2026 S.C. Press Association Awards Presentation (Part A)

Welcome! Awards Celebration Banquet

The State (1935-2013) Hall of Fame

Leland Allen Bandy

IN MEMORY

Guy Reel | May 3, 2025 | Retired Mass Communication Department Chair, Winthrop University

Fran Dodds | June 5, 2025 | Retired ad sales representative, The News & Reporter

Charles Bierbauer | Aug. 31, 2025 | Dean, University of South Carolina College of Information and Communications

David McDougall | Sept. 2, 2025 | Retired crime reporter and web editor, The Post and Courier; Reporter, The News and Courier

Jeff Evans | Sept. 6, 2025 | Publisher and owner, The Island News and Lowcountry Weekly | Executive Committee Member, S.C. Press Association (2025)

Tami Rodgers | Oct. 6, 2025 | Retired publisher, The News, Kingstree

Lisa Willis | Oct. 29, 2025 | Page designer, production manager, ad layout specialist, art director, Free Times

Rob Novit | Nov. 4, 2025 | Former senior writer, Aiken Standard; Former associate editor and reporter, The Press and Standard

Donald “Don” Everett Wilder | Dec. 18, 2025 | Retired CEO, Hometown News; Former publisher, The Union Daily Times

Grace Dukes Livingston | Dec. 29, 2025 | Former society editor, The Times and Democrat | Past President, former S.C. Press Association Women’s Division (1968-1969)

Bishop James Redfern II | Jan. 16, 2026 | Founder, Black On News, Black News, Sumter Black Post, Greenville Black Star, Orangeburg Black Voice, Rock Hill Black Views, Florence Black Star, Charleston Black Times and Carolina Tribune

Casey Jones | Jan. 17, 2026 | Managing editor, My Horry News

Morrell “Morrey” Livingston Thomas III | Jan. 18, 2026 | Retired publisher and owner, News and Press | Past President, S.C. Press Association (2014)

Cathy Elliott | Jan. 21, 2026 | Former editor, News and Press

Jim Parker | Jan. 30, 2026 | Former reporter, The Post and Courier

Timothy “Tim” Kendrick Hicks | Feb. 1, 2026 | Former managing editor, The People-Sentinel; Former journalist, The Herald

Enjoy Lunch! Awards Celebration

SCPA HAS A LIMITED NUMBER OF WOODEN PLAQUE BASES FOR YOUR 2ND & 3RD PLACE CERTIFICATES TODAY FOR ONLY $15!

Scan the QR code to purchase your plaque base(s). Then show your mobile/email receipt at the registration desk to pick up your base(s).

After today, the cost for a base will be $25, which includes shipping. Reach out to SCPA if you’d like to order duplicate certificates and/or engraved plaques.

DAILY AWARDS

WEEKLY,ASSOCIATE &INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

JUDSON CHAPMAN AWARD

DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Jack O'Toole

Charleston City Paper

SECOND PLACE

Matt Hall, Josh Boucher & Tracy Glantz

The State

JUDSON CHAPMAN AWARD

DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Conor Hughes

The Post and Courier

Well reported on an issue that goes beyond just one innocent man in prison. It deals with problems in the system that allows it and ways to change it.

CARTOON

SECOND PLACE

CARTOON OPEN DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

INFORMATIONAL GRAPHIC OPEN

DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Scott Suchy

Charleston City Paper

Simple but eye-catching. Love the color selections and use of reverse on gradient. Infographic is easy-to-understand and powerful in concept. Designer was thoughtful about approach – from the pop of red to the sizes of the people and roof. Great job! It should be noted that every entry in this contest was outstanding.

INNOVATION OPEN DIVISION

THIRD PLACE

Hannah Wade and Tyler Dukes

The State

To Whom It May Concern,

For this year’s S.C. Press Association Innovation award, ask for your consideration of a tool we created to help track property sales across Lexington County, S.C. This tool scrapes the county’s register of deeds database and sends an automated email flagging large or potentially important property sales. It has given us the ability to better keep track of retail stories and keep tabs on how land is changing hands in the county.

How did we create this tool?

This project was completed through McClatchy’s AI Fellowship, a 12-week course overseen by a team of coders and forward-thinkers aimed at helping journalists across the company create tools that save us time and energy.

Over the course of the summer, worked with Tyler Dukes, McClatchy’s lead editor for AI innovation in journalism, to determine what data this project would use, how it would scrape data and how it would give us the property sales for which we were looking. This process involved manually looking through property deeds, pulling out information we wanted and creating keywords and prompts that would narrow down what sales it alerted us to.

The tool works using both a series of code and a large language model to scan the PDFs of deeds. With the information it’s given, and the keywords we’ve loaded into it, the tool narrows down the alerts and flags important ones as “newsworthy.” It then sends the report an email with the information.

Why does this tool matter?

Lexington County, a once rural area next to the state’s capital, has added nearly 100,000 people to its population in the last two decades and is predicted to continue growing. Before we created this tool, I was routinely checking the register of deeds database daily and sifting through pages of deeds — many weren’t newsworthy. The routine was time-consuming, but led to important stories and good scoops.

This tool has saved me time and helped me keep better track of sales. When it flagged the sale of a popular local cafe, was able to flag our local retail reporter so we had the story first.

Thank

SECOND PLACE

Toby Cox, Hongyu Liu & Henry Taylor

The Post and Courier

INNOVATION OPEN DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Staff

What a gift to the community! Beautiful event, combined with print and digital components, come together to highlight these leaders and nonprofits to showcase the impact they've had.

Voters weigh changes in government form

DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Lots of good reporting on candidates with thorough previews on each – and photos, which help.

ALL DAILY DIVISION

SECOND PLACE

Staff

The State

Sunshine Week: Focusing on transparency

and shelter statistics all obtained through FOIA requests led to articles on the systemic animal welfare issues in the City of Barnwell. Materials obtained through FOIA requests unearthed years of negligence on the behalf of government entities, the details of dog attack, and much more. This reporting highlighted the connection between poor animal welfare laws and a decline in public safety through the evidence found via FOIA requests, as well as the subsequent hiring of an animal control officer and filed lawsuits. Coverage of the ongoing financial issues at the Town of Fairfax were made possible through requesting audits and budgets, and allowed Allendale County taxpayers insight into how their money was being spent.

FOIA requests also brought to light investigations by state agencies into local police departments and how a lack of staff-related reporting led to members of the command staff losing their certifications. While FOIA

ernment made the decision it did, FOIA requests can be the pathway to answers. This request serves as the formal way to obtain information from governmental agencies, and is governed by laws determining what can be accessed. FOIA requests are not only an avenue for members of the press; citizens are encouraged to submit their own requests and ask more of the public bodies who serve them during Sunshine Week and beyond.

Many award winning series published by The People-Sentinel were made possible through FOIA requests. Searching through years of dispatch records, incident reports,

EDITORIAL OR COLUMN IN SUPPORT OF FOI & OPEN GOVERNMENT ISSUES

ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Travis Jenkins

The News & Reporter

BY EDITORIAL BOARD

Throw a flag

The football analogy works well as this editorial details how agendas can become a real FOIA problem.

ootball season hasn’t even started yet and we’ve already seen a penalty for illegal motion. Last Monday, at the outset of Chester City Council’s meeting, some amendments were made to the agenda. Now, many governmental bod- ies over the years devel- oped the bad habit of changing agendas once a meeting had begun. It may have been out of ignorance of what the law says or it may have been out of attempts to slip controversial items in while avoiding public scrutiny, but whatever the reason, they would just add items. Generally, anything going on an agenda for a meeting should be put there 24 hours in advance. That gives the public the opportuni- ty to know what will be discussed and possibly voted on. That is import- ant, because they might want to come and voice their opposition or sup- port of something they think is important. Hyp- notically, you wouldn’t want a school board to be able to wait until a meet- ing begins to add some- thing earth-shaking like “school consolidation” to an agenda because doing that would be a clear attempt to keep the pub- lic from knowing what is going on and to mute their voices. So, doing that is not just inadvis- able, it is illegal accord- ing to the South Carolina Freedom of Information ActThere(FOIA). are a few excep- tions. Something can be added to the agenda (provided the council approves doing so by a two-thirds vote) if it is for discussion purposes only. A late addition to the agenda can only be voted on if it is considered an emergency situation.

the Chester Fire Board. You likely know there has been some acrimo- ny between the two enti- ties recently and that no new fire budget has been approved as of yet. City Attorney Tierney Good- wyn told the Council up front they needed to pro- ceed with caution on the matter. When that agen- da addition ended up with two motions being made (one for the City to issue a formal apolo- gy to the Board and for Administrator Malik Whitaker to produce a plan to improve commu- nication between the City and the Board), she flat- ly told them they should not proceed at all. She cited chapter and verse from the FOIA about why doing so would vio- late state law. That very proper legal advice was totally ignored and a vote was taken anyway (both passed on 5-4 votes). This is not about whether or not the two motions made have merit, this about the law. We all have rules and laws we have to abide by and it’s a terrible look for governing bodies, ones that make rules and laws you have to follow, to ignore rules and laws governing what they can and can’t do. There is not an excuse in terms of them not knowing the law, they have a very good attorney that knows the law and expressly told them what the law says and they ignored her. Certainly, the two motions passed weren’t major in terms of spend- ing money or changing an ordinance. The life of citizens isn’t really impacted, but that isn’t the point. Fair or not, people might see elect- ed leaders flout the law in broad daylight for all to see and wonder what happens

going to

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like only this one is you make your area. Here you and wander up of what is a huuuge like a doomed soul the right aisle, the make sure you get (and heavy) package your cart. Some the furniture come one box, so you have you get the entire (otherwise your new be missing a door!). stores with a warehouse, no one to help you so if you happen to floor-length mirror on yourself, you are until someone comes same aisle and sees the piece of furniture. aren’t in their own world, for a package themselves. lucky, a sales associate come by with a forklift furniture piece off of you. lucky… Oh, yeah, and when the packages and scanning you have to make sure nameTheright.names. Oh, yeah, See, IKEA furniture all has All the furniture is named Norwegian or Swedish place So if you are on the showroom floor and you see a gray

S ome random thoughts on my first visit to IKEA a few years ago: I have unscathedemerged from what has to be the oddest shopping experience I think I have ever had. I spent about four hours in what was the most benign and authoritarian dystopian universe I have ever seen. Dystopian and authoritarian because practically everything you do is regimented and ordered and scripted, but benign because while they are ordering your life (and how you shop) for the next four hours, they are benignly offering childcare for your young ‘uns in an environment where they get to play with all the latest Scandinavian toys. I can only hope they’re not secretly indoctrinating the same young ‘uns into the IKEA way of thinking. The universe of IKEA can best be described as a dystopia with armchairs and ottomans. (The Ottoman Empire?) Dystopian societies always think they know best, and the best way to control the populace is to regiment their entire lives. It is no different in IKEA. The store is huge, I mean bigger than a warehouse huge, with a large blue front with yellow letters that looks like a cross between a 1980s roller coaster and a gigantic Blockbuster store. You start out in the front of the store, where you pick up a yellow plastic shopping bag, a shopping cart or some sort of cart that is a cross between a cart and a shopping cart that basically just gives you a place to hang your shopping bag and something to wheel it around on. It’s important that you understand the shopping bag must be an IKEA bag and it must be yellow. No ‘bring your own bag’ nonsense here, no sir! All bags must be yellow and conform to the IKEA standard. They must also have two cloth handles, a short one (for when you only throw a couple of things in your bag) and a longer one (for when your bag starts to get full). Then, as you might expect, you wheel your way into the showroom and pick out the furniture there that you’d like. You ask a salesperson to… No! That’s not the way in the benign IKEA Empire, citizen. First you must acquire your map, tape measure and IKEA golf pencil. I kid you not — make that IKEA you not — it is a golf pencil… Then you take your cart and bag to the second floor, which is the showroom, and see all the room displays and displays of furniture. But you don’t pick those up and put them in your cart, either, oh, no. If you see something you like, you make note of the aisle and the bin numbers; either take a picture of it with your phone, or write it the old-fashioned way the shopping Another any of the to. In sittingfact rooms,injust for I know no one said the ashigh-endshowroomknick-knack you ended at the

THIRD PLACE

Cindi Ross Scoppe

The Post and Courier

First Amendment

SECOND PLACE

SUNDAY

January 19, 2025

Oct. 15, 2024: David Garner announces he is resigning as Abbeville County director to take a job as the assistant county manager in York County on Dec. 1.

Editor’s note — As we sometimes do, we took a look at what we shared here

Nov. 20, 2024: Index-Journal files a Freedom of Information request with the county seeking the names, resumes and applications submitted by those the county council has chosen to interview from its pool of applicants.

Nov. 20, 2024: County Council, as the Index-Journal learned Wednesday, interviewed four people for the job.

Dec. 5, 2024: County attorney Lee Roper responds to the newspaper’s Nov. 20 FOI request, saying the county had 16 applicants at that time and was still accepting applications. Apparently after having interviewed four finalists.

Dec. 9, 2024: Council meets behind closed doors. It returns to public session and votes to offer the job to “Candidate A.” No name was given for “Candidate A,” but three members of council — Billy Norris, Brandon Johnson and James McCord — thought the position should remain open to give more people opportunity to apply. Here again it is good to bear in mind this was after — well after — council had apparently whittled down the list of applicants to four finalists it interviewed Nov. 20. Considering it had apparently already chosen its top applicants to interview for the job, those finalists should have been shared with the Index-Journal. That is, if council chose to abide by the intent of the

FOI law, even though it still had some time to comply with the request. And despite an apparent decision to leave open the opportunity for more people to apply days after conducting interviews with four who seemingly were finalists.

Jan. 13, 2025: County council meets and, in a 6-0 vote, gives the council chairman the go-ahead to offer the director post to an unnamed candidate. Again. Same candidate as before? Who knows. Well, OK, members of council know, but given the vote was 4-3 for candidate A in December and 6-0 this past week, one would surmise they are not one and the same.

Jan. 14, 2025: Lynn Sopolosky, clerk to council, explains in an email to this newspaper that council did not on Jan. 13 name the person it was offering the job because that person — Tommy Moon, as it turns out — had verbally agreed to take the job but wanted to notify his current employer before being publicly identified.

Bear in mind the state’s Freedom of Information law makes no provision for pubic office finalists to remain unidentified. When the public or a media outlet files a FOI request for the names, resumes and applications of those being considered by the public body for a publicly funded position, the public body must comply within the timeframe allowed under the law. With that in mind, it’s fair to say that those who applied and were interviewed would have been wise to inform their current employers they were doing so because they should know or should have known state law allows for the release of their information at that stage of the process.

Jan. 15, 2025: Sopolosky sends the Index-Journal a letter to say Moon has accepted the job and will begin Feb. 10. She includes the resumes and applications

of two of the other three candidates who had been interviewed Nov. 20 — Robert Delgado, current Laurens city administrator, and Joshua Taylor, an emergency operations manager with Savannah River Nuclear Solutions in Aiken.

The fourth candidate interviewed should have been released by the county, per the state’s FOI law, which makes clear that no fewer than three applicants’ details need to be released. As noted in this space before, the key words here are no fewer

That does not allow a public body to narrow the batch of applicants once, conduct interviews and then release only three names and resumes.

Let’s say 16 people applied for the county director job and of the 16, council tossed aside 12 and wanted to then consider the remaining four for the post.

In that case, to be in compliance with state law, the county should release the information relative to the four applicants it had considered.

Do you, the residents, taxpayers and voters of Abbeville County care that your elected council chose to ignore state law and cloak the identities of those it was considering to be your next county director?

If not, you should.

Moreover, the residents and taxpayers in all of the state’s municipalities and counties should expect — demand — that their elected officials comply with the state laws that govern their duties and behavior while conducting the public’s business.

Whiting is executive editor of the Index-Journal. Contact him at 864-943-2522; email rwhiting@indexjournal.com, or follow him on X @IJEDITOR. Views expressed in this column are those of the writer only and do not represent the newspaper’s opinion.

