’s best friend and he was kind of a constant figure in my life as a child. He always had this aura around him that I respected and admired, but I don’t think I ever aspired to the job.\r\n\r\nI was never really active civically. I never attended city council meetings, I never volunteered civically, until I came back to Beaufort in ’09.\r\n\r\nI generally give Leadership Beaufort all the credit and the blame for this. Leadership Beaufort did two things for me. One, it introduced me to hundreds of people who get up everyday to try and make this community a better place.\r\n\r\n…I came away feeling a little guilty that here are all these folks who work in nonprofits, or work in government, and I got to take advantage of this really great community, and I really wasn’t pulling my weight.\r\n\r\nI was fortunate enough at the time that my businesses were in such a position that I could carve out a little free time to participate.\r\n\r\nThe second thing Leadership Beaufort did was expose me to some of the challenges that we have in this community around economic development, the lack of job diversity for those of us who have to work in order to live here, that we had turned an eye away from some of these infrastructure issues that we need to deal with and around leadership tables around the county, and there weren’t a lot of young professionals at the table.\r\n\r\nIt was primarily retirees and the overwhelming majority of them are well-meaning, thoughtful people who love Beaufort, but when I watched the decisions they were making, they didn’t necessarily align with my perspective as a young business owner or young guy trying to raise a family.\r\n\r\nSo I thought maybe there is an opportunity for me to participate in that space and bring a different set of eyes and a different viewpoint.\r\n\r\nSo I just started attending council meetings. I got on the Chamber (of Commerce) board and thought that would be a good place to work on economic diversification and supporting small business. So that’s what led me to go on city council and start acting with governmental officials.\r\n\r\n<strong>Was there ever a time that completely turned you off of government or made you think, ‘I don’t want to do this?’</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>&nbsp;</strong><strong>Murray:</strong> I think the opposite. There were two specific issues that really pissed me off and out of that anger, that’s when I decided to run for council.\r\n\r\nThe first was the (Beaufort) commerce park. You know the council had bought the commerce park. It was very controversial. I was on the chamber board at the time. I spoke up. I wrote some public letters. I went to meetings, and I was one of the few people in the community who was not on council but advocated for the purchase of the park.\r\n\r\nA year or two years after they purchased the park, I drove out there and they had the sign out there. And the phone number was disconnected and the website was like a Chinese website, and I just thought you know this is simple ground game stuff.\r\n\r\nSo I took a picture of it and sent it over to the city manager at the time. …He said, ‘Yeah we’ll get to it in a few months.’ So a few months go by and nothing happens, so I sent him another email and they just kind of blow it off.\r\n\r\nI was just sort of frustrated that number one, you’re going to spend my tax money to do some of these things we can do a better job and job diversification is very important and they really weren’t taking a serious attempt at it.\r\n\r\nAnd the second one was the bathrooms. We had twin girls that were just born. It was Water Festival. We had the double stroller. There were 4,000 people in the park and we had a blowout dirty diaper.\r\n\r\nI don’t know if you’ve ever tried to change a diaper in a Port-a-potty. It’s darn near impossible. So we wheeled the stroller over to the playground bathrooms and go to pull on the door and the damn thing is locked.\r\n\r\nSo I called the city manager at the time and she said, ‘Oh we don’t have the tax revenue to keep the bathrooms opened.’ I call a member of council and they tell me the same thing.\r\n\r\nMeanwhile, we had spent almost $2 million to hire a consultant to talk about the Civic Master Plan about how great of a city we want to be in a hundred years. And I just thought how backward are our priorities, when – during what I consider Beaufort’s home coming, our friends and neighbors and visitors are here – we can’t even prioritize keeping the bathrooms open.\r\n\r\n…I was already attending the (city council) meetings and feeling like I was making some impact, but then several things had gotten ignored and I just thought we could do better.\r\n\r\nWhen (City Councilman Mike) Sutton decided he was going term limit himself and not run, I saw that as kind of an opening.\r\n\r\nSo I never had political aspirations. I guess I still don’t. I like fixing things – renovated houses, businesses. I like fixing things.\r\n\r\nOne of my favorite quotes is by Donald McGannon (president of Westinghouse Broadcasting Company in the ‘50s and ‘60s). One of his quotes is “Leadership is action, not position.”