<b>Sheriff’s Office investigating shooting</b>

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting incident that left one man wounded late April 23 on Lady’s Island.

Just after 10 p.m., Sheriff’s deputies responded to the area of Youmans Drive in reference to reports of shots fired. During the course of the investigation, deputies were notified that a gunshot victim had arrived at Beaufort Memorial Hospital seeking treatment.

Deputies made contact with the 25-year-old male victim at the hospital who advised that he had been shot by an unknown individual in the area of 27 Youmans Dr. Following the shooting, the victim fled to a nearby family member’s home, and was transported to the emergency room.

Several witnesses reported hearing a gunshot and seeing the victim running down Youmans Dr, as if being pursued. At this time, no motive or suspect(s) have been identified; however, investigators are following up on several leads. The victim was flown to MUSC for treatment where he remains in serious, but stable condition.

The Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information to contact either Investigator Cpl. J. Malphrus at 843-255-3426 or Crimestoppers.

<b>Openings available for PALS Summer Camp</b>

Beaufort County Parks and Leisure Services (PALS) still have summer camp openings at Lind Brown, Broomfield, Scott, Dale, and Bluffton Center.

Participants must be 5 years of age as of June 10 and cannot turn 13 years old before August 9. Camp will be June 10 through August 9. The registration fee is $325 per person for regular camp rates or $195 per person for reduced camp rates. The cost includes 2 T-shirts per camper. Registration will be accepted at Buckwalter, 905 Buckwalter Parkway, Bluffton, SC  29910, 843-255-6710 or Burton Wells, 1 Middleton Recreation Drive, Beaufort, SC, or call 843-255-6680. You may now register and pay online at www.bcgov.net/PALS.

<b>Youth can apply for Explorers program</b>

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is again accepting applications for the Law Enforcement Explorers program.

Beaufort County youths between the ages of 14-20 who are interested in exploring the field of law enforcement are encouraged to apply. Joining the Explorer Post #278 will afford young men and women invaluable hands-on training and first-hand familiarity with the various roles and duties assumed by members of the Sheriff’s Office.

With emphasis on career opportunities, life skills, citizenship, character education, and leadership experience, this program is aimed at recruiting and preparing teens interested in a future career in law enforcement. Explorer Post #278 will meet every other Thursday evening from 7-9 p.m.

Applicants must meet the following general requirements: drug free, no criminal record, maintain good grades, have a clean driving record (if licensed), and must be willing to dedicate time to post activities. These activities include participation in various community functions to include local parades, charitable walk/run events, clean-up initiatives, high school graduations, and public safety presentations. Explorers are also permitted to participate in ride alongs with on-duty deputies, during which they will be uniformed and will assist in various capacities.

To obtain an application, or for further information regarding the Explorer program, please contact Post Advisor Kiera Morris at 843-255-3316 or by email at kieram@bcgov.net.

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<b>Drought officially over for all SC counties</b>

The drought is officially over for all South Carolina counties according to the S.C. Drought Response Committee.  The committee via a conference call meeting on April 24 downgraded the drought from moderate to no drought for 22 counties and from incipient to no drought for the remaining counties.

Chris Bickley, Executive Director, Lowcountry Council of Governments and representative from the West Drought Management Area stressed, “The committee usually avoids downgrading the drought two levels, but in today’s decision there was consistent and overwhelming support from all the drought indicators combined with a high probability for above normal precipitation in the upcoming weeks.”