POSTAL PATRON LOCAL
AUGUST 31–SEPTEMBER 6, 2023
WWW.YOURISLANDNEWS.COM
PRESORTED PERMIT NO. 97 BEAUFORT, SC 29902
COVERING BEAUFORT COUNTY
Two Battery Creek students shot, killed SLED investigating shooting that occurred Sunday in Jasper County
Battery Creek High School faculty and staff wore ribbons this week to honor two students found shot to death Sunday in Jasper County. Photo courtesy of Beaufort County School District
By Mike McCombs The Island News Two teenagers, both Battery Creek High School students, were shot and killed in Jasper County on Sunday evening, while a third was shot and hospitalized, according to the Jasper County Coroner’s office. According to Jasper County Coroner Willie P. Aiken, the inci-
Marines identify Beaufort-based pilot killed in Miramar crash
dent occurred near 281 Etheridge Road in Yemassee. Aiken identified the deceased as Jorge Lopez, 18 years old, of Beaufort, and a 16-year-old male from Yemassee. Aiken declined to identify the 16 year old, saying his office does not disclose the identities of minors. But a source confirmed to The Island News that the identity of the second deceased victim was
Jaquavios K. Williams Howard, 16, of Yemassee. Media reports indicate the fatal gunfire may have originated from inside the car Lopez was driving. According to Aiken, “Lopez was transported by ambulance to Coastal Carolina Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased due to multiple gunshot injuries.” Howard was pronounced “dead at
IMMORTALIZING ‘THE GHOST’
SEE PILOT PAGE A5
SEE SHOOTING PAGE A3
City Council votes to change HBF’s role in Review Board By Delayna Earley The Island News Beaufort City Council passed the first reading Tuesday, Aug. 22, to amend the city’s ordinance that gives the Historic Beaufort Foundation (HBF) the ability to recommend one of the five members of the Historical District Review Board (HRB). The motion to Stephen strike the sentence Murray from the city’s Code of Ordinances 10.7.3(a) carried 3-2 with Beaufort Mayor Stephen Murray, Councilman Josh Scallate and Mayor Pro Tem Mike McFee voting to remove the sentence and Councilman Neil Lipsitz and Councilman Mitch Mitchell voting against. “Striking the sentence puts us closer to everyone getting a fair shake,” said Mayor Murray, “regardless of your background, last name or deep pockets.” The ordinance addresses the number and make-up of the HRB board members.
Major Andrew Mettler killed late Thursday From staff reports The U.S. Marines have identified a Beaufort-based pilot killed late Thursday night when his F/A-18D Hornet crashed during a training flight in the vicinity of Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in California. The deceased Marine, Maj. Andrew Mettler, was assigned to Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA(AW)) 224, Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 31, 2nd MAW stationed on Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort. The squadron was participating in Service Level Training Exercise 5-23. “I am deeply saddened to share the loss of Maj. Andrew ‘Simple Jack’ Mettler, a fellow Marine aviator who was honing his craft as a Hornet pilot and leader in his squadron, the Fighting Bengals. I had the great honor of flying in an F/A-18D with Simple Jack and will always remember his skill piloting the Hornet and his wry smile. It is with great humility that I offer my deepest condolences to the family, loved ones, and friends of Maj. Andrew Mettler. You remain at the forefront of our thoughts and prayers,” 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) Commanding General Maj. Gen. Scott Benedict said in a statement released Saturday. Mettler, from Georgia, commissioned in the Marine Corps Nov. 30, 2007. His decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps
the scene as a result of multiple gunshot injuries.” The third victim, a female passenger, was also taken to an area hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries. According to Ryan Alphin, Executive Affairs Director of the South Carolina Law Enforcement
T
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he Ghost” Ron Parker had his No. 3 jersey retired by the Beaufort High School football program at halftime of Friday’s home opener against Fort Dorchester. Parker was largely unrecruited out of high school but played two seasons at Independence (Kan.) Community College before becoming an NCAA Division II All-American at Newberry College and playing nine seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. Photo courtesy of A.J. Jenkins. FOR MORE, SEE PAGE A11.
The HRB shall consist of 5 members with an interest, competence, or knowledge in historic preservation. All HRB members shall be residents of the city, own property in the city, or own or operate a business in the city. To the extent that such is available in the community, 2 members shall, be professionals in the disciplines of historic preservation, architecture, landscape architecture, history, architectural history,
SEE ROLE PAGE A4
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Richland resigns as Deputy County Administrator.
Coosa Elementary’s Roberts BCSD’s top elementary assistant principal for 2023.
Pfc. Robert Ellason Barrow III views family’s USMC legacy as a challenge.
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