VOTED LOWCOUNTRY’S BEST
USED CAR DEALER 3 YEARS RUNNING!
OCTOBER 22–28, 2026
WWW.YOURISLANDNEWS.COM
COVERING BEAUFORT COUNTY
ELECTION 2026
Another penny for Beaufort County roads?
Voters will decide whether to approve a 1% sales tax to raise up to $780 million for transportation projects
Left: Kids in costumes compete in a dance off on stage during the City of Beaufort’s Halloween Trick or Treating event on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Amber Hewitt/The Island News ••• Right: U.S. Marine volunteer Naomy Perez assists 3-year-old Justice White, dressed up as Buzz Lightyear, and his 4-year-old brother Justin White, dressed up as Woody with an art project, during the City of Beaufort’s Halloween Trick or Treating event on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026 at Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
Halloween,
By Delayna Earley The Island News When Beaufort County voters head to the polls Nov. 3, they will be asked to decide whether to add another penny to the county's sales tax to pay for transportation projects. But they will actually face two questions. The proposed 2026 Transportation Sales and Use Tax Referendum would impose a 1% sales tax for no more than nine years, or until $780 million is collected, whichever comes first. A second ballot question would authorize Beaufort County to issue up to $450 million in general obligation bonds, payable from the sales tax, allowing the county to begin some projects before all of the money is collected. The referendum comes two years after voters rejected a similar transportation sales tax proposal in November 2024 and while projects funded by the county's 2018 transportation penny remain unfinished. So what exactly are voters being asked to approve, where would the money go and why is the county asking for another penny before completing the work from the last one? Here is what voters need to know.
fall festivities fill Lowcountry calendar
From haunted trails and ghost tours to costume contests and trunkor-treats, Beaufort and Jasper counties have plenty of ways to celebrate the season
By Delayna Earley and Shellie Murdaugh The Island News Halloween is just around the corner, and communities throughout Beaufort and Jasper counties are getting into the spirit with a calendar full of spooky celebrations, family-friendly festivals and plenty of opportunities for trick-or-treating. From Beaufort and Port Royal to Bluff-
ton, Hilton Head Island, Ridgeland, Hardeeville and Yemassee, residents have a variety of events to choose from as October comes to a close. Whether you're looking for a haunted adventure, somewhere to take the kids in their costumes or simply an excuse to enjoy some cooler fall weather, there's something happening on both sides of the Broad River and beyond.
MORE HALLOWEEN FUN INSIDE! From haunted tours and fall festivals to trunk-or-treats and costume contests, find out what's happening across Beaufort and Jasper counties in our complete Halloween events roundup on PAGE A3.
The Island News hires reporter Murdaugh
By Mike McCombs The Island News The Island News has added a veteran reporter to its staff. Shellie Murdaugh will focus on coverage of Jasper County as The Island News expands its footprint. “I am excited for the future of The Island News and so happy that a veteran local Lowcoun-
try reporter has decided to join our growing team,” said Jake Higgins, owner of Higgins Media Group, LLC, Shellie which owns The Murdaugh Island News. “I have known Shellie Murdaugh for many years, and she has al-
ways been articulate, fair and supportive of our communities in Beaufort and Jasper Counties. As we expand our readership in both counties, Shellie will serve as a professional voice for the people of Jasper County and a stable voice for balanced reporting for my company. Thank you, Shellie, for trusting us and joining our team.”
Murdaugh, a Sumter native, has more than 30 years of experience with daily and weekly newspapers in both South Carolina and North Carolina. For the past eight years, she covered news as the reporter for The Jasper County Sun Times and Bluffton Today.
Two questions, not one Question 1 asks voters whether they approve a 1% sales and use tax for transportation projects throughout Beaufort County. If approved, the tax would begin May 1, 2027, and remain in effect for no more than nine years or until $780 million is collected. If the county reaches the $780 million cap before nine years have passed, collection of the tax would stop, according to information provided by the county to The Island News.
SEE HIRE PAGE A2
SEE PENNY PAGE A4
EDUCATION
SPORTS
HEALTH
INSIDE
USCB Chancellor Al Panu announces retirement after nearly 12 years of leadership.
Dolphins bounce back with big fourth-quarter surge to beat Timberland.
Beaufort Memorial ER nurse wins DAISY Award.
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News Education Sports Opinions Military Directory
A2–6 A8 A9 A10–11 A16–17 A19
THE ISLAND NEWS
LOWCOUNTRY LIFE & NEWS
PUBLISHER Jake Higgins
EDITORIAL/DESIGN Editor-in-Chief
Mike McCombs theislandnews@ gmail.com
Assistant Editor Delayna Earley delayna. theislandnews@ gmail.com
SALES/BUSINESS Advertising
Amanda Hanna 843-343-8483 amanda@ lcweekly.com
Advertising Jere Russo JereRusso@ gmail.com
Advertising and Digital Strategy Sasha Horne Hirshout
sasha. theislandnews@ gmail.com
Accounting
April Ackerman april@ aandbbookkeeping. com Billing questions only.
Tim Rohde of Walling Grove Plantation on Lady’s Island snapped this photo of the SpaceX Dragon’s booster separation just after 6:30 a.m., on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026. To submit a Lowcountry Life photo, you must be the photographer or have permission to submit the photo to be published in The Island News. Please submit high-resolution photos and include a description and/or names of the people in the picture and the name of the photographer. Email your photos to theislandnews@gmail.com.
VETERAN OF THE WEEK
American Legion Beaufort Post 207 brings you Jim Haas, 75, who joined the U.S. Air Force in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1971. After Basic Training at Lackland AFB, he trained for Security Police. He served at Sawyer AFB in upJim Haas state Michigan before being sent to Tan Son Nhat AFB in Saigon, Vietnam, where he worked in the Joint Defense Operations Cen-
Hire
from page A1 Murdaugh has also worked with other newspapers in Hampton and Colleton counties and The Richmond County Daily Journal in North Carolina. She
has also served as a Public Information Officer for the Hampton County Sheriff’s Office and the Jasper County School District. She has been recognized for her work by the South Carolina Press Association with numerous awards throughout her career for breaking news coverage, features, photography, sports, and she completed the SCPA
THIS WEEK IN HISTORY
JIM HAAS
ter. His next assignment was at Minot AFB, N.D., from which he deployed to the various ICBM sites across the state. In 1975, he separated as a Sergeant and used a VA loan to buy a home in Georgia, where he worked in house construction for 33 years. In 2014, he moved to Beaufort and worked for A.W.
Leadership Academy in 2006. “I am looking forward to working with The Island News and covering Jasper County,” Murdaugh said. “This community and its people are important to me, and coverage of this area will continue with the focus being solely upon Jasper County. I appreciate the opportunity to once again serve the citizens of Jasper
Constant Company another 11 years building custom homes in Port Royal, Beaufort and in the county. He retired in 2025. – Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207. For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.
County and working with a great staff who are all dedicated to the communities they serve.” Outside of journalism, Murdaugh enjoys spending time with her husband, Neal, on their farm in Early Branch. Mike McCombs is the editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
CONTACT US PO Box 550 Beaufort, SC 29901 TheIslandNews@gmail.com www.YourIslandNews.com facebook.com/TheIslandNews
DEADLINE For press releases and advertising, please submit by noon on Friday for the following week’s paper.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
October 23
October 26
1964: Joe Frazier defeats Germany’s Hans Huber with a broken left thumb by a 3-2 decision to win the gold medal in heavyweight boxing at the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo. Frazier finished with an amateur record of 38-2.
1945: Donald Patrick “Pat” Conroy, an author for whom Beaufort played a prominent role both in his works and his life, is born in Atlanta. Among Conroy’s works were “The Water Is Wide,” “The Lords of Discipline,” “The Prince of Tides” and “The Great Santini.”
Letters to the Editor should consist of fewer than 275 words and be emailed with a name and contact information to TheIslandNews@gmail.com
2023: The Beaufort Academy volleyball team defeat The King’s Academy, 3-1 (21-25, 25-14, 25-12, 25-12) to win the SCISA Class 2A championship at Wilson Hall in Sumter.
2019: The Beaufort Academy volleyball team defeats Cathedral Academy, 3-0 (25-16 25-17, 25-15) at Wilson Hall in Sumter to win the SCISA Class A state championship.
LEGAL NOTICES
October 24 2021: Seabrook native and Whale Branch Early College High School graduate Dee Delaney makes his first career NFL start at cornerback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Chicago Bears and records his first career interception.
October 28 2018: Seabrook native and Whale Branch Early College High School graduate Dee Delaney makes his NFL debut at cornerback for the Miami Dolphins against the Jacksonville Jaguars. – Compiled by Mike McCombs
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The line stating who paid for the political advertisement at the top of Page A1 in the Oct. 15, 2026, edition of The Island News, was omitted. The advertisement was paid for by Jared Madison, candidate for Beaufort City Council.
A2
OCTOBER 22–28, 2026
Contact ads.theislandnews@gmail.com for more information on placing your legal notice in The Island News.
DISCLAIMER All content of The Island News, including articles, photos, editorial content, letters, art and advertisements, are copyrighted by The Island News and Island News Publishing, LLC, 2026, all rights reserved. The Island News encourages reader submissions via email to theislandnews@gmail.com. All content submitted is considered approved for publication by the owner unless otherwise stated. The Island News is designed to inform and entertain readers and all efforts for accuracy are made. Guest columns do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The Island News, its publisher or editors. The Island News reserves the right to refuse to sell advertising space, or to publish information, for any business or activity the newspaper deems inappropriate for the publication.
NEWS
Man charged with seven counts of attempted murder 77-year-old Seabrook man accused of firing multiple shots inside home and toward responding law enforcement officers
By Delayna Earley The Island News A 77-year-old Seabrook man is facing seven counts of attempted murder and several other charges after authorities say he fired multiple shots inside his home and toward law enforcement officers responding to a call early Sunday morning, Oct. 18. Jewell Marion Proctor, 77, of Seabrook, was arrested Monday afternoon, Oct. 19,
Proctor
following the incident at a residence on H.E. Wilson Lane, according to the Beaufort County
Sheriff's Office. Deputies were initially dispatched to the residence around 1 a.m. Sunday after the Sheriff's Office Communications Center received a report of an individual
Halloween from page A1
Here's a look at some of the Halloween and fall events taking place across the Lowcountry during the remainder of October. Northern Beaufort County Beaufort Ghost Tours, Oct. 23-25, 29-30 The Exchange Club of Beaufort and the Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA) will continue their 32nd annual Beaufort Ghost Tours through the end of October, offering visitors a chance to explore the city's haunted history. Participants can choose between carriage and walking tours through Beaufort's Historic District, where costumed storytellers share local legends and tales of mysterious happenings. Tours will take place Oct. 23-25, 29 and 30. Walking tours cost $20 per person, while carriage tours cost $30 for adults and $20 for children ages 3 to 11. Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made at www.capabeaufort.org or by calling 843-52-GHOST. Proceeds benefit CAPA and its programs serving children and families throughout the Lowcountry. Buccaneer Theatre Company's Haunted Shipwreck, Oct. 23-24 The Buccaneer Theatre Company at Bridges Preparatory School will host its third annual haunted trail, Haunted Shipwreck, from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23-24. Friday's trail will offer a less-scary experience, while Saturday's version will feature more intense scares. The self-guided trail may include uneven terrain, dark areas, fog, strobe lights and jump scares. The entrance line will begin on the parking lot side of the school's new gym. Admission is $5 per person. Reservations can be made at buccaneertheatrecompany.ludus.com. Haunted Hallows Festival, Oct. 24 The third annual Haunted Hallows Festival will return to Naval Heritage Park in Port Royal from 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, with free admission, games, entertainment and activities for all ages. The festival will feature a children's games area, face painting, roaming characters and a Festival Passport Program that encourages attendees to collect stamps from characters and destinations throughout the park. New this year is the Teen Arena, an area designed specifically for middle and high school students featuring competitive, interactive challenges. The main stage will host several contests, including Best Werewolf Howl, Best Witchy Cackle and Loudest Maniacal Laugh. A vendor village will feature local artisans and makers, while a food truck court will offer food and refreshments for purchase. Costumes are encouraged, and no tickets are required. Admission and festival games are free, although food and vendor merchandise will be available for purchase. Kids, Cops, Cars and Candy, Oct. 24 Families are invited to the Charles Lind Brown Recreation Center for Kids, Cops, Cars and Candy from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. The event brings together children, law enforcement and community members for Halloween activities and candy. Port Royal Trunk-or-Treat, Oct. 25 The Town of Port Royal, Port Royal Police Department, YMCA of Beaufort and Jasper County, and
experiencing an altered mental status. While deputies were on their way to the home, they learned the individual was armed with a firearm and had already discharged the weapon several times inside the residence. When deputies arrived, they were able to safely evacuate two people from the home. However, according to the Sheriff's Office, Proctor continued firing
Gas Lantern Apothecary and Mystical will host a community Trunk-orTreat from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25. The event will take place along Paris Avenue in downtown Port Royal, where children can collect candy from decorated vehicles. Prizes will be awarded for Best Trunk and Most Original Trunk, and Kevin Reaves will provide music as the event's DJ. The YMCA will also provide hot dogs and lemonade for attendees. AMVETS Post 70 Trunk-or-Treat, Oct. 25 The Ladies Auxiliary of AMVETS Post 70 will host a Trunk-or-Treat from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, at 1831 Ribaut Road in Port Royal. Families are invited to enjoy an afternoon of Halloween fun, with decorated vehicles and candy for trickor-treaters. The organization is also collecting individually wrapped candy donations ahead of the event. Sea Island Sound Trunk-or-Treat, Oct. 28 Sea Island Sound will host its annual Trunk-or-Treat at Beaufort High School beginning at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28. The event will feature performances and Halloween activities for families. Sprenger Health Care Port Royal Indoor Trick-or-Treat, Oct. 28 Sprenger Health Care in Port Royal will host an indoor trick-or-treating event for the community from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 1810 Richmond Avenue in Port Royal. AMVETS Post 70 Halloween Karaoke and Potluck, Oct. 29 The Sons of AMVETS Post 70 will host a Halloween karaoke and potluck party from 7 to 10 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at 1831 Ribaut Road in Port Royal. The celebration will feature karaoke throughout the evening, a potluck dinner and a prize for the best costume. Friends and families are welcome to attend, and participants are encouraged to bring a dish to share. Halloween at the Museum, Oct. 30 The Beaufort History Museum will host its inaugural Halloween at the Museum costume party from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at the historic Beaufort Arsenal, 713 Craven St. The fundraiser will feature barbecue, beverages and costumes. Tickets are $50 per person, with proceeds benefiting the museum. Salt Marsh Hounds Halloween Hunter Pace, Oct. 31 The Salt Marsh Hounds will celebrate Halloween with a Hunter Pace at Coosaw Plantation from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. The event offers equestrian enthusiasts an opportunity to celebrate the holiday on horseback. Beaufort Witches and Warlocks Paddle, Oct. 31 Costumed witches and warlocks will take to the water for the annual Beaufort Witches and Warlocks Paddle from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. Originally scheduled for Oct. 17, the event was postponed because of weather. The annual gathering brings Halloween costumes to the Lowcountry waterways, with participants trading broomsticks for paddleboards and kayaks. Wildflower Gymnastics Trunk-or-Treat, Oct. 31 Wildflower Gymnastics will host a free Trunk-or-Treat and Open Gym from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. The event combines Halloween trick-or-treating with an opportunity
shots inside the residence and toward responding law enforcement officers. With assistance from the Sheriff's Office special teams, deputies were eventually able to take Proctor into custody. He was transported to an area hospital following the incident. Proctor was arrested and booked into the Beaufort County Detention Center on Monday afternoon. In addition to the seven counts of attempted murder,
for children to enjoy the gym's activities. Southern Beaufort County Bluffton Farm and Flea Fall Fest, Oct. 23-24, 30-31 Bluffton Farm and Flea, located at 172 Bluffton Road, is celebrating fall throughout October with seasonal vendors, treats, a pumpkin patch and pumpkin painting. The festivities take place Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., culminating in a Halloween costume contest Saturday, Oct. 31. The contest will include categories for children at 11 a.m., families at 11:30 a.m., adults at noon and pets at 12:30 p.m. Hilton Head Island Pumpkin Patch, Oct. 23 The Island Recreation Center's Pumpkin Patch will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at Shelter Cove Community Park, 39 Shelter Cove Lane, on Hilton Head Island. The seasonal event offers families an opportunity to enjoy fall activities at the waterfront park. Bluffton Safety Spooktacular, Oct. 23 The Town of Bluffton and Bluffton Police Department will host their sixth annual Safety Spooktacular from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at Oscar Frazier Park, 10 Recreation Court. The free event brings together law enforcement, community organizations and nonprofits to share public safety information while handing out Halloween candy. Bluffton police officers will also grill hot dogs for attendees. Costumes are encouraged, including for four-legged family members. Providence Trick-or-Treat Trail, Oct. 23 Providence Presbyterian Church will host its sixth annual Trick-orTreat Trail from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at 171 Cordillo Parkway on Hilton Head Island. The free event will feature candy stations, a cookout, family activities and a concert by DEAS-GUYZ. Children will also receive Bible storybooks. The event is open to all ages, and costumes are welcome but not required. The Addams Family Musical, Oct. 23-25 Bluffton Youth Theatre will present The Addams Family Musical: Young@Part at The Bridge Event Venue, 1541 Fording Island Road, Suite 6. Remaining performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25. The production features young performers bringing the famously spooky Addams family to the stage. Hilton Head Mac and Cheese Festival, Oct. 24 For those more interested in fall food than Halloween frights, the Hilton Head Mac and Cheese Festival will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Lincoln and South Brewing Company, 138 Island Drive, on Hilton Head Island. Coligny Halloween, Oct. 29 Coligny Plaza will host its annual Halloween celebration from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at 1 North Forest Beach Drive on Hilton Head Island. Participating shops and restaurants will offer trick-or-treating, with many businesses remaining open later for the occasion. A costume contest will begin at 6 p.m. at the Coligny Center Stage, with Coligny gift cards awarded to winners. Categories include children ages 0-3, 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12, along with teen and adult/family categories. New this year is a pet costume cate-
Proctor faces charges of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, discharging a firearm into a dwelling, domestic violence of a high and aggravated nature, and aggravated breach of peace. The Sheriff's Office did not provide details about whether anyone was injured during the incident or how long the standoff lasted. The Beaufort Police Department and Bluffton Police Department also
gory for cats and dogs. Old Town Bluffton Trick-or-Treat, Oct. 29 Businesses throughout Old Town Bluffton will participate in a community trick-or-treating event from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29. Families can explore downtown Bluffton while collecting treats from participating businesses. Spookalicious 2026, Oct. 30 The Sandbox Children's Museum will host Spookalicious 2026 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at 80 Nassau St. on Hilton Head Island. The Disney-inspired Halloween celebration will feature themed crafts, festive activities and family-friendly entertainment. Museum staff will dress as Disney characters, and children and families are encouraged to come in their favorite Disney or Halloween costumes. Tickets are required and are available through the museum's website. St. Luke's Trunk-or-Treat, Oct. 30 Saint Luke's Anglican Church will host a Trunk-or-Treat and fall celebration from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, in the M&M Building parking lot at 50 Pope Ave. on Hilton Head Island. The event will feature decorated vehicles handing out candy, live music, a cookout provided by Hog Heaven and prizes for the best-decorated trunks. Families are encouraged to attend in costume. For information, contact Amy Reese at 843-785-4099, ext. 247, or amyreese@stlukeshhi.org. Boo-ey's Not So Spooky Halloween Party, Oct. 30 The Sunshine Playhouse, 4375 Bluffton Parkway, Suite C, will host a Halloween party from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30. The celebration will feature a Bluey meet-and-greet, open play, a Halloween craft and goodie bags. Children are encouraged to wear costumes. Registration information is available through the playhouse. Young Frankenstein, Oct. 30-Nov. 1 May River Theatre will open its production of Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein on Friday, Oct. 30, at 20 Bridge St. in Bluffton. The musical comedy continues through Nov. 1, with additional performances scheduled in November. Audience members are encouraged to wear costumes during opening weekend for a chance to win 2027 season tickets. Tanger Outlets Boo Bash, Oct. 31 Tanger Outlets Hilton Head, located at 1414 Fording Island Road, will host its Boo Bash from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. The free event will feature fall activities, a costume showcase and a best-dressed contest with categories for children of different ages. Hilton Head Concours d'Elegance & Motoring Festival, Oct. 31-Nov. 1 The Hilton Head Concours d'Elegance & Motoring Festival will bring an array of automobiles to Port Royal Golf Club, 10 Clubhouse Drive, on Hilton Head Island. The event runs Saturday, Oct. 31, through Sunday, Nov. 1, offering automotive enthusiasts another way to enjoy the fall weekend. Jasper County and Yemassee Jasper Housing Authority Fall Festival and Trunk-or-Treat, Oct. 29 The Jasper Housing Authority will host a Fall Festival and Trunkor-Treat from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, in the parking lot of its main office. The event will offer Halloween activities and trick-or-treating for families.
assisted with the response. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office nonemergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777. Delayna Earley, who joined The Island News in 2022, formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.
