OCTOBER 29–NOVEMBER 4, 2026
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Higgins acquires Lowcountry Weekly By Mike McCombs The Island News Higgins Media Group, LLC, owner of The Island News, has acquired Lowcountry Weekly from its owner and publisher, Margaret Evans. Lowcountry Weekly is a local tabloid-style newspaper printed twice a month that focuses on local arts, theater, books, cuisine, community events and lifestyle. It’s 8,000 copies are circulated throughout Beaufort County. The acquisition became official on Monday, Oct. 19, 2026. “I am excited to share with you that I have acquired Lowcountry Weekly and there are big plans for this fun and creative publication,” said Jake Higgins, owner of Higgins Media Group. “This paper has served as a staple in our community and provides wonderful articles about local arts, theater, books, cuisine, community events and lifestyle. That will continue, and the newspaper will continue to be distributed to Beaufort and Jasper Counties. We will be delivering this informative and fun publication to more people and more businesses while holding true to it's intended purpose.” Evans will continue to serve as Lowcountry Weekly’s editor and a contributing columnist. She has been writing her “Rants & Raves” column for more than 25 years, and has been honored by the S.C. Press Association with awards
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COVERING BEAUFORT COUNTY
ELECTION 2026
Dr. Annie Andrews snaps a selfie with supporters on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026 at Penn Center during the St. Helena GOTV Rally with Dr. Annie Andrews. Andrews is the Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate in South Carolina. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
Your ballot, your voice Who’s running, where to vote, what to bring – your Nov. 3 Election Day guide for Beaufort and Jasper counties
ELECTION COVERAGE By Delayna Earley Election Day is just and Shellie Murdaugh around the corner! The Island News Get informed before Voters in Beaufort and Jasper heading to the polls with our coverage of the counties will help choose South Carolina’s next governor, a U.S. senator candidates, key races and the latest election news. See pages A12–13. and members of Congress on Tuesday, Nov. 3, while deciding local racBeaufort County voters will es that will shape law enforcement, public schools, county finances and choose a new sheriff, fill eight County Council seats and decide seven growth across the Lowcountry.
school board contests. Jasper County’s ballot includes contested races for probate judge, auditor and a County Council seat, along with unopposed candidates for other offices. Municipal elections will also give voters in Beaufort, Hardeeville and Hilton Head Island choices about their communities’ leadership.
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Quick Group report raises more questions about former CFO Harriott's departure Investigation disputes reasons for ending Harriott’s employment, raises concerns about county leadership; additional findings are expected
tration has raised serious questions about the circumstances surrounding the departure of former Chief Pinky Financial Officer Harriott Pinky Harriott, finding that three of the four matters used to justify her separation from county emBy Delayna Earley ployment were not supported by The Island News the evidence reviewed. An independent investigation The 14-page report from the into Beaufort County's adminis- Quick Group, released Tuesday,
Oct. 20, also identifies shortcomings in the county's internal investigations, conflicting accounts involvMichael ing County AdMoore ministrator Michael Moore and concerns about employee complaints involving Finance Director Sandy Novak that were left out of the county's original investigative findings. Novak, who joined Beaufort
County in May 2025, had previously faced public criticism over her management of the Finance Department in Josephine County, Oregon. Similar concerns about her leadership and employee relations were raised during the Quick Group investigation. Investigators found that Harriott had been making substantial progress on a performance improvement plan when she left the county in May, and that actions described by the administration as grounds for termination were,
in some instances, appropriate responses to problems within county government. But the report may not be the final word. During an Oct. 12 County Council meeting, Vice Chair Anna Maria Tabernik questioned whether Quick Group had completed the investigation council originally requested. Council Chair Alice Howard confirmed that a supplement to the report was expected,
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SPORTS
ARTS
HEALTH
INSIDE
Jasper County School District opens new tennis courts.
The 47th Pleasin’ Season! USCB Chamber Music returns.
Employee Service Awards: Beaufort Memorial celebrates over 2,200 total years of compassion, care.
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News A2–7, 11 Sports A8–9 Education A10 Opinions A15–17 Military A20–21 Directory A23
GENEVA LEWIS NOVEMBER 15
THE ISLAND NEWS
LOWCOUNTRY LIFE & NEWS
PUBLISHER Jake Higgins
EDITORIAL/DESIGN Editor-in-Chief
Mike McCombs theislandnews@ gmail.com
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Hope Shreve
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Reporter
Shellie Murdaugh
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Beaufort’s Yolanda Sams took this photo of “Waiting For Halloween At Broad Street.” 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
Beaufort’s Carley Willing, 41, joined the United States Air Force in Leesville, S.C., in 2003. After Basic Training at Lackland AFB, Texas, she trained at Shepherd AFB, Texas, as a dental assistant. Her first assignment was Carly Willing in the dental clinic at Offutt AFB, Neb. Her follow-on assignment was in the clinic at Pope AFB she served in the dental clinics at near Fort Bragg, N.C. Thereafter Moody AFB, Ga., and McConnell
AFB, Wichita, Kan., from which she separated in 2014 with 10 years of service. While at McConnell AFB she made deployments as part of Decontamination teams. Following separation she continued to work at the dental clinic at McConnell AFB servicing active duty members before transferring to the VA dental clinic in Tulsa, Okla. She
Weekly
OBITUARY
Shirley Mae Owens Dec. 22, 1936 – Oct. 26, 2026 Anderson, S.C.
Shirley Mae Owens, Private First Class (Ret.), USMC, died in Anderson, S.C., on Oct. 26, 2026. She was 89 and spent her youth at MCRD Parris Island; she was also married from there in 1959. The only daughter of Catherine E. (née Wright) and John Columbus Crisp, she was born in Drift, Ky., on Dec. 22, 1936 and brought up in Kentucky and Michigan. By her first marriage to the late Sam L. Owens, Major (Ret.), USMC, she had two sons: Mitchell (Matthew Zwissler) of Cooperstown, N.Y., and Derrick Owens (Alex/Alejandra) of Anderson. Shirley Owens was predeceased by her parents and elder
CARLY WILLING
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Shirley Mae Owens in the 1960s, shortly before she went to Parris Island. Photo courtesy of Mitchell Owens brother and survived by her sons, grandchildren, and step grandchildren. At the family’s request, there will be no service. OBITUARIES
The Island News publishes obituaries, including a photo, free of charge. Please contact theislandnews@gmail.com for more information.
for column writing, humor writing, arts writing, and feature writing. Her essays have appeared in magazines and anthologies throughout the South, including “State of the Heart: South Carolina Writers on the Places They Love,” “Our Prince of Scribes: Writers Remember Pat Conroy,” and “Southbound Magazine.” She is the former editor of “Beaufort Magazine” and former editorial assistant to the late novelist Pat Conroy. Margaret and Jeff Evans bought Lowcountry Weekly from its founding publisher, Deborah Hoffman, in 2000, and Margaret Evans has served as editor ever since. The Evans-
Amanda Hanna 843-343-8483 amanda@ lcweekly.com
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moved to Beaufort in 2021 and worked as a dental assistant at Marshland Family Dentistry. Today she works at the Piggly Wiggly supermarket on Ribaut Road. – Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207. For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com. es have been deeply involved in Beaufort County’s arts community for three decades, and their publication has been, first and foremost, a reflection of that passion and dedication. “I am happy to be joining Higgins Media Group,” Evans said. “Jake truly believes in the value of local journalism, and he has the vision and business know-how to ensure that our publications thrive.” “Margaret is a wonderful person who has poured years of her life into refining and shaping the Lowcountry Weekly, and I am honored to have her on our team,” Higgins said. “I look forward to sharing with you what Margaret and our super talented staff writers continue to create.” Mike McCombs is the editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
THIS WEEK IN HISTORY
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October 30
1862: Gen. Ormsby Mitchel, founder of the Hilton Head Island village of Mitchelville, the first self-governing freedmen’s town, dies.
For press releases and advertising, please submit by noon on Friday for the following week’s paper.
November 1717: A treaty signed in Charles Town (Charleston) with the lower Creeks formally ends the Yemassee War. 1862: The first African American regiment of the U.S. Army musters into service in South Carolina. The First Regiment of South Carolina Volunteers, commanded by Col. Thomas W. Higginson of Massachusetts, saw roughly 5,000 Blacks from South Carolina join the Union Army.
November 3 1874: Beaufort’s Robert Smalls is elected to the South Carolina Legislature.
– Compiled by Mike McCombs
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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
A son lost, questions unanswered Family challenges investigation into fatal bicycle crash
By Delayna Earley The Island News Before Christopher Alan James left on his bicycle, he was the son who made his mother’s coffee. He helped his parents care for their animals and remodel their home outside Wrens, Ga. When there was work to do, Shirley James said, Chris was there — offering help, telling his Christopher father to get off Alan James a ladder, asking what they needed. “Don’t do that, Mom. I’ve got it,” she recalled him saying. Since a driver struck and killed the 31-year-old on July 17 in Beaufort County, those everyday memories have become inseparable from his family’s questions about how authorities investigated his death. His parents, Michael and Shirley James, and his brother, Marc James, have sought police records, examined photographs, reviewed dashcam footage and questioned investigators. They want to understand why the investigation resulted in three traffic charges, how officers ruled out impairment and whether evidence left along the highway received sufficient attention. The records show investigators attributed the collision to the driver and recorded no improper action by Chris. They also document scene measurements, witness interviews and a hospital interview in which a trooper reported observing no signs of impairment. But the records do not document a completed field sobriety test. A later phone conversation between Marc James and a S.C. Highway Patrol supervisor has deepened the family’s concerns about what they were told. “It’s left such a void with us,” Shirley James said.
that the jury trial’s date and time will be determined at the jury strike. For the family, the pending traffic cases have not answered the larger questions surrounding Chris’s death.
What investigators documented The crash report described clear weather, daylight and a dry roadway, with no obstruction to the driver’s view. It identified the driver as contributing to the collision and listed “no improper action” for Chris. The report estimated the Highlander’s speed at 60 mph, matching the posted limit. The charge concerning speed under the conditions does not necessarily allege that a driver exceeded that limit: South Carolina law also requires a reasonable and prudent speed for existing hazards. Investigators photographed extensive damage to the SUV’s right front corner, hood and passenger-side windshield. The crushed orange trailer and belongings were lodged against the front of the vehicle. Other photographs show investigators marking reference points, vehicle positions, debris and roadway marks with paint and cones. A trooper is pictured carrying a measuring wheel. The investigative file includes a scene sketch and measurements. Those records establish that officers documented the scene. They do not, by themselves, resolve the family’s questions about the scope of the investigation or the decisions that followed. A witness interviewed by investigators, Linda Lee Dickson, was riding with her husband behind the Highlander. According to the investigative narrative, she estimated their vehicle was traveling about 60 mph. She did not see the bicyclist until the collision, when debris went into the air. A collision from behind Dickson described Lopez MenChris was riding north on U.S. dez as shaken afterward and re21, also known as Trask Parkway, peatedly saying she had not seen near Stroban Road at about 9:35 the cyclist, according to the report. a.m., when a Toyota Highlander struck his bicycle and the cargo Questions about impairment trailer he was pulling, according testing to the South Carolina Highway The family has focused particuPatrol. larly on impairment testing. Investigators concluded he was In dashcam footage, officers traveling near the right edge of the discuss sending a trooper to the right lane when the SUV hit him hospital to conduct field sobriety from behind. He struck the pas- testing and rule out impairment. senger side of the windshield and Trooper Cesar A. Cuata Hernanwas thrown into the grass. He died dez later interviewed Lopez Menat the scene. dez at Beaufort Memorial Hospital. The driver, Patricia D. Lopez In his written account, Cuata Mendez, 34, of Beaufort, was Hernandez said her eyes were not charged with driving at a speed glassy or bloodshot, her speech greater than reasonable under the was not slurred and he detected conditions, operating or permit- no odor of alcohol. He described ting operation of a vehicle that her answers as reasonable and arwas not registered and licensed, ticulate. His account also said inand a first-offense uninsured mo- vestigators found no open alcohol tor vehicle fee violation. containers, narcotics or drug paraCourt records show all three cas- phernalia in the SUV. es pending in Beaufort Magistrate The hospital interview ended Court, with no disposition entered. after an attorney arrived and adLopez Mendez has requested a vised against further questioning, jury trial. according to the narrative. A summons sent to Shirley The investigative narrative James set a roster meeting for 3 identifies that attorney as Chrisp.m., Thursday, Nov. 5. It states topher Dore. Court records list
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although no timeline for its completion was announced. The report's release comes after weeks of disagreement among council members over when the findings should be made public and what should happen next. How the investigation began County Council unanimously authorized hiring Quick Group in June to
conduct an administrative inquiry involving departments and personnel under Moore's supervision. The Charleston-area investigative firm was retained July 10 through the law firm Howell, Gibson and Hughes, P.A. According to the report, the investigation examined four matters that began with an anonymous complaint about the Finance Department in February and eventually became the basis for Harriott's departure. Those matters involved the department's work environment, a deficit in a Hu-
A Toyota Highlander sits along the shoulder of Trask Parkway in Beaufort County following a July 17, 2026, collision that killed 31-year-old bicyclist Christopher Alan James. The SUV sustained extensive front-end damage, and the wreckage of a bicycle and other belongings can be seen in front of the vehicle. Photo courtesy of the South Carolina Highway Patrol, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request Anthony O’Neil Dore as Lopez Mendez’s counsel. They are separate attorneys at Dore Law Office, according to the firm’s website. During an Aug. 13 phone call, Marc James challenged First Sgt. David M. Thomas about whether a sobriety test had been performed. Thomas disputed Marc’s recollection that he had previously said a test was completed. He said investigators had ruled out impairment. Later in the conversation, Thomas said officers had attempted sobriety testing at the hospital, but the driver’s attorney had stopped it. The distinction matters to the family: Observations that a driver displayed no apparent signs of impairment are different from a completed test. South Carolina law addresses field sobriety testing in fatal collisions, requiring testing of a driver suspected of causing the death when the driver is physically able to submit. The available records do not fully explain how investigators applied that requirement in this case. The investigative narrative records additional efforts to obtain information after the hospital interview. It says an investigator contacted the attorney’s office Aug. 11 and that the office declined further interviews Aug. 13. It also says Thomas sought a warrant for medical records Aug. 17, but a magistrate declined because there was insufficient probable cause of impairment. The materials reviewed do not include the warrant application or a written ruling. The trooper reported no outward signs of impairment. The records reviewed contain no completed field sobriety test or test result.
the handling of a cellphone and other belongings the family says were found when relatives returned to the crash site days later. The family’s discovery made them wonder whether investigators had searched the area thoroughly enough and whether the phone could provide information about the collision. In the Aug. 13 call, Thomas discussed arranging for a trooper to obtain the phone. That conversation does not establish whether it was subsequently collected or examined. Neither the photographs nor the available records establish who owned that phone or whether anyone was using it when the collision occurred. Its discovery raises a question about evidence handling; it does not establish distracted driving. The dashcam footage separately records officers discussing a phone found with a backpack at the scene. The available evidence does not establish that it was the same device the family later reported finding.