\r\n\r\nEssentially, leadership is about doing, it’s about accomplishing things regardless of your position. Position just allows us sometimes to take a different form of action.\r\n\r\nSo for me, it’s been more about there are these problems in my community. I would like to solve them and be part of the solution and running for council and then running for mayor is really just a way for me to have a different course of action toward solving those problems.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_46368\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"961\"]<a href=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/stephen_murray.jpeg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-46368\" src=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/stephen_murray.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"961\" height=\"964\"></a> Murray was sworn into office on Dec. 8 as Beaufort\'s first new mayor in 12 years.[/caption]\r\n\r\n<strong>TIN: During our election coverage, <em>The Island News</em> asked all candidates what were the key challenges facing the city or their district. </strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>&nbsp;</strong><strong>You said </strong><strong>rapid regional growth, young folks leaving, aging infrastructure, a lack of affordable housing and a lack of high paying jobs all threaten our quality of life and authenticity.</strong> <strong>Let’s talk specifics on some of these. </strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>&nbsp;</strong><strong>For example, how would you plan or work to balance rapid regional growth when it comes to developers and concerns over private property rights with those who want to see Beaufort’s historic buildings and landmarks or the character of Beaufort preserved?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Murray:</strong> I think balance is the key word. I think philosophically that’s what we’re trying to do is balance competing interests.\r\n\r\nI think we have to grow. We’re going to grow, whether we like it or not. Folks are moving here and so the question really becomes how do we balance that growth? How do we maintain our sense of authenticity, our sense of place, but allow ourselves to capture this growth in a responsible way.?\r\n\r\nPart of that is predictability, I think, for developers and for preservationists and just citizens in general. Making our processes, and our expectations as a regulatory authority as predictable as possible is important. I think that helps eliminate frustration and it can reduce cost. But when you set clear expectations it reduces confusion.\r\n\r\nSo I think as mayor, one of the goals is to make sure that the processes are accessible and predictable to all the stakeholders.\r\n\r\nThe second thing are design standards. Beaufort over 300-plus years has really cultivated a unique sort of authentic style. What I’ve heard from residents time and time again, and I believe myself, that nationally and maybe even globally you see this race to sameness.\r\n\r\nI was in Frankfurt, Germany a couple of years ago for a music conference for the kazoo business, and I am excited about going to Frankfurt. I arrive at my hotel and look out the window and there’s a Sbarro and Taco Bell right across the street, and they looked just like the franchise forms that they would build anywhere in the USA. It was a little troubling, because I like authenticity of place.\r\n\r\nWe’ve done a nice job over the last five or six years. Our design standards I think are very reflective of the Beaufort style.\r\n\r\nWe’ve made a shift in the type of codes that we have in the Beaufort code, the form base code. It’s not a perfect document. They are not perfect codes. They are going to need some tweaking and modifications. And so I think you’ll see an ongoing conversation about what’s working what’s not working.\r\n\r\nI think more globally, we’ve got to educate citizens and the development community, and the stakeholders who are involved in that process on why our development pattern, our design standards, have to change a little bit.\r\n\r\nWe’ve been hooked on this auto-centric development pattern for 50 or 60 years, that you have to get in your car to do anything or all of your daily services or daily trips.\r\n\r\nOne of our primary goals is to try to reduce daily car trips. So that’s where the zoning is important. That’s where the design standards are important, because it is going to mean a bit of a shift in how we’ve historically developed over the last 50 to 60 years.\r\n\r\nIf you look back before that time, for the first couple hundred years of our development pattern, it was a very traditional growth for pattern and rate. Things were mixed use, they were walkable and they were sort of dense.