Jasper County Sheriff's Office Trunk-or-Treat, Oct. 30 The Jasper County Sheriff's Office, in partnership with Ridgeland Secondary Academy of Excellence, will host a Trunk-or-Treat from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at the school, 250 Jaguar Trail in Ridgeland. The event will feature two haunted hayrides, including a calmer version for younger children or those who prefer fewer scares and a scarier ride for those seeking a thrill. There will also be free food, games, activities and giveaways. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees are encouraged to bring bags for collecting candy. Ivy Garden Club Fall Bazaar, Oct. 31 The Ivy Garden Club in Ridgeland will host its second annual Fall Bazaar from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at the Farmers Market on Main Street in downtown Ridgeland. The event will feature trick-ortreating for children, along with a plant sale, crafts, holiday decorations, baked goods, a white elephant sale, raffles and other activities. Ridgeland Baptist Church Trunk-or-Treat, Oct. 31 Ridgeland Baptist Church will host a free Trunk-or-Treat from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. The event is open to the public and will take place at the church, 1448 Grays Highway in Ridgeland. Hardeeville Trunk-or-Treat, Oct. 31 Hardeeville Parks, Recreation and Tourism will host its annual Trunkor-Treat from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, behind Hardeeville City Hall at 205 Main St. The free community celebration will feature decorated vehicles handing out candy, food vendors, bounce houses, a costume contest and a competition for the best-decorated trunk. Families are encouraged to dress in costume and bring bags for collecting candy. Yemassee Trunk-or-Treat, Oct. 31 Yemassee Baptist Church will host a Trunk-or-Treat from 6 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at 127 Salkehatchie Road in Yemassee. The event will offer an opportunity for families to celebrate Halloween with trick-or-treating. With celebrations scheduled throughout the final days of October, families across Beaufort and Jasper counties will have plenty of opportunities to put their costumes to use before Halloween is over. Event times, locations and admission information are subject to change. Residents are encouraged to check with organizers before attending. Is your church, school, business, organization or community group hosting a Halloween or fall event that isn't included in this roundup? Send a press release with the event name, date, time, location and details to theislandnews@gmail.com so The Island News can update the online version of this story.
Delayna Earley, who joined The Island News in 2022, formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com. Shellie Murdaugh, who joined The Island News in October 2026, formerly worked as a reporter for The Jasper County Sun Times and Bluffton Today. She also worked for newspapers in Hampton and Colleton counties in South Carolina and in North Carolina at The Richmond County Daily Journal. She can be reached at sdmurdaugh@yahoo.com. OCTOBER 22–28, 2026
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NEWS
Penny
from page A1 The $780 million would be divided among three categories: $326 million for intersection and safety projects, $205 million for road widening and $249 million for resurfacing and dirt-road paving. Question 2 asks voters to authorize up to $450 million in general obligation bonds, maturing over no more than nine years and payable from the proposed sales tax. The bonds are intended to allow the county to begin eligible transportation projects sooner rather than waiting for enough sales-tax revenue to accumulate. A "yes" vote on Question 1 approves the tax. A "no" vote means the additional 1% tax would not be imposed. A "yes" vote on Question 2 gives the county authority to issue the bonds. A "no" vote means the county would not receive that borrowing authority. The county says the bond authorization is tied to the sales-tax revenue and would not serve as a separate source of funding if the sales tax itself is rejected. Where would the $780 million go? The proposal contains projects throughout Beaufort County, ranging from relatively small intersection improvements to road-widening projects costing more than $100 million. North of the Broad River, the list includes a $4.8 million turn lane at Ribaut Road and Lady's Island Drive, $28.37 million in improvements along the Ribaut Road corridor in the City of Beaufort, $19.36 million for the Gateway to Port Royal along Ribaut Road and improvements to intersections including Ribaut Road and Depot Road, Grober Hill Road and Parris Island Gateway, and Laurel Bay Road and Joe Frazier Road. The proposal also includes improvements along Robert Smalls Parkway, Sea Island Parkway, Parris Island Gateway, Trask Parkway and Sam's Point Road, along with municipal resurfacing in Beaufort and Port Royal. South of the Broad, proposed projects include $14.4 million for improvements at Squire Pope Road and William Hilton Parkway, an $18.05 million diverging diamond interchange at S.C. 170 and U.S. 278, improvements along Bluffton Parkway and projects at Sea Pines Circle, Spanish Wells Road and William Hilton Parkway, and several other intersections.
One of the largest projects is an estimated $103.8 million widening of S.C. 170 from U.S. 278 to S.C. 462. The resurfacing portion of the proposal includes state and local roads as well as county-owned dirt roads and municipal resurfacing projects. County officials say the projects were developed through a months-long review by the 15-member Transportation Advisory Committee created by County Council in late 2025. The committee included representatives from each of the county's 11 council districts and Beaufort, Port Royal, Bluffton and Hilton Head Island. The committee reviewed existing transportation studies and heard from municipalities and other agencies while considering safety, evacuation routes, crash and congestion areas and transportation movement. County Council approved the referendum ordinance 8-3 following a public hearing and third and final reading June 22. Council members David Bartholomew, Paula Brown and Thomas Reitz voted against the measure. The three had supported the ordinance at first reading but voted against it at both second and final reading. Is the project list guaranteed? The money generated by the tax would be dedicated to transportation projects identified in the voter-approved program, but that does not necessarily mean every project's scope and estimated cost would remain unchanged over the life of the program. In response to questions from The Island News, the county said it would retain authority to manage implementation as projects move through design, permitting, right-of-way acquisition and construction and as costs change. Changes to the approved project list would have to comply with state law and receive County Council approval, according to the county. That distinction is particularly relevant because of what happened with the county's previous transportation penny.
• Issue Date: October 20, 2026 • Non-Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting: November 5, 2026, at 2:00 PM, 1911 Boundary Street, Community Development Conference Room. • Questions Due: November 12, 2026, at 4:00 PM EST • Answers Due: November 19, 2026, at 4:00 PM, EST • Bid Submissions Due: December 3, 2026, at 2:00 PM, EST • Public Bid Opening: December 3, 2026, at 2:00 PM, EST, 1911 Boundary Street, Executive Conference Room #2.
Delayna Earley, who joined The Island News in 2022, formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES All persons having claims against the following estates, MUST file their claims on FORM #371 ES with the Probate court of Beaufort County, the address of which is 102 Ribaut Road, Beaufort, SC 29902, within eight (8) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice to Creditors or within one (1) year from date of death, whichever is earlier (SCPC 62-3-801, et seq.), or such persons shall be forever barred at to their claims. All claims are required to be presented in written statements on the prescribed form (FORM #371 ES) indicating the name and address of the claimant, the basis of the claim, the amount claimed, the date when the claim will become due, the nature of any uncertainty as to the claim, and a description of any security as to the claim.
10/22/2026 08/28/2025
10/08/2026 08/21/2025
Joan Carolyn Volz Burke AKA Joan C. Burke John Edward Miracle; AKA John E. Miracle Date of Death: 9/15/2026 Date of Death: 04/05/2025 Case Number: 2026ES0701237 Case Number: 2025ES0700932
John T. Burke, III Geraldine G. Miracle C/O P.O. BOX 22230 C/O PO Box 5098 Hilton Head Island, SC 29925 Hilton Head Island, SC 29938
10/22/2026 08/28/2025
Dominic Lamont Dasher, Jr. Helma Franisca Cap 33 Chowan Creek Bluff 17 Brams Point Rd. Beaufort, SC 29907 Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
10/08/2026 08/21/2025
Mary Virginia Fielder AKA Mary V. Fielder Raymond Carl Pettersen Date of Death: 7/18/2026 Date of Death: 06/09/2025 Case Number: 2026ES0701243 Case Number: 2025ES0700929
10/22/2026 08/28/2025
Richard George Gerlich Rita Marie O’Brien Date of Death: 8/24/2026 Date of Death: 07/25/2025 Case Number: 2026ES0701165 Case Number: 2025ES0700913
Elizabeth S. Gerlich John M. O’Brien, Jr. C/O 200 Main Street, Suite 201 N C/O PO Drawer 1107 Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 Beaufort SC 29901
10/08/2026 08/21/2025
Helen Hand Marilyn Kolbe Olsen Date of Death: 8/15/2026 Date of Death: 05/30/2025 Case Number: 2026ES0701149 Case Number: 2025ES0700733
10/08/2026 08/21/2025
Cherie Lynn Oda Utz Robert A. Parham, Jr. Date of Death: 5/3/2026 Date of Death: 07/09/2025 Case Number: 2026ES0701146 Case Number: 2025ES0700912
Gerard W. Hand Connie L. Olsen C/O P.O. BOX 22230 C/O 112 Executive Center Hilton Head Island, SC 29925 1 Corpus Christi Place, #112 Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 Kathy J. Oda V. Alex Dorobantu C/O 204 N. Cedar Street, Suite 203 C/O 1110 Pick Pocket Plantation Dr. Ste. A Summerville, SC 29483 Beaufort, SC 29902
Theresa Mae Brown Williams William M. Roberson, Jr. Date of Death: 8/3/2026 Date of Death: 05/20/2025 Case Number: 2026ES0701159 Case Number: 2025ES0700645
Lucretia Smalls Lacey Michelle Godec 27 Kelis Lane C/O PO Drawer 1023 St. Helena Island, SC 29920 Beaufort, SC 29901
10/08/2026 08/21/2025
Michael Joseph Allen Andrew Gerard Schiavone, III Date of Death: 8/4/2026 Date of Death: 06/09/2025 Case Number: 2026ES0701177 Case Number: 2025ES0700751
Jane C. Wooten Melissa M. Schiavone C/O 17 Professional Village C/O PO Drawer 1107 Beaufort, SC 29907 Beaufort, SC 29901
10/15/2026 08/21/2025
Sara Burns Carroll Ronald Gene Tune Date of Death: 10/15/2025 Date of Death: 06/30/2025 Case Number: 2026ES0701204 Case Number: 2025ES0700914
Joseph Burns Carroll Rodney A. Schaake C/O P.O. BOX 2358 C/O PO Box 22230 Beaufort, SC 29901 Hilton Head Island, SC 29925
10/15/2026 08/21/2025
Joyce Ulmer Collins Melva Jean Shelton Wheeler Date of Death: 8/16/2026 Date of Death: 07/16/2025 Case Number: 2026ES0701183 Case Number: 2025ES0700893
Ruby M. Chavers Teresa Lynn Anthony C/O 811 Craven Street C/O PO Box 7906 Beaufort, SC 29902 Hilton Head Island, SC 29938
10/15/2026 08/21/2025
Ann West Eversole, AKA Barbara Ann West Eversole, Charles Fain Williams Barbara West Eversole, Barbara Ann Eversole Date of Death: 07/23/2025 Date of Death: 9/22/2026 Case Number: 2025ES0700889 Case Number: 2026ES0701187
Kenneth Edward Eversole Laura Ann Richardson C/O 1509 King Street 2662 Broad Street Beaufort, SC 29902 Beaufort, SC 29902
10/15/2026 08/21/2025
Donald Simeon Zuidema; AKA Donald S. Zuidema Paul Fleming Date of Death: 04/29/2025 Date of Death: 9/2/2026 Case Number: 2025ES0700904 Case Number: 2026ES0701205
Marianne Zuidema Lenora Fleming C/O 3404 Salterbeck Street, Ste. 204 C/O P.O. BOX 2478 Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466 Beaufort, SC 29901-2478
08/21/2025 10/15/2026
Patricia Francis Crocco Jonas Willie Gadson Date of Death: 07/29/2025 Date of Death: 8/28/2026 Case Number: 2025ES0700931 Case Number: 2026ES0701197
John F. Crocco Chantieria Gadson PO Box 118 325 Charwood Circle Southport, CT 06890 Rochester, NY 14609
08/28/2025 10/15/2026
Nancy L. Golson Christopher J. Gintz C/O 16 William Pope Dr., Ste. 202 14 Black Tern Road Bluffton, SC 29909 Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
08/28/2025 10/15/2026
“EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY”
Charles Oliver Golson III Leslie D. Gintz Date of Death: 09/28/2024 Date of Death: 6/24/2026 Case Number: 2024ES0701357 Case Number: 2026ES0700909
Charisse Parker Eugene Waring Grace C/O PO Box 2478 509 North Street Beaufort, SC 29901-2478 Beaufort, SC 29902
08/28/2025 10/15/2026
PUBLIC NOTICE
Gladys Kline Legare Elizabeth Harrison Purvis Grace Date of Death: 04/27/2025 Date of Death: 8/29/2026 Case Number: 2025ES0700933 Case Number: 2026ES0701185 Earthilee Jenkins Gray Date of Death: 10/18/2025 Case Number: 2026ES0701189
Richard Neal Glaser Date of Death: 8/2/2026 Patricia Ann Wilson Case Number: 2026ES0701117 Date of Death: 07/12/2025 Case Number: 2025ES0700916 Joyce Victoria Goodwine Date of Death: 7/3/2026 Mary Grey Boatwright Case Number: 2026ES0701251 Date of Death: 08/04/2025 Case Number: 2025ES0700963 Robert Brian Haff Date of Death: 6/5/2026 Francis Charles Brien; AKA Francis C. Brien Case Number: 2026ES0700873 Date of Death: 07/11/2025 Case Number: 2025ES0700946 William Edward Holmes Date of Death: 1/11/2026 Arthur Andrew Emerson Case Number: 2026ES0700862 Date of Death: 07/27/2025 Case Number: 2025ES0700956 Mark Steven Kennedy Date of Death: 7/11/2026 Ervin Gene Fitzgerald Case Number: 2026ES0701203 Date of Death: 12/24/2024 Case Number: 2025ES0700948 Walter Ryder Kern Date of Death: 2/18/2026 Robin Raines Hoffer Case Number: 2026ES0701219 Date of Death: 04/27/2025 Case Number: 2025ES0700964 Irene Catherine Kropiewnicki Date of Death: 4/8/2026 Stanley M. Lawson Case Number: 2026ES0701224 Date of Death: 06/21/2025 Case Number: 2025ES0700961 William Ray Lawson Date of Death: 12/18/2025 Joe William Lieser Case Number: 2026ES0701254 Date of Death: 07/12/2025 Case Number: 2025ES0700857 Sharon Ann Maytorena Date of Death: 5/20/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701246 Larry Cecil Millender Date of Death: 02/19/2025 Gavin James McMahon Case Number: 2025ES0700974 Date of Death: 7/24/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701225 Suzanne Rekate Post Date of Death: 07/21/2025 Timothy Francis Parsons, Sr. Case Number: 2025ES0700962 Date of Death: 9/9/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701222 Kelly Lynn Sullivan Date of Death: 07/21/2025 Catherine Ann Pierson AKA Catherine A. Pierson Case Number: 2025ES0700954 Date of Death: 7/27/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701247 James Franklin Willard Date of Death: 07/02/2025 Harriet Elsie Raia Case Number: 2025ES0700957 Date of Death: 4/18/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701220
Nathaniel M. Gray, Jr. 10/15/2026 7110 Lindenwood Drive Heather R. Galvin, Probate Judge, Beaufort County, SC Corpus Christi, TX 78414 Jose Antonio Soto Salazar Mary Angela Grove 10/15/2026 Date of Death: 5/5/2026 C/O 17 Professional Village Case Number: 2026ES0701202 Beaufort, SC 29907 Kevin Schoeplein Mary Jane Tennant 10/15/2026 Date of Death: 3/27/2026 2 Friendship Lane, Bluffton, SC 29910 Case Number: 2026ES0700778 Michael Anthony Hoer, 100 Willow Drive, Old Tappan, NJ 07675 Cynthia Kay Shelton Robert Kozakiewicz 10/15/2026 Date of Death: 9/21/2026 349 Fripp Point Road Case Number: 2026ES0701207 St. Helena, SC 29920 Linda Elizabeth Shewmaker Christopher MacDonald Long 10/15/2026 Date of Death: 5/8/2026 35 St. Simon Drive Case Number: 2026ES0701233 Bluffton, SC 29910 Laura Lee Brown Speaks Edward J. Minger, Jr. 10/15/2026 Date of Death: 4/24/2026 C/O 23 Plantation Park Drive, Suite 503 Case Number: 2026ES0701226 Bluffton, SC 29910 Jeannine Lasure Taylor Mark Robert Morazzano 10/15/2026 Date of Death: 6/7/2026 C/O 19 Shelter Cove Lane, Suite 105 Case Number: 2026ES0701238 Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 Melissa Brooks Webb Jessica Spack 10/15/2026 Date of Death: 9/8/2026 78 Willie Cameren Way Case Number: 2026ES0701216 Angler, NC 27501 Joan Eileen Wheeler Date of Death: 9/15/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701249
Hunter Crider Cynthia K. Hutcheson C/O POST OFFICE BOX 769 Christina R. Lesher Bluffton, SC 29909 C/O 10 Hospital Center Commons, Ste. 400 Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 Mary Ellen Glaser C/O P.O. BOX 22230 Edward Harry Tobergte Hilton Head Island, SC 29925 C/O PO Box 7906 Hilton Head Island, SC 29938 Donald Goodwine P.O. BOX 4284 Louise Brunson Beaufort, SC 29903 C/O PO Drawer 1107 Beaufort, SC 29901 Tonia Wilson 121 Timmerman Street, Apt. 121 Lisa Brien Warrenville, SC 29851 C/O PO Drawer 1107 Beaufort, SC 29901 Eboni Holmes 222 Sunnyside Avenue, Apt. B Clara Marie Emerson Charleston, SC 29403 C/O PO Box 3435 Bluffton, SC 29910 Anne M. Kennedy C/O 17 Professional Village Daniel Gene Fitzgerald Beaufort, SC 29907 27187 Chippendale Ter. Salisbury, MD 21801 Leslie K. Kern 102 Heronwyck Plantation Drive William Myers Hoffer, II Beaufort, SC 29906 C/O 2015 Boundary St., #227 Beaufort, SC 29902 Paul G. Kropiewnicki C/O P.O. DRAWER 6067 Melissa L. Davis Hilton Head, SC 29938 C/O PO Drawer 1107 Beaufort, SC 29901 Sandra Gail Lawson C/O 17 Professional Village Circle Matthew J. Lieser Beaufort, SC 29907 C/O 112 Executive Center 1 Corpus Christi Place, #112 Lori Langley Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 C/O POST OFFICE DRAWER 1023 Beaufort, SC 29901 Janese W. Davis 180 Pearl Davis Road Robert Knoebel Springfield, GA 31329 376 Cypress Court Hardeeville, SC 29927 R. Willis Post C/O 17 Professional Village Teresa M. Burke Beaufort, SC 29907 1450 Lakeshore Drive Snellville, GA 30078 James F. Holland C/O PO Box 7906 Comerica Bank and Trust Hilton Head Island, SC 29938 C/O 17 Professional Village Circle Beaufort, SC 29907 Deborah F. Kopp C/O PO Drawer 1023 Mary Ellen Hughes Beaufort, SC 29901 C/O P.O. BOX 882 Bluffton, SC 29910 Maria de Lourdes Cardona 3 Lilac Lane Bluffton, SC 29910
10/22/2026
Lisa Schoeplein C/O 500 Stephenson Ave Savannah, GA 31405
10/22/2026
Chrisanne Lahue 38272 Bell Neck Road Painters, VA 23420
10/22/2026
Danielle M. Shewmaker C/O P.O. DRAWER 14 Hilton Head Island, SC 29938
10/22/2026
Sherice Y. Brown Adams 4244 Donovan Drive Columbia, SC 29210
10/22/2026
Rosalie D. Ashcraft C/O P.O. DRAWER 1107 Beaufort, SC 29901
10/22/2026
William Barr Brooks 130 John Creek Road Lancaster, VA 22503
10/22/2026
Linda Flick C/O 17 Professional Village Beaufort, SC 29907
10/22/2026
Why another penny when the 2018 projects aren't finished? For voters who remember approving a transportation sales tax eight years ago, the new referendum raises an obvious question. Why is Beaufort County asking for another $780 million when some of the projects voters approved in 2018 are still un-
SC DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES BUREAU OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT Tony Smaldino has applied to SCDES BCM for a permit to build a bulkhead wall and dock for private use, in Hilton Head, Palmetto Dunes, at 29 Starboard Tack, on Palmetto Dunes lagoon. Comments will be received by Local BCM contact (Beaufort office): 1911 Boundary Street, Suite 104, Beaufort, SC 29902 · (843) 846-9400, until Nov.2, 2026.