EDITORIAL OR COLUMN IN SUPPORT OF FOI & OPEN GOVERNMENT

ALL DAILY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

The Post and Courier

Got to like the Groucho Marx intro to make a key point from the outset. Well-written piece that exposes problem with NIL and those "stinkin'" contracts.

EDITORIAL WRITING

WEEKLY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Brandon Roberts

The Berkeley Independent

WEithout explanation, the Berkeley County Council’s recent decision to strip $100,000 in previously allocated funding from the Grace Impact Development Center (GIDC) sets a dangerous precedent. When funding decisions — especially those meant to support nonprofits doing essential work in the community — are made without transparency or accountability, the public loses trust in its elected officials.

GIDC has a proven track record of serving Berkeley County’s underserved populations. The organization claims to help 700 to 800 people each month, operating out of a small trailer while striving to expand its meal services, workforce development and education programs. The $100,000 originally designated for GIDC through the American Rescue Plan Act would have directly benefited these critical initiatives.

For mom, with love

Brandon Roberts

Council owes answers about funding reversal I

community, the abrupt decision to remove funding from GIDC — after it had been vetted and approved — raises serious concerns. Why was this particular nonprofit singled out? Why was no explanation given? And why did the vote occur in the absence of the council member who initially allocated the funds?

It is especially troubling that GIDC’s executive director, Tory Liferidge, suspects the move may have been politically motivated, given his history of holding local government accountable. If funding decisions are influenced by personal or political disagreements rather than community needs, that is an abuse of power.

OYet, without warning, the council unanimously voted to reallocate the funds to another organization, the Moncks Corner Baptist Soup Kitchen. While both organizations serve the

“I may get overly excited around people and crowds, but I’d only work one day a year and live a life of luxury members are so

to Phil’s happiness, they’re even willing to traffic in “woodchucks of the night.”

Critics such as PETA question Phil’s captivity, but the Inner Circle argues he en-

dog, Thurber, can be seem at TomPurcell.com. Email him at Tom@TomPurcell. com.

Is it time to stop making pennies?

n 1936 Bing Crosby entertained the nation by crooning “Pennies From Heaven,” but in 2025 it seems that pennies are The Coin From Hell. It didn’t happen overnight, but inflation has reared its ugly head (inflation really should emphasize its six-pack abs and sculpted calves instead, but what do I know?) and it now costs the U.S. Mint a whopping 3.7 cents to manufacture and distribute each onecent piece.

www.berkeleyind.com/opinion

Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is giving the evil eye to this wasteful situation and shining a spotlight on countless government officials who have kicked the can down the road for decades. (“In my defense, I had ‘reconsider the penny’ on my ‘to do’ list, but the list got buried in a drawer of pennies I never got around to using.”)

quiz, “What’s a penny? What’s work? Grocery store? You mean the I Think It’s Just A Misdemeanor If You Steal the Walk-in Cooler store?”

Train to tell the truth when a child cannot

very year, when Mother’s Day comes around, I try to find the words. And every year, they fall short. How do you put “Mom” into a column? How do you fit decades of quiet strength, endless patience and unconditional love into a few paragraphs? My mom, Kaye, is a teacher by profession, but she’s been teaching me things long before I ever stepped into a classroom. She taught me how to be kind, even when no one is watching, how to work hard, even when no one is

children, husband — and somehow, there’s always more of her to give. That’s her secret. Her strength isn’t in big, loud moments. It’s in the quiet ones: staying up late to help with homework, saying “I love you” before hanging up the phone, showing up — always showing up. She is the kind of woman who doesn’t ask for or expect recognition, but she deserves it all.

At the very least, the Berkeley County Council owes GIDC — and the people it serves — a clear and valid explanation. Failure to provide one only fuels suspicion that the decision was not made in good faith. Elected officials must remember they serve the public, not their interests. Their constituents deserve transparency, fairness and policies that put community welfare first.

n a sunlit April morning, amid hymns, prayers, and long-overdue recognition, the monks of Mepkin Abbey dedicated the Meditation Garden of Truth and Reconciliation — a place of reflection and reckoning built on soil long burdened by silence.

Contact Your Elected Officials

BERKELEY COUNTY COUNCIL

„ SUPERVISOR: JOHNNY CRIBB, 843 719-4094; johnny.cribb@berkeleycountysc.gov

„ DIST. 1: DAN OWENS, dan.owens@berkeleycountysc.gov

„ DIST. 2: JARROD BROOKS, jarrod.brooks@berkeleycountysc.gov

„ DIST. 3: PHILLIP OBIE II, 843-719-4234; phillip.obie@berkeleycountysc. gov

„ DIST. 4: TOMMY NEWELL, 843-442-2109; tommy.newell@berkeleycountysc.gov

„ DISTRICT 5: AMY STERN, 843- 719-4234; amy.stern@berkeleycountysc. gov

For generations, the land that now holds Mepkin Abbey bore witness to the toil, suffering, and resilience of enslaved Africans and Native Americans. Their graves, once unmarked and unacknowledged, now lie beside a sanctuary designed to honor their humanity and invite all who visit to confront painful truths with compassion.

„ DIST. 6: MARSHALL WEST, 843-719-4234; marshall.west@berkeleycountysc.gov

The inertia is understandable. Pennies are an annoyance for many people, but they do have a long and storied history in America. Abraham Lincoln’s face didn’t adorn the coin until 1909; but the first U.S. pennies were minted in 1793, with the solemn understanding that “a well regulated Gumball Machine, being necessary to the security of a free State…”

Yes, references to pennies are woven into our cultural identity. You know, like “A penny saved is a penny earned” and “See a penny, pick it up; all the day you’ll have good luck – although TO MORROW you will probably catch tu berculosis or get run over by a horse less carriage or something.”

*Sigh* I suppose such references will become increasingly obscure. Think about Billy Joel’s line “Anthony works in the grocery store, savin’ his pennies for someday.” Future generations will

Most Americans will roll with the punches if no more pennies are produced, but I’m confident there will be pockets of resistance.

Some diehard numismatists will fight to keep Uncle Sam cranking out pennies at a loss, citing “tradition… tradition!” (If there’s any justice, they’ll get a hernia lugging around enough pennies to buy tickets for a Broadway revival of “Fiddler on the

The curmudgeonly class will be apoplectic over the idea of merchants rounding up a $9.99 total to $10. Rounding down to $9.95 isn’t necessarily a viable long-term solution, because nickels also cost more to produce than their face value. (“I swear, those contractors are dime-and-quar-

And I know the end of pennies would be a shock to the system of people who get their jollies by tying up the

checkout lane while they meticulously count out cash, but I’m sure they will adapt. (“Okay, put one cent on this credit card and one cent on this credit card and one cent on this debit card I got from my grandson. Oh, I simply must tell you about the dream the little scamp had the other night about ‘War and Peace’…”)

thologists, law enforcement, prosecutors and child advocates compared notes—from the crime scene to the courtroom— on how to recognize suspicious deaths and preserve facts that stand up in court. Representatives from six coroners’ offices attended. That kind of collaboration matters because, blessedly, child deaths are rare; investigators may go months or years without seeing one. Skills atrophy. Details blur. Procedures evolve. Training keeps them sharp.

Many countries have already eliminated their lowest-denomination coin. I think in Russia it mysteriously fell from an upper-story window. Canada was more subtle. (“You’re looking a mite depressed, one-cent coin. Have you ever heard of a little thing called assisted discontinuation?”)

vine embrace, stands as both a symbol of suffering and an embodiment of grace. This initiative by Mepkin Abbey is a model of faithdriven accountability. Rather than turning away from the plantation’s past, the monks — alongside community leaders, scholars and artists — have created a space that brings light to a shadowed history and fosters empathy across generations and backgrounds.

also remembers what

The

This is not about casting blame for what could not be undone in 2017. It is about preventing the next failure—about ensuring that when a child’s life is cut short, the truth is not. Training will not bring that little girl back. It

TSo this Mother’s Day, I want to say: Mom, thank you. For every lesson, every sacrifice, every late-night worry you never mentioned. For being nearly perfect in a world that rarely is. I love you more than I can write.

„ DIST. 7: CALDWELL PINCKNEY JR., 843-753-7377; caldwell.pinckney@ berkeleycountysc.gov

„ DIST. 8: STEVE DAVIS, 843-825-4558; steve.davis@berkeleycountysc. gov

MONCKS CORNER TOWN COUNCIL

„ MAYOR: THOMAS HAMILTON JR., 843-934-8621, t.hamilton@monckscornersc.gov

Julie Smith yesterday — is useless on my icy private road. I’ve got cabin fever so bad my AI apps have turned on me. Alexa told me she needs some “alone time” — that on us, and you know the program: Every February 2, Phil emerges from his burrow in Punxsutawney, Pa. If he sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If not, spring is just years ago. As a dog lover and fan of all critters — except deer ticks, gosh, I hate deer ticks! — think People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is overplaying as a groundhog if it meant he could enjoy Phil’s perks and royal lifestyle.

The new garden is more than a monument. It is a moral and spiritual invitation. With its winding lemniscate-shaped path — symbolizing eternity — and meditative stations crafted by a diverse advisory committee, it calls us to walk not just through the grounds, but through history, memory, and responsibility. The sculpture Thy Father’s Hand, depicting a crucified Christ held in di-

„ MAYOR PRO-TEM: DAVID A. DENNIS, david.dennis@monckscornersc. gov

„ DEWAYNE KITTS, deWayne.kitts@monckscornersc.gov

„ JAMES N. LAW, jay.law@monckscornersc.gov

Can’t make heads or tails of the situation? Try your best to modernize your view of economic realities. “Every time it rains, it rains soggy $20 bills from heaven…”

Danny Tyree welcomes email responses at tyreetyrades@aol.com and visits to his Facebook fan page “Tyree’s Tyrades.”

parents disappeared six hours after she was found dead. Their flight “assured some culpability,” Hartwell noted, but by then the window to gather evidence had narrowed. It is an affront he still feels—one that helped spur him to create a child-death investigation training now in its second year. They did exactly that over two days in Summerville beginning Thursday, Sept. 11. Toxicologists, pa-

Scenes from Snowmageddon 2025

And I hope you know — today and always — you are everything.

„ LATORIE S. LLOYD, latorie.lloyd@monckscornersc.gov

„ CHAD SWEATMAN, chadwick.sweatman@monckscornersc.gov

uesday evening, 1/21: Widdle calls to me from the kitchen: “It’s snowing!” Now, my husband loves to prank me. It’s his love language. He used to call me from the river shack after an evening of adult beverages and say things like, “I’m in JAIL; you need to come throw my BAIL!” He thought it was hilarious.

We commend this act of remembrance and courage. Reconciliation is not a destination but a journey. And like the garden path itself, it begins with one step — often difficult, always necessary.

Let this garden be not an end, but a beginning.

The editorials in this package were clear and concise and made compelling arguments supported by strong evidence. The ledes in the

„ JAMES BRYAN WARE III, bryan.ware@monckscornersc.gov

GOOSE CREEK CITY COUNCIL

„ MAIN NUMBER: 843-797-6220 ext. 1113

Brandon Roberts is the

„ MAYOR: GREGORY S. HABIB, ghabib@cityofgoosecreek.com jtekac@cityofgoosecreek.com

He quit doing that the night he fell down the outside stairs and broke his leg in two places. When he called me at 1 a.m. and an

Wednesday morning, 1/22: Three inches of snow. A winter wonderland! We snuggled in front of the fireplace. The old barn looked like something painted by Norman Rockwell. We drove around, Widdle using four-wheel drive and creative steering to keep us out of ditches. We saw deer tracks in the snow

my bathroom and started a 2025 tax folder. We binged “American Primeval” (historical gorecore) and didn’t talk much. Thursday morning, 1/23: I couldn’t get to the gym; the roads were ice-covered. Widdle drove me around to hunt for a non-icy place to walk. He dropped me off at a Family Dollar. I walked down the road and around the parking lot – in circles –for an hour. I looked like a lunatic. I felt like a lunatic. But I got 3.3 miles in. He came to pick me up when I called. I am blessed.

"Sacred step toward truth and reconciliation in Berkeley County" and "Train to tell the truth when a child cannot" were particularly

in is gone, poof, erased. White still blanketed our fields; the pond remained frozen. What was a magical, muffled world was now a prison. I was determined to go to the gym. I went on a community Facebook page and asked if Highway 17-A was cleared. Responses boiled down to, “Take your chances and good luck.” The route to my gym is a straight shot down a twolane road, a right-angle turn and then four miles through town.

“It might still be icy,”

E. A. RAMSAUR AWARD FOR EDITORIAL WRITING

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David Lauderdale

The Island Packet

This newspaper editorializes about issues close to home, that affect its readers the most. They are persuasive and well-written. The call-and-response lede on the immigration editorial was especially effective. You know where this newspaper stands.

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REVIEW PORTFOLIO

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‘In my reading era’

ExploringCharleston’sbookstorescene

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Emma Slaven

The Daniel Island News

Street, step into this cozy store specializing in signed books and special editions.With its checkerboard floors and sophisticated design, this local favorite always leaves me feeling fancy.Tip: shop during the holidays and the staff will wrap your book. Merry Christmas from me to me! (160 King St., Charleston)

PHILOSOPHERS AND FOOLS

Charleston’s bookstore scene is a book lover’s paradise, with a mix of cozy independent shops and larger chains. Not sure where to pick up your next read? I’ve scouted these spots, so you don’t have to.

THE VILLAGE BOOKSELLER

As if bookstores couldn’t get better, this one added a bar to the mix. Philosophers and Fools takes “reading between the lines” to a new level by blending literature with a well-crafted cocktail. Browse their collection of fiction and staff picks, then pull up a seat and let the ambiance transform you into a true philosopher. (50 Bogard St. Suite A, Charleston)

If the sight of new books in the window doesn’t lure you in, the scent of fresh coffee will.Tucked away on Coleman Boulevard, this cozy spot offers a curated selection of new releases, “Blind Date with a Book” picks, and a coffee bar if you prefer to sip and shop. With a mix of local and popular reads to choose from, you might just find the one you’ve been waiting for –like I did when I stumbled upon “The Pumpkin Spice (761 Cole-

BLUE BICYCLE BOOKS Where bookshop meets thrift store. Known for its selection of rare and used books, you can find everything from cookbooks to Charleston-centric fiction. Take home your finds in Blue Bicycle’s signature tote bag. Fun fact: I used to go to creative writing summer camp here. (420 King St., Charleston)

SWEETER THAN FICTION

Calling allTaylor Swift fans!This Swiftie-inspired bookstore just opened last month, fully devoted to romance novels and bookish trinkets celebrating a love for love stories. If pink is your favorite color, take

Both topics were unexpected in examining shopping bookstores, books that live on and thrifting. Very thoughtful...a well put together portfolio.

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HEALTH BEAT REPORTING

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Jack O'Toole

Charleston City Paper

Jack O'Toole threads fraught needles with gossamer, using the truth as a guide. There are few more important topics in health reporting than vaccination rates and measles, the covid vaccine and the end of health insurance subsidies that will force thousands of people to drop their health insurance. O'Toole's writing is deeply sourced and relevant to every reader.

HEALTH BEAT REPORTING

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South Carolina Daily Gazette

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South Carolina Daily Gazette

HEALTH BEAT REPORTING

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Chelsea Grinstead

of playing second base for the Cincinnati Reds had fallen as short as my stature and level of baseball talent. I couldn’t play my way into Cooperstown, so I’d write my way into those hallowed halls.

Well, in baseball as in life, one out of three ain’t bad: got married and sired several children — not exactly the kind of prescience that would have me to be confused with the prophet Isaiah. As for those other two ambitions, well, let’s just say the Lord had other (and better) plans for my life. Why didn’t gain Cooperstown as a writer? Why wasn’t that God’s will? It’s simple: God, who is infinitely wise, had better plan for me. And as much as I love baseball, God has changed my heart such that I’d much rather be preaching and working in His gospel vineyard than writing about, as one of my old journalism profs at UGA put it, “two guys playing catch.” Make no mistake, still love baseball. But I love Jesus more. As we come face to face with the end of one year and look full on into the eyes of another, it seems like a good time to consider afresh the question of God’s will.