\r\n\r\nSo I think our design standards and our zoning, they are trying to move us back to a more traditional type of city building. And there’s going to be tension there, there’s going to be tension from developers who are going to complain about costs associated with something that’s a little different than what they historically build around the country. And there may be some push back from residents who see mixed use is not necessarily reflective of the community they live in now.\r\n\r\nSo I think the education is a big part of our responsibility.\r\n\r\n<strong>Another one of those issues – young folks leaving. You often quote Census data that show Beaufort’s demographics are shifting, I believe something like a 25 percent decrease in the 21-44 age group. What would you propose to do or try to build in terms of an economy or jobs that would attract more younger people from this age group? </strong>\r\n\r\nThe job diversity piece is what I think is most important for any number of reasons. I’m not going to claim I have have all the answers.\r\n\r\nI think part of it is you’ve got some leadership who is retired or they are independently wealthy or whatever the case is. It’s really easy to hire a consultant or throw a bunch of money at a problem and get this great guide book and then put it on a shelf and then forget about it until it becomes an issue again.\r\n\r\nI think in Beaufort’s case, we’ve had military and tourism, and real estate that’s driven by military and tourism, so leadership has been happy. It’s all the rest of us, those of us who have to work for a living that it’s a real problem.\r\n\r\nI often argue when we go to raise taxes or look at impact fees that for the 20 percent of our citizens who live at or below the poverty line, or another hefty percentage that are just above, there’s a lot of pressure being put on our working class folks. And it often falls on deaf ears, partly because those folks aren’t speaking up, and I hear that too from some who say, ‘Well I don’t hear from those folks.’ Well, yeah, (that’s because) they are working 60 hours a week.\r\n\r\n<strong>TIN: On the issue of affordable housing, Councilman (Phil) Cromer is chairing the committee on Affordable Housing, and it seems that issue goes in lockstep with that idea of trying to attract young professionals not lose them, because when they talk about teachers and firemen and police officers, and how we’re trying to attract people to do those jobs, they often find there’s nowhere affordable to live downtown or where these folks will be working.</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>Murray:</strong> Right. So I think there are a few things we need to be working on. One is just better opportunity and a different type of job.\r\n\r\nWith the economic development corporation, we’ve landed a number of companies and we’re just getting started. I’m meeting with a California manufacturing company tomorrow that could potentially bring 90 jobs, all well paying with benefits, to Beaufort.\r\n\r\nI’m a believer in our first responsibility in the public sector is to make sure people have economic opportunity. I would much rather that you, for the private sector, and for folks to have gainful employment, be able to just naturally afford the cost of living that we have in Beaufort.\r\n\r\nI think we can do that in advanced manufacturing and we can do that in technology and innovation. That’s why we started the Beaufort Digital Corridor to help in that sector of jobs and we just started the South Coast Cyber Center to bring together all the partners to stake our flag in the cyber sector industry, nationally and internationally.\r\n\r\nSo we’re at the genesis of all those initiatives. The Economic Development Corporation is probably the oldest at four years old, the Digital Corridor is just over three years old and Cyber Center just celebrated a year.\r\n\r\nSo we finally have the organizational capacity and folks who wake up everyday thinking about these problems and trying to move the community forward. So I think what you’ll see from me over the next few years is to make sure those organizations have the resources they need, make sure that we’re setting clear goals and we’re setting clear metrics and tactics on how we are going to achieve and measure those goals and then we’re going to report them in as transparently and as frequently as possible with all the stakeholders who need to be involved.\r\n\r\n<strong>TIN: Do you have a “First 100 Days” plan or something similar that you plan to roll out? Or, if you have specific goals what are those?</strong>\r\n\r\nOn the job diversity piece, I want to go back to that for a second, It’s the opportunity piece working with those three entities and the chamber, make sure that the business community and economic opportunity is expanding for everybody who wants a well paying job. That’s priority number one of that retention piece.\r\n\r\nThe second one is around amenities and recreation, so I think you’re going to see an additional investment in parks and recreation around the city and that’s polishing up the some of the things we offer for young professionals.\r\n\r\nI don’t have an answer yet, but I think there’s a role for the city to play in trying to help the private sector expand recreational amenities for young families. So I want to see how we can figure out some of those things in the coming year.