DECEDENT Richard Albert Cofield, Jr. Joseph Frank Anastasia Date of Death: 8/16/2026 Date of Death: 05/17/2025 Case Number: 2026ES0701154 Case Number: 2025ES0700899
PERSONAL PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE REPRESENTATIVE Mary Beth Cofield Elisa O’Connor C/O POST OFFICE BOX 1938 C/O 16 William Pope Drive, Ste. 202 Bluffton, SC 29910 Bluffton, SC 29909
PUB. DATE PUB. DATE 10/08/2026 08/21/2025
Margaret Sue Collins Jerry Joseph Dittle Date of Death: 8/22/2026 Date of Death: 03/01/2025 Case Number: 2026ES0701168 Case Number: 2025ES0700903
Bradford S. Collins Lori R. Cullen C/O 17 Professional Village C/O 16 William Pope Drive, Ste. 202 Beaufort, SC 29907 Bluffton, SC 29909
10/08/2026 08/21/2025
Virginia Lee Crutchley Marguerite Anne Ford Date of Death: 9/4/2026 Date of Death: 07/01/2025 Case Number: 2026ES0701151 Case Number: 2025ES0700906
Todd Howard Crutchley Michael Ralph Ford C/O 10 Pinckney Colony Road, #400 C/O PO Box 5098 Bluffton, SC 29909 Hilton Head Island, SC 29938
Dominic Lamont Dasher Anna Maria Wilhelmina La Haije Date of Death: 7/15/2026 Date of Death: 07/21/2025 Case Number: 2026ES0701152 Case Number: 2025ES0700892
Samuel Bart Grove Date of Death: 7/24/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701200 Janice Louise Herr Date of Death: 7/11/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701143
PUBLIC NOTICE
Dianne Jeannette Kozakiewicz Date of Death: 8/31/2025 Case Number: 2026ES0701194
SC DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES BUREAU OF COASTAL MANAGEMENT
Sandra MacDonald Long Date of Death: 7/20/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701070
William DeVan has applied to SCDES BCM for a permit to build a bulkhead wall and dock for private use, in Hilton Head, Palmetto Dunes, at 77 Off Shore, on Palmetto Dunes lagoon. Comments will be received by Local BCM contact (Beaufort office): 1911 Boundary Street, Suite 104, Beaufort, SC 29902 · (843) 846-9400, until Nov.2, 2026.
Please contact ads.theislandnews@gmail.com for more information on placing your legal notice in The Island News.
OCTOBER 22–28, 2026
What happens if voters say no? If voters reject Question 1, Beaufort County would not receive the dedicated $780 million revenue stream and the projects included in the
For more election coverage, including the latest news, candidate updates and local election information, visit yourislandnews.com.
John D. Brown Catherine Grubell C/O POST OFFICE BOX 1727 C/O 16 William Pope Dr., Ste. 202 Beaufort, SC 29901 Bluffton, SC 29909
PLACE YOUR LEGAL NOTICE HERE
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2026 program would not be funded through the proposed penny program. That does not necessarily mean every project on the list would disappear. The county said it would have to pursue projects as other funding becomes available, including state and federal grants, SCDOT funding, municipal money and public-private partnerships. Projects on state-maintained roads would remain the responsibility of SCDOT, although Beaufort County could partner with the state or contribute local funding to move projects forward. The bond authorization does not provide a fallback if voters reject the sales tax because the proposed debt is tied to the penny-tax revenue. Beaufort County's official website describes the referendum as funding transportation projects aimed at safety, mobility and connectivity, including road expansion, intersection improvements, resurfacing and paving. Ultimately, voters will decide whether another penny on taxable purchases is how they want to pay for them.
MORE ONLINE
George Calvin Bryan, Jr. Alan Joel Michaelson; AKA Alan J. Michaelson Date of Death: 8/12/2026 Date of Death: 06/29/2025 Case Number: 2026ES0701214 Case Number: 2025ES0700944
Procurement Administrator: procurement@cityofbeaufort.org.
The City of Beaufort is requesting sealed bid proposals from qualified, licensed providers for fifty-three (53) In-Car Dash Camera systems and sixty (60) Body-Worn Camera Systems.
What has changed since 2018? The county says lessons from the earlier program were considered while developing the new proposal. According to responses provided to The Island News, estimates for the 2026 projects account for inflation, engineering, environmental review, permitting, rightof-way acquisition, utility relocation and unexpected expenses. The county also plans to establish a citizen-led oversight committee if the referendum passes. The volunteer group would include representatives from municipalities and unincorporated Beaufort County and would monitor projects, schedules and expenditures. The proposed bonds are another attempt to address timing. Instead of waiting for years of sales-tax collections to accumulate before enough money is available to move major projects forward, Question 2 would allow the county to borrow up to $450 million against the anticipated sales-tax revenue. The county has not, however, identified in its response to The Island News exactly which projects would be accelerated using the borrowed money or provided anticipated interest, financing and issuance costs for the bonds.
PUB. DATE 10/15/2026 08/28/2025
The RFP and additional documents may be accessed on the City’s website: www.cityofbeaufort. org/165/Procurement, Current Bid Opportunities.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS RFP 2027-103 IN-CAR & BODY-WORN CAMERAS
tions exceeded expectations but rising construction costs nevertheless left the program short of what would be needed to deliver the original scope. Several projects from the 2018 program have been completed, including the Sam's Point Road right-turn lane, Airport Frontage Road Phase 1, Bluffton Parkway Pathway, Laurel Bay Road Pathway and Ribaut Road Sidewalk. The county says it remains committed to completing the majority of the remaining 2018 projects by the end of 2028. According to information provided to The Island News, two projects are under construction or recently completed, two are going through procurement and nine remaining pathway projects are expected to be completed by 2028. The remaining projects are expected to enter the right-of-way acquisition phase by the end of 2026. The major exception is the U.S. 278 Corridor Project, which includes replacement of aging bridge infrastructure connecting Hilton Head Island to the mainland and is targeted for completion in 2031. The important distinction for voters is that the 2018 tax is no longer being collected, even though work funded through that referendum continues. The proposed 2026 tax would create a separate transportation program with a separate project list. Although some proposed projects involve corridors that have received previous transportation funding, the two programs are legally distinct.
PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Betty Ann Stephens Melaine S. Smith C/O POST OFFICE BOX 2473 C/O PO Box 1107 Beaufort, SC 29901 Beaufort, SC 29901
LEGAL NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICE
finished? The 2018 referendum authorized a 1% transportation sales tax for no more than four years or until $120 million was collected, whichever came first. Voters approved $80 million for U.S. 278 corridor improvements, $30 million for Lady's Island corridor improvements and $10 million for sidewalks and multiuse pathways. The county actually collected more than expected. Its May 2026 financial report shows approximately $146.55 million in 2018 sales-tax revenue and interest, about $26.5 million more than the original $120 million estimate. But collecting the money and completing the projects have happened on very different timelines. Some projects required years of engineering, environmental review, permitting, public meetings, rightof-way acquisition, utility relocation and coordination with the S.C. Department of Transportation before construction could begin. Costs increased along the way. By 2025, County Council acknowledged that inflation and rising construction costs had significantly increased the estimated cost of the original projects and that, despite collecting approximately $146.5 million, there was not enough money to complete everything as originally envisioned. Council subsequently redefined and reprioritized the remaining project list, identifying projects that could be completed with the money available. The county's records show actual collec-
Marie Catherine Minger Date of Death: 6/27/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701182 Robert Joseph Morazzano Date of Death: 1/6/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0700145 Robert Michael Spack Date of Death: 8/30/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701198
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DECEDENT DECEDENT Ronald Clayton Stephens Frederick Ray Liles Date of Death: 8/24/2026 Date of Death: 07/05/2025 Case Number: 2026ES0701190 Case Number: 2025ES0700943
Heather R. Galvin, Probate Judge, Beaufort County, SC
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Easy as 1-2-3
Do It for You, for Only $99.
A screening mammogram is one of the best tools
for detecting breast cancer early. Isn’t your health worth it?
Select Your Location
To purchase your screening mammogram, visit BeaufortMemorial.org/SaveOnMammos. Select your preferred location (Beaufort, Okatie or Hilton Head Island) and click “Add to Cart.”
Make Your Purchase Online
Pay in advance by October 31 with a credit card, HSA/FSA account, or PayPal. Vouchers can be used up to six months from the time of purchase.
Schedule Your Mammogram
3 LOCATIONS! – BEAUFORT • OKATIE • HILTON HEAD ISLAND
Visit BeaufortMemorial.org/ MammoAppointment or call 843-522-5015 to schedule your mammogram. Bring your voucher receipt to your appointment.
Buy Now, Schedule Later – Purchase a $99 screening mammogram voucher from MDsave
during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, then schedule with Beaufort Memorial in the next six months. Promotional pricing applies to 3D screening mammogram vouchers purchased through MDsave between October 1-31. If other procedures or views are necessary at the time of the exam, there may be additional charges for the patient and/or their insurance plan.
With You Always OCTOBER 22–28, 2026
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NEWS
AMVETS Post 70 hosting Comedy Night Oct. 23 Staff reports AMVETS Post 70 is hosting a Comedy Night on Friday, Oct. 23, headlined by Mark Evans, along with feature comedian Lori Evans. Tom Mullins will emcee the event and Eric Heatherdale will handle DJ duties. Doors open at 5:30 and the show starts at 7 p.m. The show is for ages 21 and older, and tickets are $20. Tickets can only be purchased in person from the bartender at Post 70, located at 1831 Ribaut Road in Port Royal. The post’s “Wings & Things” food menu will be available from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Habitat for Humanity hosting Turkey Trot Staff reports Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry invites runners, walkers, families, and visitors to participate in the 9th annual Turkey Trot 5K on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026, in downtown Beaufort. This Thanksgiving tradition features awards, a costume contest, and plenty of Thanksgiving spirit. Registration and check-in will take place from 7 to 7:30 a.m., with the race beginning at 8 a.m. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry. Register at https:// bit.ly/4jVzMyd.
USCB interns help Beaufort History Museum recover lost stories By Carol Weir Special to The Island News Petticoats from the 1800s, musical instruments from the turn of the 20th century, and other family heirlooms are dusty raw materials for USC Beaufort History majors Karina Iaffaldano and Madeline Jones during their internship at the Beaufort History Museum. Iaffaldano and Madeline Jones are getting hands-on experience in two key areas of museum work: catalog management and interpretation. For the cataloging work, they’re sorting through museum artifacts that are stored in the City of Beaufort’s basement. These donated pieces tell stories of life in the Lowcountry long ago, but those stories can be lost if the objects aren't properly catalogued. Cataloguing involves documenting each item’s description, condition, provenance and donor information. The process creates a permanent record that helps museum staff understand what they have, care for donated items appropriately and make them available for research, exhibitions and educational programs. An old photograph or a handwritten document from a Beaufort family can offer insights into the Lowcountry’s history and the lives of the people who shaped it. Without proper documentation, these connections can be difficult to recover, and objects may become effectively inaccessible — even when they are safely stored in a museum’s collection.
USC Beaufort History majors Karina Iaffaldano and Madeline Jones analyze a description of a desk on display at the museum. Carol Weir/USC Beaufort Working in the dim light of the basement at Beaufort City Hall, Jones and Iaffaldano open hat boxes, decipher spidery cursive, photograph each piece and enter information about each artifact into cataloguing software on a laptop. A month into their internship, Jones said they had catalogued “about 150 pieces.” James Shinn, USCB Assistant Professor of History, is supervising Iaffaldano and Jones in their internship and is excited about their work. “For decades, the Beaufort History Museum has been operating without a single, comprehensive,
easily searchable catalog of its holdings,” he said. “In the museum world, that's flying blind.” Amelie Sams Aimar Cromer, president of the Beaufort History Museum, said the students’ work will help the museum — which is run entirely by volunteers — plan new rotating exhibits. The partnership between the museum and USCB benefits both institutions, she said. “It's a win-win,” Cromer said. “Providing real-world experience for history majors will hopefully attract students to USCB’s History program. The interns also bring
JERMAINE JOHNSON S.C. GOVERNOR
SAM SKARDON S.C. LT. GOVERNOR
new talents and ideas to the museum.” The students' work builds on efforts by USCB alumnus Aidan de la Torre, who graduated in 2025 and interned with the museum. Iaffaldano and Jones are both recipients of stipends from the new Jim and Kathleen Jordan Experiential Learning Scholarship Fund. Iaffaldano and Jones will graduate from USCB knowing their efforts helped the Beaufort History Museum — and the Lowcountry community — preserve stories, memories and knowledge for future generations.
Vote DEMOCRATIC Vote
ANNIE ANDREWS U.S. SENATE
JASON BELTON
NANCY LACORE U.S. HOUSE
TIFFANY BOOZER
VINCENT COE
SYLVIA WRIGHT SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION
DESHAWN BLANDING COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE
BERNIE SCOLARO
SECRETARY OF STATE
STATE TREASURER
COMPTROLLER GENERAL
DEBBIE SUBERA WIGGIN
SHANNON DELOACH
KOREY WILLIAMS
ANN SHIPPY
SHAUNA BISHOP
CARLETHA FRAZIER
STATE HOUSE 121
STATE HOUSE 122
STATE HOUSE 123
STATE HOUSE 124
COUNTY AUDITOR
STATE HOUSE 120
ALPHONSO SMALL COUNTY SHERIFF
Vote
OCT. 19-31 NOV. 3
SCOTT SONGER
COUNTY TREASURER
LYNN GERSON
COUNTY COUNCIL 5
CAROLYN FOURNIER COUNTY COUNCIL 6
OCTOBER 22–28, 2026
TREY JUDY
COUNTY COUNCIL 8
BEAUFORT COUNTY
JANNINE MUTTERER
STATE HOUSE 118
COUNTY COUNCIL 9
TRAVIS LUDWIG HODGES
COUNTY COUNCIL 10
Votes Blue!