In 15 years as pastor, one of the questions I often

heard, particularly from young people, was: How can know God’s will for my life? It’s a good question. After all, did not Jesus teach His disciples — and us — to pray, “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven”?

How do we find God’s will for our lives? Do we need to search for it as if it is lost? Many people seem to seek God’s will as if it is shell game you see at minor league baseball games: God has hidden it under one of them — it’s up to you to pick the right one. Or as John MacArthur so well puts it, “Some offer the suggestion that God’s will is to be found via a dramatic experience. Running down the street, you fall on banana peel and land on a map of India. Immediately you say to the Lord, ‘Thank You for that clear leading. understand! India it is!’ Or there is always the voice from heaven or the vision in your dreams calling you to Chile.”

Trouble is, not all of us would pick the right shell or fall face first into India. God’s will in the Bible is not one dimensional.

God’s Will in Scripture: Two Dimensional

In seeking God’s will, it is helpful to note that Scripture speaks of God’s will in at least two ways: There’s what God’s people should do, and what they will do. God is meticulously sovereign, so one side of God’s will is what theologians sometimes call His “will of decree”; that is, God planned before history began all that will come to pass in history. God oversees all events in His providence and everything will come to pass just as He decreed. This side of God’s will is never broken and always takes place just as God has decreed. Just ask Joseph or Esther or Jonah. Then there is the other side of God’s will, sometimes called God’s “will of command” (also called God’s permissive will). This side of God’s will

Clothes for the taking

planes, women seek other groups to help share ‘pillowcase clothes’ with kids in need See “Clothes,” Page 13

CLOTHES: Available to any mission group to transport

From Page 1

a chilly day in January, two of Suddeth’s friends have braved the snow to sew with her, and they ooh and ahh over the bright prints and delicate fabrics.

“I like the happy fabrics,” says Margaret Combs, showing off a whimsical dress sporting tiny brown and white chickens, along with a precious little pocket and polka-dotted ribbons at the top. “If they’re going to wear a pillowcase, it should be a happy fabric.”

Mary Lynn Felsberg tenderly sorts the shorts and matching T-shirts, her pet project. She found cheerful, bright patches on Amazon for a good price, and she irons those onto the shirts so the boys have something fun to wear, too.

“It’s so fun to see the pictures of the kids holding the clothes,” Felsberg says. “You say, ‘Oh, did that one!’ That one little boy was grinning ear to ear, he was so happy.”

“That’s the reward for us, seeing that smile on the children’s faces,” Combs agreed. Suddeth started the project decades ago.

A longtime lover of the sewing arts, she wanted something practical, helpful and enjoyable to do after retirement, so she got some church friends together and started making clothing for kids in Haiti, which were regularly transported to the island nation thanks to a local connection. They get donations, then buy materials to craft what are dubbed pillowcase dresses, a relatively easy project that requires little cutting since the shape is already there. They also use curtains and other fabric—whatever they can find. For years, children in orphanages and elsewhere in Haiti received the dresses, and later shorts and tops, much to their delight. But recent strife in that nation has made delivering the clothing dangerously impossible. Now the Ashland UMC women are reaching out to other mission groups, hoping they will bring the lovingly crafted clothing along with them when they journey to communities in need.

“I don’t care who gets them, what de-

women nodding. “I just know that boy spoke to me, and God told me, ‘They’ve got to have pants.’”

The women also make other needed items from the leftover fabric, such as sanitary napkins. They know the need is great, and they do what they can.

“You can use your talent if you’ve got a talent,” Suddeth says.

The clothing is available for free to any mission group willing to distribute them. To get in touch with the group, contact Ashland UMC at 803-798-5350 or https://www.ashlandumc.org.

FAITH REPORTING

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Mary Margaret Flook

The Baptist Courier

‘Do Not Be Afraid’: Cathy Blalock Knows More of God Through Cancer

by MARY MARGARET FLOOK, Staff Writer

SHE STOOD on Folly Beach, listening to the waves and watching the dark clouds roll in. “A storm is coming,” she thought. She reached for her phone and texted a friend who was going through a hard time.

“... My sweet friend, although the waves are crashing and foaming, the sand washing out from beneath your feet, the wind blowing, God is there and He will hold you up even though you can’t see or feel Him. You are deeply loved … .”

She didn’t realize that the truth she texted her friend back in February 2024 would apply to her own life roughly nine months later in November 2024 when her cancer journey began.

Cathy Blalock, who’s been a member of First Baptist Charleston for 28 years, and is married to former South Carolina Baptist Convention President Marshall Blalock, overcame cancer with four words:

Do not be afraid.

It all began in November 2024 when Cathy got an MRI to check on the excruciating pain she had in her shoulder. The doctor looked at the results from the MRI and saw lesions

24 THE BAPTIST COURIER • NOVEMBER 2025

in her bone and suspected cancer.

The doctor called the Blalocks with the news. It was early December, and that’s when Cathy’s world stopped. She cried for hours. But in the midst of her dismay, she looked up at the manger scene resting on the mantle of their fireplace. She saw Mary and Joseph, and the angels made of olive wood, and recalled the story of an angel telling Mary and Joseph at separate times:

Do not be afraid.

“Those four words got me through nine months of cancer,” she said.

Though the doctor suspected cancer, he couldn’t know the details without further imaging. So, the day after Christmas, Cathy underwent a PET scan.

“That [the PET scan] was our Christmas present,” said Marshall, chuckling.

On Jan. 2, Marshall and Cathy drove to the doctor’s office to see the results of the scan.

It showed cancer not just in her shoulder, but in her lungs, spine, and ribs. She had stage 4 lung cancer.

The news was overwhelming, said her husband, Marshall. But the word of the Lord was more overwhelming:

Do not be afraid.

Cathy said she didn’t know the outcome — whether God would heal

her or not. So, instead of pursuing an answer as to whether she’d be healed; she pursued God instead.

“What I learned from not knowing the outcome was to learn who God was,” said Cathy.

She said the biggest truth she learned from cancer was that she can trust God when she knows God. She said all our lives we check the box for Bible study, prayer, and tithing, “but if you know God first, [then] you do all of those things organically,” she said. Psalm 23, a psalm that her father recited as he died, was her fight song. One aspect of God that Cathy said she didn’t understand was how God was both almighty — the one who parted the Red Sea and set the Egyptians free from slavery — but also a tender Shepherd. One day, as she was studying the Bible, Marshall walked by and said, “You’re trying to figure God out, aren’t you?”

But knowing God more deeply didn’t mean she didn’t receive any more bad news. After she was diagnosed with lung cancer, she got another MRI that revealed cancer in her brain. She sat across from the neurologist who had tears in his eyes. And Cathy heard the words: “I can’t help you; you have too much cancer.” Cathy had 30 brain tumors.

Do not be afraid, she thought.

But there was hope. Her oncologist, Dr. Greenwell, who

Graceful storytelling, vivid detail and deep spiritual insight reflect a gifted writer whose disciplined reporting, narrative control and compassionate interviewing elevate this work to an exceptional example of faith journalism.

Around Town A

games, crafts, prizes and lunch. For info, call Pastor Libby Newman of Batesburg Church of the Nazarene at (803) 414-5697.

The Fall for the Arts festival returns Sunday, Oct. 12, from 2-6 p.m. on North Oak Street in the Batesburg Business District with food, entertainment and crafts.

Wine, Steins & Good Times will be from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, at Wiz’s Eatery 2.0, 110 W. Church St. The event hosted by the Batesburg-Leesville Chamber of Commerce will offer wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $30. RSVP by Oct. 14 by emailing mike@batesburg-leesvillechamber.org.

Dinner on the Rail is set for Sunday, Oct. 26, in the 500 block of West Railroad Avenue in the Batesburg Business District. A wine and cheese social starts at 4 p.m. with a four-course prime rib dinner at 5 p.m.

The free event will include games, hayrides, inflatables, facepainting and music plus hot dogs and popcorn. For info, call (803) 532-4273 or email faithevangelical@bellsouth.net.

Children in grades K5-5th are invited to Super Second Saturdays at Leesville College Park from 10 a.m.-noon Oct. 11 for stories,

Chiropractors seek root of problem

BY TONYA RODGERS

in criminal justice and worked as a game warden prior to attending Sherman College. Detore also has a degree in exercise science. When asked why they chose Batesburg-Leesville to open their practice, Dr. Hass said he and Detore simply love living here.

“We found this available building online and felt it was a perfect place to start.”

Hass said he built the of-

fice’s unique looking front desk and, with the help of his parents, painted the walls and put down new flooring. They have lots of plants throughout the building, thus the name of the business, Southern Roots Chiropractic.

“We want to get to the root cause of what is causing someone’s health issues,” Detore added. Southern Roots Chiropractic uses Orthospinology, a spe-

cialized, low-force technique that focuses on precise adjustments to the upper spine to correct misalignments of the vertebra. This includes using specialized X-rays, and a gentle instrument to align the upper neck, according to orthospinology.org.

“We want to get to the root of someone’s health problems, and X-rays help us make sure it is safe to treat a patient. To see is to know, and we don’t

want to guess with a patient’s health,” Hass said.

“We also encourage parents to bring their children in for chiropractic care at an early age so that their children’s spines can grow appropriately and begin preventive care. Birth/labor can be difficult on both babies and new mothers.” Southern Roots Chiropractic is open from 8 a.m.-noon and 2:30-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Call (803) 307-0000 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Guests enjoyed light bites and beverages alongside the pool on a pleasant late

FAITH BEAT REPORTING

New Community Christmas Tree

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“I love music and I love my church,” she said.

“That’s

FAITH BEAT REPORTING

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The Post and Courier

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The Sun News

FAITH BEAT REPORTING

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Kailey Cota

The Post and Courier

I think this is the most topical and relevant of the bigger picture in our country, not just a snapshot of one local church.

Good reporting instead of feeling like a feature.

SPORTS BEAT REPORTING

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Travis Jenkins

The News & Reporter

Mr. Jenkins obviously has a close relationship with his local sports teams as well as policies that affect them at the state level.

SPORTS BEAT REPORTING

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The Post and Courier

The State

SPORTS BEAT REPORTING

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Enjoyable reads. Thorough storytelling.

NEWS HEADLINE WRITING

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The Gaffney Ledger

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Casey Jones

The Horry Independent (Posthumously awarded)

NEWS HEADLINE WRITING

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The Lancaster News

NEWS HEADLINE WRITING

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Alexa Lewis

The Sun News

Creative headlines that made me want to read the stories.

FEATURE HEADLINE WRITING

FEATURE HEADLINE WRITING

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Short, but eye-catching. These headlines succinctly summarize the article ahead while encouraging readers to go deeper.

FEATURE HEADLINE WRITING

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Li Khan

The Island Packet

SECOND PLACE Staff

The State

FEATURE HEADLINE WRITING

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Bristow Marchant

The State

Pithy and evocative! I loved the "borrow a ladder" quote.

SPORTS HEADLINE WRITING

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Disappointing starts

Dave Hale

Four playoff teams, including both of the No. 1 seeds, had disappointing openers in

BY ROB MAADDI

The Post and Courier

short in the playoffs six times with Jackson.

Spit happens

Packers proved they’re a real contender.

“I thought we’d be much cleaner than we were, and it wasn’t as clean,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. “But there again, you’re talking about a few plays that were critical. But like told the team, these are all so correctable. Everything that showed up is so correctable, and we will, we’ll hit it head on. Our players are accountable man; they’re ready. And nobody takes it worse than they do, so that’s the good news. We got the right dudes.”

to retirement.

With star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson coming back to boost the defense, the Lions were focused on unfinished business.

BY TIM REYNOLDS Associated Press

Inter Miami’s Luis Suárez further damaged his reputation. Jalen Carter of the Philadelphia Eagles cost himself the chance to play in a season-opening game. Florida’s Brendan Bett gave South Florida a 15-yard gift on its drive that decided its win over the Gators. Their transgression: spitting.

In the span of seven days from last Sunday through this past Saturday, there were three high-profile spitting incidents in sports. They were immediately condemned, including by those close to the offending parties such as the Florida coach who called such behavior “unacceptable.” The reviled responses show there are limits to allowable aggressions, even in the most heated competitions.

the reactions to spitting were clear.

“That’s just not professional,” Arizona offensive lineman Paris Johnson said.

“You can’t do that,” Green Bay defensive lineman Rashan Gary said.

“You don’t want to see anyone getting spit on,” Tennessee offensive lineman Lloyd Cushenberry III said.

Suárez got a six-game suspension from future Leagues Cup matches and will miss the next three Major League Soccer matches for his team as well, which will hurt the playoff push for Lionel Messi and his squad. Carter got kicked out of the Eagles-Cowboys game, with Philadelphia coach Nick Sirianni saying Monday that any possible team discipline levied against him would remain private, and Bett was ejected for what became the final seven plays of the FloridaSouth Florida game.

“There are a lot of written and unwritten rules about how you interact with others,” said Dr. Peter Valentin, the chair of the forensic science department at the University of New Haven in Connecticut. “And in the sports world, you can have two opponents vie for supremacy and they go at each other very, very aggressively. But it’s done with a measure of respect. … The idea of spitting on your opponent communicates disrespect. And I would be shocked if that wasn’t the intent of that act, to just demonstrate disdain for your opponent.”

“It was a mistake that happened on my side,” Carter said.

“Just won’t happen again.”

Replays later revealed that Prescott spit first, but only in the general direction of the Eagles’ defense and not onto an opposing player. Carter, in response, spit on Prescott.

“I guess I needed to spit,” Prescott said. “I wasn’t going to spit on my linemen. I just spit ahead. … I don’t wish for anybody to get out of the game. I’m sure he probably regrets that to some extent. I’m pretty sure he knows I didn’t try to spit on him or wasn’t even aiming to spit on him.”

lopsided loss in Green Bay

The Chiefs, who also went 15-2 last season and were denied a three-peat by the Philadelphia Eagles, lost 27-21 to the Chargers. Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Andy Reid’s Chiefs are staring at the possibility of their first 0-2 start since 2014 with the Eagles coming to Kansas City for a Super Bowl

nine straight AFC West titles — has ended. It may be near but it’s not here after just one game 3,500 miles away. Until another team proves they can defeat Mahomes in January, the Chiefs are still the team to beat in the AFC. Also, two of the three teams — Ravens and Texans — considered to be their biggest threats in the conference also lost. Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry and the Ravens looked unstoppable against Buffalo for 3 1/2 quarters. Then Henry fumbled, opening the door for Allen to pull off a stunning comeback capped by Matt Prater’s 32-yard field goal as time expired.

“We all hate losing,” said Jackson, a two-time NFL MVP. “Probably let it linger for a night then we have to forget about it and get ready for the Browns, a division rival.” The loss to the Bills could have home-field advantage implications down the road but Baltimore knows it’s just one game. The Ravens started 0-2 last season and ended up winning the AFC North. Houston faced a team that nearly knocked off Philadelphia in the playoffs last season. C.J. Stroud had a tough time against a formidable defense. He was sacked three times and threw an interception. The Texans, who’ve won the AFC South two straight seasons, overcame an 0-2 start in 2023. They’ll have a difficult task trying to avoid that when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers visit next Monday night.

Suárez, who has been previously sanctioned at times in his career for biting opponents, spit on a member of the Seattle Sounders’ staff after Inter Miami’s 3-0 loss there in the Leagues Cup final. Carter spit — or spit back, depending on perspective — at Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott before the first play from scrimmage in the first NFL game of the regular season Thursday night. Bett spit at a South Florida player, and those 15 penalty yards helped the Bulls get a chip-shot field goal to win 18-16 on the final play of the game.

Players around the league could easily see how that sort of back-and-forth was going to escalate quickly.

“You’ve got to fight me at that point, spitting on another player,” Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo said. “If you spit at his feet, guess it’s just like talking. But spitting on another player like that is unacceptable.”

promoting digestion, assisting with dental health, carrying antibodies and more. But pub lic health officials — in lessons that were hammered home during the pandemic that started in 2020 — also point out that saliva can carry and transmit diseases, everything from cold, flu, the EpsteinBarr virus, strep, some types of hepatitis and even herpes.

Clever and conveys core of story to follow.