The son behind the bicycle For Shirley James, questions about the investigation also touch on how officers perceived her son. In roadside conversations captured by dashcam, officers speculated about whether he was homeless, referring to his bicycle, trailer and belongings. His parents described a son who had a home on their property and who sometimes left on his bicycle with camping equipment when he wanted time away. Shirley James said the family’s home sits on 75 acres where they raised their children. Chris helped with cows, goats, chickens and ducks, and worked alongside his father on renovations. The family worries that assumpA phone found afterward tions about his circumstances Marc James also has questioned affected the attention his death
man Services account, the deletion of electronic files and a management letter issued by the county's outside auditing firm, Mauldin & Jenkins. Quick Group conducted 43 interviews, compared with 26 interviews conducted during the county's original Human Resources investigation. Harriott, who had served as CFO for approximately a year and a half, left county employment effective May 12. At the time, the county would confirm only that she was no longer employed.
The circumstances of her departure were not publicly explained. A June 11 letter bearing Moore's name and title subsequently outlined the administration's reasons for separating Harriott from employment. Quick Group's findings challenge much of that explanation. Workplace complaints had merit, but improvement was underway The investigation began with an anonymous complaint received Feb. 23 concerning Harriott's management style and the work environment within the Fi-
received. The available records do not establish that those assumptions determined investigative decisions or charges. The crash report recorded no improper action by Chris. Still, hearing officers discuss his apparent living situation was painful for relatives who knew the person behind the bicycle and trailer. Cases remain pending Court records show the three traffic cases were transferred from Bluffton Magistrate Court to Beaufort Magistrate Court following an Aug. 20 change-of-venue order. The underlying motion was not among the materials reviewed, so the reason for the transfer is not established. Financial entries total $905 across the three cases, with no payments recorded in the Oct. 27 screenshots. Because the cases remain pending, those entries do not establish convictions or a final sentence. For Chris’s parents and brother, the process has meant returning repeatedly to the details of the morning he died – the roadway, the damage, the conversations among officers and the belongings left behind. They are asking for an explanation they can follow from the evidence collected to the charges filed. At home, Shirley James remembers the questions Chris used to ask her: What needed doing? How could he help? The absence is measured in those small routines, too. “Chris was the one who was here every morning making my coffee,” she said. 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.
nance Department. The county's Human Resources Department investigated, conducting 26 interviews and issuing a report March 19 that identified five areas of concern. Harriott was placed on a performance improvement plan March 27. Quick Group agreed that the original complaints had sufficient merit to warrant intervention by county administration. However, investigators also found that Harriott was complying with the improvement plan and that employees had reported
significant improvements in her conduct. At the time of her departure, she was approximately halfway through the plan. Investigators also found that a substantial number of employees outside the Finance Department spoke positively about Harriott, an important consideration given that her position required extensive interaction with other county departments. The report notes that approximately half of the em-
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NEWS
Report from page A3
ployees working within the Finance Department building expressed concerns involving Harriott and Novak. But while complaints about Harriott were included in the county's investigative findings, concerns involving Novak were omitted. Quick Group found that both the county's original interviews and its own investigation had identified concerns about Novak's conduct, support and performance. The report states that Deputy County Administrator Nicole Wood had reviewed the underlying interviews and was aware of additional concerns beyond those addressed in the county's report. Since the original investigation, three Finance Department employees had resigned, all citing issues involving Novak, according to Quick Group. The investigators concluded that those concerns should have been considered by upper management to provide a more complete understanding of the department's problems. Human Services deficit The second matter involved allegations that Harriott provided misinformation to County Council about a negative balance in a Human Services account associated with the Cozy program. During a March 2 committee meeting, Harriott discussed the account's negative balance and indicated that she did not know why certain revenue from previous years had not been received. A subsequent complaint alleged that the revenue had, in fact, been received. Quick Group found that the revenue had been properly recorded but that the account still had a negative balance, as Harriott had told council. Investigators also determined that the information concerning the revenue had not been provided to Harriott before her comments. The report describes discussions about potentially merging Human Services into the NexusCare program to provide more sustainable funding. Investigators found that Harriott had not recommended eliminating the department, contrary to language in the June 11 letter. Instead, she had encouraged efforts to obtain additional grant funding to sustain services. Quick Group concluded that the matter did not support the administration's stated justification for Harriott's departure. Deleted files or protected information? One of the most significant disagreements between Quick Group and county administration concerns Harriott's deletion of electronic files from a shared Capital Improvement Projects SharePoint folder. The June 11 separation letter described the deletions as unauthorized and stated that they alone were sufficient grounds for termination. Quick Group reached a different conclusion. According to the report, Harriott discovered the files Jan. 27 while assisting another county official with an authorized matter involving the department's SharePoint system. The folder contained files from Harriott's previous employment with the county, including restricted salary information for county employees.
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The files had been copied into the Capital Improvement Projects system after Harriott left her earlier position in 2023. As a result, employees in that department could access information that was outside their responsibilities. Investigators found that Harriott deleted the folder after recognizing the sensitive nature of its contents and informed the appropriate county official of her actions. The report also states that the files remained on Harriott's county-issued laptop because her previous computer files had been restored when she returned to county employment in 2024. During a May 7 meeting, Harriott told Wood the files were still on her computer and turned the laptop toward her to show her, according to Quick Group. Despite that explanation, investigators found that the administration apparently did not inspect the laptop before concluding that the files had been improperly deleted. Quick Group also disputed claims that the deleted files were regularly used by county employees, finding that the folder's records had generally not been accessed since 2023. The firm concluded that Harriott had authority over the information, that her actions were consistent with her responsibilities and that removing restricted salary information from an improperly accessible location reflected sound judgment. Investigators also found that employees had not received training on county procedures governing the deletion of electronic files. The findings raise questions about the county's handling of sensitive personnel information, its electronic records practices and the accuracy of the allegations used to justify Harriott's departure. An audit letter and conflicting accounts The fourth matter involved a management letter issued by Mauldin & Jenkins following the county's annual financial audit. According to Quick Group, the letter was distributed to County Council members at Moore's direction and placed on an executive-session agenda the evening before Harriott's departure. But investigators found that the letter did not identify serious deficiencies in the county's financial management. Quick Group interviewed the firm's audit partner, who described the county's audit as clean, with no material deficiencies. The management letter contained six recommendations related primarily to accounting procedures and preparation for future audits. The audit partner told investigators the recommendations were not matters of significant concern and were intended to assist finance staff in preparing for the following year's audit. He also expressed concern about repeated turnover in the county's CFO and Finance Director positions since 2016. Quick Group concluded that the management letter had been used for a purpose different from what its author intended and questioned its inclusion among the reasons for Harriott's separation. The investigation also uncovered conflicting accounts about a proposed termination of Novak. According to Quick Group, Harriott and Moore had discussed concerns about Novak's performance
OCTOBER 29–NOVEMBER 4, 2026
Investigators reported that employee complaints involving Novak were omitted from Beaufort County's original internal investigative findings, even though county administrators were aware of them. Quick Group also reported that three Finance Department employees resigned citing concerns involving Novak. It is not known whether Beaufort County officials were aware of the criticism surrounding Novak's previous employment when she was hired or whether those concerns were considered during the hiring process. The Island News is seeking comment from Novak and Beaufort County administration regarding her Novak faced similar previous employment, the complaints in Oregon hiring process and the findConcerns about Finance ings of the Quick Group inDirector Sandy Novak's vestigation. management style are not limited to her time in Beau- Who wrote the fort County. separation letter? Before joining the county Questions about the June in May 2025, Novak served 11 letter extend beyond the as Finance Director for Jo- findings it contains. sephine County, Oregon, The letter was issued nearwhere her departure fol- ly a month after Harriott's lowed public criticism of her departure and bears Moore's leadership, employee rela- name and title. tions and compensation. But Quick Group reported In a March 8, 2025, arti- that Moore told investigacle published by the Grants tors he was not the author. Pass Tribune, JJ Scofield, According to the report, who identified himself as the letter was provided to the former Josephine Coun- Moore, Wood and the county human resources director ty attorney by the Human responsible for hiring No- Resources director. vak, raised concerns about The report does not idenher tenure overseeing the tify who originally drafted county's finances. the letter or establish who Scofield wrote that No- approved its contents. vak initially demonstrated Investigators repeatedly technical competence and disputed statements condedication but struggled tained in the document, with employee relations and particularly those involving leadership. the deletion of files, the HuAccording to his account, man Services account and Josephine County's Finance the proposed termination of Department experienced Novak. significant employee turnThe report concludes that over under Novak's lead- the county's internal invesership. He described com- tigations were materially plaints from current and incomplete, undermining former employees involving the basis for Harriott's sepinadequate training, poor aration. communication, insufficient The findings do not estabsupport and a management lish that Harriott was unlawstyle that alternated be- fully terminated or that any tween micromanagement county official committed and neglect. a crime. They do, however, Scofield also alleged that raise questions about how the department ranked last the administration investiin a countywide customer gated employee complaints, satisfaction survey and that evaluated evidence and docfinancial management prob- umented its personnel decilems had emerged during sions. budget discussions. The article also ques- Other county tioned Novak's compensa- operations examined tion and her participation in Although much of the rea voluntary employee resig- port focuses on Harriott's nation program. departure, Quick Group also According to Scofield, examined three other matNovak assumed additional ters involving county operaresponsibilities overseeing tions: a proposed consolidaJosephine County's Human tion of fire districts, delays Resources Department and in putting a body scanner received a salary increase into service at the Beaufort that brought her annual County Detention Center compensation to approxi- and contracts for inmate mately $184,000. medical care. He questioned the salary On fire district consolicomparisons used to justify dation, investigators found the increase, arguing that that the effort faced substanthe compensation exceeded tial financial and operational what similar counties paid obstacles. their finance directors. Fire chiefs interviewed Scofield also estimated by Quick Group generally that Novak received approx- agreed that consolidation imately $80,000 through would be difficult and quesJosephine County's volun- tioned whether it would retary resignation program, duce costs. Concerns includwhich offered eligible em- ed differences in tax rates, ployees compensation to district funding and the poleave county employment. tential effects on emergency The reported compen- service coverage. sation figures and the cirThe report states that cumstances surrounding a proposed consolidation Novak's departure have not study ultimately went unbeen independently con- funded after money desigfirmed. nated for the work was rediThe Oregon article did rected. not establish that Novak enInvestigators also exgaged in misconduct, and amined delays involving a Scofield acknowledged that Tek84 body scanner purthere was no direct evidence chased for the detention she influenced the resigna- center in fall 2024 using tion program for her own federal grant money. benefit. The equipment required However, the previously additional training, regulatopublished concerns about ry approvals and safety meaNovak's management are sures before it could legally notable in light of Quick be operated. Quick Group Group's findings in Beaufort concluded that the delays County. were reasonable under the for several months and had agreed to move forward with terminating her employment before April. Investigators found that Moore directed Harriott to include the auditor's management letter among the supporting documentation submitted to Human Resources. However, the June 11 letter concerning Harriott's departure stated that Moore had not approved the proposed termination. Quick Group found that account inconsistent with information obtained during its interviews, which indicated Moore had initially approved the action. Novak remains the county's Finance Director.
circumstances, citing staffing shortages and other operational challenges. The scanner has been in use since approximately June 2026, according to the report. The third matter involved contracts for medical services at the detention center. After the previous provider declined to renew its contract, the county entered into a temporary emergency agreement with Advanced Care Health to avoid an interruption in inmate medical services. The report states that the temporary provider performed poorly, according to the assistant county administrator overseeing the detention center. Following a competitive procurement process, 22nd Century began providing medical services around July 2026. Recommendations for change Quick Group's recommendations extend beyond the circumstances surrounding Harriott's departure. The firm recommended that county officials clarify the distinction between ordinary employee complaints and whistleblower complaints, noting confusion among employees about which concerns qualify for whistleblower protections. Investigators also recommended better guidance on when workplace complaints should be handled through department leadership rather than Human Resources. The firm suggested that the county consider creating an ombudsman position staffed by someone with investigative experience to help evaluate and direct employee complaints. Another recommendation concerns the handling of electronic files belonging to former employees. Quick Group found that the county's practice of copying departing employees' computer files into shared departmental folders could expose sensitive information to employees who should not have access to it. The firm recommended additional review before those records are made available to entire departments. Investigators also called for a review of county records retention policies and clearer guidance to employees about proper procedures. Council divided over release The report's release followed several contentious County Council meetings. Council members first heard from Quick Group during an executive session Oct. 5 but took no public action afterward. At the Oct. 12 meeting, members disagreed over whether the report should be released immediately or whether Moore should be given additional time to respond. A motion to release the findings that evening failed 5-6. Council subsequently scheduled a special meeting for Oct. 19 to revisit the matter. After another executive session Monday evening, Councilman Logan Cunningham moved to release the report by noon Tuesday and waive attorney-client privilege concerning the document. The motion passed unanimously. Before the vote, Cunningham cautioned that releasing the report without taking additional action did not mean the matter was finished. "Just because no action is taken today does not mean that any other actions or questions cannot be taken further," Cunningham said.
He also encouraged residents to read the findings, noting that taxpayer money had been spent on the investigation. Council adjourned without announcing any personnel or administrative action related to the findings. Additional findings still expected The report released Tuesday may not be the final word from Quick Group. During County Council's Oct. 12 meeting, Tabernik questioned whether the investigative firm had completed the assignment council originally gave it. Tabernik said council had requested a data-driven investigation into four specific areas and expressed concern that the work presented did not fully address those requests. Howard confirmed during the discussion that a supplement to the report was expected but had not yet been received. No timeline for the additional findings was established during the public discussion. The distinction is significant because the report released Tuesday focuses heavily on the circumstances surrounding Harriott's departure, while council's original authorization called for a broader administrative inquiry into departments under Moore's supervision. It remains unclear which portions of the original investigation will be addressed in the supplement, whether additional interviews or document reviews are being conducted, or when the findings will be made public. The county's Tuesday announcement described the released document as the Quick Group report but did not address the supplement discussed by council members the previous week. What happens next? Although the Quick Group report raises questions about the county administration's handling of Harriott's departure and employee complaints involving Novak, additional investigative findings are expected. Council members have not announced whether the findings will result in personnel decisions, policy changes or additional action involving Moore or other county employees. The county has appointed D. Allen Milburn as its new chief financial officer, effective Nov. 2. The Island News has prepared questions for county administration regarding the findings, including the authorship of the June 11 separation letter, the handling of complaints involving Novak and the administration's response to the conclusions reached by Quick Group. Questions have also been directed to County Council members concerning the scope of the supplemental investigation, whether they are satisfied with the findings released so far and what additional action they believe may be necessary. For now, the report provides some answers about what happened inside Beaufort County's Finance Department, but with additional investigative findings still expected, questions remain about the full extent of the problems identified and how County Council intends to address them. The full 14-page report is available through the Beaufort County website. 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.