PAID FOR BY THE BEAUFORT COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY NOT APPROVED BY ANDREWS OR LACORE CAMPAIGN BEAUFORTCOUNTYDEMS.ORG
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RICHARD HRICIK ATTORNEY GENERAL
BUSINESS
When a spouse passes away: A financial checklist
By Fred Gaskin Regardless of the circumstances, the loss of a spouse is without question one of the most difficult situations someone may ever face. A surviving spouse is faced with a number of decisions that will need to be made within a short period of time. These decisions range from the simple to the complex. Unfortunately, you cannot anticipate all of them, but when it comes to finances, it’s possible to outline a handful of steps that will at least save time, reduce anxieties, and help you move forward. Collect all key documents As the surviving spouse, your first financial order of business is to collect the documents required to handle your spouse’s financial affairs. Within a couple weeks of their passing, you’ll want to order at least 10 certified copies of the death certificate, which is typically available from the funeral home or can be ordered through the city clerk’s office, county registrar, or local health department. These are critical since most financial institutions, government agencies, and creditors require a death certificate before they’ll allow you to take any action, such as closing accounts, and insurance companies also require one to pay survivor benefits. Then, gather the documents that will help you identify any assets and debts, and submit benefit claims. These include: • Your spouse’s will and trust (if applicable) • Beneficiary designations for retirement accounts, pensions, and insurance policies • Their most recent tax return • Recent pay stubs • Insurance policies • Financial statements for checking, savings, investment, and retirement accounts • Credit card statements • Mortgage statements and other home-related documents
Next, if the executor of your spouse’s estate is someone other than you, set up a meeting to go over these documents and discuss the legal and tax issues related to settling the estate. You (and the executor, if necessary) may then want to review such issues with professionals, including your financial advisor, CPA, and an estate planning attorney, who can explain the various rules and guidelines involved in administering estates, including the probate process—the legal process of executing a will. Settle the estate Within three months of the funeral, cancel your spouse’s cell phone, memberships, and subscriptions that are no longer needed. Pay any outstanding bills and plan to have tax returns for your spouse prepared, or request an extension, by April 15. To prevent potential fraud or identity
theft, cancel credit cards for which they were the sole account owner, and update your joint cards to remove them from the account. You’ll also want to send a copy of the death certificate to each of the credit reporting agencies so no one can open any new accounts in your spouse’s name. Next, contact the institutions where your spouse had accounts, such as banks, brokerage firms, and insurance companies. In general, assets held jointly will pass directly to you without needing approval from a probate court. That said, you may need to request that joint bank account funds be released to you. You can change the property titles of other joint assets, such as a mortgage or any vehicles, into your name by contacting your mortgage company or local county assessor and your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. For retirement and pension funds, ask the administrators to guide you through the process of applying for benefits and having ownership of assets transferred to you and the deceased’s other beneficiaries (if applicable). For example: • If your spouse had an IRA or other retirement accounts, find out if (and when) you will be required to take distributions from them. • If your spouse had a pension through a former employer, ask that company’s benefits office about benefits or other income you may be entitled to. As you navigate this challenging process, consider this final suggestion: Try to avoid making any immediate decisions about assets you inherit—such as an insurance payout, an IRA, or a brokerage account—especially if you are still feeling highly emotional. Instead, consult with a trusted investment professional or your CPA about tax issues related to the inheritance as well as to get objective advice about managing the assets as you plan for your future. Fred Gaskin is the Franchise Branch Owner of the Charles Schwab Franchise Branch in Bluffton. He has over 35 years of experience helping clients pursue their financial goals. Some content provided here has been compiled from previously published articles authored by various parties at Schwab. This general information is not intended to be a substitute for specific individualized tax, legal, or investment planning advice and is not intended to be construed as tax advice. This information cannot be used for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed under the Internal Revenue Code or applicable state or local tax law provisions. Where specific advice is necessary or appropriate, Schwab recommends consulting with a qualified tax professional, CPA, financial planner, investment manager, or estate attorney. Franchise owners are not employees or agents of Charles Schwab & Co, Inc. ©2026 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”). All rights reserved. Member SIPC. ATL124991-00 1026EW62
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EDUCATION
USCB Chancellor announces retirement
University's second chancellor oversaw enrollment growth, expanded academic programs and increased economic impact
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By Delayna Earley The Island News University of South Carolina Beaufort Chancellor Al M. Panu announced Thursday, Oct. 15, that he will retire June 30, 2027, after nearly 12 years leading the university. Panu, who became USCB's second chancellor in July 2015, succeeded founding Chancellor Jane T. Upshaw. He was the first African American chancellor in the University of South Carolina System. During his tenure, USCB has experienced significant growth, expanding enrollment, adding academic programs, investing in campus infrastructure and nearly doubling its annual economic impact on the region. "With oversight of USCB's three campuses, Dr. Panu has worked collaboratively with university stakeholders to increase enrollment, upgrade essential infrastructure, initiate programs to better serve student and state needs, and broaden the institution's economic impact," USC President Michael Amiridis said in a statement. "His commitment and foresight have created a lasting legacy, and we are grateful for his dedicated service." According to the university, USCB's annual economic impact increased from $75 million to $141 million during Panu's leadership, while enrollment grew by 27.8% and the number of graduates increased by 43%. The university also expanded opportunities for students to gain practical experience, with approximately 80% participating in internships, undergraduate research, study abroad programs or other career-development experiences. Academic growth included the establishment of the Beaufort College Honors Program, the introduction of USCB's first graduate degrees, three new bachelor's degrees and concentrations in cybersecurity and marine biology. The university also earned national recognition for academic excellence, including twice being named a Top Producer of Fulbright Scholars, while maintaining its standing among the top regional colleges in the South by U.S. News & World Report. Campus improvements were another focus of Panu's administration. In Bluffton, the university invested in student housing, athletics facilities, library improvements and student center upgrades. The Beaufort campus saw expanded academic programs, student facilities and cultural programming, while the university also constructed its Hilton Head Island campus. Under Panu's leadership, USCB strengthened its athletics programs, joining the NCAA Division II Peach Belt Conference
and introducing men's and women's basketball. The university also expanded its role in the surrounding community through partnerships with healthcare systems, busiAl M. nesses, foundations and loPanu cal governments. Those efforts included securing more than $15 million in additional state appropriations, establishing the USCB Education Foundation, which helped raise more than $8 million, and obtaining $15.9 million in federal grants and sponsored research funding. In Beaufort, the university continued developing its Center for the Fine Arts as a cultural resource for the community, including expanding audiences and financial support for its 47-year-old Chamber Music Series. USCB's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute also grew to more than 1,800 members, expanding educational opportunities for adults throughout the region. Panu's career in higher education spans more than three decades of scholarship, teaching and administrative leadership. In a letter announcing his retirement, Panu reflected on his time at USCB and credited the university's faculty, staff, students and community partners for its accomplishments. "For Judith and me, serving USCB in the leadership capacity alongside you has been one of the greatest privileges of our professional life," Panu wrote, referring to his wife. "Since arriving on campus in 2015, I have been inspired daily by the dedication, talent, and commitment of this remarkable faculty, staff, leadership team, and community partners in the service of our student learning." He also acknowledged the foundation established by his predecessor, Upshaw, and expressed confidence in the university's future. "Today, USCB is a thriving university distinguished by its commitment to student success, academic excellence, and community engagement," Panu wrote. "As I prepare to conclude my chancellorship, I do so with immense gratitude in all that we have accomplished together and with great confidence in what lies ahead." The university has not yet announced plans for selecting Panu's successor. Delayna Earley, who joined The Island News in 2022, formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.
Dr. Michael Addison Conservative Independent
Join Us for Sunday Morning Worship at 8:30 & 10:30 81 Lady’s Island Drive Pastor Steve Keeler (843) 525-0696 seaislandpresbyterian.org A8
OCTOBER 22–28, 2026
SPORTS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Beaufort’s Jack Harrelson, left, gives chase as Lucy Beckham’s Charlie Stafford stretches out a long run during the third quarter of their football game Friday, Oct. 16, at Eagles Stadium. The visiting Bengal Tigers went on to win 50-14. Bob Sofaly/The Island News LOWCOUNTRY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Battery Creek’s Michael Williams, far right, manages to gain good yardage during the first half against the Timberland Wolves on Friday, Oct. 16, at Dolphins Stadium. The Dolphins won the tough game 37-14 to improve their overall record to 7-1. Bob Sofaly/The Island News
Dolphins bounce back, beat Wolves
LowcoSports.com It took a while for the offense to get going, but when it did, it was unstoppable. Battery Creek leaned on its defense for three quarters before erupting in the fourth to pull away for a 37-14 home win over Timberland on Friday. The Dolphins rebounded from their first loss of the season to Woodland last week and stayed on track for a potential region-title showdown with Philip Simmons on Oct. 30. It was a 9-0 game at halftime, and the Wolves pulled within 9-7 with four minutes left in the third quarter, but Creek answered with a scoring drive, starting the fourth quarter with a 5-yard touchdown run from quarterback Nate Freeman. Timberland responded immediately with an 80-yard touchdown run, making it 16-14, but the Dolphins slammed the door. Freeman hit E.J. Frazier for a 35-yard touchdown pass to pad the lead, then the defense forced a fumble and Frazier iced it with a 21-yard touchdown run. Free-
man added a late rushing touchdown to cap the scoring. With a win at Lake Marion on Friday, the Dolphins would match the program’s single-season wins record with their eighth victory, a mark they achieved in 1980 and 2001. It would also put the Dolphins in position to force a threeway tie for the Region 5-2A title with a win over Philip Simmons on Oct. 30. Lucy Beckham 50, Beaufort 14: Sophomore quarterback Keaton Layman tossed a 37-yard touchdown pass to Qualeek Isnar and added a 5-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter, but the Eagles couldn’t stop the visiting Bengals. Hardeeville 24, Whale Branch 8: Freshman quarterback Jamar Bronner gave the Warriors an 8-7 lead with a touchdown run and a two-point conversion early in the third quarter, but Whale Branch couldn’t stop Hardeeville’s ground game down the stretch. Kyrell Jamison rushed for a touchdown and threw a touchdown pass to Jeremiah Dunham,
Battery Creek alum and former fullback with the Jacksonville Jaguars Greg Jones, center, had his old Battery Creek High School number, No. 20, retired during a brief ceremony at halftime Friday, Oct. 16, at Dolphins Stadium. The current Dolphins went to win the game against the Wolves of Timberland High School 37-14. Helping the NFL veteran are Christine Thompson, left, and Ahmarie Doe. Bob Sofaly/The Island News and DaShawn Albany added an 18-yard touchdown run for the Hurricanes. Hardeeville’s Joniathan Greene had a season-high 122 yards on 14 carries. Laurence Manning Academy 51, John Paul II 19: Alan Wolf broke an 85-yard touchdown run
and connected with Jackson Reilley for an 80-yard touchdown pass, but JPII didn’t have enough firepower to keep pace with the Swampcats. Zachary Moulton threw a touchdown pass to Matthew Termini for the Golden Warriors’ other score.
WOMEN’S SOCCER
Lander gets best of USC Beaufort
Lander’s Maddie Leber, left, seems to be balancing the ball on the top of her head ahead of USC Beaufort’s Kitty Crovo during the first of half of USC Beaufort’s Sami Ruby, center, tries to block the pass from Lander’s Maddie Leber during the their NCAA Division II, Peach Belt Conference first half of their NCAA Division II, Peach Belt Conference match Monday, Oct. 19, at USCB’s soccer match Monday at USCB’s Fin Land Field. Fin Land Field. The visiting Lady Bearcats came away with 3-1 win over the Lady Sand Sharks. The visiting Lady Bearcats went on to win the game 3-1. Bob Sofaly/The Island News Bob Sofaly/The Island News
WEEK 8 – Friday, Oct. 16 SCHSL 5-5A West Ashley 56, Stall 8 Summerville 45, Fort Dorchester 0 James Island 63, Ashley Ridge 14 SCHSL 6-5A Carolina Forest 35, Socastee 7 Berkeley 45, Goose Creek 6 Wando 27, Cane Bay 20 SCHSL 6-4A Bluffton 24, Colleton Co. 13 Lucy Beckham 50, Beaufort 14 Hilton Head 47, May River 7 SCHSL 5-3A Hanahan 21, Georgetown 19 Oceanside Collegiate 42, Bishop England 7 SCHSL 5-2A Philip Simmons 56, Academic Magnet 13 Battery Creek 37, Timberland 14 Woodland 51, Lake Marion 27 SCHSL 7-1A Hardeeville 24, Whale Branch 8 Ridgeland 40, Allendale-Fairfax 0 SCISA 2-4A Laurence Manning 51, John Paul II 19 SCISA 2-3A No games scheduled SCISA 1-2A Cross Schools 34, St. John’s 22 SCISA 1A No games scheduled WEEK 9 – Friday, Oct. 23 SCHSL 5-5A James Island (8-0) at West Florence (4-4) Summerville (5-3, 3-1) at Stall (2-6, 0-4) West Ashley (2-6 2-2) at Ashley Ridge (2-6, 2-2) Stratford (1-7, 0-4) at Fort Dorchester (4-5, 3-2) SCHSL 6-5A Wando (4-4, 1-2) at Carolina Forest (6-2, 2-1) Berkeley (7-1, 3-0) at Cane Bay (3-5, 1-2) Socastee (3-5, 2-1) at Goose Creek (1-7, 0-3) SCHSL 6-4A Bluffton (4-4, 2-1) at Lucy Beckham (5-3, 2-1) Beaufort (1-7, 0-3) at May River (4-4, 1-2) Colleton Co. (2-6, 1-2) at Hilton Head (7-1, 3-0) SCHSL 5-3A Oceanside Collegiate (5-3, 3-0) at North Charleston (2-5, 0-2) Georgetown (1-7, 0-2) at Bishop England (7-1, 1-1) SCHSL 5-2A Philip Simmons (5-3, 3-0) at Timberland (3-5, 1-2) Battery Creek (7-1, 2-1) at Lake Marion (4-3, 1-2) Woodland (6-2, 2-1) at Academic Magnet (4-4, 0-3) SCHSL 7-1A Hampton County (6-2, 2-0) at Allendale-Fairfax (1-7, 0-2) [Thursday] Whale Branch (1-6, 0-2) at Ridgeland (2-7, 1-2) SCISA 2-4A Ben Lippen (5-3) at John Paul II (1-7) Northwood Academy (6-2, 3-0) at Porter-Gaud (5-3, 3-2) Pinewood Prep (7-1, 2-1) at Laurence Manning (6-1, 3-0) SCISA 2-3A Bethesda Academy (5-1, 1-0) at Hilton Head Prep (1-7, 0-1) Hilton Head Christian (6-2, 0-1) at First Baptist (7-1, 1-0) SCISA 1-2A Calhoun Academy (6-1, 3-0) at Colleton Prep (8-1, 2-0) Cross Schools (4-4, 1-1) at Patrick Henry (4-3, 0-2) SCISA 2-1A Holly Hill Academy (2-6, 0-1) at Thomas Heyward (1-7, 0-1) Beaufort Academy (3-4, 1-0) at Dorchester Academy (6-2, 1-0)
Beaufort’s Qualeek Isnar, center, gets hemmed in by Lucy Beckham’s crushing defense during the fourth quarter of their game Friday, Oct. 16, at Eagles Stadium. The visiting Bengal Tigers won the lopsided contest 50-14. Bob Sofaly/The Island News OCTOBER 22–28, 2026
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OPINIONS Editor’s Note: The opinions of our columnists in the Voices section are not necessarily the opinions of The Island News.
Y
For change, you’ve got to get out and vote
ou might not think much of political yard signs at this time of year. They junk up the roadways. They’re little more than branding during a time when we can’t get away from bright colors, fonts and logos that assault our senses. But while mere yard signs may not win elections directly, they remind voters about candidates. And maybe they do something else — maybe they’re a kind of mirror for enthusiasm during an election. Seems reasonable that voters might not think a candidate without signs really wants a job as bad as the guy with yard signs — and maybe that does translate into a vote. In our ongoing Listening Across America trip across the country, hearing from voters about what’s going on politically as the midterm elections approach, we’ve noticed something in lots of red states from South Carolina through New
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Between 2018-2022, there were 372 reported school shootings in the U.S. where at least one person was injured or killed (not including armed conflicts on school grounds). From 2013-2022, annual school shootings in the U.S. CAROL LUCAS increased from 12 to 24, a 100% rise. were geographical and how Between 2018-2023, many were killed. school shootings increased I see nothing good in another 23% compared to listing them all. I will simply 2013-2018. say that the statistics we Forty-five percent of hold are despicable and school shootings since frightening. For starters, 2018 occurred in April-June let’s try this: The U.S. has 50 (graduation season). times more school shootI want to note that there ings than other high-income were several more inclucountries, ... 50 TIMES sions in this source. HowevMORE! er, word allotment had to be You know the reason, considered for the following and so do I. The pressure of interpretation, which I the gun lobby is so much believe is necessary. greater than a collective For the frequency and conscience that we are trends angle, reported content to endure a public school shootings with shame we seem unwilling to injuries or deaths nearly try to erase. doubled between 2013 and What follows may well be 2022 from 12 to 24 per a waste of my research time. year, rising another 23% Nevertheless, some need to between 2013 to 2018 and know I’m not just blowing 2018 to 2023, and they peak smoke. What follows deals in the spring with April to with frequency and trends June accounting for 45% of in this country. These statis- incidents and June alone at 11.2%. tics have all been verified.
who worry whether this cycle’s enthusiasm is real because they’ve had their hearts broken in the past. “They're asking, before I get my hopes up again, is this really happening? And, you know, the answer is, we won't know until the night of November 3rd. But in my life, I've never seen conditions so positive for Democrats as they are right now for our Senate candidate, for our gubernatorial candidate, but maybe just as importantly for the down ballot, congressional and state House candidates, as well.” We’ll know soon enough. But if you want to really make a change, you’ve got to ignore any gray skies or lethargy and get out to the polls on Nov. 3. Andy Brack is editor and publisher of the Charleston City Paper and Statehouse Report. Have a comment? Send it to feedback@statehousereport.com.