\r\n\r\nAnd then the workforce and affordable housing piece – taking the Bowen National Research Study (on housing needs) and looking at the implementation and the tools in the back of that document and figuring out how we can execute those in the city to increase the availability of affordable, workforce housing across the city.\r\n\r\nSo I think if we can work on jobs, we can work on activities and recreation for people, we can work on affordable workforce housing, and education sort of falls in with the economic opportunity piece, I think we can make some real progress in not only retaining young professionals but also attracting more to the region.\r\n\r\nSo no I don’t have a formal 100 day plan. I think if you watched the campaign, I didn’t run on some tremendous change platform. I think if you looked at the other council campaigns, (you’ll see) there’s a lot of alignment around many of the issues that we’ve already talked about.\r\n\r\n…When I first came onto city council we didn’t have a strategic plan, and I got really frustrated. We’d go to these retreats and just complain about things that were happening to us without any goal setting. And so Bill Prokop and myself and the rest of the team created a really great working strategic document. And so I take a lot of ownership in the city’s strategic plan, and so that’s the working document of where we’re going.\r\n\r\nWe will have a strategic planning retreat in March, and so I expect some changes and some additions to the plan, but for the most part, the city’s headed in the strategic direction I think it needs to be headed in so you’ll just see a little Murray flavor put on some of those things.\r\n\r\nOver the next 90 days, I am going to try and meet with regional leaders across the region.\r\n\r\nI have relationships with most of those folks, but since I’m coming in in a new capacity I think it’s important to sit back down with those folks and make sure the relationship is strong and communicate some of my priorities, hear some of their priorities and figure out how to continue to work together.\r\n\r\n<strong>Will your management style be different from what we saw in your predecessor, former Mayor Billy Keyserling, or about the same? And how would you describe your leadership style?</strong>\r\n\r\n<strong>&nbsp;</strong>I really admire Billy. He’s taught me a lot about leadership. I also acknowledge that I’ve been a bit of a firebrand on council and I’ve used a hammer many times on some of the policy issues that I want to accomplish, and I’ve had that luxury of being sort of an independent member of council. But I think I understand as a presiding officer and as the mayor, my role has to change a bit.\r\n\r\nAnd it really is about listening number one, and number two is bringing people together and making sure folks are being heard …and trying to figure out how we move things forward with consensus and compromise. So you might see a little softer side of Mayor Murray from my performance as a councilman on council.\r\n\r\nI am probably more impatient than Billy and have a stronger sense of urgency on some of these. I don’t tolerate folks not doing what they say they are going to do, when they say they’re going to do it, very well. I don’t tolerate a lot of talk towards an issue without a lot of action, especially after we all agree that that’s where we’re going.\r\n\r\nI might expect some tough conversations with folks from time to time. …But by and large I think you’ll still see a mayor who is still extraordinarily inclusive and promotes stability and promotes open dialogue and transparency.\r\n\r\n<strong>As most everyone has been saying, as a year 2020 probably won’t be looked back on with any great deal of fondness in large part due to COVID-19, but news of a vaccine has many now looking ahead to a better 2021, I think. So to end on a positive note, what do you think are some of the best qualities our city has going for it, or what do you think the future holds in terms of things we can all look forward to?</strong>\r\n\r\nThat earlier question about when did you decide to run for mayor? I tried to talk myself out of it for about six months this year. Well, six months might be a stretch. Billy had indicated earlier this might be his last term, so there was some thought as to who would be next.\r\n\r\nIt’s a challenging time to be in leadership, no doubt, but I think we need strong leadership now more than ever because of the complexities of the world, and the issues we’re dealing with locally and globally.\r\n\r\nBut I’m still an optimist. I look at the data, I look at globally how many folks we raised out of poverty over the last 20 to 30 years, the literacy rate continues to dramatically increase.\r\n\r\nWe live at the pinnacle of science and technology in terms transportation and medicine and (other) technology. You look at crime rates again both locally and nationally and they’ve dramatically fallen over the last couple of decades.