It’s a huge win for the Bills, who’ve lost to the Chiefs in the playoffs four times in five years. They’re the class of the AFC East, but another division title isn’t the goal. Buffalo won’t be satisfied with

“I think it’s good, it’s early, there’s a bunch of upside I think we could possibly have,” Stroud said. “I always try to think positively and give ourselves a little grace, but also there’s an urgency and there’s some things we need to fix so I know conversations will be hard. We’ll be hard on each other, but think it’s a good thing. It’s what friction is. I think that’s love. So want to see all my teammates do well. I think when there’s friction in that, I think sometimes is a good thing in a positive way.”

The Texans, Bills, Lions, Chiefs and the rest of the

Florida coach Billy Napier called Bett’s action “unacceptable” on Saturday night and didn’t back down from that stance when addressing it again Monday. Napier said that Bett will reach out to the South Florida player to apologize, plus will issue a public apology. Bett will face some internal disciplinary action, but Napier did not say if he will be suspended for this week’s game at No. 3 LSU. “He made a mistake and he compromised the team,” Napier said Monday. “He made a selfish decision. He misrepresented our fans, our alumni, the university. And when a young man comes into your office and that’s his immediate concern, how he didn’t represent this place the

in and after those three games this past week, it was simply considered degrading. And there are few things that seem to trigger stronger reactions in sports than when someone intentionally spits on another person.

“It’s just a new level of disrespect, not only for your opponent, but for the game itself,”

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Staff

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The Sumter Item

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and

THIRD PLACE Scott Chancey & Justin Driggers

SECOND PLACE Staff The Journal, Seneca

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This is a very comprehensive guide, well-researched and well-designed.

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Charleston City Paper

One of the most thoughtful, well written, beautiful guides I've seen. Already packing my bags to visit.

FEATURE SECTION OR MAGAZINE

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The Post and Courier

Loved the mix of Arts & Culture/Faith and Values so the section has a broad reach. Also, loved the in-depth coverage of the local band albums juxtaposed with the pilgrammage of the Jews in Syria. Leaves you with a feeling of you are in the know with local art/culture but also

you in tune with the

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MIXED MEDIA ILLUSTRATION

OPEN DIVISION

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Frame this! Beautiful art and fonts. Clever way to feature local attractions.

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Ted Clifford

The State

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Hongyu Liu and Grace Beahm Alford

The Post and Courier

DIGITAL PROJECT

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Jordan Kaye, Tracy Glantz and Susan Merriam

The State

Well done. Writing, photography and video converge to tell a powerful story that held my attention through the chapters.

Designers considered user experience and components were carefully curated to fit narrative.

Attorney General opinion sought on fire dispute

BY TRAVIS JENKINS TJENKINS@ONLINECHESTER.COM

The office of Attorney General Alan Wilson might be the party to settle the present dispute between the City of Chester and the Chester Fire Board. Even though a new fiscal year has now begun, there is no negotiated and settled fire contract between the City and the Board (see

related story). The City clai ms the Board has used intimidation, has met illegally, has overstepped its bounds and is retaliating for the firing of a deputy chief earlier this year. The Board, in turn, alleges that City officials have skipped negotiating sessions and have repeatedly failed to p rovide any substantiation,

FOIA request gives insight into Chester PD decertification

BY TRAVIS JENKINS TJENKINS@ONLINECHESTER.COM

The certification of every member of the City of Chester Police Department was pulled on Monday, then reinstated a few hours later after an outstanding fine was paid. Early Monday, the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy sent a letter to

Chester Police Chief William Petty noting that on May 20, the Law Enforcement Training Council ordered his department to pay a civil penalty for non-compliance. The News A Reporter obtained the letter through a Freedom of Information Act request. The Council operates under the umbrella of the Academy and

is comprised of South Carolina Attorney General Alan W ilson, South Carolina Law Enforcement Chief Mark Keel, various chiefs and sheriffs from around the state and representatives from the state office of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services and State Department of Corrections.

‘We aren’t perfect, but we’re improving’

County,” stated a press release by the SCHP.

The make and model of the vehicle are unknown, but it may have damage to its undercarriage.

BREAKING NEWS REPORTING

DIVISION F

T he South Carolina Highway Patrol needs the community’s help after a fatal hit and run.

On July 23, between 2:30 a.m. and 4:10 a.m., a pedestrian was

struck by an unknown vehicle, according to the SCHP. The pedestrian, identified as Porter Rowell, 37, of Allendale, died from his injuries. His obituary can be found on page A13 of this edition.

“A vehicle struck a pedestrian and left the scene on US-301 near McMillan Road, north of the Town of Allendale, in Allendale

The vehicle continued north on Highway 301, according to the SCHP.

“If anyone has any information that could lead to the person responsible for his death, please

do the right thing and contact the SCHP. Just think if it was your brother or your child, you would want to know what really happened to your family member,” said Missy Benton, Rowell’s sister.

Anyone with information on this incident should call the SCHP by dialing 843-953-6010 or *47 from your mobile device.

Kids

get hands-on with reptile friends

Gator Grins: Blackville police chief resigns after recent 'traumatic' experience

FIRST PLACE

Jonathan Vickery and Stephanie Shaver

The People-Sentinel

Stephanie Shaver & Jonathan Vickery News Staff

Shawn Howze, chief of police for the Town of Blackville, has announced his resignation, effective Aug. 1.

Howze, a native of Blackville who was appointed chief in July 2024, cited a recent incident as a key factor in his decision to step down. In his resignation letter to Mayor Ronnie Pernell dated July 21, Howze described responding alone to a violent call on July 17, 2025.

“That day, I responded alone to a violent call involving two suspects actively fighting and struggling over a firearm. In attempting to de-escalate and secure the weapon, I found myself in a dangerous position where my life was put in immediate danger, and the outcome could have been fatal. Had adequate backup been available, the risk to my safety might have been reduced,” he wrote.

The Town of Blackville recently made changes to the police department as part of budget challenges, including eliminating two police officer positions. This change left the town with five officers and one clerk, according to information at recent town council meetings.

“This experience was traumatic

and brought to light the personal risks I can no longer justify assuming in the absence of proper support,” said Howze in his letter.

After a discussion with his family, Chief Howze made the decision to step down. Howze has accepted a job with the Barnwell County Sheriff’s Office as a school resource officer at Macedonia

Elementary-Middle School.

“He did a good job as an SRO before,” said Sheriff Steve Griffith, citing how Howze previously was an SRO. “I think he will be a good fit.”

During his one-year tenure as chief, Howze worked to rebuild and stabilize the Blackville Police Department. He emphasized professionalism, accountability and community engagement, organizing youth-focused events and supporting programs to assist those in need.

“While differences in approach and judgment are a natural part of leadership, some of these issues have created operational constraints that ultimately influenced my decision to resign,” said Howze.

Mayor Pernell praised Howze’s commitment to public safety and community involvement.

“Chief Howze’s dedication has left a lasting mark on our town,” Pernell said in a statement Friday.

“His compassion and efforts to

POLICE: Town of Blackville reassures residents as county & state agencies help patrol streets

“That day, I responded alone to a violent call involving two suspects actively fighting and struggling over a firearm. In attempting to deescalate and secure the weapon, I found myself in a dangerous position where my life was put in immediate danger, and the outcome could have been fatal. Had adequate backup been available, the risk to my safety might have been reduced,” said Howze, who has joined the BCSO as a school resource officer at Macedonia ElementaryMiddle School.

“If we don’t give our kids exposure to STEM(M), AI, medicine, finance, even trades, they’ll fall further behind. We have to plant those seeds now so they can compete in the 21stcentury workforce."

- Steven Brown

Town Administrator Fonda Patrick said officer turnover has long been a challenge for Blackville and other small municipalities.

“It sounds like this has been going on for some time now,” Patrick said. “We’re a smaller municipality, and most officers can come in and get their certification through us and then move on to larger areas. We may not be as competitive with pay compared to bigger cities, and we also compete with neighboring towns and the county for the same officers.”

“ I want to bring stability to the department so we can better serve the community."

- Blackville Police Chief Freddie

Highway Patrol have all been assisting with patrols. Sheriff Griffith said his office is also providing coverage when possible, though deputies are stretched thin. Off-duty deputies who volunteer for Blackville shifts are paid by the town at an hourly rate of about $68.65, which includes wages and benefits.

“We got into it for the short term to help out the town,” Griffith said. “We’re going to do what we need to do for the citizens of Blackville.”

In the event that no one from another agency is able to fill an open shift, the sheriff said his deputies will respond but they might be coming from another part of the county. He said this could lead to longer response times.

At the March 17 Blackville Town Council meeting, it was reported that the police department was fully staffed with six certified and one uncertified officer. The department announced

the town eliminated two police officer positions –reducing the number of budgeted officer positions from seven to five. Howze’s departure on August 1 left the department with two officers. While Blackville leaders did not comment on current staffing numbers, Barnwell County Sheriff Steve Griffith said

“I hope they get their staff back up to numbers they need so they can resume normal operations of the department,” said Sheriff Griffith. Patrick emphasized that residents should not be concerned about safety or access to law enforcement during this period. “Actually, we have more coverage now than we do with our own when we have a full staff,” she said. “They do an amazing job making sure they’re

"We believe our coverage was fair, accurate and vital to keep the residents informed of issues involving an important public service," wrote Jonathan Vickery of this entry team written by Vickery and Stephanie Shaver. The saga begins with the resignation of one police chief after he found himself responding alone to a potentially life threatening call due to understaffing. It continues with another police chief as the sole serving member of the force. The problems of police staffing are a nationwide problem, but the consequences are greater among smaller forces. Facts such as these are the responsibility of the press to bring forward to spur solutions by public officials and for the public to understand.

BREAKING NEWS REPORTING

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A DEVASTATING BLOW

By SCOTT POWELL

Captain H.P. Griffith once called Limestone University immortal, saying, “If anything could have killed her, she would have been dead long ago.”

After 179 years educating students in person, those words from a former Limestone president might no longer be true.

Without $6 million in immediate financial support, the Limestone Board of Trustees announced Wednesday the university will move to a fully online model or consider closing its doors. The $6 million would stabilize operations and give the university an opportunity to pursue long-term solutions to preserve its campus identity.

Limestone currently offers both in-person and online classes.

A switch to an online school would end all Limestone in-person academic classes and campus activities, including athletics. The fully online model would effectively end the traditional college campus experience at Limestone.

Related stories and reaction on Pages 5 & 7

stone needs $6 million immediately to stabilize the university’s financial situation through the summer until an infusion of cash from tuition revenues could arrive in September. Absent these funds, Copeland said it is not financially viable to continue operating Limestone.

The Limestone Board of Trustees will convene on April 22 to discuss the next steps for the institution.

Limestone aims to continue to maintain online degree programs. Richardson said the online portion of Limestone has seen strong growth and could support long-term stability.

In this scenario, Copeland said the physical Limestone campus would no longer exist and would have to be sold.

The financial uncertainty follows multiple efforts by Limestone since 2023, including budget cuts and fundraising campaigns to stabilize the university’s finances and implement a long-term plan to secure its future.

Established in 1845, Limestone University is a Christian institution founded as a liberal arts college. It became a university in the fall of 2020, coinciding with its 175th anniversary.

Limestone officials met with students and staff Wednesday afternoon about the university’s financial uncertainty. President Dr. Nathan Copeland announced all staff will remain employed through the end of the spring semester. Graduation is May 3.

As he finishes his first year, Copeland said Lime-

“The Board’s priority is to preserve the Limestone mission of education and service on our campus in addition to online,” said Randall Richardson, chair of the Limestone University Board of Trustees. “But without this financial lifeline, we will have no choice but to move all operations online, which means closing our physical campus.”

Cost-saving measures in recent years included Limestone’s decision to end a Global Experience study abroad program, theatre program, men’s volleyball and women’s wrestling as part of a restructuring plan.

Copeland announced a “Protect the Rock” campaign last year and President’s Excellence Fund to provide financial support for Limestone’s strategic efforts. A $1.5 million athletic campaign called “Championship Focus” was announced in mid-February. The fundraising efforts come amid large Limestone l See DEVASTATING, PAGE 2

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Nicole Ziege

Great coverage, informative, concise and entertaining story for true crime lovers. Catchy headlines!

BREAKING

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Four killed in early Sunday mass shooting that injured more than two dozen

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Mike McCombs and Amber Hewitt

The Island News

By Mike McCombs and Amber Hewitt

The Island News

Amos Gary wasn’t perfect, his brother said. But the 54-year-old St. Helena man, who had made some poor choices when he was younger, had committed to being a better man.

“Some people know about my brother’s past life,” Johnny Williams said. “Like I said, he had made [bad] choices while he was younger and he had his recompense for that. He changed his life and he was going to be a better man.”

Excellent and tragic story of a shooting at a local bar. The reporting is emotionally powerful yet professionally comprehensive: quotes from witnesses, the victim's brother and police, photos of the scene and updates on progress in the investigation. Excellent job under tragic circumstances.

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The Island Packet

Well-written and emotionally powerful reporting, particularly for a human-interest or memorial-style news story. Reporting effectively personalizes the tragedy and helps readers understand who Amos Ramon Gary was beyond the headlines.

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Wonderful reporting and framing on a very important topic. Great watchdog reporting example!

Barnwell County Council’s first meeting of 2025 included three new faces.

The January 14 meeting was the first one for JJ Cruz (District 5), Andy Hogg (District 3), and Travis Hooper (District 7), who were elected in November 2024. They took the places of Ben Kinlaw, Don Harper, and Jerry Creech, respectively, who did not seek re-election.

“I hope I left something good behind." - Jerry Creech of his tenure on Barnwell County Council

their service.

ENTERPRISE REPORTING DIVISION

“I appreciate all you’ve done, including your time, energy and efforts. You all have put everything into trying to make sure what they were doing would move Barnwell County forward,” said Houston to his outgoing colleagues. He also commended them for their service on various county committees.

Each outgoing councilman received a resolution recognizing

Ben Kinlaw Kinlaw served on council from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2024. He served as chairman in 2019 and 2020.

“I know your heart was about cleanliness of the county,” said Houston of Kinlaw’s efforts to combat litter. Kinlaw serves as executive director of Keep Barnwell County Beautiful. Houston said Kinlaw brought some important topics to

when it comes to the Savannah River Site since two-thirds of the federal site is in Barnwell County. This includes revisiting the payment-in-lieu-of-taxes that the county receives for the land that encompasses SRS.

When he first started on council, “many on council expressed displeasure with SRS because it felt like Barnwell County was being treated like a red-headed stepchild," said Kinlaw.

This led him to contact the Energy Communities Alliance (ECA), the only non-profit membership organization of local governments that are adjacent to or impacted by U.S. Department of Energy activities.

The county joined ECA and Kinlaw started attending conferences to gain knowledge and build relationships.

“I think it’s valuable. That part needs to continue and needs to grow,” said Kinlaw, who also

Helene cleanup nearly complete

Contributed

South Carolina Department of Transportation

The South Carolina Department of Transportation is making a final pass for debris in many impacted counties.

The counties currently in the final debris pickup phase include Abbeville, Anderson,

and Union.

Since debris collection began following Hurricane Helene, SCDOT has collected more than 3 million cubic yards of debris. SCDOT asks the community

members in Aiken, Greenville, Laurens, Pickens and Spartanburg counties to continue piling debris on the side of the road, safely out of the roadway. Moving all remaining debris in these counties to the right of way by January 20 will allow crews to begin the final pass on debris pickup and expedite the cleanup process. Residents who are having trouble getting debris to the right of way due to limited road frontage or debris blocking the way are encouraged to call 855467-2368. SCDOT cannot enter private property to remove debris. SCDOT asks that if you encounter crews, please slow down and give them room to work.

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Precision agriculture promises rural farmers efficiency ; barriers hold local implementation back

This story was reported with the help of the Solutions Journalism Network, where Elijah de Castro is a fellow of its climate cohort, a group of 20 U.S. based journalists covering solutions to climate change.

