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<p><strong>Libraries offering tax assistance</strong></p>
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<p>Once again this year, Beaufort County Library System is hosting the Lowcountry Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program that offers free tax help to persons generally earning $57,000 annually or less, differently-abled persons, persons 60 and older, and limited English-speaking persons.</p>
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<p>In collaboration with the Beaufort County Human Services Alliance, United Way of the Lowcountry, Inc., free tax preparation is available through in-person sites, drop off options and a virtual program.</p>
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<p>Tax preparation help will run through Thursday, April 14.</p>
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<p>The schedule and locations are as follows:</p>
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<p>Lobeco Library, 1862 Trask Parkway, Lobeco: Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., through April 9.</p>
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<p>St. Helena Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Senior Road, St. Helena: Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., through April 13.</p>
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<p>Beaufort Library, 311 Scott Street, Beaufort: Mondays &amp; Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., through April 14.</p>
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<p>Bluffton Library, 120 Palmetto Way, Bluffton: Mondays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.. through April 11; Saturdays are appointment only, call 251-616-0551 or emailblufftonvita@gmail.com, Saturday, April 2, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.</p>
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<p>Visit www.beaufortcountylibrary.org/taxes for more information.</p>
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<p><strong>County Solid Waste and Recycling pursuing more than $152,000 in grants</strong></p>
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<p>Beaufort County Solid Waste and Recycling is pursuing multiple grants totaling $152,256 to help expand recycling programs and continue to educate the public with campaigns like "Recycle Know Your Facts."</p>
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<p>The grant funding breaks down as $110,000 for Solid Waste Organics, $15,000 for Solid Waste General Recycling, $22,505 for Used Oil, and $4750 for Waste Tires.</p>
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<p>"With the population in Beaufort County growing so quickly, lots of people aren't familiar with our recycling guidelines," Solid Waste and Recycling Department Director Cindy Carter said. "These grants will help the department expand its outreach into all the new communities and educate the public on how best to utilize the County's 9 Convenience Centers. Our recycling programs have been hugely successful, and we want to keep that positive momentum going."</p>
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<p>The grants cover education and outreach efforts, including reduction and recycling, organic recovery, composting, disposal of oil, and tire disposal. The funds do not need to be matched with County tax dollars.</p>
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<p>Beaufort County has successfully reduced contamination in recycling bins at the County Convenient Centers. Our education and outreach activities to promote recycling include social media posts, press releases, educational booths, flyers, recycling brochures, promotional materials – coloring books, pens, stickers, and bags.</p>
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<p><strong>Beaufort Co. Stormwater conducting drainage study on Lady's Island</strong></p>
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<p>The Beaufort County Stormwater Department is doing a drainage study in a select area of northern Lady’s Island. Representatives of the Stormwater Department will be in the field through Sunday, May 1.</p>
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<p>Survey and inventory work may require them to be on private property to complete the task. Please allow individuals in the field access to areas they may need.</p>
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<p>The purpose of this study is to better understand drainage issues in the local area. The study area includes, but is not limited to, the following neighborhoods and roads: Tuxedo Park, Royal Pines, Southern Magnolia, Telfair, Marsh Harbor, Marsh Drive, Springfield Road, Fiddler, Middle Road, Shephard Road, Holly Hall Road, and Brickyard Point Road North and South.</p>
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<p>All information gathered will only be used for the purposes of the drainage study. Representatives will be always wearing safety gear and identification from the Stormwater Department.</p>
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<p>If you have any questions, please contact Beaufort County Stormwater at 843-255-2805.</p>
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