PLEASE VOTE BY NOVEMBER 3! E A R LY V O T I N G U N T I L O C T O B E R 3 1
RE-ELECT SHANNON
ERICKSON O U R C O M M U N I T Y VO I C E I N T H E S . C . H O U S E !
“ W H Y A R E LOWC O U N T R Y NEIGHBORS SUPPORTING SHANNON ERICKSON?” “As an educator, I appreciate Shannon Erickson’s commitment to students at every stage — from early childhood through college. Shannon makes a meaningful difference for families.” Angela Peterson, M.Ed, NBCT
“No issue is too big or too small for Shannon Erickson. She listens, she shows up, and she gets results for the people of the Lowcountry.” David Bartholomew, District 2, Beaufort County Council
“In the 2026 General Election, I will be casting my vote for Shannon Erickson to continue as our District 124 Representative in the S.C. House." Fred S. Washington, Jr.
“Shannon understands and fights for the students, parents and teachers of Beaufort County. Shannon has the heart of an educator and a love for the Lowcountry that is unmatched.” Tricia Fidrych, Retired BCSD Teacher & Former BCSD Board Member
“Shannon Erickson stays focused on what matters to Beaufort—small businesses, our military and veterans, infrastructure, the cost of living, and education, to name a few. She’s the right person to stand up for our community.” Caroline Fermin
“Shannon Erickson has a strong educational background and believes in helping schools and families work together to improve learning and support each child’s growth. I have personally seen her commitment.” Aaron J. Murray, M.A., Special Education, B.A., Child Development
“After our son was hit by a vehicle in front of our home, we knew something had to change. Shannon Erickson listened to our family, advocated for our community, and helped us turn a heartbreaking experience into positive change. We will always be grateful for her dedication to making our neighborhood safer for the families who call it home.” Shannon Offredi
“Ms. Shannon is batting 1,000 with every inquiry I have ever made, no matter how trivial, and when it is out of her jurisdiction she is always on point with guidance to the correct path. A neighbor, friend, and true community representative.” Charlie Russo
"Our State Representative Shannon Erickson is always willing to help her community." Anita Singleton-Prather “Aunt Pearlie Sue”
“As an educator for more than 20 years, I’m proud to support Shannon Erickson. An educator herself, she understands our classrooms, listens to our concerns, and is always easy to reach.” Lisa Clancy, M.Ed, Creative Arts Teacher
“Communities are strongest when their leaders bring both perspective and action to the table. Shannon Erickson understands this. Beaufort County is stronger because of her leadership, and I’m proud to support her re-election.” Russell Baxley
“In my experience, when asked to help a community member in need, Shannon Erickson has consistently been willing to step up and offer support. That willingness to help make a meaningful difference in peoples’ lives is something we deeply appreciate.” Marilyn Harris
“I’m not particularly political, but I deeply value consistency, commitment, and showing up for your community. Shannon does exactly that. We may not always agree on every issue, but I have tremendous respect for someone who continually shows up and works to make Beaufort better.” Blaire Lent
“I have known Shannon Erickson for over 40 years. I have seen firsthand her dedication to children, families and early childhood education. I have also experienced her willingness to help me as a constituent. I’m proud to support Shannon.” Janet Howell
ese endorsements “I’m honored to havhebotrhs. I am glad to have from friends and neig support! earned their trust and red to have YOUR I would be just as ho!”no support for re-election
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OCTOBER 29–NOVEMBER 4, 2026
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NEWS NEWS BRIEFS
VillansCon coming to Beaufort for Halloween
MAKE THE RIGHT MOVE FOR BEAUFORT! FREEDOM & PERSONAL RIGHTS Government should work for you, not control your life. STRONG SCHOOLS, REAL OPPORTUNITIES Support teachers and expand career pathways so students graduate ready. SMART GROWTH & LOWER COSTS Support local businesses and responsible growth. ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE Care should not be out of reach.
Scan the QR code to support Shauna’s campaign!
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OCTOBER 29–NOVEMBER 4, 2026
VillansCon, a Halloween-themed gaming and pop culture convention, will take place at The Foundry on Saturday, Oct. 31 and Sunday, Nov. 1. The event will bring together fans of gaming, anime, comics, cosplay, and pop culture, along with Trick-or-Treaters, for a fun-filled weekend. Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet voice actors from Red Dead Redemption 2 in person! There are vendor booth opportunities available for businesses interested in participating and connecting with attendees. This could be a great opportunity to showcase your restaurant, promote your business, and engage with visitors coming to Beaufort for the event. If you are interested, reach out to Jacob Shodiya: board@athenaclt.org Admission is $25 per person; kids 12 and under are Free, making it a fun opportunity to experience something new in our community. Events like VillansCon help bring visitors to Beaufort and create opportunities for our local businesses to connect with new customers. We hope you'll take advantage of this opportunity and help us spread the word!
Friends of Beaufort Library seeking volunteers
The Friends of the Beaufort Library would love help at its annual fall book sale, Nov. 6-8 at the Beaufort Waterfront Pavilion and at other events throughout the year. Email volunteer3@friendsofthebeaufortlibrary.com for more information and to sign up to help.
Hardeeville hosting Veterans Day Ceremony
The City of Hardeeville invites the community to its 2026 Veterans Day Ceremony 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at Memorial Park at 20 Martin Street in Hardeeville. This annual ceremony brings the community together to honor the courage, service, and sacrifice of the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve our nation. Veterans, their families, and community members are encouraged to attend. In preparation for the ceremony, the City of Hardeeville is also seeking photographs of active-duty and retired military personnel to feature in a special Veterans Day recognition. Photographs should include the veteran's name, rank, and branch of service and may be submitted by emailing recre8@ City of Beaufort earns hardeevillesc.gov. The ceremony is free and open to the pubDistinguished Budget lic. All are welcome. For more information, Presentation Award follow the Hardeeville Parks, Recreation & The City of Beaufort has received the Tourism Department on Facebook. Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for its FY2027 online Habitat for Humanity budget book, marking the 10th consecutive hosting 9th annual Turkey year the City has earned the recognition. Trot 5K The award recognizes the City’s commitHabitat for Humanity of the Lowcountry ment to transparency, responsible financial invites runners, walkers, families, and visimanagement and effective budgeting. It tors to participate in the 9th annual Turkey also reflects the work of City Council and Trot 5K on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. staff to maintain high standards in plan- 26, 2026, in downtown Beaufort. ning and communicating how public funds This Thanksgiving tradition features are allocated and used. awards, a costume contest, and plenty “I’m proud of our team for earning this of Thanksgiving spirit. Registration and recognition for the tenth consecutive year. check-in will take place from 7 to 7:30 a.m., It takes a lot of hard work and attention to with the race beginning at 8 a.m. Proceeds detail to consistently meet these standards, benefit Habitat for Humanity of the Lowand I appreciate the dedication of our staff country. to making our budget transparent and acRegister at https://bit.ly/4jVzMyd. cessible to the public,” said Scott Marshall, – Staff reports City Manager.
NEWS
Sheriff ’s Office confirms investigation into Beaufort County personnel Investigation requested by county administrator; Sheriff 's Office declines to release additional details
By Delayna Earley The Island News The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office has confirmed it is conducting an investigation involving Beaufort County government personnel at the request of the county administrator. In a statement released Monday, Oct. 26, the Sheriff's Office acknowledged the ongoing investigation after receiving inquiries from multiple media outlets about possible investigations involving county administration. “We can confirm that we have an ongoing investi-
gation involving Beaufort County Government personnel,” the Sheriff's Office said. “The investigation is being conducted at the request of the Beaufort County Administrator.” The agency said no additional information would be released at this time.
The statement did not identify the employees involved, specify the nature of the investigation or indicate when it began. It also did not disclose whether the investigation involves allegations of criminal wrongdoing. The confirmation comes amid increased scrutiny of Beaufort County's administration and financial operations, including the recent release of a report prepared by The Quick Group examining county government operations. Beaufort County Council released the report Oct. 20, with additional findings ex-
pected to be made public at a later date. However, neither the Sheriff's Office nor county officials have publicly established a connection between the Quick Group report and the ongoing law enforcement investigation. The Island News previously submitted a Freedom of Information Act request to the Sheriff's Office seeking search warrant information. In an Oct. 16 response, the Sheriff's Office denied the request, citing S.C. Code Section 30-4-40(a) (3), which provides ex-
emptions from disclosure for certain law enforcement records. The denial did not identify the investigation associated with the requested records or establish whether the search warrant information sought by the newspaper is connected to the investigation confirmed Monday. The Sheriff's Office has not disclosed whether any search warrants have been executed in connection with the investigation involving county personnel. It remains unclear which county departments or employees are involved,
what prompted the county administrator to request the investigation or whether any findings have been referred to other agencies. The Island News will continue seeking additional information about the investigation and its potential implications for Beaufort County government. 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.
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(843) 524-2581 524-2581 www.carolina-air.com www.carolina-air.com (843) USC Beaufort’s Skylar Scott, left, head the ball away from Lenoir-Rhyne’s Montana Martin during the first half of their soccer match Saturday, Oct. 24, at USCB’s Fin Land Field. The visiting Lady’s Bears went on to win the close game 3-2. Bob Sofaly/The Island News
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL ROUNDUP Ben Lippen 34, John Paul II 32 Jadon Inabinett rushed for 124 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries, and Alan Wolf added 116 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries and hooked up with Inabinett for a touchdown pass, but it wasn’t quite enough for the Golden Warriors to pull off the upset. May River 43, Beaufort 29 Tony Cooper rushed for 198 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries, and Luc Tran scored on the ground and caught a touchdown pass from Jordan Wise on a trick play to help the Sharks pull away in the fourth quarter. May River’s Michael Poole racked up 13 tackles (two for loss) and added a rushing touchdown in the Sharks’ jumbo package. Sophomore quarterback Keaton Layman threw three touchdown passes to three different receivers for Beaufort. Hilton Head 48, Colleton Co. 7 The Seahawks wrapped up back-to-back region titles for the first time since 1990 and 1991, as Derrick Raniszewski tossed three touchdown passes, and Thaddeus Czarnecki and Jayvin Risher each added rushing scores in a rout of the Cougars. Jeremiah Walters and Brayden Smith each returned a punt for a touchdown for Hilton Head. Lucy Beckham 50, Bluffton 36 Kordell Holley rushed for 135 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries, and Jack Calendine and Amare Patterson hooked up for a
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OCTOBER 29–NOVEMBER 4, 2026
John Paul II’s Jadon Inabinett picks his way through the Ben Lippen defense Friday, Oct. 23, at Hardeville Recreation Center. Despite Inabinett’s efforts, the Golden Warriors lost to the Falcons 34-32. Bob Sofaly/The Island News pair of touchdown passes, First Baptist 40, but it wasn’t enough for the HHCA 35 Kres Langhals passed for Bobcats to keep pace with 365 yards and four touchthe Bengals on the road. downs and added a rushing score, but his four inBattery Creek 14, terceptions proved costly Lake Marion 13 Eddie Heyward and E.J. in a tough loss on the road Frazier each scored rush- for the Eagles. Sam Strum ing touchdowns, and the caught six passes for 144 Dolphins blocked an extra yards and two touchdowns, point to preserve a hard- and Joey Houpt had seven fought road win. The Gators catches for 114 yards and scored a late touchdown to a score, surpassing JP Pepull within one, but Battery duzzi’s school record for caCreek blocked the point-af- reer receiving yards. ter attempt to escape with the victory and set up a Re- Patrick Henry 30, gion 5-2A title game when Cross Schools 28 Kai Sobey rushed for the Dolphins host Philip 256 yards and three touchSimmons on Friday. downs on 30 carries and threw a touchdown pass Whale Branch 26, on a trick play to help the Ridgeland 12 Takim Person picked off Patriots hold off the Stingthree passes and scored a rays at home. Chase Frankrushing touchdown, and Ka- lin rushed for 93 yards and reem Bing, Jermaine Byson, a touchdown and returned and Jamar Bronner each a kickoff for a score for added scores on the ground Cross. to help the Warriors beat the — LowcoSports.com Jaguars on the road.
SPORTS
Jasper County School District opens new tennis courts
By Shellie Murdaugh The Island News RIDGELAND — Jasper County School District officials achieved game, set, and match when they opened their new tennis courts Thursday, Oct. 22 in Ridgeland. The district held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for its four new tennis courts which are located behind Ridgeland Secondary Academy of Excellence in the district’s athletic complex. Jim Demos, current Public Tennis Incorporated Executive Director, credited former PTI President and Executive Director Wayne Lilley with bringing the courts to the high school campus. “Lilley was instrumental in making the courts become reality,” Demos said. Demos said Lilley, who retired last year, had been able to secure more than $182,000 in funding for the courts from three United States Tennis Association sources, which included the national USTA branch, the USTA Southern branch and USTA South Carolina. “Without his efforts, these four courts would still be on the drawing board,” he said. “Here they Jim Demos, Public Tennis Inc. Executive Director, and Tom Ruth, USTA are today, ready for play.” South Carolina Board Treasurer, joined Jasper County School District Jasper County School District Interim Superintendent Laura Hickson for the opening of the new tennis Interim Superintendent Laura courts Thuesday, Oct. 22, 2026, at Ridgeland Secondary Academy of Hickson said the new courts will allow students to extend their ed- Excellence in Ridgeland. Shellie Murdaugh/The Island News ucational experiences outside of the four walls of a classroom. “It means creating opportunities for our student scholars to discover their gifts, develop their talents and build confidence on the courts,” she said. Hickson said the new courts would benefit students and the community as a whole. “We definitely hope this will A grand opening and ribbon cutting was held Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, spread into the community for the new tennis courts at Ridgeland Secondary Academy of Excellence in where we have increased activity Ridgeland. Shellie Murdaugh/The Island News. on the court,” Hickson said. “We don’t want to have this beautiful court and not have our commu- ars live in the community, so we play with their parents and famnity benefit from it. Our schol- would love them come out and ilies. We are looking forward to
this court being a part of our entire community.” Hickson said the tennis club will first get underway to allow students to learn the game. Later on, she said a tennis team is expected to represent the district and allow it to compete not only around the area but throughout the Lowcountry and beyond. Tom Ruth, USTA South Carolina Board Treasurer, said the organization would be operating future programs at the new facility. “Our goal is to grow the game of tennis throughout the state of South Carolina,” he said. “We are excited to give everybody the sport of a lifetime and we hope you take that opportunity.” The new tennis club will feature a group of students from throughout the high school, including Chanyah Williams. Williams, a sophomore at Ridgeland Secondary Academy of Excellence, said the courts would benefit all of the students involved in the tennis club. “It will help us build teamwork, responsibility, friendships and it will help bring so many kids together,” Williams said. “The tennis court will teach us responsibility about how to balance our school work and our activities outside of school.” Adrianne Maybank, Ridgeland Secondary Academy of Excellence Principal, said she was excited for her students and how the courts would benefit them. “I know that these kids are going to take advantage of the opportunities here and they are looking forward to it,” she said. 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 shelliemurdaugh@gmail.com.