\r\n\r\nSo the data, the indicators say that we are living in a safer, more connected, exciting world …and so I tend to lean on those things.\r\n\r\nI think locally when you look at business license revenues, accommodations and hospitality taxes, that’s not to say we don’t have our challenges (such as) young people leaving like crazy.\r\n\r\nI just think it’s a really exciting time, and I think we ought to be a little more positive about the world around us. I think we ought to confront these challenges a little more forward facing and data based than what we are.\r\n\r\nThe silver lining of COVID, is increased economic development traffic because folks are trying to get out of major metropolitan areas and have had a different COVID experience than we’ve had here locally.\r\n\r\nBut for the next month or so, it’s going to be really telling. But we ought to be proud of ourselves as a community that we’ve done a pretty damn good job of stopping or slowing community spread and keeping our hospitals well under capacity this year, which not every community around the country can say that.\r\n\r\nSo I really think there’s light on the other side of the tunnel. Now that the national election is getting settled, that creates some certainty. I think we are fortunate that 300 years of forebears have made historic and natural preservation (in Beaufort) a real priority.\r\n\r\nWe do live in this really remarkable, authentic unique hometown. The question is how do we keep that? How we do keep the important parts of that fabric as we have to grow and move into the future?\r\n\r\nIt’s going to be different. There’s no doubt, it’s going to be different, but I think it can be even better. I think we can keep how great we are, but make it a little bit better as we evolve.\r\n\r\n<em>Photo at top: Then-City Councilmen Stephen Murray, left, and Mike McFee wave to the crowd during the 2015 Memorial Day Parade in Beaufort. Photo by Bob Sofaly.</em>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;', 'Beaufort’s new mayor pledges to listen and bring people together', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'beauforts-new-mayor-pledges-to-listen-and-bring-people-together', '', '', '2020-12-16 16:25:35', '2020-12-16 21:25:35', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47435', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47441, 4, '2020-12-17 18:16:40', '2020-12-17 23:16:40', 'By Mindy Lucas\r\n\r\nA former area firefighter wanted on charges of soliciting sex from a 13-year-old girl has been arrested, officials say.\r\n\r\nBrandon Thomsen, 46, has been arrested by authorities and is being held in the Lowndes County jail in Georgia, according to a statement issued by Beaufort Police Department spokesman Capt. George Erdel Thursday night.\r\n\r\nThe department had learned of Thomsen\'s presence at a medical facility in Georgia on Dec. 6 after multiple law enforcement agencies began looking for him earlier in the month.\r\n\r\n“We had hoped to quickly pick him up, but he fled from his residence prior to the arrest warrants being issued,” Erdel said earlier in the week.\r\n\r\nAn “active, ongoing and parallel fugitive investigation” was conducted with the help of officers from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) in an attempt to locate Thomsen.\r\n\r\nThomsen’s name was also placed in the NCIC, or National Crime Information Center’s system and a “BOLO” or “Be on the Lookout” was issued to area law enforcement agencies in an attempt to find him.\r\n\r\nWhy Thomsen was at the facility or what he is being treated for has not been released due to patient privacy concerns, authorities have said.\r\n\r\nAccording to his Columbia attorney, Thomsen will not fight extradition, Thursday\'s statement said.\r\n\r\nOnce he is brought back to Beaufort, he will be booked on charges of one count of criminal solicitation of a minor and one count of disseminating obscene material to a person under 18, the statement also said.\r\n\r\nThe Burton Fire District announced on Tuesday that Thomsen was no longer employed by the district. The announcement followed another earlier in the month that he had been placed on “immediate suspension” by the district after it was notified that warrants had been taken out for his arrest.&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<em>Check back here&nbsp;</em><em>as this story continues to de</em><em>velop.</em>\r\n\r\nRelated stories:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/burton-firefighter-wanted-on-charges-for-soliciting-sex-from-13-year-old-no-longer-employed-with-district/\">Burton firefighter wanted on charges for soliciting sex from 13-year-old ‘no longer employed’ with district</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/burton-firefighter-wanted-on-charges-for-soliciting-sex-from-13-year-old/\">Burton firefighter wanted on charges for soliciting sex from 13-year-old</a>', 'Arrested: Former Burton firefighter wanted on charges for soliciting sex from a minor in police custody', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'burton-firefighter-wanted-on-charges-for-soliciting-sex-from-minor-arrested', '', '', '2020-12-17 19:12:54', '2020-12-18 00:12:54', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47441', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47460, 4, '2020-12-21 10:11:24', '2020-12-21 15:11:24', 'By Mindy Lucas\r\n\r\nDoug Rhodin removed his crisp white collared shirt, loosened his tie, then rolled up the sleeve of his undershirt.