Perhaps a better approach is to ask, “How is the country responding?” Let’s start at the top. It took 47 a full day to comment on this all too familiar tragedy. In his callousness, he offered no words of sympathy for the families, nor mention of any type of policy change to stop this from happening again. Instead he said of the man who killed the 16-year-old gunman, “Thank God we had him.” Otherwise it would have been much worse. It’s a terrible thing, but thank goodness for a man that had a gun and knew how to use it.” I’m going to venture a guess that this is the branch for which all gun advocates will grasp and hold on for dear life. I can hear it now, “Just think of how much worse it would have been had he not had his gun to stop it!” While this is true in this particular case, it becomes so convoluted to put this front and center. I liken it to focusing on the small benign spot on your nose while ignoring the huge cancerous spot on your forehead.
While many continue to praise the bystander who stopped the shooting, there is a heavy, painful reality that is completely being missed. First, while everyone is busy calling him a hero, he is likely sitting in a space of shock, and has a psychological weight that none of us can even fathom. Note that he hasn’t spoken; perhaps he, too, is grieving, but in a different way. He is not just a hero; he is a victim of a system that has failed time and time again. Which brings me to my second point. This man wouldn’t be expected to celebrate if our government would do its job. Unlike 47, we, as a nation, should not be celebrating the killing of a 16-year-old boy who was a “special needs” kid himself. I have waited so many times to be told or to see the rationale against tighter gun control. If you are legitimate in your desire for a gun, why then do you push against a three-day waiting period, a background check, or redflag laws (seize guns from at-risk individuals)? What in any of those do you see as an infringement upon your second amendment right?
In 2023, 38 states allocated $2.3 billion for school security (metal detectors, bulletproofing).How much of that money might have bought school supplies that teachers are required to buy and pay for? How many lunches for kids whose families are destitute? How much school equipment could be purchased, things from computers to playground equipment? Today I find myself enraged by the cowardice of politicians who continue to put the profits of the gun industry over the lives of our children. What if it were your child? The silence we are hearing from the White House is not surprising but cannot be passively accepted. We don’t have to live this way. This cannot be the normal we accept. This cannot be the continual price of “freedom.” We must act to protect kids, not guns! Carol Lucas is a retired high school teacher and a Lady’s Island resident. She is the author of the recently published “A Breath Away: One Woman’s Journey Through Widowhood.”
Doing the same thing over and over but expecting different results
began my civic career due to a soul-level deep irritation in regard to inefficiency as it pertains to employee parking downtown. I remember turning off Ribaut Road and becoming incessantly disgruntled before each shift. My crux was not founded in accessibility in this context — institutional inertia (the resistance of change even when change is needed) was the essence of my disdain. A 1998 study illustrated that the lack of adequate employee-designated zones correlated with a lack of viable options for patrons. Fast forward 28 years, and the data still points in the same direction. A 2025 independent parking study conducted by my company, Nexus Engineering, found that downtown employees naturally
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Mexico — not too many yard signs. Maybe it’s a bit early. Or maybe — just maybe — Republicans aren’t as enthusiastic about what’s ahead. (Only when we reached Hurricane, Utah, did we see a bevy of yard signs — which made us think about how they may actually be an election barometer.) So far in our travels, people who align as more Democratic seem to be invested more in election outcomes. Many of the Republicans we’ve met — from a doctor in Alabama to a businessman in middle Texas to a retiree in New
Austin. “They have every single lever of power. There was no one for Republicans to blame for high diesel and gas prices, for low wages, for the ICE roundups that have not just broken up families, and put fear into communities, but have killed people throughout this state.” The fluctuations being experienced by Americans are owned, he said, by Republicans, which may lead many voters to want change. “There's really just one answer — the Democrats, and thank God, those Democrats are also putting up very strong candidates who are adept at not just pointing out the failures of Republicans, but describing this very positive aspirational vision for this state and our country. So this is absolutely a change election, and I think that's why Democrats look so good.” But O’Rourke, who narrowly lost a 2018 U.S. Senate election to Ted Cruz, also hears from Democrats
Just another day in America
nd so, we are faced with the horrific news of still one more school shooting that took the lives of three special-needs children and a 25-year-old teacher. Another child and another teacher were critically injured and hospitalized. I debated whether or not to write about this because of the additional shame it brings to our already battered image worldwide. In case you challenge that statement let me remind you that we hold the dubious No. 1 position worldwide for school shootings. So for those of you who still read my column and might be mumbling, “There she goes again,” my answer is, “you betcha” to borrow from Alaska Sarah. I will rage on the issue until my last breath. This incident happened at Silver Rail Elementary in Bend, Ore., with all the earmarks of the other school shootings. A teenager attained a gun at home, brought it to a school he had attended, and on a rampage, killed as many as he could before being shot and killed himself. The only variations
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ANDY BRACK
Mexico — seemed to think that the change from a Republican Congress was just a matter of time. Everybody — regardless of party — complained about high gas and food prices. And these common themes seemed to connect Americans more than divide them. For example in Texas, Republicans control state government and have an overwhelming GOP majority in the Lone Star State’s congressional delegation. But a Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, James Talarico, seems to be ahead in the polls. Former Congressman Beto O’Rourke, an El Paso native who ran for president in 2020, says he sees the enthusiasm gap. “Maybe every election is a change election to some degree, but where we are here in Texas, Republicans have held power for more than three decades,” he said just before meeting with students at the University of Texas in
OCTOBER 22–28, 2026
JARED MADISON
gravitate toward spaces closest to their jobs due to safety concerns, convenience, and lack of practical employee parking alternatives, potentially adversely affecting patron availability. The deeper you dig, the clearer it becomes that Beaufort has been circling the same basic parking puzzle for decades: use existing spaces more efficiently, protect high-turnover customer spaces, and give long-term parkers somewhere practical to go.
The City points to the 500 Carteret Street lot as an employee parking option, but my 2025 study found only 22 available spaces, with 17 active monthly parking accounts and 15 hangtags already assigned. Decades of data. Hours of research. Countless proposals. How does this problem still exist? Institutional inertia: the resistance of change even when change is needed. For a year, I attended City of Beaufort meetings to understand how policy gets across the finish line. Somewhere along the way, I had a profound insight: research repeatedly points to serious problems and possible solutions, yet our city will fail to act: • Downtown employee parking was identified as part of Beaufort’s parking problem as early as 1998. (Walker Parking
Consultants, 1998) By 2015 City officials were calling employee parking on Bay Street a central issue. (City of Beaufort, 2015) In 2018, City staff stated explicitly that “employee parking is difficult.” (City of Beaufort, 2018)1 • According to a 2025 City of Beaufort Presentation, multiple inspections conducted between 2003 and 2019 documented deterioration of the Waterfront Park infrastructure. (City of Beaufort, 2025) • The City identified housing affordability and availability as a problem at least as far back as 1998. (City of Beaufort, 1998) • In 1998, Beaufort officially recognized the danger of allowing growth to get ahead of infrastructure. (City of Beaufort, 1998)
• The City was formally classifying traffic and circulation problematic by at least 1986. By 1998 it was explicitly calling downtown traffic congestion a priority problem. The comprehensive plan said Beaufort’s transportation network was “inadequate for the volume of traffic, particularly downtown.” (City of Beaufort, 1998)
I could go on with more of the receipts of disregard, but you have already lived them. From traffic congestion and housing affordability to faltering infrastructure, we are living the experience of decades of neglect. Rather than simply identifying problems, I developed solutions. For employee parking, I designed a pilot program addressing admin-
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OPINIONS Editor’s Note: The opinions of our columnists in the Voices section are not necessarily the opinions of The Island News.
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Bidding for the perfect quarterback will continue
t is Monday and there is the likelihood of rain throughout the day. This morning I have my coffee and some optimism. I have optimism notwithstanding the fact that both South Carolina and Clemson are grinding their way through uneven, lackluster football seasons. I realize there is a large cohort of South Carolinians who rely on these two teams for their happiness. When they win they are happy. When they lose they are depressed. It’s that simple. The football players at Clemson and Carolina are paid to play; some getting millions; and their coaches are also getting millions of dollars. For the most part this money comes from the alumni. Now I’m not going to go into a rant about how these millions could be spent on elementary schools, teacher salaries or cancer research — that would be picking low
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talking about a “floor” — which is to say the young college player must be large, and fast, and be able to throw a football 50 yards while being chased by four larger, meatier men intent on bringing him down. SCOTT GRABER These are the basic physical abilities that get you in the door. hanging fruit. I will say that What puts a prospective recruiting a high school quarterback into comquarterback is the most impetition is his “cognitive portant part of their formula. processing”; his decision Both Clemson and South making and execution under Carolina have had problems fire. This ability to function finding a quarterback who often comes with a bad knee; can lead their respective or the expectation of being teams into the end zone. smacked, “sacked” and left They are not unique. Many dazed and crumpled by deteams — both college and fensive linemen who weigh professional — have this more than 300 pounds. problem. And, of course, the In the Freakonomics NFL teams are constantly program, Kurt Warner — a looking around for their former professional quarnext quarterback. Recently terback himself — said that a radio program called greatness under pressure “Freakonomics Radio” aired isn’t necessarily about a program titled “Why is players suddenly elevating it So Hard to Find an NFL their game, rather it is that Quarterback?” most players shrink when the stakes get high. The show began by
So we’ve got a young man in a stadium with, lets say, 80,000 fans watching him perform. There could be, depending on the game, millions more watching on television. These fans often believe that their school should win this particular game because South Carolina (or Clemson) is representative of South Carolina’s athletic prowess, its values, its sense of decency, and, parenthetically, the opposing players are a bunch of paid-to-play hoodlums who would otherwise be serving time at a minimum security correctional facility. The young quarterback has spent the past week practicing his running and pass-throwing skills and memorizing the 25-30 plays that have been tailor-made for the forthcoming battle. This young man has also encountered dozens of students telling him that he is God-like; and will lead their team to the playoffs — it is
safe to say this week-long effort has not been diluted by any academic effort like, “Introduction to Physics.” Then there’s the game. While the quarterback is doing the actual running and passing and getting “sacked”; a small cohort of coaches is sitting above, drinking Dr. Pepper, looking at algorithms, then calling down to the offensive coordinator about what to do next. The coordinator may inform the coach who transmits the play into the quarterback’s helmet. The play — a nonsensical jumble of words — is repeated to the team and then the connection goes dead giving the quarterback 15 seconds to examine the defensive line-up. The quarterback can then run the play — or change it — depending on what he sees. How do we find people who can function in this environment? Now, however, comes the Athletic Intelligence
Quotient (test) that measures how athletes process information, whether they have “spatial awareness” and can remain calm when everything is going to hell. “Spatial awareness” is the ability to look at objects from multiple angles, to rotate them in your mind, to understand complex layouts. This new testing also measures learning efficiency, reaction time and decision making. It is currently being used by the NFL and, I suspect, will soon arrive in Columbia and Clemson. Will the AIQ find our own Moses and will this man lead us to the promised land? Maybe. But I suspect Tuscaloosa, Oxford and Athens will also buy into the AIQ and the bidding for the perfect quarterback will continue. Scott Graber is a lawyer, novelist, veteran columnist and longtime resident of Port Royal. He can be reached at cscottgraber@gmail.com.
Especially when the October wind blows, Part 3
s campaign signs spring up like a field of wildflowers and wees after a good rain, election season draws closer to an end. Early voting is starting. The conclusion is a mere two weeks away. Whether or not the congressional elections prove to be a referendum on President Trump remains to be seen. It’s possible that some voters will think about the president’s record on cutting fraud, waste, and crime, and stopping illegal immigration. At the beginning of his second term when President Trump created DOGE under Elon Musk, critics were on fire with the “cruelty” of actually cutting government programs and personnel. Former “DOGE Bro” and author of “Inside DOGE: The Real Story from a Senior Insider,” Tyler Hassen has described the actions as requiring government grantees and contractors to “Defend the Spend” and explain what was “mission-critical” in expenditures in the Department of the Interior. He relates that he was shocked by the inefficiency of government operations, decades-old technology, and a near-total absence of accountability.
Madison
As I learned in a graduate budget class and experience with state bureaucracy, when there is always income, that is, tax money, which is not tied to performance, there is little incentive to behave frugally. In North Carolina, where I spent most of my working life, there was more incentive than in the federal government, undoubtedly because state law required the budget to be balanced. We lived with the annual budget reversions which at best meant hiring freezes and at worst unpaid furloughs. In 2025, the federal workforce shrank by a quarter of a million employees. Undoubtedly, some of them retired, and it took much less time to do so once the “Iron Mountain” of personnel records kept by hand, was discovered and reforms
Do you want 28 more years of the same thing or is it time for something different?
from page A1
istration, logistics, festival traffic congestion, and downtown parking. I built a city app to improve communication, resident surveys, and City Council meeting summaries among other features. I also published a policy paper addressing housing affordability, availability, and how Beaufort can retain its youth and under-40 population. Do you want 28 more years of the same thing or is it time for something different? My name is Jared Madison, and I am running for Beaufort City Council because my experience has revealed areas of concerns
LOUISE MATHEWS
as it pertains to the welfare of Beaufort. As such, I must be accountable to my moral compass and my community because doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results is. … Jared Madison is a candidate for Beaufort City Council. 1
City of Beaufort, Council Work & Regular Session Minutes, April 24, 2018,3
took place. The initial shock of DOGE discovering waste such as strange grants for LGBTQ projects in overwhelmingly Muslim nations, as worn off but the momentum that it created continues. We have “leared” about unbelievable instances of fraud in Minnesota and California. Probably abuse in programs designed to help the truly needy occurs in every state to varying degrees. Was there such exposure of pure criminality in previous administrations? I do not think so. Speaking of crimes, under the second Trump Administration, we have seen an overall 9.3 percent decrease in violent crimes, the largest one year drop in the national violent crime rate that the FBI has ever recorded. The murder rate fell by 18.1 percent to a level last seen in 1956. Robbery and burglary fell by 18.5 and 15.8 percent respectively. Car thefts have dropped 22.7 percent. One of his more controversial actions was President Trump sending the National Guard unto Washington, D.C. in August 2025. The results are that homicides
fell by 41 percent and carjackings dropped 63 percent. Once again, Washington, D.C. has been cleaned up with monuments shining and fountains cascading. Following through on another promise, President Trump has closed the borders to illegal immigration. In the first three months of the federal fiscal year that ended September 30, 2026, the Border Patrol logged the fewest illegal immigrant encounters ever recorded. For eight months, the patrol also did not release a single illegal crosser into the U.S. Compare that with the Biden years. In December 2023 alone, the Border Patrol had 302,000 encounters, and an average of 5,000 illegal immigrants were released into the country each day that month. While its operations and tactics need reform, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), is taking dangerous people off the streets. As huge numbers of “immigrants” were not vetted by the previous administrations, we know little about cartel actions or child trafficking until perpetrators
are apprehended. ICE “Czar” Tom Homan has claimed that ICE has saved 62,000 children from being trafficked. According to government estimates, there are still as many as 300,000 unaccompanied minor children who grossed the Southern border who are “missing.” Whatever else, ICE does, finding them is a good thing. Like every other president of the United States, the Trump administration, and the president himself, have successes and failures. One thing is certain. Donald J. Trump has acted on many things he promised to do. He has not kicked the can down the road for a future leader to handle. For that reason alone, if this election is a referendum on his performance, it may be the better part of wisdom to elect legislators who will support his efforts during his final two years in office. Or, we could just have the chaos of impeachment ad nauseum. Louise Mathews retired from a career in community colleges and before that, theater. A 13-year come-here in Beaufort, she has been a dingbatter in North Carolina and an upstater from New York.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Trump is selling us out to Russia
Giving aid and support to our enemies is treason. And make no mistake, Russia is our enemy. Twenty years ago it would have been unimaginable for an American president to sell out our country and our allies to Russia. Today we see this happening before our eyes; Donald Trump is selling us out to Russia and he doesn't even try to hide it. On Oct. 14, Russia staged a heavy bombardment of Ukraine. In the middle of this bombardment, Ukraine's Starlink and Starshield defense systems – technologies owned by Elon Musk – were intentionally rendered ineffective. While Musk and Trump blame each other, Trump is ultimately responsible for rendering our ally defenseless during the Russian bombardment. He is to blame for the death and destruction that resulted. Now Trump plans to offer further assistance to Russia. In September, Congress passed the Lindsay O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act which would increase economic sanctions against Russia. On Oct. 16, Trump signed an executive order waiving many of the sanctions that were set to go into effect. This effectively strengthens Russia and guarantees more death and destruction for our ally, Ukraine. Trump's long and sordid history with Russia dates back to the 1980's (Miss Universe pageant, shady real estate deals, alleged ties with Russian mobsters, etc.). According to the 2019 Mueller Report, the Russian government
systematically interfered with the 2016 US Presidential Election through the use of social media propaganda and computer hacks against Trump's opponent. The report meticulously documented 140 illegal contacts between Trump's campaign team and Russian operatives. We subsequently learned that Russia used the NRA to clandestinely funnel money to the Trump campaign. And who can forget when Eric Trump said, "We have all the funding we need from Russia" in a 2017 interview. Trump is selling us out to Russia, but we are not powerless to stop him. We need to vote for people who will oppose his recklessness and his treachery. Even if you're a life-long Republican, this is a moment to choose country over party, accountability over complicity, and democratic resolve over submission to a hostile power. America is counting on us! — Peter Birschbach, Port Royal
OCTOBER 22–28, 2026
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HEALTH
Beaufort Memorial ER nurse wins DAISY Award Life-saving care, quick thinking key for Heslin
Special to The Island News In the Beaufort Memorial emergency department, ER nurse Kaitlyn Heslin was caught off guard: nursing leaders and her colleagues were waiting to surprise her with a prestigious DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. Heslin, who began her career as a Beaufort Memorial ER technician about five years ago before completing her nursing degree at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, was nominated for the high-level nursing award due to her commitment to communication, patient safety and vigilance in the emergency department.