RBC Heritage tickets on sale now
Staff reports Tickets are now on sale for the 59th RBC Heritage Presented by Boeing. South Carolina’s signature PGA TOUR golf tournament is set for April 1218, 2027 over the famed Harbour Town Golf Links on Hilton Head Island. The event, one of the PGA Tour’s eight Signature Events, features a $20 million purse, a limited field and a no-cut format. Fans may purchase tickets by visiting www. rbcheritage.com. The following tickets are available: Ultimate Patron Pass Starts at $1,500 per day. It’s the “everywhere you want to go” pass. Enjoy access to the Calibogue Club, Lighthouse Club, Doc’s BBQ at 15 and the tournament grounds. Plus, for every two tickets purchased, on-site parking is included. Calibogue Club Presented by Certified S.C. Grown Starts at $600 per day. The Calibogue Club is an all-inclusive hospitality venue open Thursday through Sunday, located between the 17th green and the 18th tee, with a satellite location at the 8th green. Enjoy a cli-
mate-controlled premium atmosphere featuring a complimentary lunch buffet served from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., full-service bar and outdoor stadium seating with views of the final two holes at Harbour Town Golf Links. Tournament grounds access is included. VIP parking is provided for every two tickets purchased.
Lighthouse Club Starts at $500 per day. Located on the iconic 18th green, the Lighthouse Club offers one of the most spectacular views on the PGA TOUR. This two-story, open-air skybox is available Thursday through Sunday and features a complimentary lunch buffet and full-service bar from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. The Observation Deck, a secondary location sponsored by Hilton Head Airport, is located at the 10th green and offers snacks and full bar service from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.. This ticket includes tournament grounds access and free general spectator parking. Doc’s BBQ at 15 Starts at $400 per day. Located just behind the 15th green, Doc’s BBQ at 15 puts you right in the heart of the action. Open Thursday through
rope-line views of the golf action Thursday through Sunday. Ticket holders have access to several oncourse concession stands and additional venues selling a variety of food, soft drinks, beer, wine and spirits. Grounds Ticket holders can also enjoy multiple public venues including the popular Heritage Lawn. Free general spectator parking is included.
Sunday, this venue offers exceptional views of the 15th green from tiered seating, access to a climate-controlled, casual lounge, a complimentary lunch buffet and full bar service provided by Doc’s BBQ and Southern Way, available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.. This ticket also includes tournament Grounds Package grounds access and free $400 per week. The general spectator park- Grounds Package ining. cludes one ticket for all six days of the tournaHeritage Lawn Club ment (Tuesday-Sunday). Starts at $250 per day. Fans have access to the The Heritage Lawn Club course, public bleachers offers stunning 360-de- on every hole and ungree views of Calibogue matched rope-line views Sound, the 18th tee and of the golf action. Ticket the Heritage Lawn. Open holders have access to Thursday through Sun- several on-course concesday, this open-air ven- sion stands and additionue features food and al venues selling a variety beverages available for of food, soft drinks, beer, purchase and two com- wine and spirits. Grounds plimentary drink tickets Package holders can also included with each tick- enjoy multiple public venet. Tournament grounds ues including the popular access and free general Heritage Lawn. Free genspectator parking are also eral spectator parking is included. included. Grounds Ticket $100 per day. A Grounds Ticket gives fans access to the course, public bleachers on every hole and unmatched
Practice Round Ticket $25 per day. The Practice Round Ticket provides single-day access to the tournament grounds. Choose Tuesday to enjoy
the Opening Ceremonies or Wednesday to watch the Pro-Am. Course is closed to spectators on Monday. Free general spectator parking is included. Cameras are welcome. Youth Policy Juniors ages 15 and younger are always admitted free when they are accompanied by a ticketed adult. Children under 5 do not need a ticket to gain access to all shared hospitality venues. Children 6-15 are welcome at these venues but need to have a ticket to the venue. Children must be accompanied by a ticketed adult at all times.
Military Policy In recognition of service to our country, the RBC Heritage is proud to offer two complimentary tickets — one service member and one guest — for Tuesday, April 13 or Wednesday, April 14. Additionally, military personnel may purchase daily Grounds Tickets for Thursday through Sunday at a 20% discount. This offer is available to active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, retired military personnel and veterans with valid proof of service.
Ben Lippen’s Jimmel Smith outruns John Paul II’s defensive backs Chase LaFountain and KP Santos Friday, Oct. 23, at Hardeville Recreation Center. The visiting Falcons edged out the Golden Warriors 34-32. Bob Sofaly/The Island News SCORES & SCHEDULES WEEK 9 – Friday, Oct. 23 SCHSL 5-5A James Island 57, West Florence 21 Summerville 56, Stall 0 Ashley Ridge 42, West Ashley 10 Fort Dorchester 21, Stratford 14 SCHSL 6-5A Carolina Forest 42, Wando 34 Berkeley 42, Cane Bay 0 Socastee 41, Goose Creek 13 SCHSL 6-4A Lucy Beckham 50, Bluffton 36 May River 43, Beaufort 29 Hilton Head 48, Colleton Co. 7 SCHSL 5-3A Oceanside Collegiate 64, North Charleston 0 Bishop England 44, Georgetown 6 SCHSL 5-2A Philip Simmons 51, Timberland 26 Battery Creek 14, Lake Marion 13 Woodland 52, Academic Magnet 30 SCHSL 7-1A Hampton County 41, Allendale-Fairfax 0 Whale Branch 26, Ridgeland 12 SCISA 2-4A Ben Lippen 34, John Paul II 32 Northwood Academy 21, Porter-Gaud 20 Pinewood Prep 35, Laurence Manning 28 SCISA 2-3A Bethesda Academy 48, Hilton Head Prep 0 First Baptist 40, Hilton Head Christian 35 SCISA 1-2A Colleton Prep 29, Calhoun Academy 24 Patrick Henry 30, Cross Schools 28 SCISA 2-1A Thomas Heyward 26, Holly Hill Academy 8 Dorchester Academy 46, Beaufort Academy 13 Week 10 – Friday, Oct. 30 SCHSL 5-5A James Island (9-0, 5-0) at West Ashley (2-7, 2-3) Ashley Ridge (3-6, 3-2) at Summerville (6-3, 4-1) Stall (2-7, 0-5) at Stratford (1-8, 0-5) SCHSL 6-5A Carolina Forest (7-2, 3-1) at Cane Bay (3-6, 1-3) Goose Creek (1-8, 0-4) at Wando (4-5, 1-3) Berkeley (8-1, 4-0) at Socastee (4-5, 3-1) SCHSL 6-4A Bluffton (4-5, 2-2) at May River (5-4, 2-2) Lucy Beckham (6-3, 3-1) at Colleton Co. (2-7, 1-3) Hilton Head Island (8-1, 4-0) at Beaufort (1-8, 0-4) SCHSL 5-3A North Charleston (2-6, 0-3) at Georgetown (1-8, 0-3) Hanahan (8-1, 2-1) at Bishop England (8-1, 2-1) SCHSL 5-2A Philip Simmons (6-3, 4-0) at Battery Creek (8-1, 3-1) Lake Marion (4-4, 1-3) at Academic Magnet (4-5, 0-4) Timberland (3-6, 1-3) at Woodland (7-2, 3-1) SCHSL 7-1A Hardeeville (6-2, 3-0) at Hampton Co. (7-2, 3-0) Allendale-Fairfax (1-8, 0-3) at Whale Branch (2-6, 1-2) SCISA 2-4A Laurence Manning (6-2, 3-1) at Northwood Academy (7-2, 4-0) Porter-Gaud (5-4, 3-3) at Pinewood Prep (8-1, 3-1) John Paul II (1-8) at Cardinal Newman (2-7) SCISA 2-3A Hilton Head Prep (1-8, 0-2) at HHCA (6-3, 0-2) First Baptist (8-1, 2-0) at Bethesda Academy (6-1, 2-0) SCISA 1-2A Colleton Prep (9-1, 3-0) at Cross (4-5, 1-2) Patrick Henry (5-3, 1-2) at St. John’s Christian (1-8, 0-3) Orangeburg Prep (3-6) at Calhoun Academy (6-2) SCISA 2-1A Dorchester Academy (7-2, 2-0) at Holly Hill Academy (2-7, 0-2) Thomas Heyward (2-7, 1-1) at Beaufort Academy (3-5, 1-1)
— LowcoSports.com OCTOBER 29–NOVEMBER 4, 2026
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EDUCATION
Beaufort County schools earn record ratings on report cards Nine school report cards receive Excellent ratings, while district graduation rates, academic performance and college and career readiness reach historic highs
By Delayna Earley The Island News The Beaufort County School District is reporting some of its strongest academic results in years, with more than 94% of its school report cards earning ratings of Excellent, Good or Average on the 2026 South Carolina School Report Cards released by the state Department of Education. Nine school report cards received an Excellent rating, the most since South Carolina introduced its current school accountability system in 2018. Half of the district's high schools earned the state's highest designation, while several other schools improved their ratings from the previous year. The district also reported record-high graduation rates, college and career readiness, and student performance in English language arts and mathematics. The annual report cards evaluate public schools using several measures, including academic achievement, student progress, college and career readiness, and school climate. An Excellent rating indicates that a school substantially exceeds the state's performance criteria, while a Good rating means a school exceeds those standards. An Average rating indicates that a school meets the state's expectations. Among the district's highest-rated schools were Bluffton, Hilton Head Island and May River high schools; Bluffton Middle School; and Okatie Elementary School. Bluffton High School earned an Excellent rating for the sixth consecutive year, while Okatie Elementary received the designation for the fifth straight year. Hilton Head Island High School and Bluffton Middle School received Excellent ratings for the first time since the current accountability system began in 2018. "The students and staff at HHIHS are ecstatic about receiving an Excellent rating on our school report card," Hilton Head Island
By Shellie Murdaugh The Island News Working together toward a common goal has helped the Jasper County School District begin to see progress following the release of this year’s school report cards, according to the district’s leader. “I think everyone pulling together helped make a difference in the improvements,” Jasper County School District Interim Superintendent Laura Hickson said. “It did not take me long to realize that brilliance already existed here and just putting systems in place and pulling everyone together so that we are all working toward one mission is important.” Hickson became head of the district last year in August when she was appointed by the state to serve in that position. Hickson was named to the position after the South Carolina Board of Education voted to allow the S.C. Department of Education to assume full management of the Jasper County School District. The South Carolina Department of Education released its 2025-2026 South
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High School Principal Steve Schidrich said. "We have always taken great pride in our school, and to receive an excellent rating reinforces our belief." Schidrich said the recognition comes during a significant year for the school, which also opened a new academic building. Bluffton Middle School Principal Keith Stewart credited the school's improvement to students, educators, families and community support. "This achievement reflects the hard work of our students, the dedication of our teachers and staff, the support of our families, and the investment of a community that believes in our children," Stewart said. Other schools receiving Excellent ratings included River Ridge Academy and Riverview Charter School at both the elementary and middle school levels. Riverview Charter School's elementary rating jumped two levels, from Average in 2025 to Excellent in 2026. Several other schools also demonstrated improvement. Beaufort High School, H.E. McCracken Middle School and Michael C. Riley Elementary School each moved from Average to Good. Beaufort High Principal Ryan Walsh pointed to improvements in graduation rates and college and career readiness as evidence of the school's progress. "I am especially proud of raising our graduation rate for 3 straight years and our CCR rating," Walsh said. "These accomplishments demonstrate our commitment to preparing our students for success beyond high school." Whale Branch Middle School and St. Helena Elementary School each improved from Below Average to Average. Whale Branch Middle Principal Brantley Wilson said the school experienced growth across all ar-
eas measured by the state report card, including its SC READY assessment results. "This growth reflects consistent focused work from our entire staff and student body, along with crucial support from community partners," Wilson said. "We are proud of our progress last school year and committed to continued growth." St. Helena Elementary Principal Constance Goodwine-Lewis described the school's approach as one centered on relationships, encouragement and high expectations. "Together, we remove the weeds of doubt, fear, and limitation so that every learner has the opportunity to thrive," Goodwine-Lewis said. The district also reported that no school received an Unsatisfactory rating, continuing a trend that began in 2024. Academic scores continue to climb Beyond the individual school ratings, districtwide assessment results showed continued improvement in English language arts and mathematics. On the SC READY English language arts assessment, 61.9% of students in grades three through eight met or exceeded expectations in 2026, compared with 60.5% in 2025 and 55.6% in 2024. The figure represents a 17.2-percentage-point increase from 2021, when 44.7% of students met or exceeded expectations. Mathematics performance also improved, although fewer than half of students met or exceeded grade-level expectations. In 2026, 49.7% of students met or exceeded expectations in mathematics, up from 46.4% in 2025 and 44.9% in 2024. In 2021, the figure was 39.8%. Both subjects recorded their highest district-wide results since
the current SC READY assessments were introduced, according to the district. Despite the gains, the results indicate that approximately 38% of students remain below expectations in English language arts, while slightly more than half remain below expectations in mathematics. District officials attributed the improvements to instructional strategies focused on student progress and the use of assessment data to identify academic needs. "These results reflect the ongoing commitment of our educators to continuous improvement and student success," Chief Instructional Services Officer Mary Stratos said. She said the district has emphasized strengthening classroom instruction, using student performance data and aligning teaching with state academic standards. Graduation rate reaches record high The district also reported its highest state-reported four-year graduation rate, with 91.1% of students in the Class of 2026 graduating on time. The graduation rate measures the percentage of students who earn a high school diploma within four years. College and career readiness also reached a district record, with 86.7% of students meeting the state's readiness criteria. That figure exceeds the statewide rate of 78.9% reported by the South Carolina Department of Education. It also represents a substantial improvement from 2021, when 73.9% of Beaufort County students met the college or career readiness standards. The results suggest that the district's gains extend beyond standardized testing to measures of students' preparation for life after high school.
