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The Chocolate Tree to close Friday Longtime Beaufort confectioner has been open since 1980
Customers line up as cashiers at The Chocolate Tree assist with purchases Monday, May 26, 2025, as the store enters its final days of operation before closing permanently. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
A frenzy of chocolate loving fans descended upon the store over the long Memorial Day weekend after news that they would be closing the store on May 30 was shared online. By Delayna Earley Selling all their sweets for 50% The Island News off, the store buzzed with those After 45 years of feeding Beau- customers who wanted to get a fort’s sweet tooth, The Chocolate taste of the house-made chocolate Tree will be closing their doors treats one last time before they indefinitely. close on Friday.
Where it began Pat Green opened The Chocolate Tree in downtown Beaufort in 1980, a continuation of what was always a hobby for her. Green had been making chocolates and candies for friends and family for years before she decided to open her first storefront.
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MEMORIAL DAY 2025
SCOTT GRABER
Future of Marines, F-35 seem still undetermined
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lmost every day a Marine Corps jet — the F-35 Lightning — passes over our heads here in Beaufort. Some below may know the $100 million cost of this jet; others may know that the helmet itself is a $400,000 add-on. But few know the capability or the geopolitical role that comes with this remarkable weapon. The F-35 is a single-engine, single-seat stealth fighter with a combat range of 770 miles and a maximum speed of 800 mph. It carries air to air and air to ground missiles; as well as laser guided bombs. But the real story here is the electronic warfare system that allows multiple targeting, the ability to detect and jam hostile radar and take countermeasures; and six infrared cameras giving the pilot a “cohesive image of the battle space.” The F-35’s “sensor suite” has an enormous advantage over other legacy aircraft like the F-18. Additionally the F-35 gets regularly updated software showing changes in hostile radar systems and the latest data on Russian fighter radar, all of which gives our pilot a better view — a view projected on the visor of his expensive helmet — of the threats he or she is flying into. It is this software that the UK, Italy, Norway, Romania and Germany covet. But at the moment, the European countries that own this jet are worried about the cozy relationship between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump; worried about the deliberate interruption of U.S. gathered intelligence that we share with Ukraine; worried
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Members of the Daughters of the Union Veterans of the Civil War and the Women’s Relief Corps lay the Memorial Wreath during the Memorial Day Ceremony at Beaufort National Cemetery on Monday, May 26, 2025. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
Beaufort River Swim set for Saturday morning
By Mike McCombs The Island News The 19th annual Beaufort River Swim is set for Saturday morning, May 31, on the Beaufort River, and it looks like this one could be a record-breaker, participation wise. The race is the chief fundraiser for the Wardle Family YMCA’s Learn to Swim Program. The day’s events include the 3.2-mile competitive Beaufort River Swim, a 1-mile Swim and 5K Road Race after either swim distance. This year’s new event is
a relay option, where one person swims and a second person runs the 5K. Nancy Kirk, Director Of Marketing and Development at Beaufort-Jasper YMCA in Port Royal, said there are a record 202 participants registered as of Tuesday, May, 27. There were 171 participants registered at the same point last year. “We’ll probably be able to provide scholarships [for swim lessons] for over 350 people,” Kirk said.
The Beaufort marina parking lot is the end point of both swims. This is the staging area for swim and run events. Competitors should look for directional signage for check-in to receive a timing chip and be marked up. Parking is free until noon. Check-in begins at 6 a.m., and the 3.2-mile competitive swim starts at 8 a.m., with the Fun Swim starting at approximately 8:30. YMCA staff will transport via bus all swimmers to their respective starting points (Safe Harbor
Port Royal Marina for the 3.2Mile swimmers and the Beaufort Memorial Hospital dock for the 1-mile swimmers). The last bus for the 3.2-mile swimmers leaves the Beaufort Marina at 7:30 p.m. There is no same day registration — registration was to end Wednesday, May 28, 2025. Award presentation will be held at the downtown marina parking lot area immediately after the 5K ends.
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NEWS
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INSIDE
Beaufort Garden Club holding 30th annual Garden a Day.
BMH honors top staff at Bemmy Awards.
Lady’s Island Elementary earns state, national recognition.
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