The nomination was submitted by her colleague, ER patient care technician Michelle Recchia, and detailed the frontline nurse’s quick thinking and dedication to patient care during an “exceptionally busy shift” in early April 2026. While passing through the ER lobby to retrieve a wheelchair, Heslin noticed a patient checking in who appeared unwell. She stopped and assessed the situation, balancing immediate, critical care with compassion, skill, and patient advocacy. Emergency department physician Dr. Luke Baxley then performed a neurological evaluation and expedit-
ed the patient to undergo imaging scans that detected a brain bleed. “This situation highlights the critical importance of vigilance, teamwork and advocacy in patient care,” Recchia detailed in Heslin’s nomination. “Kaitlyn’s keen observation and initiative, combined with Dr. Baxley’s rapid response and clinical judgment, very likely contributed to a life-saving outcome.” During the surprise ceremony in the Beaufort Memorial Pratt Emergency Center on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, Heslin received the DAISY Award and a pin from emergency de-
partment director Kevin Kremer, BSN, RN. “Kaitlyn started her career in nursing right here in the Beaufort Memorial ER, right at the tail end of the COVID-19 pandemic. That was a tough time to start; in the medical field, we were all still learning how to cope with this new world,” Kremer said. “Kaitlyn has been extraordinary since. She has a great sense of humor, and while at Beaufort Memorial, she has really grown as both a person and a nurse.”
their dying son, the DAISY Award has since been adopted by healthcare facilities all over the world. Nominated nurses’ clinical skills, and especially their compassionate care, exemplify the kind of nurse that patients, their families and our staff recognize as an outstanding role model. Read the Barnes Family’s story at https://www. daisyfoundation.org/aboutus#MV. Anyone can nominate a Beaufort Memorial nurse for the prestigious honor. Applications are available About the DAISY Award Developed in 1999 by a throughout the hospital Seattle couple to honor the and at BeaufortMemorial. nurses who took care of org/DAISY.
DAISY Award winner and Beaufort Memorial ER nurse Kaitlyn Heslin. Photo courtesy of Beaufort Memorial Hospital
Take care with your tummy tuck
By Dr. Heidi Harrington Beaufort Memorial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics Want your tummy tuck to last as long as possible? Taking the right steps before and after your procedure can help maintain your results. There are two main factors that limit how long a tummy tuck lasts: Dr. Heidi aging and weight Harrington changes. While you can’t keep yourself from aging, there is a lot you can do to maintain a steady weight. Achieving long-term tummy tuck success starts at home. In the months leading up to your procedure, you should: • Be at your target weight — Losing or gaining weight after surgery can cause skin to stretch or sag. Therefore, your plastic surgery team will encourage you to be within 10 or 15 pounds of your goal weight beforehand. Try to maintain this weight for at least three to six months before surgery. • Be healthy overall — A tummy tuck (also called abdominoplasty) isn’t a weight-loss pro-
pect from your procedure. For some, full recovery can take months, and your scar can take over a year to flatten and fade. Mental preparation beforehand helps you remain patient with the healing process and stay on a healthy course afterward.
Once you leave the hospital, it takes work to make your tummy tuck last. One of the most important steps is to maintain your current weight. Three ways to do that after a tummy tuck are: • Not becoming pregnant after a tummy tuck • Eating a healthy diet • Exercising regularly
gram. It helps you make the most of your healthy habits. Before surgery, eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water. You should also stop smoking. In fact, your plastic surgeon will require you to stop smoking for six weeks before and after your tummy tuck. Enroll in a smoking cessation program if necessary. • Be mentally prepared — It’s important to know what to ex-
Your post-abdominoplasty diet A healthy diet before and after a tummy tuck promotes healing, overall health and long-term positive results. For lasting results, eat as many calories as you burn each day, and make sure those calories provide the energy you need. Good foods to fill up on every day include: • Dairy products • Fruits and vegetables • Seafood, meat, poultry, legumes and other healthy protein sources • Whole grains
When choosing food for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, stick to whole foods. Avoid prepackaged items, especially those made with added sugar, salt, cholesterol and saturated or trans fats.
Exercise protects your investment As your body regains strength, exercise plays a vital role in maintaining your cosmetic surgery results. I encourage patients to get back to their previous exercise routines, but to work their way back to it slowly. This helps your body acclimate to exercise safely and reduces your risk for injury. Your plastic surgeon can help you create a tailored plan to return to exercise. In general, returning to exercise comes in phases. • Immediately after surgery — Walking very short distances is the only exercise you should get for at least 24 hours. Be very careful not to overstretch your abdominal muscles. • First three weeks — Gradually increase the length of your walks. Avoid turning or twisting your abdomen. Do not lift your children or heavy objects. • Weeks four through six — It should be safe to ride a station-
ary bicycle or try other light exercises to raise your heart rate a bit. Avoid weight-lifting or core exercises. Slowly increase the intensity of your cardio routine. • After six weeks — Unless your surgical team says otherwise, you can resume strength training. Start light and work your way up slowly over the next few weeks.
After two or three months, it should be safe to resume your previous exercise intensity and duration. Staying on track with your exercise routine moving forward helps you maintain good health. It also helps you prolong the effects of your tummy tuck. Exercise does two essential things for prolonging your tummy tuck results: it helps you stay toned and strong, and it keeps you in a healthy mindset. These two benefits are vital, as they make you more likely to maintain other lifestyle changes to get the most out of your abdominoplasty. Heidi Harrington, M.D., is a board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon with two decades of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery experience. She sees patients at Beaufort Memorial Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics in Okatie.
Invasive ductal carcinoma: Understanding the most common type of breast cancer
Special to The Island News Hearing “invasive ductal carcinoma” often brings immediate worry, but “invasive” only describes whether cancer cells have grown into nearby tissue — not how far it has spread through the body. Beyond the diagnosis itself, understanding a tumor's grade offers key insights into how those cells behave and how quickly they might grow. Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC), sometimes called infiltrating ductal carcinoma, is the most common type of breast cancer, accounting for about 70–80% of all diagnoses. To understand what the name means, it helps to break down the medical terms: • Invasive — This means the cancer cells have broken through the lining of the duct and grown into nearby breast tissue. • Ductal — The cancer starts inside a milk duct, the tiny tube that
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OCTOBER 22–28, 2026
carries milk to the nipple. • Carcinoma — This refers to a type of cancer that originates in the epithelial cells lining organs or tissues.
Because IDC cells have moved beyond the duct wall, they can reach nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body, which is why early detection is important. “Because invasive ductal carcinoma spreads past the duct, treatment involves more than just localized care,” says Dr. Eric Turner, a board-certified, fellowship-trained medical oncologist at Beaufort Memorial Oncology Specialists. “Understanding whether your cancer is invasive or non-invasive helps your care team map out the safest, most effective treatment plan for you.”
some people experience no symptoms at all, with a routine mammogram being the first sign of a change. When symptoms do appear, here are some of the signs to watch for: • Breast or nipple pain • Changes in breast size or shape • New lump or thickened area • Nipple changes, such as flattening or unusual discharge • Skin changes like dimpling, puckering or redness • Swelling
What do IDC Grades 1, 2 and 3 mean? If you or your provider notice a change, or if a routine mammogram shows something unusual, the next step is usually follow-up imaging, such as a diagnostic mammogram or ultrasound. If the imaging shows an area Common symptoms of that needs further evaluainvasive ductal carcinoma tion, your doctor will recomEvery IDC diagnosis mend a biopsy. During a biopsy, a small looks a little different. In fact,
sample of tissue is removed and examined in a lab for cancer cells. This is the only way to confirm whether cancer is present. After a biopsy, a pathologist examines the cells and makes a pathology report. The pathology report will confirm the presence of IDC and its grade. Once a biopsy confirms IDC, a pathologist examines the cells under a microscope and assigns a grade from 1 to 3: • Grade 1 — Cells look close to normal and tend to grow slowly. • Grade 2 — Cells look somewhat abnormal and grow at a moderate pace. • Grade 3 — Cells look very different from normal cells and grow faster.
“Understanding tumor grade helps us predict how the cancer might respond to specific therapies,” Dr. Turner says. “It gives us the detailed information we need to build a personalized
care plan tailored directly to you.”
Treatment options, outlook for IDC Outlook depends on tumor grade, stage and hormone receptor status. Thanks to the various treatment options available, many people recover and live full lives after receiving care, especially with early detection. Common breast cancer treatment options include: • Surgery — An operation to physically remove cancerous tissue, which may involve removing a tumor (lumpectomy) or the entire breast (mastectomy) • Radiation therapy — The use of high-energy beams to destroy remaining cancer cells or shrink tumors in a targeted area • Chemotherapy — Medications designed to target and destroy fast-growing cancer
cells throughout the body • Hormone therapy — Treatments that block or reduce natural hormones in the body to slow or stop the growth of hormone-sensitive cancer cells • Targeted therapy — Drugs designed to attack specific proteins or genetic markers unique to cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells.
Many treatment plans combine two or more of these options. Your healthcare provider will also guide you through follow-up care to support your healing and long-term wellness on your health journey. “Treatment for invasive ductal carcinoma has advanced significantly,” Dr. Turner says. “With options tailored specifically to your receptor status and tumor grade, we can build a highly effective plan for your health.”
OBITUARIES Carole Lenore May Nov. 7, 1957 — Oct. 11, 2026 Beaufort
Frances Marietta Pulliam
Carole Lenore May, 68, passed away peacefully at home on Oct. 11, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on Nov. 7, 1957, in Huntington Valley, Pa., Carole was the daughter of the late Ralph Arnold and Josephine (Nichol) Arnold. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, George Arnold. Carole’s greatest joy and Carole most cherished role in life Lenore was her family. Nothing May was more important to her than being a devoted wife, mother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and great-aunt. Beyond her immediate family, she held a lifelong, steadfast love for her "second family" — a close-knit circle of friends she treasured throughout her entire life. Known as a straight shooter who was fiercely loyal, Carole was the ultimate cheerleader for everyone she loved. Whether it was meeting friends through her store, cheering alongside the baseball moms, or finding a new circle of friends through her beloved job at Grayco, she built lasting friendships wherever life took her. Though she touched many lives, her heart belonged to her son Hunter, he was her world and nothing brought her more pride than being his mother. With a natural eye for style, Carole’s lifelong passions were retail, fashion, and interior design. She proudly owned and operated Bebe Gallini’s, a quirky and beloved boutique in Cornelius, N.C. Eventually, she and her family made the move to Beaufort, S.C. — a special place she had first visited 25 years prior and always knew she would someday call home. She is survived by her devoted husband of 39 years, Jeffrey May; the love of her life her son, Hunter May, and daughter-in-law, Victoria (Edwards) May; and her brother, Robert Arnold. A service to celebrate Carole's life will be held on Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Beaufort. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations in Carole's memory to the First Presbyterian Church of Beaufort. Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.
Frances Marietta Pulliam, of Beaufort, S.C., died peacefully on Oct. 12, 2026, at 81 years of age, following a trying battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Born on Jan. 15, 1945, to Francis Lee Pulliam and May Elizabeth Conklin Pulliam in Portsmouth, Va., Marietta was smart, diligent, dependable, and had a razor-sharp, quick wit. As the daughter of a United States Marine, she lived in six states before her Frances father retired in Beaufort, Marietta where she graduated from Pulliam Beaufort High School. For seven years, she served in the Order of Corpus Christi Carmelites in four states and earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She then obtained her master’s degree from the University of Northern Colorado. For 38 years, Marietta taught at Mossy Oaks Elementary School in Beaufort. She also coached the creative writing team for the Beaufort County School District’s Annual Academic Challenge, which she thoroughly enjoyed. During this time, Marietta earned the master’s +30 certification. Marietta leaves behind her daughters, Clara Wallace Thomas and Elizabeth Woodley Thomas Gillentine; adoring grandsons, Wilson Calhoun Smith, Thomas Clay Smith, Ben Clayton Gillentine, and Colt Lee Gillentine; her sister, Theresa Maria Pulliam; and her beloved son-in-law, Clayton Kyle Gillentine. She also loved her nieces, Dawn Michelle Shoemaker and Kristen Theresa Coxwell Stiner, and her nephew, Michael Shawn Coxwell, as if they were her own children. Wallace Calhoun Thomas was her husband for 29 years. A lifelong and devout Catholic, she will be honored with a funeral Mass at the Historic St. Peter’s Catholic Church in downtown Beaufort, a church that meant so much to her parents, her, and her children, on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, at 11 a.m. Friends may visit with the family at 10 a.m., prior to the Mass. Marietta will be privately laid to rest at St. Peter’s Catholic Church on Lady’s Island, S.C. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Catholic Church, the Child Abuse Prevention Association of Beaufort, or the American Association of University Women.
Jan. 15, 1945 — Oct. 12, 2026 Beaufort
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OCTOBER 22–28, 2026
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BCSD BEACON INSPIRING EXCELLENCE in and Beyond the Classroom Robert Smalls Leadership Academy Teacher Named BCSD Teacher of the Year Kelly Hall, a theater teacher at Robert Smalls Leadership Academy, has been named Beaufort County School District's 2026-27 District Teacher of the Year. Hall was announced as the districtwide winner during the annual Teacher of the Year Celebration and selected from a group of outstanding finalists representing schools across Beaufort County. A 16-year educator, Hall is passionate about helping students build confidence, creativity, and leadership through the arts. At Robert Smalls Leadership Academy, she has helped expand the school's theater program, creating opportunities for students to produce plays, perform at district events, and stage the school's first musical.
This is an incredible honor. This district is full of amazing educators, and I just feel so honored to represent that.
-Kelly Hall 2026-27 District Teacher of the Year
"This is an incredible honor," Hall said. "This district is full of amazing educators, and I just feel so honored to represent that." Superintendent Dr. Frank Rodriguez praised Hall's impact on students and school communities, calling her a phenomenal educator who makes a difference in students' lives every day.
MEET BCSD'S 2026-27 TEACHERS OF THE YEAR
As District Teacher of the Year, Hall will represent Beaufort County School District on the State Teacher of the Year Forum and advance to the South Carolina Teacher of the Year program.
Superintendent Dr. Frank Rodriguez celebrates Kelly Hall being named District Teacher of the Year
SUPPORTING SUCCESS Everyday in Everyway Hilton Head Island High School Office Manager Named BCSD Support Staff of the Year Cory Festa, office manager at Hilton Head Island High School, has been named Beaufort County School District's 2026-27 Support Staff of the Year. Festa received the districtwide honor during BCSD's annual Support Staff of the Year luncheon, which recognized outstanding employees from schools and departments across the district.
It was not at all expected, but I am deeply honored to be selected. It's also a testament to all of the wonderful people that I work with at my school. Cory Festa 2026-27 District Support Staff of the Year
"It was not at all expected, but I am deeply honored to be selected," Festa said. "It's also a testament to all of the wonderful people that I work with at my school." As office manager, Festa helps oversee the daily operations of Hilton Head Island High School and has played a key role in maintaining a strong substitute teacher pool. She was also instrumental in helping coordinate the school's move into its new building. Principal Steve Schidrich praised Festa's leadership and organization, noting that she helped make the transition as smooth as possible.
Deputy Superintendent Dr. Mellow Lee celebrates Cory Festa being named District Support Staff of the Year
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OCTOBER 22–28, 2026
MEET BCSD'S 2026-27 SUPPORT STAFF HONOREES
DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS Bluffton High School Breaks Ground on New Career & Technical Education Building
BCSD Earns National Recognition for Financial Excellence
Beaufort County School District recently broke ground on a new 23,870-square-foot Career & Technical Education (CTE) Building, funded through the voter-approved 2023 BCSD Bond Referendum.
Beaufort County School District has earned the Government Finance Officers Association's Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting, the highest recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting.
The facility will provide expanded learning opportunities in Building Construction Trades, Public Safety/Firefighting, Family & Consumer Sciences, Army JROTC, and Artificial Intelligence/Advancing Technologies.
The new CTE Building is scheduled to open in August 2027. Project Highlights 23,870 square feet Opening August 2027 Funded through the 2023 BCSD Bond Referendum Five career-focused program areas
"By providing students with state-of-the-art learning environments and industry-relevant experiences, we are helping them develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive now and after graduation," Superintendent Dr. Frank Rodriguez said.
The award recognizes organizations that demonstrate transparency, accountability, and excellence in financial reporting. BCSD received the honor for its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. "This recognition reflects our district's commitment to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources," said Chief Financial Officer Tonya Crosby. Superintendent Dr. Frank Rodriguez praised the district's finance team, noting that strong financial management helps ensure resources are directed where they matter most: supporting student success. The national recognition highlights BCSD's ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and sound financial stewardship.
Principal Matt Hall said the programs will help prepare students for real-world careers while allowing students to explore their interests and talents.
BCSD Girls Flag Football League Kicks Off With NFL Support Beaufort County School District recently celebrated the launch of its inaugural Girls Flag Football League, bringing new opportunities for student-athletes across six district high schools. The Carolina Panthers helped kick off the new league with a $15,000 grant through Carolina Panthers Charities, along with equipment kits and Nike uniform grants for participating schools. The six-team pilot program gives student-athletes the opportunity to compete in one of the nation's fastest-growing sports. Since 2022, girls high school flag football has expanded rapidly across North and South Carolina, with thousands of athletes now participating. "We are thrilled about the continued dynamic growth of girls high school flag football in South Carolina," said Riley Fields, Director of Community Relations for the Carolina Panthers. "The enthusiasm by Beaufort County School District and their desire to compete will be an important catalyst for continued growth in the region." Superintendent Dr. Frank Rodriguez said the new league expands athletic opportunities for students while helping them develop teamwork, leadership, and confidence. The sport is continuing to gain momentum nationwide and is set to make its Olympic debut at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS Explore Your Options: Choice Application Season Begins Soon Families will soon have the opportunity to explore Beaufort County School District's wide range of school choice programs as the district prepares to open its annual Choice application window. BCSD's Choice program allows Beaufort County students to apply to attend eligible schools and specialized programs outside their attendance zone, offering options tailored to a variety of interests, learning styles, and career goals. From language immersion and arts integration to Advanced Math, Engineering and Science (AMES), International Baccalaureate, Early College, leadership programs, and Career & Technical Education pathways, BCSD offers opportunities designed to help students discover their passions and prepare for the future. To help families learn more, the district will host School Choice Showcases in both northern and southern Beaufort County. The events will bring together schools from across the district, giving families an opportunity to meet school leaders and staff, learn about academic and extracurricular offerings, and ask questions about the Choice application process. Families will also have the opportunity to participate in school tours, providing a firsthand look at classrooms, programs, and school culture before making enrollment decisions. "We want parents to know that Beaufort County School District is the best choice for their children," Superintendent Dr. Frank Rodriguez said. "Our offerings are extensive, innovative, and engaging. There's something to match every student's interests and future career plans." Visit beaufortschools.net/choice for application dates, showcase information, and tour schedules.
Choice Application Window th
November 12 January 15th
Northern Beaufort Showcase Robert Smalls Leadership Academy November 16th 6:00 pm -7:30 pm
Southern Beaufort Showcase River Ridge Academy November 17th 6:00 pm -7:30 pm
Free Developmental Screenings Available for Young Children Beaufort County School District's Office of Early Childhood is offering free Child Find developmental screenings for children ages 2½ to 5. Screenings are available throughout the year and evaluate vision, hearing, speech, and overall development. The process helps families better understand their child's growth and identify any support services that may be beneficial. Parents and caregivers can help support healthy development by reading, talking, singing, and playing with their children each day while maintaining consistent routines and encouraging active play.