It’s high noon on an overwhelmingly hot summer day in Allendale County, and the air conditioning is blasting inside Rachael Sharp’s truck. Looking out at her farm through the windshield, Sharp opens up one of many agriculture related apps on her iPhone. With the push of a button, her irrigation systems nearly half a mile away tremble to life, spraying water onto a vast field of soybeans.

because we don’t put as much water, nutrients or fertilizers out and there’s not as much left in the environment at the end of the day,” Sharp said, her iPhone open to the Climate FieldView app, which shows her satellitegenerated graphics of which parts of her farm need water. “But it spits out so much information that sometimes it feels overwhelming.”

Precision agriculture technology is being marketed aggressively to local farmers — at trade shows, in emails, and over phone calls — with the main promises being the ability to cut costs, get higher crop yields and optimize their farming techniques.

That’s the future imagined by precision agriculture, an umbrella term for the new agricultural technologies transforming farming; artificial intelligence (AI), satellite imagery, cloud computing, remote irrigation, drones and selfdriving tractors are becoming the future of agriculture. With billions of dollars of private and public investment behind it and the hope of it helping agriculture mitigate and adapt to the global climate crisis, precision agriculture makes bold promises.

Locally, some farmers have described the rollout of precision agriculture as a welcome opportunity, while others experienced it as overbearing. But on Sharp’s family farm, precision agriculture is a mixed bag.

“We went to [a trade show] last year and I bet we saw 35 different people offering precision ag tools and products,” Sharp said. The previous year, Sharp said, only several people were selling precision agriculture products. “It was crazy overwhelming.” For local farmers on shoestring

“We’re saving on input costs

See FARMING, 6A

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Quality writing, nice flow.

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Chloe Barlow & April Santana

CHESTER — The silence is what sticks out to Megan Probert about the crash.

Pine Ridge Middle School

Probert, a 27-year-old special education teacher at in West Columbia, wasn’t supposed to be on the school bus that day. She was asked less than 24 hours earlier to fill in for another teacher.

The eighth graders she was accompanying were calm as they rode home after a field trip to the in Charlotte, N.C., that early afternoon of April 17

The bus was carrying 35 students and three adults, trailed by two other buses from Lexington Two school district.

NASCAR Hall of Fame front

driver’s side tire pop

Around 1:45 p.m., Probert had her feet propped up on the seat when she heard the Seconds later, the bus was filled with the screech of metal on metal as the bus hit the guardrail along Interstate 77, turning over and shattering its glass windows.

She had only an instant to brace her body between the seats before her window hit the pavement. Two kids sitting across the aisle landed on top of her. Somehow, she didn’t hit the ground.

In the aftermath, all she remembers is how quiet it was.

“I don’t remember the kids screaming. I think we all were in shock, like, 'Oh my God, what just happened,'” Probert said. “It was all just so fast.”

Fourteen-year-old Atzin Muñoz Saligan was dozing off toward the back of the bus. He sat in ront of who, like most of the students, was asleep.

Jose Maria Gonzalez Linares

Excellent reporting and research. Great content and very well written.

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ENTERPRISE

REPORTING DIVISIONS B & C COMBINED

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David Weissman

The Sun News

Carefully reported piece with journalistic integrity and compassion, about an issue that has a direct impact on the mother and daughter featured as well as the broader community – access to safe and affordable housing.

FIRST PLACE

Zak Koeske

The State

An excellent and thorough investigation of what happened to an $800,000 grant to combat crime in three rural districts. Reporter Zak Koeske finds that the money was badly or illegally spent, or perhaps worse, not spent at all. Despite a lack of official records, Koeske makes a strong case that this matter needs government investigation.

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SCBIZ

S.C. Policy Council/The Nerve

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Rick Brundrett

S.C. Policy Council/The Nerve

Staggeringly well done series about corruption of a state official. True example of holding feet to the fire.

SLED investigating Richburg Fire Protection District

SLED investigating Richburg Fire Protection District

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has launched a fraud investigation into the Richburg Fire District in Chester County.

On Wednesday, Chester County Council held a special-called meeting, which included a lengthy closed-door discussion of “Richburg Fire Board Organizational Matters.”

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has launched a fraud investigation into the Richburg Fire District in Chester County. On Wednesday, Chester County Council held a special-called meeting, which included a lengthy closed-door discussion of “Richburg Fire Board Organizational Matters.”

Upon returning to open session, the Council has voted to remove, without cause, each member of the board of commissioners of the Richburg Fire Protection District and to pass an emergency ordinance to remove each member of the Richburg Fire Protection Board and dissolve the

County

Admin explains council’s

ty of the district, placing it under the direct authority of the county administrator and to make the district part of the county. Both measures passed 5-1 with

Upon returning to open session, the Council has voted to remove, without cause, each member of the board of commissioners of the Richburg Fire Protection District and to pass an emergency ordinance to remove each member of the Richburg Fire Protection Board and dissolve the administrative authority of the district, placing it under the direct authority of the county administrator and to make the district part of the county. Both measures passed 5-1 with

‘Don’t mistake these tears for weakness’

gation into possible fraud at Richburg Fire to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. That investigation is ongoing.

Six members of the public signed up to speak on the matter Monday, all of whom were against the move.

an investi -

Among those was Al Bellevance, who said the move was about greed, power, money and self interests. He said Hester had spoken to

The News & Reporter but not to the community and then brought up the fact that Hester himself had previously been the subject of tax liens and had filed bankruptcy on multiple occasions. County Councilman (and Council Chair) Pete Wilson said those comments were out of line and against the Council’s protocol against personal attacks. “Is there something the County wants to hide?” Bella-

vance asked. Wilson asked for everyone to be “respectful” and told Bellavance he would give him a little time to finish his comments, but when those included a reference to the public having a right to know about the bankruptcies, Wilson ended Bellevance’s speaking time. After all the public

fire district actions

BY BRIAN GARNER BGARNER@ONLINECHESTER.COM

Where

Chester County Administrator Brian Hester is asking for the public’s trust and understanding as an investigation is undertaken into the Richburg

Chester County Administrator

trict.

Chester County Council voted to remove the authority from the five members of

Brian Hester is asking for the public’s trust and understanding as an investigation is undertaken into the Richburg Fire District. Last week, Chester County Council voted to remove the authority from the five members of the Richburg Fire Protection District Board and to pass an emergency ordinance placing the

When Melissa Chavis drives down Barnwell County roads, she can’t help but let her eyes drift to the swamps and woodline looking for her brother.

“Never does a day or moment go by that I don’t ask why,” said Melissa. “I don’t wish this confusion, and hurt, and void on no one. It’s a pain that no mother, or family, should have to endure.”

BACKSTORY

Michael Gene Still was last seen by neighbors at his Colony West apartment in Barnwell on February 6, 2024. According to interviews conducted by law enforcement, he was seen outside of his apartment in the afternoon smoking a cigarette, and shared a ‘hello’ with a few neighbors. Melissa had not heard from or seen her brother since they last visited with their mother at her Williston home three days earlier.

On February 9, law enforcement conducted a welfare check at his residence. Officers arrived at an unlocked door and empty apartment.

Many of his personal items such as medication, one of two pairs of glasses, and jacket were still inside. His vehicle was parked in front of the building.

The investigation into Michael’s disappearance was shortly turned

over to the Barnwell County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) per the request of the family, although in the jurisdiction of the Barnwell Police Department.

BSCO quickly obtained a search warrant for the apartment where they took two phones, and swabbed two reddish-brown spots of evidence, located on the wall and

FIRST PLACE Belinda Lee Cobb

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Scott Powell

The Gaffney Ledger

FACULTY BLASTS TRUSTEES

By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Staff Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com

Perhaps U.S. Rep Ralph Norman said it best: “This closure (Limestone University) is a wake-up call on the importance of financial transparency and long-term planning in higher education,” he said. “Our students and communities deserve better.”

The school’s faculty obviously agrees. About 50 Limestone University faculty members voted unanimously Wednesday afternoon to disinvite President Nathan Copeland and the entire Board of Trustees from Limestone’s final commencement ceremonies on Saturday.

The faculty also called for the resignations of Copeland and issued a vote of no confidence for the Board of Trustees.

Limestone University trustees met for four hours Tuesday before voting to cease all operations — both in-person and online classes.

In their motion, Limestone faculty cited a lack of transparency from the Board of Trustees and Copeland regarding the university’s financial situation.

“In 2023, we were abruptly informed that Limestone University was in a critical financial state and was more than $20 million in debt,” according to a written statement read at Wednesday’s faculty meeting. “Even then, we were given very few details or information, and for the next two years were never fully made aware of the financial state, good or bad, of the institution we have a vested interest in. At that time, it became painfully clear the lack of concern and competence our Board had for their sole function on campus to ensure the financial viability of a 180-year-old institution.”

While many questions remain unanswered, Limestone tax filings, financial audits and other public documents shed some light on the extent of the university’s financial troubles.

Limestone has $30 million in debt from loans obtained from the U.S. Department of Agriculture rural development program and First National Bank. A large majority of the Limestone

ney General its comprehensive plan to return to financial stability and stave off the potential suspension of its operations,” according to the order issued Oct. 10, 2023, by the Cherokee County Probate Court. “With new administrative leadership in place, the University is engaged in a variety of cost-cutting measures including, but not limited to, the elimination of certain academic and athletic programs, and has begun to implement an ambitious fundraising strategy, with a current initiative to raise $20 million.

The temporary deployment of the Institutional Funds in support of the day-today operations of the University are projected to enable the University to regain financial traction...”

Limestone had $31.5 million in its endowment on July 1, 2021. The latest financial audit showed Limestone borrowed $22,152,796 from the endowment during the 2023 and 2024 fiscal years.

“As a result of the Order, $8,331,770 of endowment funds as of June 30, 2024, are available to meet cash flow needs in future years,” according to the 2024 Limestone University audit.

The 2024 audit warned that overspending and declining enrollment placed Limestone at risk of possible closure.

By ABBIE SOSSAMON Ledger News Editor abbie@gaffneyledger.com

campus is collateral for the two loans. As of June 30, 2024, $27,217,666 was owed on the USDA loans and $3,224,085 on the First National loan. Also at that time an additional $800,000 was owed to First National on a line of credit with collateral being “substantially all assets.”

Limestone finished with a $12.6 million budget deficit when the 2023 fiscal year ended, according to the nonprofit university’s tax form 990 filing. The Limestone endowment was drawn down from $31.5 million on July 1, 2021, to $8,331,770 on June 30, 2024.

Due to its financial problems, Limestone University obtained a consent order for modification of institutional

funds (endowment) through the Cherokee County Probate Court.

The order removed university restrictions over a 5-year period from October 10, 2023, until October 10, 2028. After the drawdown period, the order stipulates that Limestone University will seek to restore the principal of these Institutional Funds back to their previous level listed in the court documents.

The order was approved by the South Carolina Attorney General’s office for Limestone to access scholarship endowments and the Winnie Davis Hall of History endowed maintenance fund after a meeting on September 13, 2023.

“The university shared with the Attor-

“As disclosed in Note 3 to the financial statements, the University has suffered recurring significant negative changes in net assets and cash flows from operations, has a net deficiency in net assets without donor restrictions exclusive of plant, and has stated that substantial doubt exists about the University’s ability to continue as a going concern,” according to the audit report.

Limestone University officials reached out to Cherokee County Council and the State Legislature for financial assistance in the weeks prior to the stunning announcement about the university’s closure.

Neither entity acted on requests to help Limestone. The South Carolina Constitution prevents public money from directly benefiting religious or other private educational institutions.

Two weeks ago, Limestone announced l See FACULTY, Page 2

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Screenshotoftheparentsof12-year-oldEmily

Case of pair of Beaufort runawaysquestionsraises

By Delayna Earley The Island News

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Delayna Earley

The Island News

online discourse regarding the usage of the term “runaway.”

What happened

In February 2025, Hollis was reported as a runaway by the Beaufort Police Department after she went missing from her home and was known to be in the company of 16-year-old Chase Eskeets.

Eskeets and Hollis were reported as runaways by the Beaufort Police Department based off the evidence found at the scene and known evidence, according to Lt. Lori Evans with the police department.

According to Hollis’ parents, she had met Eskeets on Snapchat about two weeks before she disappeared while using a phone that was given to her by one of her friends, information that was not made aware to them until after she had been safely returned home.

The youths were found in Jacksonville, Fla., after several days, but not before the community expressed outrage toward the police department’s labeling of Hollis as a runaway given her age.

The Hollis family was contacted by South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Special Agent Logan Fey, who assisted them by putting them into contact with SCDSS, a common practice with runaway or missing children’s cases.

After interviewing all the involved parties, including several hour-long interviews with both parents, SCDSS sent a letter to the Hollis family saying that based on their findings, their case had been indicated for human trafficking.

The Determination Fact Sheet, which is a form sent to parties with the findings from an investigation with SCDSS, states that Beaufort County DSS will “indicate against”

February 26, 2025News

Parentsof12-year-oldgirl unhappywithpolicehandling

On Saturday, Feb. 15, 12-year-old Emily Hollis went missing from her home in Beaufort, S.C. She was last seen in the company of 16-year-old

Chase Eskeets and both children were reported by the Beaufort Police Department as runaways.

Since then, both children were found and returned to their homes unharmed several days later, but the situation has sparked a much bigger conversation over social media – can a 12-year-old consent to run away from home or is it an abduction?

By Delayna Earley

In an email responding to questions from The Island News, Beaufort Police Department’s Lt. Lori Evans said the two juveniles “were in a known relationship and had runaway, which included a note left by Emily Hollis.”

The Island News

Shortly after the police publicly shared that Hollis and Eskeets were reported as runaways, Hollis’ parents took to Facebook in a live video in hopes of putting additional pressure on the police to help them find their daughter.

Autumn Hollis, mother of Emily Hollis, a Beaufort teen who was 12 years old at the time she was reported as a runaway earlier in 2025 when she was allegedly encouraged to leave her home and go to Florida with a 16-year-old boy, has filed a request for an internal review of those involved in her daughter’s case with The City of Beaufort and the City of Beaufort’s Police Department.

In the video, the Hollises tearfully plea for the public to help because they were told that the police do not assign an investigator to look for runaways.

“My daughter is 12 years old,” Autumn Hollis, Emily’s mother said in the video. “She needs to have people looking for her, police officers, too – here in Beaufort – not just the people.”

The case caused an uproar on social media with many Beaufort citizens upset at the 12-year-old being labeled as a runaway due to her age.

In a second video, Emily’s father took to social media and shared that in a meeting

Upon delivering the packet requesting the internal review of the way that her daughter’s case was handled, she was informed by employees with the Beaufort Police Department that the people who would be conducting the internal review were the same people who were named in the review packet.

“Honestly, it was so people in the future would be able to use this to say, look, you’ve had issues with this,” Hollis said. “I just wanted a legit internal investigation.”

Worried that a review being conducted by the same people who she has listed as part of her complaint would not be fair and impartial, Hollis reached out to the city, asking for a party who is unrelated to take over the review of her case.

Hollis received a return email from Beaufort City Manager Scott Marshall telling her that to recuse everyone who had anything to do

1:50PM

incorrectly. Great job covering this story! Well written and definitely thought provoking. Outstanding!

Complete and detailed coverage of the "runaway/missing/human trafficked" designation and how they are handled differently and

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH

DIVISIONS B & C COMBINED

FIRST PLACE

Terri Richardson

The Sun News

Dogged work by news editor Terri Richardson produced a gripping story of a shootout, a killing, and the killer's escape from prosecution. The tale unfolds with the help of many documents from a lawsuit, including a 22 minute tape of 911 calls from the shooting scene that is absolutely riveting. Investigations should follow.

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Chris Lavender

The Post and Courier

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The Post and Courier

REPORTING-IN-DEPTH

DIVISION A

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Tony Bartelme

The Post and Courier

The description of the pilot's experience during the incident was gripping, as was the reporting on the aftermath. Incredibly well-written piece of journalism.

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING

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Travis Jenkins

The News & Reporter

INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING ALL WEEKLY DIVISION

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Barbara Ball

The Voice of Blythewood

Great basic reporting that came from an editor that listened and took action. An important issue that government tried its best to stonewall.