District credits teachers, staff Superintendent Frank Rodriguez credited educators, administrators, families and community partners for the district's performance. "The achievements reflected in this year's state report card are the result of a shared commitment to student success across our district," Rodriguez said. He also pointed to the district's efforts to recruit and retain teachers, including competitive salaries and reduced staffing vacancies. "Our Board of Education's commitment to maintaining competitive salaries has helped us attract and retain exceptional educators, while our recruitment efforts have continued to result in the lowest vacancy rates we have seen in years," Rodriguez said. "Having highly qualified professionals in our classrooms every day is making a meaningful difference for students across Beaufort County." While district officials celebrated the improvements, several schools continue to receive Average ratings, and districtwide mathematics proficiency remains below 50%. The results provide a picture of a district making measurable academic progress while still facing challenges in ensuring that all students meet state expectations. Families can review individual school ratings, academic performance data and other measures through the state's school report card website at SCReportCards. com. The district also plans to host school showcase events in November to introduce families to academic programs and other educational opportunities. Additional information is available at beaufortschools.net/showcase. 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.
JCSD report card ratings encouraging to leaders Carolina School Report Cards Oct. 12. The report card ratings allow families, educators and communities with information concerning school performance, student achievement, and progress toward preparing all students for success. "This year's School Report Card results are encouraging and remind us that progress is possible when we remain intentional about teaching, learning, leadership, and accountability,” Hickson said. “Our focus on learner-centered instruction, data-driven decision-making, strong instructional leadership, and collaborative professional learning is designed to strengthen classroom practices and improve student outcomes.” Over the past year, the report card ratings have either seen some improvement or remained the same from last year and none of Jasper County School District Interim Superintendent Laura the district’s schools re- Hickson said the district remains focused on quality education ceived an unsatisfactory following the recent release of school report cards. Shellie rating. The on-time gradu- Murdaugh/The Island News ation rate improved from 67 percent last year to 82.8 percent this year. The dis- from 59 percent to 70.4 per- trict has three average-rattrict’s college and career cent this year. ed schools and three bereadiness rate improved This year, the school dis- low-average schools. The
OCTOBER 29–NOVEMBER 4, 2026
three average-rated schools are Ridgeland Elementary School, Hardeeville Middle School and Hardeeville High School. The schools rated as below average include Ridgeland Middle School, Ridgeland High School and Hardeeville Elementary School. Ridgeland High School moved up from an unsatisfactory rating to a below average rating and Ridgeland Middle School was less than a point away from moving up to an average rating. Hickson said while progress is celebrated, the focus remains on teaching, learning, leadership and accountability. “Our goal is not simply to move schools out of the Unsatisfactory category or increase the number of schools rated Average,” Hickson said. “Our goal is for every school in Jasper County to achieve and sustain a Good or Excellent rating for three consecutive years.” Hickson said when the district began to concentrate on safety, quality education and transparency, its three priorities, the lead
priority of the three became quality education. “We made quality education our true focus because our kids are why we exist,” she said. “Our mission right now is to ensure we are getting high levels of growth in learning.” Hickson said intervention programs are actively underway in the district as well as an after-school program. “The main piece is interventions,” she said. “We are looking at individual assessments so that we can focus on those skills that are needed.” Hickson also encouraged parents, families and community members to review the 2026 School Report Cards in their entirety. The district’s report cards and all other districts can be found at: https://screportcards. 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 shelliemurdaugh@gmail.com.
NEWS
Sea Eagle Market moving to Salem Road
By Delayna Earley The Island News After nearly a decade at its current Boundary Street location, Sea Eagle Market is preparing to make another move, this time to the former Duke’s BBQ location on Salem Road. The longtime Beaufort seafood business will relocate from 2149 Boundary Street to 1509 Salem Road, Unit A, where it will continue operating its retail seafood market, catering business and event services. According to owner Craig Reaves, the decision comes as the business approaches the end of its 10-year lease on Boundary Street, presenting an opportunity to downsize and move into a space better suited to its current operations. "We've run our 10-year lease," Reaves said. "It's kind of ironic, but it's kind of like every 10 years or so, you know, it's kind of good to have a change and a new vibe and serve our community in a different way." The move will mark another chapter for the business, which Reaves and his family purchased in October 2007. At that time, Sea Eagle was located at 2242 Boundary Street, across the road from its current location, near Huddle House and Wendy's.
The building previously occupied by Dukes BBQ on Salem Road in Beaufort, soon to be the new location of Sea Eagle Market. Amber Hewitt/The Island News As the Boundary Street redevelopment project began taking shape, the business sold its property to the city and county for the creation of open space and relocated across the street in 2016. That move brought Sea Eagle into a roughly 5,000-square-foot building that initially housed both a restaurant and seafood market. Over time, however, the business shifted away from the restaurant model, leaving more space than was needed for its current operations. The new location, at approximately 3,000 square feet, will provide a smaller footprint while still accommodating the market and catering operations. "We had more than enough room where we were at, you know, too much
South Carolina dedicates 7th state forest
Staff reports YEMASSEE — Leaders from the S.C. Forestry Commission, Open Space Institute, Beaufort County Government, Jasper County Government, the SC Conservation Bank, the S.C. Office of Resilience and Open Land Trust today gathered to dedicate South Carolina’s newest publicly held land, Pocotaligo Station State Forest. Held on the 2,821-acre property that spans Beaufort, Hampton and Jasper counties, the dedication event officially established South Carolina’s seventh state forest and marked the culmination of a years-long collaborative conservation effort. The project conserves land that was vulnerable to development in one of the state’s fastest-growing areas and adds to an expansive patchwork of other protected, undeveloped Lowcountry properties that stretch all the way from west of Charleston to the Savannah River. “The creation of a new state forest is cause for celebration,” State Forester
Scott Phillips said in a news release. “We look forward to managing these lands for recreation, education and sustainable forestry, ensuring they continue to thrive and delight for generations to come.” Jasper County Council Chairman Joey Rowell attended the dedication event along with other local leaders to represent the county. “This is another great asset for the Lowcountry,” Rowell said. “The weather was amazing for this dedication. This isn’t just another state forest; it is a continuation of lowcountry culture.” The new state forest will provide public outdoor recreation, safeguard wildlife habitat, ensure sustainable active forest management and provide revenue for local schools. As with all SCFC-managed lands, 25 percent of revenue generated through responsible timber and pine straw sales or lease income will be paid to school districts in Beaufort, Hampton and Jasper counties, adding to the forest’s long-term benefits to the community.
PLACE YOUR LEGAL NOTICE HERE Please contact ads.theislandnews@gmail.com for more information on placing your legal notice in The Island News.
space," Reaves said. "So it is a downsize, but it gives us everything we need." One of the biggest factors in selecting the former Duke's BBQ building was its existing commercial kitchen, which will allow Sea Eagle to continue its catering and event operations without having to build a new kitchen from scratch. Reaves said finding a suitable commercial property in Beaufort was already challenging, particularly with the busy fall and winter seafood season approaching. "We needed a ready-to-go kitchen," Reaves said, explaining that the existing kitchen at Duke's made the property particularly attractive. The location also offers ample parking and convenient access to both Highway 170 and Boundary Street.
While the building will undergo some interior renovations to accommodate the seafood market, Reaves said the business is still determining what exterior changes might be possible because the property is not a single-occupant building. "We're definitely renovating the inside so far as setting it up for the market," he said. "We're just kind of making it fresh and new." Although the move is expected to happen in the coming weeks, Reaves said there is not yet a firm opening date for the new location. Ideally, he would like to have the business relocated by Nov. 1, ahead of the busy Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons, but he emphasized that the date is only a goal. Inspections, renovations and the logistics of transferring equipment from one building to another will all play a role in determining when the move can take place. Reaves said he hopes to keep the interruption to customers to a minimum, although the business will likely need to close for several days during the transition. "We would like to make this move as seamless a transition as possible," he said. Some equipment will have
to be physically removed from the Boundary Street location and installed at the new building, meaning the business cannot complete the entire move while remaining open. Reaves said he expects the closure to be brief but does not want to announce a specific date until the business is confident it can meet that timeline. In preparation for the move, Sea Eagle has already begun notifying customers that a change is coming. For the past several weeks, the business has been distributing cards announcing the upcoming relocation and collecting contact information from customers who would like to receive updates by email or text message. Reaves said maintaining communication with customers throughout the process is a priority. Despite the change in location, he emphasized that the business's seafood harvesting and supply operations will remain unchanged. Sea Eagle's working waterfront operation at 34 Hallmark Road on St. Helena Island will continue operating as usual, providing the fresh seafood that has become a staple of the business. "None of our strategic things that keep our fresh
seafood coming in is changing," Reaves said. "It's just basically the retail location is moving." For Reaves, the relocation is about more than finding a smaller building. It is an opportunity to continue serving the community while adapting to the changing needs of the business. He said the support of local customers has been essential to Sea Eagle's success over the years, and he hopes that support will follow the business to Salem Road. "We couldn't do what we do without our community," Reaves said. "We love being active in the community, and it's just real important that we try to keep the seafood industry going strong in Beaufort County." Reaves said he is looking forward to unveiling the new location and welcoming customers once the transition is complete. The Island News will provide updates as Sea Eagle announces its closing date on Boundary Street and opening date on Salem Road. 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. DECEDENT DECEDENT Michael Joseph Allen Joseph Frank Anastasia Date of Death: 8/4/2026 Date of Death: 05/17/2025 Case Number: 2026ES0701177 Case Number: 2025ES0700899
PERSONAL PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE REPRESENTATIVE Jane C. Wooten Elisa O’Connor C/O 17 Professional Village C/O 16 William Pope Drive, Ste. 202 Beaufort, SC 29907 Bluffton, SC 29909
PUB. DATE PUB. DATE 10/15/2026 08/21/2025
Sara Burns Carroll Jerry Joseph Dittle Date of Death: 10/15/2025 Date of Death: 03/01/2025 Case Number: 2026ES0701204 Case Number: 2025ES0700903
Joseph Burns Carroll Lori R. Cullen C/O P.O. BOX 2358 C/O 16 William Pope Drive, Ste. 202 Beaufort, SC 29901 Bluffton, SC 29909
10/15/2026 08/21/2025
Joyce Ulmer Collins Marguerite Anne Ford Date of Death: 8/16/2026 Date of Death: 07/01/2025 Case Number: 2026ES0701183 Case Number: 2025ES0700906
Ruby M. Chavers Michael Ralph Ford C/O 811 Craven Street C/O PO Box 5098 Beaufort, SC 29902 Hilton Head Island, SC 29938
Ann West Eversole, AKA Barbara Ann West Eversole, Anna Maria Wilhelmina La Haije Barbara West Eversole, Barbara Ann Eversole Date of Death: 07/21/2025 Date of Death: 9/22/2026 Case Number: 2025ES0700892 Case Number: 2026ES0701187
PERSONAL PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE REPRESENTATIVE Leslie K. Kern Melaine S. Smith 102 Heronwyck Plantation Drive C/O PO Box 1107 Beaufort, SC 29906 Beaufort, SC 29901
PUB. DATE DATE PUB. 10/22/2026 08/28/2025
Irene Catherine Kropiewnicki Alan Joel Michaelson; AKA Alan J. Michaelson Date of Death: 4/8/2026 Date of Death: 06/29/2025 Case Number: 2026ES0701224 Case Number: 2025ES0700944
Paul G. Kropiewnicki Catherine Grubell C/O P.O. DRAWER 6067 C/O 16 William Pope Dr., Ste. 202 Hilton Head, SC 29938 Bluffton, SC 29909
10/22/2026 08/28/2025
10/15/2026 08/21/2025
William Ray Lawson John Edward Miracle; AKA John E. Miracle Date of Death: 12/18/2025 Date of Death: 04/05/2025 Case Number: 2026ES0701254 Case Number: 2025ES0700932
Sandra Gail Lawson Geraldine G. Miracle C/O 17 Professional Village Circle C/O PO Box 5098 Beaufort, SC 29907 Hilton Head Island, SC 29938
10/22/2026 08/28/2025
Kenneth Edward Eversole Helma Franisca Cap C/O 1509 King Street 17 Brams Point Rd. Beaufort, SC 29902 Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
10/15/2026 08/21/2025
Sharon Ann Maytorena Raymond Carl Pettersen Date of Death: 5/20/2026 Date of Death: 06/09/2025 Case Number: 2026ES0701246 Case Number: 2025ES0700929
10/22/2026 08/28/2025
Rita Marie O’Brien Paul Fleming Date of Death: 07/25/2025 Date of Death: 9/2/2026 Case Number: 2025ES0700913 Case Number: 2026ES0701205
John M. O’Brien, Jr. Lenora Fleming C/O PO Drawer 1107 C/O P.O. BOX 2478 Beaufort SC 29901 Beaufort, SC 29901-2478
08/21/2025 10/15/2026
Marilyn Kolbe Olsen Jonas Willie Gadson Date of Death: 05/30/2025 Date of Death: 8/28/2026 Case Number: 2025ES0700733 Case Number: 2026ES0701197
08/21/2025 10/15/2026
Robert A. Parham, Jr. Leslie D. Gintz Date of Death: 07/09/2025 Date of Death: 6/24/2026 Case Number: 2025ES0700912 Case Number: 2026ES0700909
Connie L. Olsen Chantieria Gadson C/O 112 Executive Center 325 Charwood Circle 1 Corpus Christi Place, #112 Rochester, NY 14609 Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 V. Alex Dorobantu Christopher J. Gintz C/O 1110 Pick Pocket Plantation Dr. Ste. A 14 Black Tern Road Beaufort, SC 29902 Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
William M. Roberson, Jr. Elizabeth Harrison Purvis Grace Date of Death: 05/20/2025 Date of Death: 8/29/2026 Case Number: 2025ES0700645 Case Number: 2026ES0701185
Lacey Michelle Godec Eugene Waring Grace C/O PO Drawer 1023 509 North Street Beaufort, SC 29901 Beaufort, SC 29902
08/21/2025 10/15/2026
Andrew Gerard Schiavone, III Earthilee Jenkins Gray Date of Death: 06/09/2025 Date of Death: 10/18/2025 Case Number: 2025ES0700751 Case Number: 2026ES0701189
Melissa M. Schiavone Nathaniel M. Gray, Jr. C/O PO Drawer 1107 7110 Lindenwood Drive Beaufort, SC 29901 Corpus Christi, TX 78414
08/21/2025 10/15/2026
Ronald Gene Tune Samuel Bart Grove Date of Death: 06/30/2025 Date of Death: 7/24/2026 Case Number: 2025ES0700914 Case Number: 2026ES0701200
Rodney A. Schaake Mary Angela Grove C/O PO Box 22230 C/O 17 Professional Village Hilton Head Island, SC 29925 Beaufort, SC 29907
08/21/2025 10/15/2026
Melva Jean Shelton Wheeler Janice Louise Herr Date of Death: 07/16/2025 Date of Death: 7/11/2026 Case Number: 2025ES0700893 Case Number: 2026ES0701143