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WHY EDUCATORS CHOOSE BEAUFORT COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT? $64k+ Starting Teacher Salary Robust 2-Year Induction Program
$1,500 Locality Supplement Ongoing Professional Growth & Leadership Pathways
Questions? Contact Us: bcsdrecruiters@beaufort.k12.sc.us beaufortschools.net/careers 843-379-6920
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Families interested in scheduling a screening can contact the BCSD Office of Early Childhood at 843521-2399 or 843-322-2300.
OCTOBER 22–28, 2026
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LOCAL MILITARY
Fox Company Grass Week
U.S. Marine Corps recruits with Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, practice aiming Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, during Grass Week on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Grass week prepares and teaches recruits the basic fundamentals of handling and using a rifle before Table One qualification. Lance Cpl. Noemi OsorioLopez/USMC
A recruit with Fox Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, Recruit Training Regiment, practices sighting in Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, during Grass Week on Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Grass week prepares and teaches recruits the basic fundamentals of handling and using a rifle before Table One qualification. Lance Cpl. Noemi OsorioLopez/USMC
Caregivers of seriously disabled veterans should enroll in PCAFC Family members caring for seriously disabled veterans at home miss out on up to $48k per year
T
his is the first article in a series of three on the VA’s Caregiver Support Program (CSP), which consists of the following two Programs: 1. The Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) and 2. The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) The first two articles in this series will concentrate on the VA’s PCAFC Program. VA PCAFC provides education, support, resources, respite, mental health counseling, a FINANCIAL STIPEND, health insurance if eligible, and beneficiary travel if eligible. Local VA CCSP Teams at VA facilities can also connect PCAFC participants (veterans and caregivers) to local resources in the community.
LARRY DANDRIDGE
Within PCAFC, a serious injury is a single or combined service-connected disability rating of 70% or more and include serious illness, in the line of duty. A serious injury (or serios illness) is a single or combined service-connected disability rating of 70% or more. The VA’s Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS). PGCSS provides training, coaching, peer support, respite options, and other resources for caregivers of Veterans enrolled in VA health care. It requires no formal application — caregivers enroll through their local VA Caregiver Support Program (CSP) team, and the Veteran must consent to receive care from the caregiver. Learn more about PGCSS at the VA webpage “The Program of General Caregiver Support Services” https://bit.ly/4yshM23.”
Previous The Island News articles may help In November of 2025, I wrote a series of three articles on The VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC). You may want to read those Nov. 12, 19, and 26, 2025 articles and the VA webpages referenced in those articles in The Island News archives at: • https://bit.ly/4i83Unr; • https://bit.ly/4sdqUWO; and PGCSS one of two VA Caregiver Support Programs • https://bit.ly/47wCPWg. PGCSS is one of the two programs under the VA Caregiver Attention family care givers Support Program (CSP). It offers You especially may want to renon-financial support services to read those November 2025 articles and the VA webpage titled “General Caregivers” — anyone “VA Caregiver Support Program providing personal care services – (Program of Comprehensive to a Veteran enrolled in VA health Assistance for Family Caregivers care. Caregivers DO NOT need to (PCAFC)” at https://bit.ly/4ier- be relatives or live with the VeterH5p, if you are the primary care- an. If you need help with this progiver of a 70% service-connected gram call the Caregiver Support or seriously injured veteran and Line at 855-260-3274 (TTY: 711), are the spouse, parent, son, daugh- M-F 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Eastern Time. ter, stepfamily member, extended There are no stipends paid by the family member, or someone who PGCSS Program. More on PGCSS in article 2 of this series. lives full-time with the veteran.
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OCTOBER 22–28, 2026
VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) The VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) pays family members approximately $2,000.00 to $4,000.00 per month tax free to care for disabled veterans at home. Caregivers also get health insurance, 30 days of respite care per year, and mental health counseling. The Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010 created the PCAFC Program and it originally covered only post 9/11 veterans. The MISSION Act of 2018 expanded it to veterans of all service eras. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) offers enhanced clinical support for Family Caregivers of eligible Veterans. Veterans may be eligible for this clinical program if they: Sustained or aggravated a serious injury (or illness) in the line of duty in the active military, naval or air service during any service era. PCAFC provides additional clinical support services to caregivers of eligible Veterans who are seriously injured or ill. This program does require an application, and caregivers and Veterans must meet specific criteria. Learn more about PCAFC by visiting https://www. caregiver.va.gov and by watching the PCAFC Overview Video at https://bit.ly/4hUZphp. Important update impacting the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) PCAFC VA has published a final rule which extends the transition period of legacy participants, legacy applicants, and their Family Caregivers (the legacy
cohort), through Sept. 30, 2028. This means legacy participants, legacy applicants, and their Family Caregivers will remain eligible for PCAFC and will not experience a decrease in the monthly stipend amount based on a reassessment for the duration of the transition period (certain exceptions apply). A link to the final rule is https:// bit.ly/4dRyoc9. If you have questions about this final rule, or to learn more about supports and services available to Veterans and their caregivers, contact your local VA Caregiver Support Team through the instructions at the VA “Caregiver Support Teams” webpage at https://bit.ly/4zINqJU or reach out to the Caregiver Support Line Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm ET at 1-855-260-3274. The Charleston, S.C. Ralph H. Johnson VA (RHJVA) Medical Center “Caregiver Support” webpage is https://bit.ly/4dJ9knO. VA Charleston health care offers a number of services to support you and the Veteran you care for. Ask a caregiver support coordinator to help you find what you need, whether it is in-home help, someone to listen, or anything in between. Benjamin Marks is the RHJVA Medical Center and Healthcare System Caregiver Support Manager, and his phone number is 855-260-3274. Shanell Manson is the PGCSS Coordinator, at the RHJVA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, and her phone number is Phone: 843-577-5011, Extension 424541. The Columbia, S.C. VA Health Care System Caregiver Support Program Coordinator is phone number is 803-695-6777. The VA (National) Caregiver Support Line Phone number is 855-260-3274. The VA Durham NC “Caregiver Support” webpage is https://bit. ly/4yugqnu. Durham VA Health
EDITOR’S NOTE This article is the first in a series of three.
Care System offers a number of services to support care givers and the Veterans they care for. Ask a caregiver support coordinator to help you find what you need. If you have questions about the Durham VA Caregiver Support Program, contact the Caregiver Support Office at 919-286-0411 Extension: 176068. PCAFC is separate from VA Service-Connected Disability Compensation The program is separate from VA disability compensation, which is explained at the VA’s webpage “VA Disability Compensation” https://www.va.gov/ disability/.” The veteran’s VA disability pay stays the same. The caregiver stipend is an additional benefit paid directly to the person providing care. In FY2025, the program served approximately 98,000 caregivers with a budget of $2.6 billion. The VA receives about 8,000 new applications for PCAFC per month. Continued next week.
Larry Dandridge is a Vietnam War wounded warrior, disabled veteran, ex-Enlisted Infantryman, ex-Warrant Officer Pilot, and retired Lt. Colonel. He is a past VA-accredited VSO, a Patient Adviser at Charleston and Durham VA Hospitals, a Fisher House Charleston/Friends of Fisher House Charleston Goodwill Ambassador, and the Veterans Benefits Adviser for his local Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) Chapter and Cary, N.C., VFW Post 7383. Larry is also the author of the award-winning “Blades of Thunder (Book One)” and a contributing freelance writer with The Island News. Contact him at LDandridge@earthlink.net or 843-276-7164.
LOCAL MILITARY
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, 23 October 2026 Recruit Training Regiment • Commanding Officer, Colonel A. P. Bariletti 3rd Recruit Training Battalion • Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel S. L. Gross Commander of Troops, Captain J. A. Olson • Parade Adjutant, 1stLt T.C Hardy Company “N”, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion • Commanding Officer, Captain J. A. Olson Drill Master • Staff Sergeant D. M. Brodie PLATOON 3088
PLATOON 3089
Senior Drill Instructor SSgt A. E. Murphy Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC Pvt PFC Pvt PFC Pvt PFC Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC PFC PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt
Antczac, Jake W. Arevaloayala, Isaac S. Arzate, Eric Aviles, Giovanni X. Baldree, Brenden G. Batistatorres, John E. Bernardino, Aiden Y. Blangosmith Jr, Laquan M. Brown, Daniel D. Butler, Michael D. Cando, Jeremiah J. Carachure, Christopher J. Carcamo, Andrew Chamorrorangel, Brian F. Champanerkar, Kartik Charles, Lourvensky Clore, Alexander B. Collins, Jacob R. Contreras, Brandon S. Cothern, Travis S.* Cover, Nashawn A. Coyne, Spencer R.* Cruz, Jack C. Davis, Cooper F. Davis, Javah B. Davis, Wyatt R. Decamp, Jonathon D. Diazguerrero, Diovan J. Dominicci, Armani A. England Jr, Andrew M. English, Noah H.* Espinozasanchez, Jayden J. Espinozasanchez, JonathanU. Fan, Yiran* Filipkowski, Alex J. Finkley, Jeremiah J. Florian, Zander S. Garcia, David Gardner, William H. Geronimoperez, Victor A. Giddens, Austin S. Gomezcruz, Dennis O. Gonzalez, Jason D. Gutierrezcarmona, Joseph Guzmanrendon, Ivan Hamaty, Luke E. Harlan, Ethan E. Haynes, Dylan W. Head, Travis J. Herring, William A. Hodges, Amir D. Horne, Daniel J. Hudson, Christian X. Hursey, Nathan D. Jarvis, Justin D. Jimenezsanchez, Aaron J. Lewin, Antonio A. Liles, Travion L. Macdonald, Shiloh L. Martinez, Alejandro S. Martinezreyes, Anthony Martinezrosello Jr, Arturo Maxim, Jacob B. Mcbride, Liam C. Mcdaniel, Jackson A. Mcelroy, Garrison J. Mills, Brennan H. Mora, Kelvyn A. Morazan, Axel R. Nguyen, Trinh T. Nunez, Jayden Obenshain, Cody R. Oblisklahay, Trystan E. Ortiz Iii, Santos E. Penalopez, Jose A. Perry, Lucas G. Pitts, Aydin C. Rawls, Isaiah U. Remelius, Payton J.* Reyesmexicano, David Rosenberger, Jonathon J. Salazarestrada, Johnathan Sanagustinsanagustin, Jason Sandoval Jr, Rottman Smith Jr, Montrell J. Stewart, Shemar O. Stockdale, Zackary D. Strickland, Balin S. Sumner, Taylor S. Thompson Jr, George G. Todd Ii, Jonathan R. Toledohernandez, William Trcka, Preston C. Vallejo, Jayz Vance, Zachery L. Vaughn, Robert J. Villegas, Melkenshent S. Welter, Shane T. Wilcox, Jason T. Winstead, Zain B. Yahn, Toben D. Zapata Jr, Samuel A.*
PLATOON 3090
Senior Drill Instructor SSgt H. Khan PFC Pvt PFC Pvt PFC Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC PFC PFC PFC Pvt PFC PFC PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt PFC Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt PFC PFC PFC PFC PFC PFC PFC PFC PFC PFC Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt PFC PFC Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt PFC PFC PFC PFC Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt
Abbot, Zoey E. Aguilargarza, Valerie Aguilarvaldez, Isabel Allison, Brooklyn S. Alonzodiaz, Chris M. Arteagazelaya, Corey D. Ashepet, Precious E. Augustin, Lenzinska M. Avila, Sarah Benavides, Kassie N. Bermudez, Dilsa Y. Bowen, Mckenzie G. Brown, Elisa M. Burchett, Natalie R. Caballerorivera, Kadence C. Canizaresanzoategui, Emily V. Chicaizaorellana, Andrea M. Clemente, Colleenvenice T.* Colon, Alanna A. Crowe, Riley G. Davis, Bailey R.* Doctor, Natalia N. Dotson, Emily A. Elam, Alyssa J. Field, Nina M. Fleming, Shyla B. Florescruz, Jhoselene R. Fofanah, Hawanatu A. Foggiecartharn, Shamya L. Francohernandez, Dirian L. Francomejia, Anamilek Gallegosnevarez, Francely Garcia, Teazia P. Garciamaqueda, Jacqueline Godinez, Jessy A. Gordon, Deaven M. Guerrero, Allisson E. Guzarocobo, Keyla F. Guzman, Brenda E.* Hagelberg, Mae B.* Hardy, Ariana L. Herrera, Yocelin Herzog, Anneliese C. Hinojosa, Erica A. Hobley, Laprecious M. Howell, Ericka M. James, Amberley L. Jarquin, Marlenie Johnson, Mya E. Johnson, Mya M. Lauth, Amaya L. Lesko, Beverly G. Lojaescandon, Karen T. Macon, Lillian H. Mateos, Yaritza Mcdonald, Rebecca L. Medinatolentino, Kaelyn Medley, Anny M. Mercado, Kamila V. Montes, Noemi Moralesrosario, Jonalys E. Muro, Anahi Noel, Ruby R. Ocain, Ella G. Orellana, Jaylene I. Perezponce, Jazmin Picard, Maia Poor, Sarah H. Portilloarenas, Jessica Powell, Jayla C. Ramirez, Arianna N. Reed, Jordan M. Reyes, Mayte A. Rodriguez, Melanie L. Rogers, Alexa Q. Ruiz, Dayana A. Sanchez, Jasmin R. Sepulvedavera, Scarlet E. Sheaffer, Brynnlee R. Sifuenteshernandez, Erendida Sullivan, Mazzalyn E. Telesformarcelino, Jaquelin Thomas, Brooke L. Tiradoortiz, Kelly S. Valdez, Sherly Y. Vallejos, Valeska P. Vasquez, Erika J. Wade, Indigo R. Ward, Juanita P. Witherspoon, Kiara A. Wilkinson, Jayla K.* Wilson, Kiara A. Yeracrespo, Amanda
PLATOON 3092
Senior Drill Instructor Sgt M. A. Molinar Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC PFC PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt PFC Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC PFC Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC PFC PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt
Aljic, Wesley D. Ashley, James A. Aumick, Charles S. Baltarferreras, Andy Beavers, Braylan C. Bell, Christian R. Bravato, Ethan S. Brewer, Reagan M.* Bryant, David C. Burks, Jordin J. Butler, Dustin A. Calleja, Adrian M. Carranzacisneros, Alexander Castanedatoscano, Bryan J. Colston, Damarreyan A. Cotton, Kenny W. Cruz, Joel Cummins, Landon B. Daniels, Kollin R. Dasinger, Luke W. Davis, Kordarryl T. Dawson, Sebastian V. Degroot, Andrew T.* Desper, Christian W. Doss, Anthony O. Duck, Landyn J. Escalante, Brandon J. Falivene, Anthony J. Flores, Alan D. Forehand Jr, Joshua D. Forsyth, Harper P. Fuentespinate, Roberto A. Gomezcastro, Vicente Gomezperez, Carlos Gonzalez, Jonathan Gould, Gabriel I. Guzman, Angel D.* Hedges Iii, John L. Heidbrink, Gaven J. Herreragarcia, Bryant J. Hobbs, Ethan T. Hobson, Ian C. Holloway, Sencere S. Howard, Roland O. Iglesiasgonzalez, Amaru V. Iglesiasgonzalez, Angel A. Johnson, Jordan W. Jones, Phoenix N. Kash, Joshua D. Kyllingstad, Shane W. Lawrence, Rashaad A. Lino, Kayden J. Lowry, Devon D. Maldonadomelghem, Juan D. Martinezrubio, Alexis J. Massey, Jacob L.* Mazzetti, Michael K. Mclean, Coly K. Miles, Moses Nelson Ii, Kevin L. Noel, Jacob M. Ona, Oliver A. Ordonezyunga, Adam J. Ouellette, Austin R. Owens, Ren M. Oyolamelendez, Edriel E. Padgett, Samuel J. Padillarivera, Steve J. Pazleandro, Oliver A. Pereira, Kason W. Pilot, Christian T. Pinkerman, Nathaniel L. Powell, Triton W. Powers, Newlon F. Reap II, Derick L. Rhoads, Nicolas Rhoden, Kamari L. Richardson, Evan K. Ridall Jr, Michael E. Riley, Caleb M. Rivera, Luis F. Rodriguez, Logan A. Salley, Blake L. Scott, Dejawni R. Shiffer, Gideon T. Simpson, Tyler J. Smith, Alexander J. Smith, Wriston B. Spence, Diron C. Steele, Eris M. Sutton, Dallas L. Torresastudillo, Mario Turnbill, Colton J.* Tzompaxtlemontalvo, Jimmy A. Vallesbarrientos, Bryant I. Waller, Cameron E. West Jr, Torrence J. Whitaker, Riley O.* White, Keilan G. White, Payton C. Young, Damion J. Zamarripa, Jessy
PLATOON 3093
Senior Drill Instructor Sgt W. C. Edwards Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC PFC Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC PFC Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC PFC PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC PFC PFC Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC PFC PFC Pvt PFC PFC PFC
Abrahamsson, Tyler J.* Ancrum, Denzel A. Angelesfigueroa, Carlos R. Bartusiak, Timothy G. Bautista, Octavio M. Beke III, Alexandor J. Bell, Ian R. Benoit, Kyle C. Bornales, Luke C. Brown, Rushawn J. Buffa, Clayton J. Burgosmijango, Christopher I. Byford, Hayden J. Cole, Hudson T. Cole, Tobin J. Colonrosario, Felix D. Cook III, James A. Cordero, Yiornniel Desiderioaguilar, Sebastian Diazarocho, William O. Dufresne, Logan R. Echevarriatorres, Kendrick Eck, Asher H. Espino, Kevin Ewer, Charles J. Farnham, Joel C. Fisher, Aydenn A. Gadiapinto, Romulo M. Geiger, Jaylen J.* Giannouris, Michael F. Gomezgodinez, Carlos H. Gonzalezarroyo, Efrain I. Gundy, Zion K. Harris, Preston R. Hicks, Matthew L.* Huapejuarez, Eduardo G. Hutchinson, Dahven B. Iturrizaga, Mateo D. Jackson, Jordan D. Johnson, Jarell R.* Joyal, Dylan R. Khuc, Jordan H.* Koji, Liam T. Koons Ii, Matthew T. Krishnakumarameetha, Darshan Kuchta, Mason A. Lampkins, Jackson R. Lewis, Dyson X. Luttrell, William R. Maji, David Z. Maldonado, Marcos D. Manning, Liam P. Marchetti Jr, Kyle D. Mayancelanivelo, Nason J. Mcgillian, Luke E. Mclean, Sean Z. Medina, Jayson R. Mejilzapata, Kelvin J. Mendoza, Alexander Mercer, Vincent M. Miller, Henry J. Moore, Michael H. Moralesrugama, Luis F. Moreno, Anthony Morman, Hydeem I. Nevins, Warren M. Ortiz, Jamil A. Pantojasramos, Jometh M. Pazminoesquivel, Alvaro M. Pedra, Steven K. Pelfrey, Preston J. Pierre, Tyler M. Pinguilquizhpi, Brian A. Pomavillaalvarez, Alex C. Primm, Stephen W. Ramirez Jr, Rafael Ramirez, Ethan D. Rivas, Luis Rivastrochez, John Rivastrochez, Josue Rodriguez, Ruben T.* Rodriguezrodriguez, Enmanuel Russo, Flash C. Santiagolopez, Gabriel A. Sartin, Landon D. Sherman, Anthony M. Smith, Daniel L. Smith, Isaiah C. Smith, Jayden R. Starliper, Marcus S. Suarezherrera, Valentin Sylvas Jr, Dwight C. Thomas, Connor J. Thrasher, Anthony P. Thurman, Mason T. Titzer, Nicholas E. Tomerlin, Michael W. Torresrodriguez, Genluis R. Torresvargas, Jackson J. Ukachukwu, Derek C. Verrastro, Jacob J. Villagrangonzalez, Ander A. Wilson, Howard T. Young, Marcus S.