\r\n\r\n“I’m ready,” he joked with nurse practitioner Jaime Cuff, <em>after</em> she had given him his vaccination.\r\n\r\nBut this wasn’t just any vaccination. This was the COVID-19 shot.\r\n\r\nAs Director of Safety and Security for Beaufort Memorial Hospital, Rhodin was among the first of the hospital’s frontline workers to receive the Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccination after the hospital received its first shipment on Sunday.\r\n\r\nThe hospital began the process of inoculating staff and medical workers at its on-campus vaccine clinic beginning at 8 a.m. on Monday.\r\n\r\nThose same employees will return for a second dose being held in reserve by the CDC, in roughly 21 – 28 days.\r\n\r\nRhodin, who interacts with patients, often up close, said he was a little nervous Sunday night, but when he woke up Monday morning he was feeling good.\r\n\r\n“I said my little prayer, …prayed on it and said …‘I’m going to go forth and do it’,” he said. “Hopefully other people will follow.”\r\n\r\n<em>Read the full story online later this week and on newsstands Thursday.</em>\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_47468\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"827\"]<a href=\"https://actionclub.site/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Erin_Wornall2-1.jpeg\"><img class=\"size-large wp-image-47468\" src=\"https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Erin_Wornall2-827x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"Beaufort Memorial Pharmacist Erin Wornall &quot;pulls doses&quot; of the COVID-19 vaccination from vials and prepares the shots Monday, Dec. 21. Photo by Mindy Lucas\" width=\"827\" height=\"1024\"></a> Beaufort Memorial Pharmacist Erin Wornall \"pulls doses\" of the COVID-19 vaccination from vials and prepares the shots Monday, Dec. 21. Photo by Mindy Lucas[/caption]', 'Frontline workers at Beaufort Memorial receive COVID-19 vaccination', '', 'publish', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'frontline-workers-at-beaufort-memorial-receive-covid-19-vaccination', '', '', '2020-12-21 10:26:01', '2020-12-21 15:26:01', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/?p=47460', 0, 'post', '', 0),
(47470, 4, '2020-12-22 16:44:05', '2020-12-22 21:44:05', '', '12192020 Wreaths Across America, 4- 1515', 'Bob Sofaly photo\nQuentin Clark displayed a lot revernce as he helped distribute some of the 16,651 wreaths on head stones at Beaufort National Cementer during Saturday’s nation-wide Wreaths Across America.', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '12192020-wreaths-across-america-4-1515', '', '', '2020-12-22 20:23:22', '2020-12-23 01:23:22', '', 47541, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/12192020-Wreaths-Across-America-4-1515.jpeg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47471, 4, '2020-12-22 16:44:10', '2020-12-22 21:44:10', '', '12192020 Wreaths Across America, 3 - 1551', 'Bob Sofaly photo\nLisa Eichelberger and her three-year-old daughter Gretchen set out some of the more than 15,600 wreaths on head stones Saturday during the nation-wide Wreaths Across America at Beaufort National Cemetery. Eichelberger said her husband is an active duty sailor.', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '12192020-wreaths-across-america-3-1551', '', '', '2020-12-22 20:22:24', '2020-12-23 01:22:24', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/12192020-Wreaths-Across-America-3-1551.jpeg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47472, 4, '2020-12-22 16:44:14', '2020-12-22 21:44:14', '', '12192020 Wreaths Across America, 2 - 1652', 'Bob Sofaly photo\nSome of the 15,651 wreaths distibuted during the annual Wreaths Across America on Saturday at Beaufort National Cemetery.', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '12192020-wreaths-across-america-2-1652', '', '', '2020-12-22 20:23:37', '2020-12-23 01:23:37', '', 47541, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/12192020-Wreaths-Across-America-2-1652.jpeg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47473, 4, '2020-12-22 16:44:17', '2020-12-22 21:44:17', '', '12212020 Great Conjuntion, 2 - 1637', 'Bob Sofaly photo\nMore than a hundred people crowded on the Sands Beach in Port Royal to watch the Great Conjuction of Saturn and Jupiter, also know as the Chrismas Star, on Monday. Here, people crowd the top of the observation tower to watch the planetary anomaly which won’t happen again for more than 800 years.', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '12212020-great-conjuntion-2-1637', '', '', '2020-12-22 20:19:58', '2020-12-23 01:19:58', '', 47537, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/12212020-Great-Conjuntion-2-1637.jpeg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47474, 