Teresa Lynn Anthony 08/21/2025 Mary Jane Tennant 10/15/2026 C/O PO Box 7906 2 Friendship Lane, Bluffton, SC 29910 Hilton Head Island, SC 29938 Michael Anthony Hoer, 100 Willow Drive, Old Tappan, NJ 07675
Charles Fain Williams Dianne Jeannette Kozakiewicz Date of Death: 07/23/2025 Date of Death: 8/31/2025 Case Number: 2025ES0700889 Case Number: 2026ES0701194
Laura Ann Richardson Robert Kozakiewicz 2662 Broad Street 349 Fripp Point Road Beaufort, SC 29902 St. Helena, SC 29920
08/21/2025 10/15/2026
Donald Simeon Zuidema; AKA Donald S. Zuidema Sandra MacDonald Long Date of Death: 04/29/2025 Date of Death: 7/20/2026 Case Number: 2025ES0700904 Case Number: 2026ES0701070
Marianne Zuidema Christopher MacDonald Long C/O 3404 Salterbeck Street, Ste. 204 35 St. Simon Drive Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466 Bluffton, SC 29910
08/21/2025 10/15/2026
Patricia Francis Crocco Marie Catherine Minger Date of Death: 07/29/2025 Date of Death: 6/27/2026 Case Number: 2025ES0700931 Case Number: 2026ES0701182
John F. Crocco Edward J. Minger, Jr. PO Box 118 C/O 23 Plantation Park Drive, Suite 503 Southport, CT 06890 Bluffton, SC 29910
08/28/2025 10/15/2026
Charles Oliver Golson III Robert Joseph Morazzano Date of Death: 09/28/2024 Date of Death: 1/6/2026 Case Number: 2024ES0701357 Case Number: 2026ES0700145
Nancy L. Golson Mark Robert Morazzano C/O 16 William Pope Dr., Ste. 202 C/O 19 Shelter Cove Lane, Suite 105 Bluffton, SC 29909 Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
08/28/2025 10/15/2026
Gladys Kline Legare Robert Michael Spack Date of Death: 04/27/2025 Date of Death: 8/30/2026 Case Number: 2025ES0700933 Case Number: 2026ES0701198
Charisse Parker Jessica Spack C/O PO Box 2478 78 Willie Cameren Way Beaufort, SC 29901-2478 Angler, NC 27501
08/28/2025 10/15/2026
Ronald Clayton Stephens Date of Death: 8/24/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701190
Betty Ann Stephens 10/15/2026 C/O POST OFFICE BOX 2473 Heather R. Galvin, Probate Judge, Beaufort County, SC Beaufort, SC 29901 Kay Elizabeth Carestia John D. Brown 10/22/2026 Date of Death: 9/27/2026 C/O POST OFFICE BOX 1727 Case Number: 2026ES0701269 Beaufort, SC 29901 Richard J. Colwell John T. Burke, III 10/22/2026 Date of Death: 8/22/2026 C/O P.O. BOX 22230 Case Number: 2026ES0701271 Hilton Head Island, SC 29925 Diana Gayle Ludwig Hunter Crider 10/22/2026 Date of Death: 9/12/2026 C/O POST OFFICE BOX 769 Case Number: 2026ES0701260 Bluffton, SC 29909 Patrick A. McKenna Mary Ellen Glaser 10/22/2026 Date of Death: 6/9/2026 C/O P.O. BOX 22230 Case Number: 2026ES0701011 Hilton Head Island, SC 29925 Darrell C. Snyder Donald Goodwine 10/22/2026 Date of Death: 11/27/2025 P.O. BOX 4284 Case Number: 2026ES0700164 Beaufort, SC 29903 Hady K. Waldron Tonia Wilson 10/22/2026 Date of Death: 7/31/2026 121 Timmerman Street, Apt. 121 Case Number: 2026ES0701263 Warrenville, SC 29851 Gloria Walker Eboni Holmes 10/22/2026 Date of Death: 5/7/2026 222 Sunnyside Avenue, Apt. B Case Number: 2026ES0701265 Charleston, SC 29403 Thomas Patterson Whitten Anne M. Kennedy 10/22/2026 Date of Death: 9/3/2026 C/O 17 Professional Village Case Number: 2026ES0701276 Beaufort, SC 29907
Lori Langley Cynthia K. Hutcheson C/O POST OFFICE DRAWER 1023 Christina R. Lesher Beaufort, SC 29901 C/O 10 Hospital Center Commons, Ste. 400 Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 Robert Knoebel 376 Cypress Court Edward Harry Tobergte Hardeeville, SC 29927 C/O PO Box 7906 Hilton Head Island, SC 29938 Teresa M. Burke 1450 Lakeshore Drive Louise Brunson Snellville, GA 30078 C/O PO Drawer 1107 Beaufort, SC 29901 Comerica Bank and Trust C/O 17 Professional Village Circle Lisa Brien Beaufort, SC 29907 C/O PO Drawer 1107 Beaufort, SC 29901 Mary Ellen Hughes C/O P.O. BOX 882 Clara Marie Emerson Bluffton, SC 29910 C/O PO Box 3435 Bluffton, SC 29910 Maria de Lourdes Cardona 3 Lilac Lane Daniel Gene Fitzgerald Bluffton, SC 29910 27187 Chippendale Ter. Salisbury, MD 21801 Lisa Schoeplein C/O 500 Stephenson Ave William Myers Hoffer, II Savannah, GA 31405 C/O 2015 Boundary St., #227 Beaufort, SC 29902 Chrisanne Lahue 38272 Bell Neck Road Melissa L. Davis Painters, VA 23420 C/O PO Drawer 1107 Beaufort, SC 29901 Danielle M. Shewmaker C/O P.O. DRAWER 14 Matthew J. Lieser Hilton Head Island, SC 29938 C/O 112 Executive Center 1 Corpus Christi Place, #112 Sherice Y. Brown Adams Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 4244 Donovan Drive Columbia, SC 29210 Janese W. Davis 180 Pearl Davis Road Rosalie D. Ashcraft Springfield, GA 31329 C/O P.O. DRAWER 1107 Beaufort, SC 29901 R. Willis Post C/O 17 Professional Village William Barr Brooks Beaufort, SC 29907 130 John Creek Road Lancaster, VA 22503 James F. Holland C/O PO Box 7906 Linda Flick Hilton Head Island, SC 29938 C/O 17 Professional Village Beaufort, SC 29907 Deborah F. Kopp C/O PO Drawer 1023 Shayondria Brown Beaufort, SC 29901 C/O P.O. DRAWER 507 Beaufort, SC 29901-0507 Kristen Rowland 310 Burnt Oak Court Atlanta, GA 30328
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Robert M. Bauer, II C/O P.O. BOX 22230 Hilton Head Island, SC 29925
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Celeste Bohyer C/O P.O. DRAWER 14 Hilton Head Island, SC 29938
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Donna S. McKenna C/O 7511 Saint Andrews Road, Ste. 3 Irmo, SC 29603
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Shirley A. Snyder C/O P.O. DRAWER 1107 Beaufort, SC 29901
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Donald L. Waldron 133 Arrow Road, #311 Hilton Head Island, SC 29928
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Michelle Johnson 3344 Junction Blvd., #5P Jackson Heights, NY 11372
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Elizabeth Whitten C/O P.O. BOX 22230 Hilton Head Island, SC 29925
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George Calvin Bryan, Jr. Date of Death: 8/12/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701214 Joan Carolyn Volz Burke AKA Joan C. Burke Date of Death: 9/15/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701237 Mary Virginia Fielder AKA Mary V. Fielder Date of Death: 7/18/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701243 Richard Neal Glaser Date of Death: 8/2/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701117 Joyce Victoria Goodwine Date of Death: 7/3/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701251 Robert Brian Haff Date of Death: 6/5/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0700873 William Edward Holmes Date of Death: 1/11/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0700862 Mark Steven Kennedy Date of Death: 7/11/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701203
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DECEDENT DECEDENT Walter Ryder Kern Frederick Ray Liles Date of Death: 2/18/2026 Date of Death: 07/05/2025 Case Number: 2026ES0701219 Case Number: 2025ES0700943
Gavin James McMahon Date of Death: 7/24/2026 Patricia Ann Wilson Case Number: 2026ES0701225 Date of Death: 07/12/2025 Case Number: 2025ES0700916 Timothy Francis Parsons, Sr. Date of Death: 9/9/2026 Mary Grey Boatwright Case Number: 2026ES0701222 Date of Death: 08/04/2025 Case Number: 2025ES0700963 Catherine Ann Pierson AKA Catherine A. Pierson Date of Death: 7/27/2026 Francis Charles Brien; AKA Francis C. Brien Case Number: 2026ES0701247 Date of Death: 07/11/2025 Case Number: 2025ES0700946 Harriet Elsie Raia Date of Death: 4/18/2026 Arthur Andrew Emerson Case Number: 2026ES0701220 Date of Death: 07/27/2025 Case Number: 2025ES0700956 Jose Antonio Soto Salazar Date of Death: 5/5/2026 Ervin Gene Fitzgerald Case Number: 2026ES0701202 Date of Death: 12/24/2024 Case Number: 2025ES0700948 Kevin Schoeplein Date of Death: 3/27/2026 Robin Raines Hoffer Case Number: 2026ES0700778 Date of Death: 04/27/2025 Case Number: 2025ES0700964 Cynthia Kay Shelton Date of Death: 9/21/2026 Stanley M. Lawson Case Number: 2026ES0701207 Date of Death: 06/21/2025 Case Number: 2025ES0700961 Linda Elizabeth Shewmaker Date of Death: 5/8/2026 Joe William Lieser Case Number: 2026ES0701233 Date of Death: 07/12/2025 Case Number: 2025ES0700857 Laura Lee Brown Speaks Date of Death: 4/24/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701226 Larry Cecil Millender Date of Death: 02/19/2025 Jeannine Lasure Taylor Case Number: 2025ES0700974 Date of Death: 6/7/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701238 Suzanne Rekate Post Date of Death: 07/21/2025 Melissa Brooks Webb Case Number: 2025ES0700962 Date of Death: 9/8/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701216 Kelly Lynn Sullivan Date of Death: 07/21/2025 Joan Eileen Wheeler Case Number: 2025ES0700954 Date of Death: 9/15/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701249 James Franklin Willard Date of Death: 07/02/2025 Laurente Norris Brown Case Number: 2025ES0700957 Date of Death: 8/20/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701257
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Heather R. Galvin, Probate Judge, Beaufort County, SC
OCTOBER 29–NOVEMBER 4, 2026
A11
ELECTION
Ballot
from page A1 Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Anyone in line at 7 p.m. will be allowed to vote, according to the South Carolina Election Commission. The races on each voter’s ballot depend on where that person lives. Before leaving home, voters should visit scVOTES.gov to confirm their precinct, polling address and sample ballot. A familiar polling location or an older voter registration card may not reflect the latest assignment. What to bring and what to expect Voters will be asked to present one current and valid qualifying photo ID: a South Carolina driver’s license; a South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles ID card, including a South Carolina concealed weapons permit; a South Carolina voter registration card with a photo; a federal military ID, including Department of Defense photo IDs and Veterans Affairs benefits cards; or a U.S. passport or passport card. Standard South Carolina licenses and DMV ID cards qualify. A REAL ID is not required. Voters who forget their qualifying photo ID may cast a provisional ballot, but must show that ID to their county voter registration and elections office before the election is certified for the ballot to count. Voters who cannot obtain a qualifying photo ID because of a reasonable impediment should bring their current non-photo voter registration card, tell a poll manager, sign the required affidavit and cast a provisional ballot. That ballot counts unless the county board finds grounds to reject the affidavit. At check-in, voters confirm their address and receive a paper ballot to insert into the ballot-marking device. After making selections, voters should review the printed ballot before inserting it into the scanner. Selecting a straight-party option does not make selections in nonpartisan races or on referendum questions. Those contests must be voted individually. Voters who cannot enter the polling place or stand in line because of a disability or being age 65 or older may qualify to vote from their vehicle. Voters who need assistance should tell a poll manager. A voter eligible for assistance may choose an assistant other than the voter’s employer, the employer’s agent, or an officer or agent of the voter’s union. Voters who have moved without updating their registration should contact their county elections office about whether failsafe voting applies. The options depend on when and where the voter moved. Absentee ballots must reach the county voter registration and elections office by 7 p.m. on Election Day. A postmark alone does not meet the deadline. Voters must sign the return-envelope oath and have their signature witnessed by someone age 18 or older – a notary is not required. Photo ID is required for in-person returns, and anyone returning another voter’s ballot must follow the authorized-returnee requirements. Federal and statewide races The following statewide candidates are running for offices that will appear on ballots in both Beaufort and Jasper Counties. Party affiliations appear in parentheses. Governor and lieutenant governor: Michael Addison and Candace Brewer (United Citizens); Walid Hakim and Arnold E. Karr (Green); Jermaine Johnson and Sam Skardon (Democratic); Alan Wilson and Mike Reichenbach (Republican). Secretary of state: Jason Belton (Democratic); Mark Hammond (Republican). State treasurer: Vincent Coe (Democratic); Curtis Loftis (Republican). Attorney general: Richard Hricik (Democratic); David Stumbo (Republican). Comptroller general: Tiffany Boozer (Democratic); Mike Burkhold (Republican). State superintendent of edu-
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Board of Education Seven Beaufort County school The Island News began its board races are nonpartisan: election reporting before District 2: Genie R. Brainerd; expanding its coverage area to include Jasper County and all Christopher Dantzler. of Beaufort County. As a result, District 3: Cynthia Gregoour more extensive candidate ry-Smalls; William Smith; Willie reporting has focused on races appearing on ballots in northern Turral. Beaufort County. This guide District 4: Dee Matthews; Anincludes races and polling gela Stephens. locations throughout both District 5: Victor Ney; Gwyneth counties, with candidate and precinct information drawn J. Saunders. from scVOTES as of Monday, District 7: David Carr; Adrian Oct. 26, 2026. Lewis. District 8: Carlton Dallas; Kate cation: Baba Amin Ojuok (United Nolan. District 10: Melvin P. CampCitizens); Ellen Weaver (Republibell; Elizabeth Hey; Gene Meyers. can); Sylvia Wright (Democratic). Commissioner of agriculture: DeShawn Blanding (Democratic); Soil and water and public Chris Nelums (United Citizens); service districts These races are nonpartisan. Cody Simpson (Republican); MiPublic service district contests chael Sullens (Libertarian). U.S. Senate: Annie Andrews appear only on the ballots of vot(Democratic); Darline Graham ers eligible to participate in those (Republican); Mark Hackett (Con- districts. Soil and Water District Comstitution); Kasie Whitener (Libermission: Daniel Lesesne Jr., unoptarian). Congressional contests serving posed. Hilton Head Public Service the two counties are: U.S. House, District 1: Jenny District, District 1: Ibrahim AbCosta Honeycutt (Republican); dul Malik; Lola Campbell. Hilton Head Public Service Nancy Lacore (Democratic); Bill District, District 5: Michael J. Reeside (Libertarian). U.S. House, District 6: James E. Marks; Tim Smith. Hilton Head Public Service “Jim” Clyburn (Democratic); John District, District 7: Frank Turano, Peterson (Republican). Beaufort County is in Congres- unopposed. Fripp Island Public Service sional District 1. Jasper County inCommission: Gregory S. Counts; cludes portions of Districts 1 and Daniel S. Robinson. 6. EDITOR’S NOTE
South Carolina House of Representatives The state House races serving Beaufort and Jasper counties are: District 118: Bill Herbkersman (Republican); Bernie Scolaro (Democratic). District 120: Weston Newton (Republican); Debbie Subera-Wiggin (Democratic). District 121: Shannon N. DeLoach (Democratic); Shelley Gay Yuhas (Republican). District 122: Bill Hager (Republican); Korey Williams (Democratic). District 123: Jeff Bradley (Republican); Ann C. Shippy (Democratic). District 124: Shauna Bishop (Democratic); Shannon Erickson (Republican). Districts 118, 121 and 124 include portions of Beaufort County. Districts 120, 122 and 123 include portions of both Beaufort and Jasper counties. Voters vote only in the district assigned to their residential address. Beaufort County races The Island News has published candidate questionnaires covering Beaufort City Council, Beaufort County sheriff, auditor and treasurer, County Council Districts 2, 4 and 5, and school board Districts 2, 3, 4 and 5. The sheriff’s contest pits Republican Doug Seifert against Democrat Alphonso Small Jr. Other countywide races include contests for auditor and treasurer, while Heather Galvin is the only active candidate listed for probate judge. Sheriff: Doug Seifert (Republican); Alphonso Small Jr. (Democratic). Probate judge: Heather Galvin (Republican), unopposed. Auditor: David Cadd (Republican); Carletha Frazier (Democratic). County treasurer: Scott Songer (Democratic); Maria Walls (Republican). County Council Eight Beaufort County Council seats are on the ballot. The active candidates are: District 2: David Bartholomew (Republican), unopposed. District 4: Michael “JD” Andersen (Republican), unopposed. District 5: Lynn Gerson (Democratic); Joshua Hower (Republican). District 6: Carolyn Fournier (Democratic); Anna Maria “Tab” Tabernik (Republican). District 8: Kraig Gordon (Republican); Trey Judy (Democratic). District 9: Mark Lawson (Republican); Jannine Mutterer (Democratic). District 10: John Casey (Republican); Travis Ludwig-Hodges (Democratic). District 11: Elizabeth Galloway (Republican), unopposed.