INVESTIGATIVE

REPORTING ALL DAILY DIVISION

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Tony Bartelme, Glenn Smith and John Del'Osso

The Post and Courier

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Zak Koeske

The State

SERIES OF ARTICLES

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The Manning Times

SERIES OF ARTICLES

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Melissa Foust-McCoy

The Manning Times

Good job of weaving history and present day and the impact both have.

SERIES OF ARTICLES

D & E COMBINED

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The Horry Independent

This is a very well-conceived and well-executed project. Excellent job!

SERIES OF ARTICLES DIVISIONS B & C COMBINED

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SERIES OF ARTICLES DIVISION A

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Jonah Chester

The Post and Courier

SECOND PLACE Staff

The Post and Courier

FIRST PLACE

Wonderful, comprehensive reporting that brings life to data. Nicely done!

BEAT REPORTING DIVISION

F

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The News & Reporter

Wow! The power of FOIA strikes again! Fantastic reporting!

BEAT REPORTING

COASTAL OBSERVER

County takes gentler approach to mosquito control

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The smell of the warehouse where the mosquito control division stores its equipment is strong enough to make your nose scrunch. It isn’t pesticide, it’s garlic.

Georgetown County Mosquito Control is the first agency in the country to use an organic truck spray that contains essential oils – including rosemary, mint and garlic – to battle mosquitoes.

“It’s not a chemical. It’s not a pesticide. It’s actually essential oils you find every day,” said Roban Mears, the mosquito control supervisor. There are over 60 species of mosquitoes across the state, but four species are considered predominant in the Lowcountry. The species can be identified by the markings on a mosquito’s legs through a microscope.

All are potential carriers of the West Nile virus.

“We do not spray for people’s comfort. We See “Skeeters,” Page 4

By Madison Sharrock COASTAL OBSERVER

BEAT REPORTING

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Really impressive work that delves into the macabre nuances of capital punishment.

BEAT REPORTING

DIVISIONS B & C COMBINED

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

BEAT REPORTING

DIVISIONS B & C COMBINED

FIRST PLACE

Lauren Pierce

The Journal, Seneca

This has been my favorite set of articles in the competition. A fantastic sequence of events without any bias. I had to look up what happened!

BEAT REPORTING

FIRST PLACE

The Post and Courier

Well written articles on the the Gullah influences and future.

GOVERNMENT BEAT REPORTING

GOVERNMENT BEAT REPORTING

DIVISION

F

FIRST PLACE

Travis Jenkins

The News & Reporter

Readers are well served by this type of reporting. In a field with many outstanding entries, this takes first place for going beyond routine meeting coverage to feature in-depth reporting on government officials.

GOVERNMENT BEAT REPORTING

FIRST PLACE

This reporter looks out for monkey business in local government – literally and figuratively. Good context provided.

GOVERNMENT BEAT REPORTING

DIVISION D

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

GOVERNMENT BEAT REPORTING

Hilton Head Island council approves measures

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

The council also advanced several amendments to its Land Management Ordinance (LMO) and finalized changes to the Town’s committee governance structure.

Strategic action plan adopted Council unanimously adopted the Town of Hilton Head Island Strategic Action Plan for fiscal years 2026 through 2028. The plan outlines 10 goals covering infrastructure, environmental sustainability, cultural preservation, economic development, and public safety. Key priorities include managing island growth, enhancing stormwater systems, supporting workforce housing, and implementing the parks and recreation master plan.

Revised ATAX policy approved

A revised policy governing the distribution of South Carolina Accommodations Tax (ATAX) funds was also adopted. The changes aim to increase transparency and compliance with state law while aligning allocations with tourism-related priorities and long-term capital needs.

Required distributions include the first $25,000 and 5% of funds to the Town’s General Fund, and 30% to the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO). Discretionary distributions include:

30% to the DMO

33% to ATAX grant awards

20% to the General Fund for tourism operations

• 7% to capital improvement projects

• 5% to a tourism-serving housing program

The updated framework is intended to support both public and private tourism initiatives while investing in infrastruc-

ture and workforce needs.

Offshore drilling opposition formalized

The council passed a resolution opposing the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s proposed 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, which includes potential offshore drilling near South Carolina. The resolution reinforces the Town’s long-standing stance against drilling off the state’s coast.

Land management ordinance changes move forward

Council reviewed first readings for several amendments to the LMO. Proposed changes include:

Strengthened protections for Live Oak and Laurel Oak trees, including larger replacement requirements and expanded tree protections for single-family lots.

Revised open space and subdivision design standards to enhance pedestrian connectivity, walkability, and community interaction.

Updates to the development review process for major and minor projects, with an emphasis on public notice and community involvement.

New construction management standards addressing safety, noise, stormwater control, and site cleanliness during active development and severe weather events.

Council committee structure updated

In its second reading, the council adopted changes to Section 2-5-60 of the municipal code, clarifying how council committees are established and operated. The revised language aims to provide consistency and flexibility in the formation and function of committees.

For full meeting materials, including the agenda and packet, visit the Town’s website at www.hiltonheadislandsc.gov.

The next scheduled meeting is set for 3 p.m. Aug. 19.

GOVERNMENT BEAT REPORTING

West Union reviews Walhalla water agreement proposal

has supplied water to the town of West Union for years, although the previous contract expired more than 10 years ago, according to Myers.

“There have been three other efforts to renegotiate since 2015, but none have resulted in a signed agreement. The City has honored the expired contract’s

GOVERNMENT BEAT REPORTING

garage, new technical high school announced at State of Sumter panel

Demolition of Sumter’s Rodeway Inn approved

The Sumter School District offices were the polling location for the Green Swamp 1 and 2 Precinct in Tuesday’s special election for the new Area 8 representative on Sumter school board. Total voter turnout in the special election was just 4.72% with 366 votes.

BY BRUCE MILLS bruce@theitem.com

It will be Phil Leventis and Keith Schultz in a runoff after the two garnered the most votes in Tuesday’s special election for the Area 8 seat on Sumter’s school board. With four candidates in the race and no one receiving more than 50% plus one vote of the total votes, the runoff required for a candidate to get a majority of votes, and it will be on Tuesday, Feb. 25. Leventis won 43.72% of the vote — which included early voting and absentee mail votes — while Schultz took 19.4%.

Sumter school board Area 8 candidates Keith Schultz, right, and Foxy Rae Campbell hug after all the election totals were compiled on Tuesday.

A former member of Sumter School District's Board of Trustees, Schultz edged political newcomer Tom Montgomery by two votes for second place. Montgomery finished third with 18.85% of the vote. Foxy Rae Campbell placed fourth with 18.03% of the vote.

According to Sumter County Voter Registration and Elections Office, there are 7,762 registered voters in Sumter School District’s Area 8, and 366 voted in the special election. That is a voter turnout rate of 4.72%. Of the five precincts, Wilson Hall had the

voting period will be Wednesday through Friday

BY ALAYSHA MAPLE alaysha@theitem.com

Demolition of the North Washington Street motel formerly belonging to a Church Street address was approved for demolition by Historic Preservation Design Review board on the afternoon of Thursday, Feb. 13. The Design Review Board is a seven-member committee appointed by Sumter City Council, tasked with implementing design review for all exterior appearance and materials in two design review districts — Downtown Historic District and Hampton Park Historic District.

Concerning the demolition, a private applicant, 226 North Washington Street LLC, requested approval to move forward with a complete demolition and removal of Rodeway Inn. Design Review board only approved demolition of Rodeway Inn, as it is in the

Like the school board special election, the upcoming runoff between Phil Leventis and Keith Schultz will also include an early voting period for registered voters in Sumter School District Area 8.

ALAYSHA MAPLE alaysha@theitem.com

Three days of early voting will be available on Wednesday, Feb. 19, through Friday, Feb. 21, at Sumter

an hour-long presentation before Sumter City Council members on Tuesday,

March 4, Sumter Police Chief Russell Roark presented the department’s annual report for 2024, focusing on juvenile crimes, homicides in particular, and the proactive measures the department is taking to address them. Roark used the term “juvenile” nearly a dozen times throughout the presentation, defining it as persons ages 17 and under. Nearly 50% of young offenders who have a high rate of recidivism, or the tendency to reoffend, are either deceased, in custody of

Department of Juvenile Justice or in a detention facility, he said. Many have aged out in recent years, now being charged as adults.

“We have a problem with juvenile crime,” Roark expressed. The annual report consists of an overview of the department’s calls for service, case clearances, significant arrests and court cases, administration, special operations and so forth. This year, BY

Sumter Mayor David Merchant questioned at what age these offenders commit their first offenses. Between ages 11 and 12, Roark answered.

GOVERNMENT BEAT REPORTING

DIVISION B

THIRD PLACE

The Island Packet

SECOND PLACE

The Herald

GOVERNMENT BEAT REPORTING

DIVISION B

FIRST PLACE

GOVERNMENT BEAT REPORTING

DIVISION A

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

GOVERNMENT BEAT REPORTING

DIVISION A

FIRST PLACE

Stories that do a good job of explaning to readers how government action and votes can affect them.

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

BUSINESS REPORTING

FIRST PLACE

SCBIZ

Ground-breakings are generally yawners. The writing shines through on this assessment to carry one from lede to the end while getting to know a bit about the key players.

DIVISION F

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

The Post and Courier

North Augusta/The Star

FIRST PLACE

Brian Garner

The News & Reporter

The strongest for a very good group of entries, the winner in this category does a great job of going beyond the basics and explaining business in a manner that educates the reader. This is a very impressive body of work.

BUSINESS BEAT REPORTING

DIVISIONS D & E COMBINED

FIRST PLACE

The depth of coverage in this reporting was very impressive. These stories were of important topics for the community and the reporter covered them in a manner that added insights most readers were probably not aware of. Excellent work.

BUSINESS BEAT REPORTING

DIVISIONS B & C COMBINED

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

The Times and Democrat

BUSINESS BEAT REPORTING

DIVISIONS B & C COMBINED

FIRST PLACE

John Marks

The Herald

In a competitive category, this entry rose to the top. Rather than settling for cookie cutter stories, the winner added depth and background to stories about the local business climate and local businesses. Really great work!

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

BUSINESS BEAT REPORTING

A

FIRST PLACE

David Wren

South Carolina Daily Gazette

In a year when tariff-related articles seemed to dominate this category, Wren's reporting stands out. In addition to his excellent writing, he has a knack for explaining key factors in such a way that every reader can understand. He also looks at key issues from multiple angles. Finally, he interviews an impressive range of expert sources, giving his work more depth than expected.

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT BEAT REPORTING

DIVISION F

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

The News & Reporter

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT BEAT REPORTING

https://www.postandcourier.com/berkeley-independent/news/residents-still-at-odds-with-local-builder/ article_d1796788-face-11ef-9081-3fd86108ab08.html

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT BEAT REPORTING

DIVISION E

FIRST PLACE

I'm a sucker for a good lede. All three of these stories draw the reader in.

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT BEAT REPORTING

DIVISION D

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

Summerville sailor serves aboard sub Rickover

BY RICK BURKE Navy Office of Community Outreach

Deep beneath the surface, Petty Officer 1st Class Barrett

Long, a native of Summerville, plays a role in defending the United States.

Long, who graduated from Fort Dorchester High School in 2018, serves aboard the USS Hyman G. Rickover, a Virginia-class fast-attack submarine homeported at Naval Submarine Base New London.

As a submariner, Long is part of a small percentage of Navy personnel who operate

Plan for apartments sparks community outcry

BY AEON BAILEY abailey@journalscene.com

Pine Trace Park, located

Jamison Road, is now open.

Dorchester County officials cut the ribbon on the 306-acre park Thursday, Aug. 14, inviting the public to enjoy an inclusive playground, an 18-hole disc golf course, a 6-acre pond and two dog parks.

Dorchester County Council Chair David Chinnis campaigned, in part, on establish ing Pine Trace Park.

referendum, we wouldn’t be here,” Chinnis said at the park’s ribbon-cutting. “Give your selves a hand.”

began with a land purchase in 2011. There were delays in opening because of supply chain problems and weather, but the park is

Residents voiced strong concerns about rapid growth, development and infrastructure problems during the public comment portion of the Summerville Town Council meeting Thursday, March 13. Several speakers called for a moratorium on new development, citing concerns about quality of life, traffic congestion and historic preservation.

Summerville

Touchberry’s previous remarks that 250,000 people claim a Summerville address as evidence that growth is overwhelming the town.

“Surely you must realize that our quality of

a lot of quaintness and expansive yards.” She expressed frustration with spot zoning, arguing that regulations designed to maintain the town’s character were being eroded.

“If we wanted to be crowded, we

BY BRANDON ROBERTS broberts@journalscene.com

A controversial proposal to annex and rezone property at Luden Drive and King Charles Circle was rejected by Summerville Town Council on Aug. 14, ending weeks of debate over a potential apartment complex near the Newington Plantation neighborhood. The decision set the tone for a meeting that also saw the denial of a rezoning request in the town’s historic district.

Annexation denied after contested lead-up

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT BEAT REPORTING DIVISIONS B & C COMBINED

THIRD PLACE

Gene Zaleski The Times and Democrat

SECOND PLACE

The Island Packet

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT BEAT REPORTING

DIVISIONS B & C COMBINED

FIRST PLACE

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT BEAT REPORTING

DIVISION A

THIRD PLACE

Tony Kukulich

The Post and Courier

SECOND PLACE

The Post and Courier

GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT BEAT REPORTING

DIVISION A FIRST

PLACE

Chris Trainor

The State

Covering complicated development stories in an easy-to-read style isn't easy, but these examples shine. Well done.

EDUCATION BEAT REPORTING

PLACE

EDUCATION BEAT REPORTING

FIRST PLACE

Brian Garner

The News & Reporter

EDUCATION BEAT REPORTING

DIVISIONS D & E COMBINED

FIRST PLACE

Emma Slaven

The Daniel Island News

Two months after a student was arrested for bringing a gun to Philip Simmons High School on Dec. 11, parents across Berkeley County are calling for stronger security measures, including expanded weapon detection systems in schools.

At a recent county school board meeting, PSHS parent Kristen Scanlon voiced her frustration over safety and security.

“I need to know what is being done about this today, not six months from now,” Scanlon said.

“Is there anything different for my son — my firstborn, my baby boy — when he walks through the doors at Philip Simmons High School tomorrow? Training or not, it’s unacceptable, and I’m not willing to let my child be next.”

Isaac Owens, another Clements

Ferry parent, asked, “If we have weapon screeners at football games, why not in schools, where our kids spend most of their time?” Currently, the Berkeley County School District uses 18 mobile weapons screening systems at athletic events, large school gatherings, and at its alternative school.

Five additional units were recently purchased through grant funding. However, only a few schools in the county have screening devices in place.

Monica Kreber, the district’s engagement coordinator, emphasized that safety remains a top priority, noting that the district has implemented random, suspicionless searches and K-9 sweeps of parking lots, hallways, classrooms, and lockers.

“We understand that discussions around weapons screening

and clear backpacks often arise among parents and community members after a security concern or the identification of a weapon,” Kreber said. “We have thoroughly researched and observed demonstrations of walk-through weapons screening systems.”

Despite interest in expanding security measures, district officials cite significant logistical and financial hurdles. Unlike controlled-entry events like football games, schools have multiple access points, which they say makes full-scale screening difficult.

“Our larger campuses have between 70 to 90 exterior doors,” Kreber explained. “While we are not opposed to expanding the use of weapons screeners and have been in communication with districts that do or have used them, there are several factors that need

That solution turned into a powerful presentation by the DIS Student Council, led by eighth-grade president Emily Hughes, who asked the county in February 2024 for $72,000 to help create a playground that would be accessible for all students.

“We’re interested in making recess accessible

to be carefully considered before proceeding, including manpower, cost, and logistics.”

A recent estimate from the state’s Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Office reported that the installation of metal detectors at every South Carolina public school would cost about $14.4 million up front, with an annual staffing expense of up to $98.3 million.

As the discussion about metal

Has a lot of pride in work and community.