4, '2020-12-22 16:44:19', '2020-12-22 21:44:19', '', '12212020 Great Conjunction, 1 -1640', 'Bob Sofaly photo\nJupiter, left, and Saturn seem to be on top of each other during the Great Conjucture or the Christmas Star as seen Monday night at The Sands in Port Royal. It will be more than 800 years before the planetary anomaly will take place again.', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '12212020-great-conjunction-1-1640', '', '', '2020-12-22 20:19:22', '2020-12-23 01:19:22', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/12212020-Great-Conjunction-1-1640_edited-1.jpeg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47475, 4, '2020-12-22 16:44:30', '2020-12-22 21:44:30', '', 'Jenkins, Tovorris', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'jenkins-tovorris', '', '', '2020-12-22 16:44:30', '2020-12-22 21:44:30', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Jenkins-Tovorris-.jpeg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47476, 4, '2020-12-22 16:44:45', '2020-12-22 21:44:45', '', 'IMG_0847', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'img_0847', '', '', '2020-12-22 16:44:45', '2020-12-22 21:44:45', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_0847.jpg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47477, 4, '2020-12-22 16:44:46', '2020-12-22 21:44:46', '', 'IMG_0848', '', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', 'img_0848-2', '', '', '2020-12-22 20:29:21', '2020-12-23 01:29:21', '', 47546, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_0848.jpg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47478, 4, '2020-12-22 16:45:06', '2020-12-22 21:45:06', '', '12182020 Santa visit - 1465', 'Bob Sofaly photo\nSanta, who looked a lot like Anthony Wilson, had time to make one more visit at Glowcountry Min-Golf at Robert Small Parkway and Neil Road on Friday. Here he gets a double ear full from Graclyn Kline, 5, left, and her eight-month-hold brother Landon. Santa gave them each a candy cane and a glow-in-the-dark toy.', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '12182020-santa-visit-1465', '', '', '2020-12-22 20:14:29', '2020-12-23 01:14:29', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/12182020-Santa-visit-1465.jpeg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47479, 4, '2020-12-22 16:45:30', '2020-12-22 21:45:30', '', '121152020 BA @ BCHS boys hoops - 1346', 'Bob Sofaly photo\nBattery Creek’s Justin Smalls, left, gets the ball knocked out of his hands as team mate Jaeon Allen moves into help during the second quarter of their basektball game Tuesday, Dec. 15. At center is Beaufort Academy’s Ben Vanhise. The visiting Eagles outscored the hosting Dolphins 66-56.', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '121152020-ba-bchs-boys-hoops-1346', '', '', '2020-12-22 20:02:38', '2020-12-23 01:02:38', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/121152020-BA-@-BCHS-boys-hoops-1346.jpeg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47480, 4, '2020-12-22 16:45:33', '2020-12-22 21:45:33', '', '12152020 BA @ BCHS girls hoops - 1136', 'Bob Sofaly photo\nBattery Creek’s Sophia Felix, left, keeps a close on eye on Beaufort Academy’s Mike’ala Washington during Tueday’s (Dec. 15) game at BCHS. The Lady Dolpins lost to the Lady Eagles 28-36.', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '12152020-ba-bchs-girls-hoops-1136', '', '', '2020-12-22 20:02:25', '2020-12-23 01:02:25', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/12152020-BA-@-BCHS-girls-hoops-1136.jpeg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47481, 4, '2020-12-22 16:45:41', '2020-12-22 21:45:41', '', '12162020 Wrestling @ BCHS, 2 - 0566', 'Bob Sofaly photo\rBattery Creek’s Bradley Smith, left, bridges his back to keep his shoulders off the matt while May River’s Eric Seman puts more pressure on him in the second period of their 132-pound bout Wednesday, Dec. 16, during the Battery Creek, Beaufort and May River tri-match at BCHS. Seman went on to pin Smith.', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '12162020-wrestling-bchs-2-0566', '', '', '2020-12-22 16:45:41', '2020-12-22 21:45:41', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/12162020-Wrestling-@-BCHS-2-0566_edited-2.jpeg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
(47482, 4, '2020-12-22 16:45:44', '2020-12-22 21:45:44', '', '12162020 Wrestling @ BCHS, 1 -0440', 'Bob Sofaly photo\nMay River’s Isaha Wysong gets the upper hand against Battery Creek’s Sam Degroat in the second period of their 120-pound class bout during the  Dec. 16, during the Battery Creek, Beaufort and May River tri-match at BCHS.  Wysong went on to pin Degroat for the win.', 'inherit', 'closed', 'closed', '', '12162020-wrestling-bchs-1-0440', '', '', '2020-12-22 19:58:58', '2020-12-23 00:58:58', '', 0, 'https://staging.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/12162020-Wrestling-@-BCHS-1-0440_edited-1.jpeg', 0, 'attachment', 'image/jpeg', 0),
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