OCTOBER 29–NOVEMBER 4, 2026
Jasper County races Jasper County voters will decide contested races for probate judge and auditor, and choose between two candidates for County Council’s Robertville Township seat. Republican Gene Ceccarelli is unopposed for the Coosawhatchie Township seat, and Republican Michael T. Skinner, known as Mike Skinner, is unopposed for county treasurer. The Robertville contest will fill the seat held by Chris VanGeison, who did not file for reelection, according to reporting by The Island News. The candidates in Jasper County’s local races are: Probate judge: Dixie S. Ford (Republican); Albert Buster Kleckley Jr. (Democratic). Auditor: LaVonnia Von Aiken Fisher-Brown (Democratic); Megan Carroll Horton (Republican). County treasurer: Michael T. Skinner (Republican), unopposed. County Council, Robertville Township: Camika Beaton (Democratic); Sam Woodward (Republican). County Council, Coosawhatchie Township: Gene Ceccarelli (Republican), unopposed. Soil and Water District Commission: L. Grover Smith III; Stan Wells. The two soil and water candidates are seeking two seats. Those races are nonpartisan. Municipal elections Beaufort City Council Four candidates are seeking two at-large seats: Thad E. Lane, Jared Madison, Josh Scallate and Grady Woods. The election is nonpartisan. Scallate is seeking another term; Councilman Mike McFee did not file for reelection. Hardeeville City Council Three candidates are seeking two seats: Steve Fier, Valarie Guzman and Landon Papay. Guzman is the incumbent among the three candidates, according to reporting by The Island News. The election is nonpartisan. Hilton Head Island The town’s nonpartisan municipal election includes the mayor’s office and Town Council seats in Wards 2, 4 and 5. Mayor: Dave Ferguson, Alan Perry and Palmer E. Simmons. Town Council, Ward 2: Patsy Brison and Josh Peeples. Town Council, Ward 4: Tamara Becker and Rick Ross. Town Council, Ward 5: Chuck Dowd, David Ellis and Rob Guthrie. The mayor is elected townwide, while council members are elected by voters in their wards. Beaufort County transportation questions Beaufort County voters will also answer two related transportation questions, each with a separate yes-or-no vote. Question 1 asks whether to ap-
prove a 1% special sales and use tax for transportation projects, lasting no longer than nine years or until $780 million is collected, whichever comes first. The proposal allocates an estimated $326 million for intersection and safety projects, $205 million for widening projects and $249 million for resurfacing and dirt-road paving. Question 2 asks whether to authorize up to $450 million in general obligation bonds, maturing over no more than nine years and payable from the sales tax described in Question 1, to fund projects in those categories. Where to vote: Beaufort County The following list includes every geographic precinct as posted to scVOTES as of Oct. 26. Precincts sharing a polling place are grouped together. All addresses are in South Carolina. Confirm your assignment at scVOTES.gov before traveling to your polling place. Beaufort 1, Beaufort 2, Beaufort 3: USCB Boundary St. Gymnasium, 1100 Boundary St., Beaufort, SC 29902. Belfair 1, Belfair 2: Belfair Sports & Lifestyle Campus, 1 Union Court, Bluffton, SC 29910. Bluffton 1A: Red Cedar Elementary School, 10 Box Elder St., Bluffton, SC 29910. Bluffton 1B, Bluffton 3, Bluffton 5E: Bluffton Library, 120 Palmetto Way, Bluffton, SC 29910. Bluffton 1C, Bluffton 5D: Bluffton Recreation Center Gymnasium, 61 Ulmer Road, No. A, Bluffton, SC 29910. Bluffton 1D: Rotary Community Center at Oscar Frazier Park, 11 Recreation Court, Bluffton, SC 29910. Bluffton 2A, Bluffton 2E: Bluffton Middle School Gymnasium, 30 New Mustang Drive, Bluffton, SC 29910. Bluffton 2B, Sandy Pointe: H.E. McCracken Middle School, 250 H.E. McCracken Circle, Bluffton, SC 29910. Bluffton 2C, Bluffton 2F: The Barn at New Riverside, 30 Red Barn Drive, Bluffton, SC 29910. Bluffton 2D: Pritchardville Elementary School, 9447 Evan Way, Bluffton, SC 29910. Bluffton 4A: Waterside at Pepper Hall Club House, 142 Pasture St., Okatie, SC 29909. Bluffton 4B, Bluffton 4E, Bluffton 6B: Bluffton High School Gymnasium, 12 H.E. McCracken Circle, Bluffton, SC 29910. Bluffton 4C, Buckwalter 1, Buckwalter 2: Parkside Amenity at Hampton Lake — The Barn, 161 Flatwater Drive, Bluffton, SC 29910. Bluffton 4D: Buckwalter Recreation Center, 905 Buckwalter Parkway, Bluffton, SC 29910. Bluffton 4F, Bluffton 5B: St. Gregory the Great Parish Life Center, 32 Saint Gregory Drive, Bluffton, SC 29909. Bluffton 5A, Bluffton 6A: River Ridge Academy, 3050 River Ridge Drive, Bluffton, SC 29910. Bluffton 5C: First Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 10 Robertson St., Bluffton, SC 29910. Bluffton 7A, Bluffton 7B: May River High School Athletic Foyer, 601 New Riverside Road, Bluffton, SC 29910. Burton 1A: Broad River Elementary School, 474 Broad River Blvd., Beaufort, SC 29906. Burton 1B: Battery Creek High School, 1 Blue Dolphin Drive, Beaufort, SC 29906. Burton 1C: Habersham Park House, 2 Habersham Park, Beaufort, SC 29906. Burton 1D: Joseph S. Shanklin Elementary School, 121 Morrall Drive, Beaufort, SC 29906. Burton 2A, Burton 5B: Community Bible Church, 638 Parris Island Gateway, Beaufort, SC 29906. Burton 2B, Burton 5A: Shell Point Baptist Church, 871 Parris Island Gateway, Beaufort, SC 29906. Burton 2C: Love House Ministries, 423 Parris Island Gateway, Beaufort, SC 29906. Burton 2D: Garden Oaks Clubhouse, 2000 Salem Road, Beaufort, SC 29902. Burton 3A: Robert Smalls Leadership Academy, 43 W.K. Alston Drive, Beaufort, SC 29906. Burton 3B: New Hope Christian Church, 67 Parris Island Gateway, Beaufort, SC 29906. Burton 4: Burton Wells Recreation Center, 1 Middleton Rec
Drive, Beaufort, SC 29906. Chechessee 1: River Club of Callawassie, 201 Callawassie Drive, Okatie, SC 29909. Chechessee 2, Riverbend 1, Riverbend 2: Okatie Elementary School Gymnasium, 53 Cherry Point Road, Okatie, SC 29909. Chechessee 3: Thomas C. Barnwell Administrative Building, 721 Okatie Highway, Okatie, SC 29909. Dale Lobeco: James J. Davis Early Childhood Center, 354 Keans Neck Road, Seabrook, SC 29940. Daufuskie: Jane Hamilton School, 44 Old Haig Point Road, Daufuskie Island, SC 29915. Hilton Head 10, Spanish Wells: Grace Community Church, 450 Spanish Wells Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926. Hilton Head 11: USCB Hilton Head Campus, Room 115, 1 Sand Shark Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928. Hilton Head 12: The Seabrook, 300 Woodhaven Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928. Hilton Head 13: Providence Presbyterian Church, 171 Cordillo Parkway, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928. Hilton Head 14, Hilton Head 15A, Hilton Head 15B: Sea Pines Community Center, 71 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928. Hilton Head 1A, Hilton Head 5C: Christ Redeemer Presbyterian Church, 235 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926. Hilton Head 1B, Hilton Head 4D: Hilton Head School for Creative Arts, 10 Bus Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926. Hilton Head 2A: Indigo Pines, 110 Gardner Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926. Hilton Head 2B: First African Baptist Church, 70 Beach City Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926. Hilton Head 2C, Hilton Head 2E: Indigo Hall Facility, Indigo Run, 103 Berwick Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926. Hilton Head 2D: Hilton Head Library, 11 Beach City Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926. Hilton Head 3: Palmetto Hall Golf Club, 108 Fort Howell Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926. Hilton Head 4A: Dolphin Head Recreation Center, 171 Dolphin Head Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926. Hilton Head 4B: The Cypress Club, 20 Lady Slipper Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926. Hilton Head 4C, Hilton Head 5A, Hilton Head 5B: Plantation House, 235 Seabrook Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29926. Hilton Head 6: Port Royal Beach House, 45 S. Port Royal Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928. Hilton Head 7A: Palmetto Dunes POA Conference Room, 16 Queens Folly Road, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928. Hilton Head 7B: Arts Center of Coastal Carolina, 14 Shelter Cove Lane, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928. Hilton Head 7C: Christ Lutheran Church, 829 William Hilton Parkway, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928. Hilton Head 8: St. Luke’s Church, 50 Pope Ave., Hilton Head Island, SC 29928. Hilton Head 9A, Hilton Head 9C: TidePointe, A Vi Community, 700 Tidepointe Way, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928. Hilton Head 9B: Long Cove Club, 399 Long Cove Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928. Hilton Head 9D: Wexford Golf Club, 111 Wexford Club Drive, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928. Lady’s Island 1A: Grace Chapel A.M.E. Church, 10 Holly Hall Road, Beaufort, SC 29907. Lady’s Island 1B: Sea Island Presbyterian Church, 81 Ladys Island Drive, Beaufort, SC 29907. Lady’s Island 2A, Lady’s Island 4C: Coosa Elementary School, 45 Middle Road, Beaufort, SC 29907. Lady’s Island 2B, Lady’s Island 2C, Lady’s Island 2D: David Smith Community Center, 140 Coosaw River Drive, Beaufort, SC 29907. Lady’s Island 3A, Lady’s Island 3C: Tidal Creek Fellowship, 290 Brickyard Point Road S., Beaufort, SC 29907.
SEE BALLOT PAGE A13
ELECTION
Beaufort, Jasper voters report touchscreen selection problems
Beaufort County warns voters about false claims online County election officials say claims that poll workers will mark ballots to disqualify votes are false
Election officials urge careful ballot review
By Delayna Earley and Shellie Murdaugh The Island News With the Nov. 3 general election approaching, voters in Beaufort and Jasper counties are reporting difficulty making their intended selections on voting touchscreens, while election officials are also working to counter misinformation circulating on social media about how ballots are handled and counted. Some voters have described repeated attempts to correct highlighted choices before moving forward with their ballots, including instances in which selecting one candidate or political party appeared to highlight another. The local accounts come as voters in Florida, Kansas, Ohio, Tennessee and Texas have reported similar touchscreen selection difficulties. An Oct. 22 Associated Press report documented complaints in Kansas, Ohio, Tennessee and Texas alongside South Carolina. In Florida, the Jacksonville Florida Times-Union reported Oct. 23 that Duval County's elections supervisor had received four complaints as of Oct. 22. The report also described similar concerns in Palm Beach County. Duval's supervisor attributed the difficulties to fingers or fingernails touching unintended areas of the screen. In Texas, Bexar County Elections Administrator Michele Carew said in an Oct. 23 statement that her office was monitoring complaints and communicating with the voting machine manufacturer to determine whether action was needed, Texas Public Radio reported.
it had not seen an unusual increase in reports of voting machine problems, but its updated guidance addressed a specific concern: Pressing the small box beside a candidate or party name can highlight the choice above it instead. “Voters should push the large box with the candidate or party's name in it,” the commission said in a statement circulated by Beaufort County election officials Oct. 22. “Pressing the little box on the left, can cause the box above the intended selection to be highlighted instead.” Mary Jeans Otto said she encountered that difficulty while voting at the Bluffton Library. Otto, who ran for the Beaufort County Council District 5 seat in the June 9 primary, told The Island News she tried to make a Democratic selection by pressing the small box beside it, but a Libertarian choice above it was highlighted instead. In a recorded call to Beaufort County's voter registration and elections office, Otto said the wrong choice appeared three times before she obtained her intended selection on a fourth attempt. “Were you pressing the little box?” an employee answering the county call asked. After Otto said yes, the employee explained: “You have to actually press the candidate's name that you want because if you press the little box, it selects one above it.” Otto said she believed she had followed the instructions and wanted officials to tell voters specifically where to touch the screen. “They’re giving us bad Voters describe selection instructions,” Otto said in problems her interview with The IsIn an Oct. 22 statement, land News. “Of course, peothe South Carolina State ple should check [their balElection Commission said lot]. That's common sense.”