PLATOON 3094
Senior Drill Instructor SSgt G. A. Hill PFC PFC Pvt Pvt PFC PFC PFC PFC Pvt PFC PFC Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC PFC PFC Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt
Arellano, Rey F. Azizbaig, Adan Babecki, Jordan M. Banfill, Breydon L. Barnes, Dawson W. Barnhart, Luke T.* Baty, Seth J. Bird, Caleb R. Boateng, Felix Bolen, Noah E. Brown, Benjamin C. Bryant, Jorace J. Burkett, Benjamin R. Buskirk, Brennan J. Cardenaslopez, Mauricio Carpenter, Iyon A. Carpenter, Joshua M. Cerda, Jacob N. Chapa, Kenrick J. Chisholm, Makez D. Clower, Trenton J. Colindresgonzalez, Allan D. Collazo, Angel C.* Colonperez, Francisco A. Cruz, Iker F. Cruzgarcia, Jayden L. Curtis, Andrew M. Cwalina, Brody A. Dardar, Brayden A. Deal, Steven W. Dornhoefer Jr, Jeremy M. Edwards, Parker D.* Ellison, Aiden J. Ely, John P. Ferrity, Benjamin W. Foss, Lucas R. Freburger, Matthew A. Frith, Jadon D. Fuda, Kaden J. Fuentespinate, Roberto A. Galan, Elvis M. Gallagher, Ryan S. Georges, Jhianni J. Gondek, Demetrius A.* Griewank, Mason K. Hamina, Benjamin K. Hernandez, Vincent G. Hernandeztorres, Dylan M. Herrerarodriguez, Jesus A. Hillard, Gabriel J. Jason, Jaiden M. Johnson, Ryan R. Kitko, Therren J.* Lehtomaki, Jacob J. Liming, Cameron A. Lopez, Keegan X. Louine, Christian B. Mawi, Lal L. Mccreery, Sullivan A. Mccune, Wyatt J. Mckenzie, Jevaughny A. Mendozagarcia, Angel Mezaislas, Christopher G. Miller, Wyatt A. Miller, Wyatt O. Milliken, Scott R. Musee, Eric A. Obert, Matthew A. Obrien, Brandon T. Oliver Iii, George E. Palacios, Reily L. Perez, Geomar Pereznabor, Angel E. Rabe, Michael A. Ramkarran, Ahsan M. Randolph, Devin J. Riccinto, Mason L. Rivera, Aaden J. Ruizcasco, Jeferson O. Sainthilaire, Guy Sammy, Alvin A. Sanchez, Jossue Santossalazar, Christopher G. Sarpong, Sami A. Seaton, Jacob M. Shain, Brandon J. Shappee, Jareth L. Shoaf, Jacob B. Small, Elijah L. Smith, Christain S. Smith, Dylan D. Souza, Trent W. Swedberg, Benjamin E. Thornton, Tyler W. Turner Jr, Tywan E.* Vargas, Raymond Vega, Noah F. Walker, Ethan S. Williams, Carter T. Willis III, Michael O.* Yahle, Andrew M. Zarcoambriz, Angel Zimmerman, Jacob R. Zoro, Zionyves A.
Senior Drill Instructor SSgt I. V. Batista Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt
Alaschavez, Kennedy A. Ames, Jackson R. Antoine, Kayden W. Arango, Jairo Baer, Memphis R. Balanmolina, Jonathan O. Baneful, Nana Beccaccio, Tyler M. Beckerink, Ayden E. Biddle, Dylan A. Bostic, Kayden M. Cabrera, Jaysun D. Campbell Jr, Dwayne L. Carbajalperez, Fidelino Castilloastolfo, Benjamin L. Castro, Adrian Cedillocielo, Luis E. Charlot Iii, David A. Chavez, Tevin D. Chen, Kelvin Y. Congdon, Trentin E. Davis, Dakota J. DeJesus, Robert Dessingue, Jackson R. Doe, Christopher J. Douse, Tommy E. Drake, Zachary T. English, Jay Espinal, Jr. Erwin A. Evans, Clayton G. Ferguson, Isaiah M. Finnerty, Xavier R. Frazier, Michael A. Garcia, Anthony J. Garciapeterson, Kieran A. Gonzalez, Daniel Gonzalez, Omar D. Green, Isiah Grubbs, Darryn A. Gutierrezajpacaja, Julian Hammond, Ansel L. Harris, Wesley P. Harrison, Trey D. Hernandezsuarez, Santiago Hidalgo, Aidan J. Hillriegel I, Jackson S. Hurtado, Kevin E. Jalloh, Joziah R. James, Sterling R. Jerome, Jonathan I. Jordan, Cody B. Judd, Austin B. Kang, Justin E. Li, Zhien Ling, Shing Madonia, Dominick D. Malone, Beckett A. Mazariegos, Drake A. Mccray, Matthew J. Melko, Robert F. Mendez, Adrian M. Minckler, James D. Monjemacias, Bryan Morehouse, Mason L. Norman, Timothy Olivo, Jayden C. Oquendososa, Christopher Orozcorojas, Carlos E. Parsons, Maximus G. Paul, Isaac R. Pereira, Lucas Petry, Tyson L. Pinguilbuscan, Elvis S. Quito, Diego A. Ramirez, Erick A. Ramirezzambrano, Mike Rao, Zavier D. Romeroorellana, Luis J. Rose, Christopher W. Rzasa, Christopher Schmidt, Jason D. Shi, Charles Sibrel, Jeremy R. Skolosh, Wyatt M. Tardif, Caleb L. Tharrett, Tate P. Thompson, Thomas Uguna, Joshua M. Watson, Eli J. White, Bryson A. Williams, Jack A. Woike, Joseph P. Xavier, Mathews M. Zaldanacastanon, Luis H. Zapatavizueta, Lenin Y.
*Denotes Meritorious Promotion
OCTOBER 22–28, 2026
A17
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ligation estimate. Get 15% off your entire order. Plus, Military & Seniors get an additional 10% off. Limited time only. Restrictions apply, see representative for warranty and offer details. Audien Hearing. The world’s first hearing aid with touchscreen controls. No tiny buttons, apps or prescriptions. 45-day risk free trial. Free shipping. Lifetime support. More than 1.5 million happy customers. Call Audien 1-855-620-9614. Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-844-775-0366 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. TELEVISION & INTERNET SERVICES DIRECTV OVER INTERNET – Get your favorite live TV, sports and local channels. 99% signal reliability! CHOICE Package, $84.99/mo for 12 months. HBO Max and Premium Channels included for 3 mos (w/ CHOICE Package or higher.) No annual contract, no hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-855-237-9741 DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Directv and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-844-624-1107 Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-877542-0759 VACATION RENTALS ADVERTISE YOUR VACATION PROPERTY FOR RENT OR SALE to more than 1.5 million S.C. newspaper readers. Your 25-word classified ad will appear in 80 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Call Randall Savely at the South Carolina Newspaper Network, 803-750-9561.
YOUR AD HERE Looking to advertise your business, announce a yard sale, or share other classifieds? Contact Amanda Hanna (amanda@lcweekly.com) or Sasha Horne Hirshout (sasha.theislandnews@gmail. com). It’s an easy and affordable way to reach thousands of local readers right here in the Lowcountry.
THURSDAY’S CARTOON Read with caution; not necessarily the opinions of the editorial staff.
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80 SC NEWSPAPERS Reach up to 1.5 million readers using our small space ad network!
Contact Randall Savely 803.750.9561 | scnnonline.com Newspaper Network Statewide and regional options available South Carolina
THEME: HALLOWEEN ACROSS 1. *Count Dracula's creator 5. Zeppelin lead-in 8. Dry riverbed 12. Stew bean 13. Workbench holding device 14. Thing of the past 15. Just right (3 words) 16. "If all ____ fails..." 17. Thin mountain ridge 18. *Michael Jackson's Halloween party song 20. Exclamation, with Louise 21. Like days long gone 22. Lion's "hand" 23. Large seabird 26. YHWH 30. 50 states, acr. 31. Gone (2 words) 34. Drawn in the sand? 35. Long stories 37. Over there 38. Subsequently 39. Doris Day's "Que ____" 40. One million ohms 42. Vatican vestment 43. Causes of PTSD 45. Theater passages 47. Local Area Network
48. Like autumn air 50. '60s British teenagers 52. *Jason's last name 55. Subway in Paris 56. Pinnacle 57. First Nation nation 59. Cheerleader's prop 60. *____'s "swelter'd venom" in #36 Down 61. Capital of Ukraine 62. Any day now 63. Francisco lead-in 64. Dried-up DOWN 1. Club alternative 2. '80s band "Quiet ____" 3. Wet nurse 4. Maid, after getting married 5. City in Northern France 6. Ruhr's industrial center 7. Hunted ruminant 8. *Full moon shapeshifter 9. Sheltered, nautically speaking 10. Flighty one 11. Skater's turf 13. South African grasslands 14. Indian prince 19. Intestinal obstruction 22. Liveliness in one's step
23. *Ghost at a Halloween party 24. According to 25. Nigerian money 26. Jupiter's sister and wife 27. Essential to life 28. Anoint 29. *Witches' hemlock and belladonna, e.g. 32. *Pennywise's are mismatched 33. *"Wool of bat, and tongue of ____" 36. *"....toil and trouble; fire burn and ____ bubble" 38. Anabaptist group 40. Gingerbread shape 41. *Red-____, like Winifred Sanderson of "Hocus Pocus" 44. Wide-mouth jar inventor 46. Small spots 48. "Cuckoo for ____ Puffs" 49. Kieran Culkin as ____ Roy 50. Not nice 51. Von Bismarck or Hahn, e.g. 52. Giant kettles 53. Great Lake 54. Tiresias in "Oedipus Rex," e.g. 55. Business degree, acr. 58. *All Hallow's ____
LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORD & SUDOKU SOLUTIONS
A18
OCTOBER 22–28, 2026
SERVICE DIRECTORY FURNITURE / HOME DECOR
ATTORNEY
Christopher J. Geier
PET SERVICES
Furbulas Dog: Grooming, Boarding, and Pet Sitting
Attorney at Law, LLC Criminal Defense & Civil Litigation
2048 Pearl Street, Beaufort, SC 29902 Office: 843-986-9449 • Fax: 843-986-9450 chris@bftsclaw.com • www.geierlaw.com
Brittany Riedmayer
1001 Bay St, Beaufort, SC 29902 open Tues.-Sat. noon to 5pm, Sun. by chance
843-476-2989
furniture, home decor & more
Member of National Dog Groomers Association of America
(843) 379-4488
AUDIOLOGY & HEARING
Allison & Ginny DuBose, Owners aldubose@yahoo.com
POOL & FIBERGLASS REPAIR
MOBILE HOME INSURANCE
John D. Polk Agency INSURANCE
Manufactured Homes • Cars • Boats RV's • Homes • All Commercial
843-524-3172 The Beaufort Sound Hearing and Balance Center Dr. Larry Bridge, AU.D./CCC-A
info@polkagency.com
CALL FOR A QUOTE TODAY!
PEST CONTROL
206 Sea Island Parkway, Suite 31, Beaufort thebeaufortsound@gmail.com
REALTOR
www.thebeaufortsound.com | 843-522-0655 CHIMNEY SERVICES
residential commercial real estate
843-379-0185
www.BeaufortPestControl.com
YOUR AD HERE
Be Seen, Be Chosen! Put your business in the spotlight by advertising in the Service Directory. Connect with eager customers, showcase your expertise, and secure your space today! Amanda Hanna – amanda@lcweekly.com | Sasha Horne Hirshout – sasha.theislandnews@gmail.com
E-Edition
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A customer favorite! Enjoy the classic newspaper format in a digital environment. Published every Thursday, the E-Edition is a digital replica of the print newspaper, with all of the same news issuu.com/theislandnews and advertising content, on your computer, tablet or smartphone.
Meet VALKYRIE, a spunky 5-monthold mixed breed pup with a striking white and black bi-color coat. At just 12 pounds, she’s got tons of energy and loves to play!
Meet PIP SQUEAK, a 10-year-old Beagle mix with gentle eyes and expressive ears. She loves soaking up affection and enjoying leisurely adventures. This loyal little shadow has so much love!
Meet LIL DEBBIE, a 2-yearold brown-andwhite mixed-breed girl with a heart full of love to give! She’s a mediumsized sweetheart at 39 pounds. She loves to cuddle!
Say hello to BILLY, a goofy 4½-monthold gray and white Terrier mix. Weighing 19 pounds, this pup has a huge personality. He loves making friends, playing, and exploring!
Meet ELLIE MAE, a 4-year-old white mixed breed with a heart full of adventure and affection to share. A medium-sized girl at 27 pounds, smart and ready to learn!
Meet BRUNSWICK, a handsome 5-yearold Terrier mix returned due to family circumstances. He is very loving, active, and absolutely adores playing fetch. He needs an outdoorloving family!
Meet ACE, a sleek black domestic shorthair kitten at 6 months old, ready to bring happiness to a family! He’s a bundle of energy and affection, always up for playtime!
Say hello to MADDIE, a beautiful 15-year-old orange tabby. This sweet senior is the definition of a loving companion. She is snuggly, affectionate, and loves to curl up in your lap!
Meet SPADE, a beautiful black kitten with adventure on his mind! At just 6 months old, he’s a bundle of playful energy, affectionate, friendly, and just mischievous enough!
Meet GOMEZ, a 5-month-old black kitten named after the Addams Family patriarch. He is outgoing, sweet, playful, and full of charm. He loves to greet new friends and soak up attention!
Meet CAMA, a beautiful female tabby with a gentle, reserved nature that makes her so endearing. While she may start off a little shy, you'll be rewarded with quiet affection!
Say hello to GHOSTY, a 4-month-old dilute calico kitten with a heart as beautiful as her striking looks. This affectionate little girl loves fun playtime, cozy naps, and attention!
All animals above are available at Hilton Head Humane’s Hilton Head campus at 10 Humane Way, Hilton Head Island, S.C. 29926. Open Mondays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 843-681-8686 or email adoptions@hhhumane.org. OCTOBER 22–28, 2026
A19
820 Bay Street Beaufort, SC 29902
843.521.4200 $270,000
$960,000
HARBOR ISLAND | MLS 194737 1BDRM | 1.5B | 794sqft | Oceanview Bryan Gates 843.812.6494
$542,000
NEWPOINT | MLS 198221
5BDRM | 4B | 3300sqft | Guest Suite Paige Walling 843.812.8470
BATTERY POINT | MLS 197897 4BDRM | 2.5BB | 1866sqft Amy McNeal 843.521.7932
$1,895,000
FRIPP ISLAND | MLS 194406
5BDRM | 4.5B | 3808sqft | Private Dock Wayne Webb 843.812.5203
www.LowcountryRealEstate.com
Seeking God
Finding God’s Love at Auschwitz The Heroic Sacrifice of Maximilian Kolbe
Three prisoners had escaped from the Nazis. It was summer 1941 at Auschwitz, the German concentration camp in Poland. In retaliation, the commandant lined up the inmates and chose ten of them to suffer death by starvation. One of them, on hearing his name, cried out, “My poor wife and children, I will never see them again!” In the silence, another prisoner stepped out of the ranks and said, “I want to die in his place.” The commandant asked scornfully, “Who are you?”
Father Kolbe had always given everything for Christ. As a young priest, Father Kolbe had energetically used radio and the printing press to share Christ’s message with as many people as possible. When the Germans invaded Poland, he chose to stay in his monastery where he opened a hospital for those in need and hid some two thousand Jewish people. He also denounced the Germans through illegal publications and radio broadcasts. For these crimes, he was arrested and sent to Auschwitz.
The prisoner responded, “I am a Catholic priest.” The exchange was permitted, and so began the final days of Father Maximilian Kolbe. The ten prisoners were already ragged and underfed, their bodies worn down by beatings and hard labor. They now were taken to an underground bunker to be starved to death. Since first arriving in Auschwitz, Father Kolbe had been a quiet light to these men, sharing his food with them, praying with them, and giving hope as all fought to survive another day. Now he would accompany them as they prepared for death.
Even in the midst of great evil, God’s goodness can be seen. Forty-one years later, Father Maximilian Kolbe was officially recognized as a saint by Pope John Paul II. Present for the ceremony was Francis Gajowniczek, the man whose life was saved by Father Kolbe. In his declaration, the pope cited words from the Gospel of John: “Greater love has no man than this: that he lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13)
In the death bunker, Father Kolbe kept ministering as a priest. He reminded the other men of God’s love for them, and he encouraged them to forgive their persecutors. With his guidance, the prisoners could be heard singing hymns and lifting prayers to God. One guard remarked, “This priest is really a great man. We have never seen anyone like him.” After two weeks without food or water, only Father Kolbe and a couple of others held on to life. Growing tired of the whole process, the guards injected them with carbolic acid. Their bodies were cremated in the camp’s ovens.
Previous Messages LightForBeaufort.org
Seeking God Message 8 of 8 70 Lady’s Island Drive, Beaufort • 843-522-9555 • www.stpetersbeaufort.org • office@stpetersbeaufort.org