EDUCATION BEAT REPORTING

DIVISIONS B & C COMBINED

THIRD PLACE

The Herald

SECOND PLACE

The Sun News

EDUCATION BEAT REPORTING

DIVISIONS B & C COMBINED

FIRST PLACE

EDUCATION BEAT REPORTING

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

The State

EDUCATION BEAT REPORTING

DIVISION A

FIRST PLACE

Zak Koeske

The State

Articles weres interesting, clear and well sourced.

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

DIVISION

LIMESTONE IS HISTORY

By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Staff Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com

The financial hole was just too big to dig out of. Limestone University trustees met for 4 hours Tuesday before voting to cease all operations — both in-person and online classes. Students, faculty and staff were notified of the decision by email from university president Dr. Nathan Copeland. The decision came days after the university launched a “Together for Limestone” campaign to secure immediate unrestricted funding to keep Limestone open for on-campus and online classes. Fullerton Foundation made a $1 million commitment towards the campaign less than 12 hours later. Sossamon Construction pledged $100,000 shortly thereafter and just yesterday two $500,000 pledges were made.

THE SAGA CONTINUES

Absent $6 million in immediate support, the Limestone Board of Trustees announced last week the university would need to move to a fully online school or possibly begin the process of ceasing operations.

FIRST PLACE

The Gaffney Ledger

USDA meets with local leaders, Limestone trustees

By LARRY HILLIARD Ledger Staff Writer larry@gaffneyledger.com

Local leaders were updated Monday by a federal agency that’s Limestone University’s biggest creditor.

The Department of Agriculture reps told local leaders, which included officials from the city, county and school district, that it loaned Limestone about $31 million.

Limestone trustees voted on Tuesday, April 29, to close the university because the school was financially unable to sustain its operations.

According to the most recent audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, Limestone has $30 million in debt from loans obtained from the USDA rural development program and First National Bank.

A large majority of the Limestone campus is collateral for the two loans, except for the maintenance building and a couple of small parcels, the local leaders were told by the USDA reps.

The USDA told the leaders that Limestone is not yet in default and the loans are assumable. An assumable loan is a loan that a buyer can take over from a seller without having to apply for a new loan and potentially get a new interest rate.

According to USDA officials, it’s not unusual for small, rural colleges to face financial hardships and possible loan default.

As of June 30, 2024, $27,217,666 was

owed on the USDA loans and $3,224,085 on the First National loan. Limestone finished with a $12.6 million budget deficit when the 2023 fiscal year ended, according to the nonprofit university’s tax form 990 filing. The Limestone endowment was drawn down from $31.5 million on July 1, 2021, to $9,158,633 on June 30, 2024.

Monday’s meeting took place at the school’s administration building.

Cherokee County School District Interim Superintendent Dr. Thomas White was one of those attending the meeting.

“I met with USDA for about an hour. In very broad terms, explained why the board authorized me to investigate possibilities at Limestone University.

USDA explained in broad terms the financial and loan situation with LU, White said. “After that meeting, I toured the campus with the LU Director of Maintenance, CCSD Director of Maintenance, some architects and some construction contractors. Our purpose was to get an overview of the campus facilities and general conditions. I also wanted to see what other assets might be of interest, such as student desks, other furnishings, educational equipment, etc. We walked for about three and a half hours.

A large group of students and faculty had gathered outside the Hines and Riggins Center waiting to hear the fate of their school from the board of trustees or president.

They got a short email from Copeland instead.

A press release was also sent to media outlets.

“Despite exhaustive efforts to secure the funding necessary to continue our operations, we have come to the difficult conclusion that Limestone University has not been able to secure the necessary funding to sustain its operations,” said Randall Richardson, Chair of Limestone’s Board of Trustees. “We want to thank the almost 200 recent supporters in the last two weeks who committed a collective $2.143 million. We had hoped that would be enough to sustain our institution. But in the final analysis, we could not continue operations oncampus or online without a greater amount of funding.”

The layoffs would impact 478 employees, effective April 30.

“We regret that we

A Limestone men’s lacrosse player is served by a volunteer Tuesday in the Stephenson Dining Hall. Community members have stepped forward to operate a dining service for more than 100 student athletes during postseason play following the school’s closure. (Ledger photo by SCOTT POWELL

“Our team has not yet met to put together our thoughts on the facility.”

TRAIL EXPANSION TO OPEN

The USDA officials returned to the campus Thursday to meet with the university’s Board of Trustees. No information on the discussions at that meeting were released.

By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Staff Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com

‘A man’s gotta eat’

By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Staff Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com

Along with running his own coffee

No comments are needed from this judge as the letters of support from community leaders speak loud and clear. Hands down the winner in a very competitive class of entries. Well done, Ledger staff. "[W]ithout the tireless efforts of the team at the Gaffney Ledger, Cherokee County would still have more questions than answers."

"...I believe The Gaffney Ledger’s work on the Limestone University closure is exactly the kind of service this award is meant to recognize. They honored the role of the press in a moment when the community needed it most."

"While the hurt from the financial impact was real and continues, the information provided by The Gaffney Ledger's reporting rallied the community to support those impacted." www.gaffneyledger.com WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30,

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

The Post and Courier

The Post and Courier

COMMUNITY SERVICE

ALL DAILY DIVISION

FIRST PLACE

Terri Richardson, Emalyn Muzzy, Maria

Elena Scott, Matthew Hall, Elizabeth Brewer, Isaac Bailey & Alexa Lewis

The Sun News

Newspaper demanded answers and action from city leaders silent about a surge of violent crime and shootings in a major tourist district. In addition in-depth coverage, powerful Op-ed calls for action.

THIRD PLACE

Clayton Stairs

Hammock Coast, Georgetown

County Chamber of Commerce

SECOND PLACE

Jackie Broach Georgetown County

3

Partnership clears derelict boats from Harbor

Eleven derelict vessels were removed from Georgetown Harbor this month through a major collaborative effort between Georgetown County, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), and the nonprofit Wounded Nature–Working Veterans.

The operation was critical to improving safety and environmental conditions in the harbor and comes ahead of a dredging project planned for next year by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Several of the removed boats had become long-standing hazards, including one sunken near the River Room restaurant that posed a serious risk to boaters.

SCDNR provided staff, including a dive team to identify and recover vessels, while Georgetown County funded crane services, and will transport the boats from the harbor to the landfill and waive disposal fees.

Coastal Crane Services contributed a generous discount for the project, and a barge was donated by community member Sandy Tiller to support the operation.

"It was a real community effort," said Region 4 Officer

Jason Dozier of SCDNR. "We couldn’t have done it without everyone working together.”

Wounded Nature–Working Veterans, a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit, played a key role. The organization mobilizes volunteer boaters and veterans to remove debris from challenging coastal environments, helping improve marine ecosystems and fish stocks.

Of the 11 boats removed, eight had legible registration tags—and five of those were from out of state. Three had been so damaged by the elements that their tags were unreadable.

Derelict boats have become a growing concern in South Carolina, harming water quality, posing

navigational hazards, and degrading the beauty of our natural spaces.

Current state law does not require boaters to carry liability insurance, making cleanup efforts difficult to fund.

“Until there is more legislation and funding in place, the burden falls on state agencies and the public,” said Rudy Socha, a licensed boat captain and CEO of Wounded Nature. “If your boat sinks or damages property, and you don’t have insurance, someone else has to clean up the mess.”

Proposed state legislation would require insurance for boaters, while another proposed bill would collect an annual $3 fee to help fund derelict vessel removals.

For now, thanks to the commitment of local agencies and community partners, Georgetown Harbor is a safer and cleaner place for all.

NEWS REPORTING

Georgetown County Chronicle

Inside this Issue

 Former County Administrator Tommy Edwards has died, Page 2

 County Fire-EMS recognizes employees, volunteers with annual ceremony, Page 4

FIRST PLACE

 Members sought for Transportation Committee, First Steps Board, Page 5

 Children’s librarian retires after 50 years of service, Page 7  Capital Project Sales Tax FAQ, Page 9

Jackie Broach Georgetown County

21 – Planning Commission meeting, 5:30 p.m., at the historic county courthouse, 129 Screven St.

21 – Library Board meeting, 5:30 p.m. at the Georgetown Library.

21-22

Fair with more than 60 employers; open to all job seekers. Located at the Howard Center. See page 8.

Community unites following IP closure announcement

Georgetown County, SC Works and a coalition of local, regional and state partners have united to assist those impacted by the upcoming closure of the International Paper mill. To aid the hundreds of employees who will lose their jobs, the agencies are coordinating resources, including a job fair and skill development workshops this month.

IP, which has operated its Georgetown mill since 1937, announced on Oct. 31 that it would cease operations by the end of the year. The box plant will remain open, employing about 125. The mill was one of the county’s largest employers and will leave 526 hourly employees and 148 salaried employees without jobs. Additionally, the closure will have a ripple effect, impacting some 200 contractors, as well as local businesses.

In response, Georgetown County and partner organizations began formulating a coordinated assistance

plan to mitigate the economic and social impact of the closure. The initial response efforts include Georgetown County Economic Development, the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce, the City of Georgetown, Waccamaw Regional Council of Gover -

See “Paper Mill,” Page 8

Residents approve new sales tax, elect new council members

Georgetown County residents approved a new onecent sales tax and rejected another in the general elec-

This coming together of the community in Georgetown in times of adversity is a heartwarming and impactful read.

year to go toward a list of 22 voter-approved projects. If the tax raises more than needed to complete

By Judith Brown Staff Writer

By Judith Brown Staff Writer

Laurens has seen its share of sinkholes recently, but the cavernous one in front of several East Main Street businesses and the towering equipment taking up a portion of the parking lot have caused some customers to question the safety of shopping there or be aware that the establishments are open.

Most of the last two months the businesses have remained open, but some have already been feeling the impact of lower customer traffic.

“We had to be closed one week for an inspection and they said the buildings were safe, and then there was another repair and we had to close again about two weeks,” said Snow Tran, owner of Le Nails which is at the far end of the impacted East Main shopping center and adjacent to Dollar Tree. “It’s caused our business to be affected and I’ve talked to the others and they say the same. It’s made a negative impact.”

Some customers have assumed her business has been closed the entire time, Tran said.

“Some of my regular customers finally

at Pinelawn Memory Gardens to experience the funeral service of a national hero, who was buried next to his only sister, the late Mildred Gibbs

pock-

posted resident Chantsie Pickelsimer on Facebook around 7:30 a.m. after noticing the aftermath on her way home from taking her children to school. She called Barnwell County dispatch to alert them of the situation in hopes they could help. Resident Virginia Nettles saw Pickersimer’s post and stopped by the lake around 1 p.m. to find two dead goslings and three injured ones. One of the injured ones died during the hour she was there.

“There were two that were smashed in the middle of the road and another on the side of the road that was alive when got there but died. covered the two that were hovered together with a towel. It’s just so sad. It’s heartbreaking and cruel,” said Nettles, who posted about the situation on Facebook.

That post was seen by resident Shanon Bragg who knew she had to help. Bragg soon joined Nettles at the scene. Bragg, who loves animals, has experience nursing chickens back to health. She figured goslings wouldn’t be much different, so she bought feed from Tractor Supply and applied some antibacterial spray to the goslings. She also contacted her stepbrother who has nursed all kinds of injured and sick animals.

He took them in for the night. Since local veterinarians don’t treat wildlife, he contacted the Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital in Pooler, Ga., which agreed to treat the two goslings. “Gosling A has bad

By John Clayton Editor

Snoopy isn’t the only beagle who can fly.

Rex, a full-blooded black and white beagle and frequent resident of the Laurens County Animal Shelter, made a one-way trip to a new home in Connecticut this past week thanks to the combined efforts of Whiskering Pines Rescue and Pilots N Paws, a nonprofit that flies rescue animals to new homes and fresh starts.

“We’d had little Rexy here in the shelter for about four months – he’s a chronic stray and a little escape artist,” said Animal Shelter Director Caroline Barnard. “He can get out from anywhere, so he came back to us for the third time, and he hung out.”

But volunteer Sharon Bickley networked Rex all the way to Connecticut where he met his new family after a connecting flight in Salisbury, Maryland.

Pilots N Paws volunteer pilot Don Ingraham of New Bern, North Carolina, flew to

Greenville-Spartanburg

International Airport where he picked up Rex in a Beechcraft Bonanza F-33A and flew him to Maryland. There, pilot Tim Green took Rex the rest of the way to his new home.

“Rex was an excellent passenger on his flight,”

Ingraham said in an email. “I had him in a soft-sided crate in the seat behind me so I could keep track of him.

Shortly after take off, he curled up and went to sleep as most dogs do. He is an ex traordinarily sweet and w ell tempered dog. Very happy to be of assistance in getting him to his new home.”

Ingraham said he has been flying rescue dogs like Rex to new homes for about 12 years and estimates he has flown around 600 dogs as a volunteer with Pilots N Paws.

“I am most fortunate to have the opportunity to fly rescue dogs; I have always had dogs in my life and have been flying for over 45 years so it is wonderful to be able to combine these passions,”

he said. “A number of years ago I was able to become an airplane owner and thus had the option of helping to transport rescue dogs. Since retiring in 2016 I have had g reater flexibility on days when can assist in moving dogs.”

Rex isn’t the first dog to catch a flight out of the Laurens County Animal Shelter, but Barnard said he’s the latest as the shelter continues to work with individuals and rescues to alleviate its ongoing overcrowding problem.

“Rex was excited, but I don’t think he knew he was getting on a plane,” Barnard said. “But once we got there,

FIRST PLACE

(Posthumously awarded)

Great piece. Informative and fun to read.

THIRD PLACE

Georgetown Times/ Post and Courier Myrtle Beach

SECOND PLACE

Georgetown

NEWS FEATURE WRITING

DIVISION E

FIRST PLACE

Captivating descriptions, great storytelling.

THIRD PLACE

SECOND PLACE

FIRST PLACE

Emily Rutkowski

Charleston City Paper

10 years later, the children of one of the nine who were killed by Dylann Roof at Emanuel A.M.E. Church lend insight to their loss and the meaning of forgiveness. Beautifully told, deeply meaningful.

NEWS FEATURE WRITING

Art takes the stage during Recycled Fashion Show

BY ANDREA KELLEY THE JOURNAL

FIRST PLACE

Andrea Kelley

The Journal, Seneca

WALHALLA — Walhalla High School showed off its finest — and most eco-friendly — fashion Friday during its second annual Recycled Fashion Show. The show was sponsored by the school’s National Art Honor Society and emceed by Warren Galbreath, father of art student Emma Galbreath, and included accompaniment from the school’s drumline and the Walhalla Strings group.

Before the students even stepped on the stage, Galbreath welcomed the audience with a moment of appreciation for the arts.

“Art is special, and we get so caught up in a lot of other things in life, a lot of sports — especially here at school, at college level,” he said, mentioning his son plays football. “I get caught up in football, I understand it. But my daughter, Emma. She’s in the art department. … I’ve been around a lot of these kids, and it’s absolutely unbelievable what they do.”

Galbreath referenced the many ways art is es -

CATbus council vote

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Baker Maultsby Herald-Journal

Lede captured my attention, and personal reflections held my interest. Beautiful portraits add much to package.

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Aida Rogers

Delightful feature shows us that "the simplest of photos can yield complex and unexpected lessons."

Writer looks back in history to explore a once vibrant African American community that was razed decades ago.

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The News

What an interesting story! It's always a fascinating read to see how venues can be repurposed.

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Madison Sharrock

Coastal Observer

Lyrical, immersive prose turns a simple garden into a living ecosystem. The writer’s beautiful use of language vividly paints the scene, making this an easy, well-deserved first-place winner.

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The Post and Courier Columbia/ Free Times

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I'm a sucker for this comeback story. Uplifting profile on this pup with a purpose.

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Terri Richardson

The Sun News

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Terri Richardson

The Sun News

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Autumn Phillips

The Post and Courier

Really evocative descriptions. I loved the narrative voice and felt transported to a part of the world I know relatively little about.

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Bryn Eddy

A tightly written narrative about the art of bee-keeping that draws parallels to policing had me hooked on every word.

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Great profile. The writing made it feel like I knew Mr. Jones and could easily picture that gym with the students chanting his name!

