JUNE 11–17, 2026
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Port Royal Police officer accidentally shoots himself Sergeant recovering; firearm discharge at Police Department believed to be accidental
New
By Delayna Earley The Island News An officer with the Port Royal Police Department accidentally shot himself on Thursday afternoon, June 4. According to a release from the Port Royal Police Department, Staff Sgt. Steven Colson was injured at approximately 2 p.m., on June 4 while cleaning his department-issued pistol at police headquarters. Colson sustained injuries to his hand and thigh when the firearm discharged. Colson was transported by Beaufort County Emergency Medical Services to Beaufort Memorial Hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. In an interview with The Island News, Port Royal Police Chief Jeffrey Meyers described the incident as a "very, very unfortunate accident." Meyers said officers had participated in firearms training earlier in the day and that Colson was cleaning his service weapon in his office when the weapon discharged. The bullet struck Colson in his left hand before entering his
BAKERY
rises in Beaufort
The Market at Herban can do a whole lot of tasty By Luke Frazier The Island News
spot for a certain kind of crowd that demands access to real croissants and other sweet and savory fare. In pleasf you’re strolling west from ant weather there is usually a patio downtown Beaufort along Bay crowd that includes a few pooches. Street for a half mile or so and can Herban Café was sold last year and pull your gaze from the magnetically the new owners, Erich and Trish Fuldstunning river views, you’ll see Herban ner, started running it in November. Café sitting on the corner off to the They are veterans of the restaurant right. and catering scene in Washington Not being in the populous business D.C., where they ran multiple enterdistrict, it has functioned since 2019 prises, including what Erich claims as a sort of classy outpost for gourwas the first authentic New York Deli met coffee, vegan and other breakfast and lunch fare, and a handy meeting SEE BAKERY PAGE A3
I
Owners Erich and Trish Fuldner stand in front of Herban Market & Cafe on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Amber Hewitt/The Island News INSIDE THE MARKET Sourdough & specialty breads Cakes, scones & sweet treats Gourmet market & local goods Pastas, prepared foods & more
SEE OFFICER PAGE A7
Sweet memories return as The Chocolate Tree prepares to reopen
Tim, Deanna Green prepare to reopen family-owned institution
Former owner Pat Green stands for a 2011 portrait with a tray of chocolates at The Chocolate Tree in Beaufort. Submitted Photo
By Delayna Earley The Island News For generations of Beaufort residents, The Chocolate Tree has been woven into the fabric of life in the Lowcountry. It is the chocolate-covered strawberries that signal spring has arrived. The Tiger Paws tucked into Christmas stockings. The caramel
apples that mark the beginning of fall. The truffles purchased for anniversaries, birthdays and special occasions. The field trips, the allyou-can-eat chocolate nights and the family traditions passed from one generation to the next. For more than 40 years, the small candy shop on Carteret Street was a place where memories were made.
When its doors closed last year, many Beaufort residents feared those traditions had come to an end. This fall, The Chocolate Tree is preparing to prove otherwise. The beloved candy shop is expected to reopen this fall under the ownership of Tim Green and his wife, Deanna Green, returning the
business to the family that founded it more than four decades ago. A new chapter begins The reopening comes after a difficult chapter in the business's history. After Pat Green stepped away
SEE CHOCOLATE PAGE A6
NEWS
EDUCATION
HEALTH
INSIDE
Teens Shave, Lucas repeat as Beaufort River Swim champs.
Schools around Beaufort hold commencement ceremonies; celebrate Class of 2026.
Feel your best on vacation by prioritizing wellness.
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News Education Arts Voices Military Directory
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