By Sasha Sweeney Editor

“Everyone

“I

about him for over two years and then in 1975 my mom wrote to VIVA asking for more information and they sent me a short biography and a photo of him” She pledged never to remove her bracelet until he returned—alive or not. She wore it for 38 years.

Her vow began Christmas Day 1972 and ended May 14, 2011, when Moreland’s remains were positively identified and returned to his family.

“That was a very emotional moment. went to the funeral home, and, with the family’s permission, I took off the bracelet. Since I had worn it on my left wrist placed it on the left sleeve of his full dressed uniform, so that he could wear it on the same spot where had been wearing it all those years.”

After returning Moreland’s bracelet to his uniform at his funeral, Strong’s mission grew.

“I fulfilled my childhood promise.”

Strong said, “Then, over the course of the next year, I just felt like there was some-

thing more should be doing to honor him. wanted to do something more to make sure that he was not forgotten.” She resolved to honor him not only in her own remembrance, but also publicly—by placing engraved bricks for him at veteran’s memorials in all 50 states.

Her journey began modestly, with the first brick in Ocean Springs, Miss., at a Vietnam veterans park near a cousin’s home. Encouraged by that first placement, she continued, quietly installing bricks. In February 2008, the 40th anniversary of the battle at Lang Vei and 35 years after she started wearing her bracelet, a local news story prompted Moreland’s younger sister, Linda, to contact her. Within months, Strong traveled to Seattle and met both Moreland sisters. Family connection deepened at later ceremonies. In Edmonds, Wash., a brick placement drew three generations of the Moreland fami-

ly—James’s sisters, niece and grand-niece. Along the way, Strong has encountered moments she describes as predestined. During her first brick ceremony in Bowl-

BRICKS CONT. ON PAGE 3A

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Fun lede, great ending, enjoyable read. What a profile should do.

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Master Gardener of Year helps prepare for weekend plant sale

ter Gardeners and the City of Greenwood horticulture staff’s greenhouse.

“During the years that worked in social work, was not very active with Master Gardeners,” Cannon said.

when we got back to the house, we had to pull the peanuts off the vines. That was work, but it paid off. We had parched peanuts all winter long.” Peanuts that are “parched” are somewhat dry already, before being roasted in a pan in the oven, Cannon explained. Cannon, 70, started in the LMGA program in 1998, finishing her required volunteer hours to become certified in 1999. Since then, she has become a liaison with Lakelands Mas-

Cannon’s professional career spans stints with Greenwood School District 50; Whitten Center; South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, which is now two separate agencies: the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH), and the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES). Plus, Cannon worked with Self Memorial Hospital, now Self Regional Healthcare.

“I tell people devoted my working life to helping the

citizens of South Carolina,” Cannon said. “I guess I still am, out here, with gardening. We provide Piedmont Agency on Aging plants to put in their beds.” Master Gardeners also grow seeds that support the South Carolina Festival of Flowers signature topiary display and other plants nurtured in the City of Greenwood greenhouse that are used in beautification projects.

“I work in the City of Greenwood greenhouse,” Cannon said. “I propagate plants and start seeds for the city. There’s a handful of us Master Gardeners who do that. You name it. We start it. Vegetables and flowers.”

Fellow Master Gardener

Missy Lowery says the local association’s membership

“does lot of complementary work with the City of Greenwood,” cleaning up gardens and helping manage them.

Lowery said the Master Gardener of the Year signifies an association member who goes “above and beyond.”

Lowery said. “With a focus on starting seeds, we Master Gardeners decided to include more annuals in our plant sale this year.

“Master Gardeners usually divide all of our perennials for our annual sale, from plants out of our own gardens,”

Lowery said. “We get just a humongous variety.”

Lowery said the Master Gardener program introduces the community to a “who’s who” of local gardening expert volunteers.

“It’s testament to the commitment this program takes,”

Lowery said. “Our annual sale is a great time to ask us questions and to buy plants.”

The 2025 LMGA Plant Sale starts at 9 a.m. Saturday, at 808 South Emerald Road, behind Piedmont Agency on Aging.

You will find zinnias, marigolds and more, Lowery said. The plant sale funds income to provide LMGA scholarships and educational outreach.

Recently, Master Gardeners worked with sixth graders at Edgewood Middle School in Ninety Six, teaching students

“It’s someone who has taken on leadership positions and engaged in different activities,”

about raised plant beds and soil. Soon, Cannon and another Master Gardener, Beverly Burton, will travel to the South Carolina Governor’s School for Agriculture at John de la Howe, to work with students. Cannon has also been a key player in converting garden at the Uptown Market from a pollinator garden to an edible garden.

“It’s back behind the Splash Pad,” Cannon said, of the edible garden. “We harvest from that and take vegetables to the Greenwood Soup Kitchen.

This year, we will also be taking our produce to the Food Bank of Greenwood County.” Cannon says things simply grow for her. “I’ve been lucky,” Cannon said. When asked if she’s always had a green

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The writing here was clear and succinct and told a heartwarming story.

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The

Wonderful piece. Incredible scene-setting and deep historical grounding. Strong reporting depth. Nicely done! This is one of those stories that reminds readers why local journalism matters.

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Informative. Best entry!

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Li Khan

The

Island Packet

LOVE Bipartisanism though food! Connection, and reaching across the aisle to realize we all have something in common, is a great message of solidarity in a very turbulent time for our country. Great article that blends food and politics and excellent writing.

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Kalyn Oyer

The Post and Courier

This was incredibly in-depth about the unique food of South Carolina. I've traveled to SC many times and learned so much about foods that are little known outside of the state. Makes me want to take a food journey to South Carolina. Great work.

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Lots of great detail.

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Emma Slaven

The Daniel Island News

Local filmmakers tackle grief and growth with ‘A Letter to Let Go’

The screen fades in on a young woman, barely holding it together. She’s been to therapy. She tells everyone she’s fine. She isn’t. Her sister is gone. Her world is unraveling.

And then, a letter arrives.

It’s all part of the drama in the short film “A Letter to Let Go” that dives deep into the quiet devastation of grief and the complicated love between sisters. Shot throughout the Charleston area, the film was created by a team of rising filmmakers based out of Daniel Island and Clements Ferry Road. Leading the project is 21-yearold Jak Kristowski, founder of the upstart production company Barn Door Productions. Kristowski didn’t wait for Hollywood to come knocking. After years of teaching himself the craft of film production through passion projects and short movies, he created Barn Door to tell the kinds of stories that stick.

“What drew me to this production was the opportunity to tell a powerful story about addiction and the bond between siblings –two themes that are raw, real, and emotionally rich,” said Kristowski, who is also the film’s executive producer. “Addiction often isolates, but sibling bonds can tether someone to hope.”

While the company has already produced a moody Spider-Man mini-series and is developing two new shorts, “A Letter to Let Go” is its most personal and emotionally resonant work to date.

With a self-funded budget of $6,000, the film was shot over six months across Lowcountry locations like Trident Technical College, Houzn Jiu Jitsu Academy, and a Charleston Airbnb.

The film follows Lola, a college student quietly unraveling under the weight of grief and guilt after the death of her sister, Silvie. Through flashbacks and therapy scenes, the audience sees Lola struggle with the belief that she failed her sister

during her addiction.

It’s only when a letter from Silvie surfaces, written before her death, that Lola begins to find the courage to open up, reconnect with her family, and start healing.

“The idea for the film emerged from a desire to shed light on pressing social issues – grief, addiction, and family dynamics – that affect countless individuals today,” Kristowski said. “By focusing on sibling relationships, the film aims to spark important conversations around support, recovery, and resilience within communities.”

To bring the story to life, Kristowski brought on Charlestonbased director William Baker, a seasoned actor who’s been performing since he was 16.

“I went to acting school but didn’t go to film school,” Baker said. “I learned from others by being on sets. I’ve immersed myself in so many interviews with writers, directors, and actors. I know what

enjoy in movies and try to capture what I enjoy seeing.” Baker had previously acted in one of Kristowski’s projects, and when the script for “A Letter to Let Go” came across his desk, Baker was all in.

“I wanted to make the story relatable,” Baker said. “I’m proud of everyone for making this beautiful short. I want people to connect with the relationship and struggle these characters have. I want people to always know how to love others, themselves, and how to forgive themselves.”

For 25-year-old Brooklyn Brewster, who plays the lead role of Lola, the story struck a personal chord.

“I felt like the script was very moving and is real life for many people,” she said. “I, myself, have dealt with grief and loss on a different level, and I think this film covers some tough but important topics.”

Jenna Flaherty, 23, plays Silvie.

The audition landed in her inbox via her agent, and the subject matter immediately resonated.

“The topic of mental health and addiction is incredibly important,” she said. “As an artist, I’m always excited to take on a project where I can explore emotional depth within a character and hopefully affect the viewer in a positive way.”

Flaherty recalled a moment on set when the emotion of a heavy scene lingered long after the director called cut.

“Brooklyn and just stood there for a moment crying and breathing heavily,” Flaherty said. “Then we looked at each other and just started laughing. That emotional release becomes so real in scenes like these. It was an extremely rewarding moment.”

Behind the lens, Patrick Lipp helped shape the film’s raw tone as both cinematographer and editor.

“This film gave me the opportunity to try new things, which ultimately paid off with an incredible outcome,” Lipp said.

One scene in particular, an argument in a bathroom, hit especially close to home for him.

Script supervisor Timmons Flowers, an Oak Bluff resident and filmmaker himself, said the experience was not only creatively rewarding but a great opportunity to build community.

“This was actually the first time I’ve been on a film set that wasn’t my own, and it was amazing getting to see how other people operate,” Flowers said. “It was such a great networking experience.”

“A Letter to Let Go” will screen privately for the cast and crew in early July and then premiere to the public on YouTube and Vimeo on July 12.

Despite being a short film, Kristowski said its emotional impact will linger long after the credits roll.

“I hope young audiences come away with a deeper understanding that grief, addiction, and familial struggles are not isolating experiences,” he said. “Through the lens of sibling relationships, the film encourages openness, resilience, and the possibility of healing through connection.”

“The intensity and power in the bathroom scene is one that resonates with my own upbringing and family dynamic. Being behind the lens had a visceral effect. It was something I felt to my core.”

Spotlighting the work of local filmakers tackling difficulty subjects such as grief and addiction makes this a powerful narrative.

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Zoe Nicholson

The Post and Courier

Columbia/Free Times

Adeptly weaves the many pressures young people are facing in the current political and social climate into a compelling piece about dance nights.

The piece is well-written with nice images as well as ties in the community impact these events can have.

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The Times and Democrat

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Taylor Ford Morning News

Perfect story of following your vision no matter the circumstances. Loved it.

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John Marks

The Herald

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What a fun story, filled with sharp details. One hopes the TV is this entertaining.

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The creative framing of historical figures reflecting on their actions makes the history engaging, emotional, and thought-provoking.

Overall, it brings important truths to life while encouraging deeper reflection on America’s past.

Manning rallies around middle schooler battling osteosarcoma

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Stephanie Shaver

The People-Sentinel

students.

Professor Joe Siren, a beloved history professor for nearly 50 years, recently passed away. He arrived in Allendale in 1974 as a teacher for Allendale-Fairfax and

but also within our entire region. He touched countless lives in immeasurable ways over the almost 50 years that he selflessly served his communities. We will forever be grateful for his

“Joe Siren had an amazing breadth and depth of knowledge. Joe could have a conversation about just about anything and See PROFESSOR, 16A

Williston girl's growing pinwheel display brings joy to community

Stephanie Shaver

Reporter

reporter@thepeoplesentinel.com

What began as a simple front yard decoration has blossomed into a colorful symbol of joy and connection outside a home on 5387 Springfield Road, Williston.

Seven-year-old Baylee HuntDyches, with help from her mother, Kathryn Summers, has turned the narrow patch of grass between the sidewalk and the road into a vibrant field of pinwheels. What started with just a few spinners in early May has grown into a cheerful display of 111 pinwheels — and counting.

Each morning, Baylee rushes outside to see if new pinwheels have been added overnight. For her, it’s become an exciting daily routine.

“We count them every day, at least once,” Summers said.

“Some mornings we come outside and there’s one or two more that weren’t there the night before.”

Baylee’s interest in the spinning decorations first caught the eye of neighbors. After seeing her joy and fascination with the small handful she and her

PINWHEELS, 16A

Former students Siren, pictured

Allendale Renique named

Reporter reporter@thepeoplesentinel.com

Allendale

Renique Riley-Spiller honored with title of Coroner 2025 South Carolina Association Annual held Tuesday, Riley-Spiller shocked when news.

“I couldn’t ol’ me, from little limited resources,” “But to receive everything to The recognition personal significance Spiller, who Dorothy S. Riley Marion “Sonny” former Allendale “I dedicated honor because for me,” she said. Riley-Spiller not expect to

A newspaper in all that the word implies,

DON’T FENCE ME OUT

For liability and security or to spite property owner?

By CODY SOSSAMON Ledger Publisher cody@gaffneyledger.com

Contrary to the proverb, good fences do not necessarily make good neighbors.

Such is the case of the temporary “liability and security fence” installed by the S.C. Peach Festival behind the stage at Jolly Park before last weekend’s events.

Darren Mason, who owns property directly behind the park’s stage, says the fence was installed due to a personal vendetta festival chairman Ronnie Benton has against him.

“They spent $2,500 to install a 6-foot-tall fence with black netting to block our view. We can’t see anything but the back of the stage anyway, but we enjoy cooking out and listening to the music,” Mason said. “This year we were having a birthday party for our grandchild.

“They didn’t have the money to pay for the parade in Gaffney, but had $2,500 to pay for the fence,” he added.

The festival parade was moved to Blacksburg when the City decided to charge for expenses related to it.

Mason said he wasn’t sure why Benton had issues with him but thinks it might have something to do with incidents his employees have had at the county landfill, where Benton is the manager.

Reached by phone Wednesday morning for comment

For Board of Public Works

The Peach Festival board chairman said the temporary fence was installed for security and liability. Property owner Darren Mason said it was done as a vendetta against him.

on Mason’s accusations about the fence, Benton said,

“You mean the liability and security fence? Right now, I don’t have any comments. We’re going to wait until after the festival is over and then address the situation.”

The city-owned Jolly Park is surrounded by a fence, so Mason questioned the Festival’s motive.

“They only put their fences up along the length of my property,” he said.

He added that he and his family have always patronized festival events and support it because it is good for downtown businesses where he owns several properties.

“I always let the bands performing there use my parking lot behind Harold’s. One of the board members uses another of my parking lots — free of charge — for her customers,” he said.

Mason’s ire was made public when he posted pictures of the fence and comments on his social media page.

The fence was taken down after Saturday’s concerts. City administrator James Taylor said no permit was necessary to install the fence since it was only 6-feet tall and was temporary.

This year’s festival concludes Saturday with concerts at Lake Whelchel. The gates open at 5 p.m with the headliner 49 Winchester taking the stage at 9 p.m.

Filing for new seats begins Aug. 22

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Great short story about an unusual day at the beach. Loved the lede!

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Lydia Larsen

The Island Packet

A nice lede draws you into a 470-word story that is packed with information. Everything you might want to know about hybrid warblers, with outstanding photos to illustrate the rare find.

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Jason Ryan

The Post and Courier

https://www.postandcourier.com/news/escaped-monkey-coffee-eutawville-south-carolina/article_

Monkey running loose around rural SC is caught … with a cup of hot coffee

By Jason Ryan JRyan@postandcouRieR .com

EUTAWVILLE — Most monkeys like bananas. Ava prefers a hot cup of coffee.

The pet spider monkey escaped her owner and roamed free in Orangeburg County for a day last week before being captured by a quick-thinking town clerk.

https://www.postandcourier.com/news/escaped-monkey-coffee-eutawville-south-carolina/article_31d8fa07-d15c-4e64-ab00-fad6e50c01bb.html

Enjoyed this witty and well-written recount of Ava's escapades. Really evoked the spirit of a small town when the town clerk and a few others formed a posse to capture Ava. I liked learning a few facts about spider monkeys. Although the tiny town claims a pet opossum, I think Ava's antics will be discussed in the town's coffee shop for some time to come. Really nice work.