Ballot
from page A12 Lady’s Island 3B: The Retreat at Lady’s Island, 9 Sunset Blvd., Beaufort, SC 29907. Lady’s Island 4A: Lady’s Island Middle School, 30 Cougar Drive, Beaufort, SC 29907. Lady’s Island 4B: Lady’s Island Elementary School, 73 Chowan Creek Bluff Road, Beaufort, SC 29907. Moss Creek, Moss Creek 2: Moss Creek Bostwick Pavilion, 341 Moss Creek Drive, Bluffton, SC 29910. Mossy Oaks 1A: Cornerstone Christian Church, 2301 First Blvd., Beaufort, SC 29902. Mossy Oaks 1B: Beaufort Middle School, 2501 Mossy Oaks Road, Beaufort, SC 29902. Mossy Oaks 2: Mossy Oaks Elementary School, 2510 Mossy Oaks Road, Beaufort, SC 29902. New River 1, New River 3: Mill Creek Amenity Center, Okatie Room, 140 Colvin Drive, Bluffton, SC 29909. New River 2, Pritchardville 1: Maye River Baptist Church, 3507 Okatie Highway, Bluffton, SC 29909.
Other voters have described similar experiences. In a local Facebook discussion, one voter reported that an attempt to select a straight-party ticket highlighted a different party instead. The voter wrote that repeated attempts to change the selection did not work and that the ballot was canceled and restarted. Another commenter described an unintended straight-party selection that was corrected before proceeding. A third reported difficulty selecting intended answers to tax questions at the St. Helena library and said repeated attempts were needed to correct them. Jasper County reports similar complaints Early voting in Jasper County has also produced reports of touchscreen selection difficulties. Jasper County Board of Elections and Voter Registration Director Jeanine Bostick said she had received at least three calls as of Oct. 23 from voters reporting problems with their selections. “I did get some phone calls from at least three people who said they had that issue and we have made the state aware of it,” Bostick said. Bostick encouraged voters to carefully review their selections before submitting their ballots, noting that the voting process provides opportunities to check choices before a vote is finalized. “You have chances to review the ballot before it is submitted and a printed copy also shows the voters their selections before it is finalized,” she said. The State Election Commission has emphasized the same precautions. “We commonly receive some of these reports during elections, particularly statewide elections with
Palmetto Bluff: Palmetto Bluff POA Meeting Room, 550 Old Palmetto Bluff Road, Bluffton, SC 29910. Port Royal 1, Port Royal 2: Port Royal Town Hall, 700 Paris Ave., Port Royal, SC 29935. Rose Hill 1, Rose Hill 2: Colleton Point Club House, 1 Pavillion Point Drive, Bluffton, SC 29910. Seabrook 1: Beaufort County Public Works, 120 Shanklin Road, Beaufort, SC 29906. Seabrook 2: Whale Branch Middle School, 2009 Trask Parkway, Seabrook, SC 29940. Seabrook 3: Grays Hill Fire Department Station 82, 14 Bruce K. Smalls Drive, Beaufort, SC 29906. Sheldon 1: Elijah Washington Medical Center, 211 Paige Point Road, Sheldon, SC 29941. Sheldon 2: Booker T. Washington Community Center, 182 Booker T. Washington Circle, Yemassee, SC 29945. St. Helena 1A: Saint Helena Branch Library, 6355 Jonathan Francis Sr. Road, Saint Helena Island, SC 29920. St. Helena 1B: Scott Community Center, 242 Scott Hill Road, St. Helena Island, SC 29920. St. Helena 1C, St. Helena 1D: Dataw Community Center, 43 Marina Drive, Saint Helena Island, SC 29920.
high turnout,” the commission said. “We encourage all voters to be careful in making their selections and to review their ballot before it is cast.” Officials address ballot misinformation Separate from the touchscreen complaints, Beaufort County election officials have warned residents about misinformation circulating on social media regarding whether marks made by poll workers could invalidate ballots. According to a statement released by Beaufort County, social media posts have falsely claimed that poll workers will write on voters' ballots, causing those ballots to be disqualified. County officials said those claims are not true. While poll managers are not permitted to write on or make marks on a voter's ballot, officials emphasized that an accidental mark would not automatically invalidate it. According to the county, the voting system would still scan the ballot, and the voter's selections would be counted according to established election procedures. The Beaufort County Board of Voter Registration and Elections is encouraging residents to be cautious about election-related information shared on social media and to rely on official sources when questions arise about voting procedures. What voters should know before casting a ballot South Carolina uses ballot-marking devices that allow voters to make selections electronically before printing a paper ballot. That paper ballot is then inserted into a separate scanner for counting. The paper ballots are retained for verification and audits, according to the State Election Commission. Election officials advise
St. Helena 2A: Saint Helena Elementary School, 1025 Sea Island Parkway, St. Helena Island, SC 29920. St. Helena 2B: Gloria Potts Community Center, 130 Seaside Road, St. Helena Island, SC 29920. St. Helena 2C: Fripp Island Community Center, 205 Tarpon Blvd., Fripp Island, SC 29920. Sun City 1, Sun City 2, Sun City 7, Sun City 8, Sun City 10: Pinckney Hall, 114 Sun City Lane, Bluffton, SC 29909. Sun City 3, Sun City 4, Sun City 5, Sun City 6, Sun City 9: Magnolia Hall, 118 Sun City Lane, Bluffton, SC 29909. County-wide Barrier-Free: 15 John Galt Road, Beaufort, SC 29906. Barrier Free polling places are for use of physically handicapped voters. Where to vote: Jasper County The following geographic precincts and addresses come from SCVotes website as of Oct. 26. All addresses are in South Carolina. Coosawhatchie: Coosawhatchie Baptist Church, 3853 Morgan Dollar Road, Coosawhatchie, SC 29912. Gillisonville: Gillisonville Baptist Church Social Hall, 10158 Grays Highway, Ridgeland, SC 29936.
voters to review their choices on the touchscreen before printing their ballots and then check the printed version before inserting it into the scanner. If a printed ballot contains an incorrect selection, voters should notify a poll manager so the ballot can be spoiled and replaced. Once a ballot has been cast in the scanner, it cannot be changed. Voters experiencing difficulty with a ballot-marking device should ask a poll manager for assistance before casting their ballot. The commission's updated guidance also advises voters to press the larger box containing the candidate's or party's name rather than the smaller selection box beside it. Although election officials have acknowledged receiving reports of unintended selections, the statements reviewed do not establish that votes were changed after ballots were cast or that the reported touchscreen difficulties resulted in incorrectly counted votes. Voters seeking additional information about South Carolina's election procedures can visit scVOTES. gov or contact their local elections office. The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3. 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 shelliemurdaugh@gmail.com.
Grahamville 1: Anglican Church Parrish, 2718 Bees Creek Road, Ridgeland, SC 29936. Grahamville 2: Mt. Carmel Baptist Center, 3763 Bees Creek Road, Highway 13, Ridgeland, SC 29936. Grays: Pine Level Baptist Church Social Hall, 2009 Pinelevel Church Road, Early Branch, SC 29916. Hardeeville 1: St. Stephen Social Hall, 710 Main St., Hardeeville, SC 29927. Hardeeville 2: Fisher Chapel U.M. Church, 445 Church Road, Highway 46, Hardeeville, SC 29927. Hardeeville 3: Hilton Head Lakes Amenity Center, 2000 Club Way, Hardeeville, SC 29927. Levy: Levy-Limehouse Community Center, 470 Mitchells Court, Hardeeville, SC 29927. Margaritaville: Margaritaville Lake Club, 300 Harborside Drive, Hardeeville, SC 29927. Okatie 1: BJWSA Community Room, 6 Snake Road, Okatie, SC 29909. Okatie 2: Okatee Baptist Church Education Building, 5467 N. Okatie Highway, Ridgeland, SC 29936. Pineland: Robertville Community Center, 9731 Cotton Hill Road, Pineland, SC 29934.
By Delayna Earley The Island News With the Nov. 3 general election approaching, Beaufort County election officials are warning voters about misinformation circulating on social media regarding how ballots are handled at polling places. According to a statement released by Beaufort County, social media posts have falsely claimed that poll workers will write on voters' ballots, causing those ballots to be disqualified. County officials say those claims are not true. While poll managers are not permitted to write on or make marks on a voter's ballot, officials emphasized that an accidental mark would not automatically invalidate a ballot. According to the county, the voting system would still scan the ballot, and the voter's selections would be counted according to established election procedures. The Beaufort County Board of Voter Registration and Elections is encouraging residents to be cautious about election-related information shared on social media and to rely on official sources when questions arise about voting procedures. Voters seeking accurate information about South Carolina's election process can visit scVOTES.gov or contact their local elections office. The general election is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3. 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 VOTER REMINDER Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3! Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. For official election information, polling locations and sample ballots, visit scVOTES.gov.
Ridgeland 1, Ridgeland 2, Ridgeland 3: Kingdom Touch Ministries Gymnasium, 6714 Tillman Road, Ridgeland, SC 29936. Sun City: SCHH Lakehouse, 1251 Sgt. William Jasper Blvd., Bluffton, SC 29909. Tillman: St. Matthew Baptist Church Social Hall, 1454 Tillman Road, Ridgeland, SC 29936. County-wide Barrier-Free and Absentee Precinct: Jasper County Board of Elections and Voter Registration office, 1506 Grays Highway, Ridgeland, SC 29936. For the latest polling assignment, an individual sample ballot or election results after polls close, visit scVOTES.gov. 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 shelliemurdaugh@gmail.com.
OCTOBER 29–NOVEMBER 4, 2026
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Lowcountry Children’s Book Fair Returns to Bluffton Staff reports Young readers and their families are invited to celebrate the joy of reading at the ninth annual Lowcountry Children’s Book Fair from 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 14, at Tanger 1 in Bluffton. This free community event will bring together 16 children’s authors from across the Southeast for an afternoon of author visits, interactive storytimes, and book signings. The book fair kicks off a full day of activities at Tanger 1 as the featured event of Tanger Outlets’ Tree Lighting Celebration. It offers families an opportunity to discover new books, meet the authors behind them, and get personalized gifts for young readers. This year’s featured local author is Ann Lilly, creator of the enormously popular Scoot series. Lilly will host interactive storytimes featuring her new holiday book, “Scoot’s Coastal Christmas,” at 1:30, 3, and 4 p.m. The Lowcountry Children’s Book Fair will also showcase authors from the southeast. The list includes: Kelly Byrd, Rebecca Bruff, Judy Drew Fairchild, Angela May, Katherine Robinson, Mary T. Jacobs, Kate Devlin, Doug Snelson, Helen Wilbur, and others. South Carolina’s only children’s book publisher, Lucky Rabbit Publishing, will also participate with their featured author Meredith Walker. The Lowcountry Children’s Book Fair is presented by The Storybook Shoppe, the non-profit Pat Conroy Literary Center, and Tanger Outlets. WANT TO GO? What: Ninth annual Lowcountry Children’s Book Fair When: 1 to 5 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 14 Where: Tanger 1, 1256 Fording Island Road, Bluffton
The 47th Pleasin’ Season! USCB Chamber Music returns
By Michael Johns USCB Chamber Music’s 47th season kicks off at 5 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026, and it promises to be a great musical exploration featuring Artistic Director, pianist, and effusive host Andrew Armstrong’s usual blend of established and rising chamber music artists and classical masterpieces spanning centuries and continents are certain to delight. Together they ensure the CFA pulsates with bold, insightful performances coupled with youthful exuberance. Armstrong’s stewardship of the series has built on the legacy he inherited and raised it to new levels: the new season is our second season of all seats sold out by subscription. Now entering his sixth season as sole Artistic Director, Armstrong has put his stamp on USCB Chamber Music by introducing new composers, compositions, concerts, and instruments while continuing to honor the great works of the chamber music repertoire, re-engage audience-favorite performers, and unveil polished young artists. New patrons and decades-long subscribers have been amazed and charmed by his wit and ready smile, dazzling piano technique, and soul-searching expressive capacity. An outspoken advocate for the communicative power of instrumental music to excite, soothe, educate, heal, and bring us together, Armstrong believes the chamber-music genre gives voice to feelings words cannot communicate and its transformative power is most deeply experienced in the communal environment of live performance. If you can secure a
Interested in joining LWS? Email contact@lowcountrywindsymphony.com.
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Who: USCB Chamber Music What: First concert of the season When: 5 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 15, 2026 Where: USCB Center for the Arts, 805 Carteret Street, Beaufort Tickets: For concerts, artists, events, OLLI, and ticket information, go to www.uscbchambermusic. com or call 843-208-8246, Monday through Friday.
seat this season, you will most likely leave the hall a devotee! Joining Armstrong to start the season will be violinist Geneva Lewis, “clearly one to watch” (Musical America), violist Emad Zolfaghari, “enthralling young viola soloist overflowing with imagination and conviction” (Violin Channel), frequent guests cellist Raphael Bell, and bassist Marguerite Cox. The new year continues on Jan. 10, 2027, with percussionist I-Jen Fang “intrepid percussionist” (Fanfare Magazine) and returning pianist Orion Weiss. Feb. 7, 2027, features violinist Simone Porter “on the cusp of a major career” (LA Times). March 7, 2027, brings a gaggle of winds: flutist Sooyun Kim, “a rare virtuoso of the flute” (Libération), oboist Elizabeth Koch Tiscione, (principal oboe of Atlanta Symphony at age 21), returning clarinetist Yoonah Kim, bassoonist Harrison Hollingsworth, (Principal Bassoon, New York City Ballet Orchestra), and hornist David Byrd-Marrow “stunning and assured” (New York Times). These artists will also be Armstrong’s guest on the fourth annual Chil-
dren’s Concert on Saturday, March 6. Invite your children and grandchildren; even better, invite yourself and some young people. The $25 adult tickets for this hour of music and conversation give you an opportunity to discover the artists and music this Series brings to Beaufort. April 4, 2027, features violinist Nathan Meltzer, (prize winner in Concert Artist Guild, Sibelius, and Singapore Violin Competitions), and cellist Brannon Cho “burnished tone, spellbinding technique, and probing musical mind” (Boston Classical Review). The first concert, at 5 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 15, has tuneful whimsy, lush elegance, captivating delicacy, trance-like contemplation, and a perfectly crafted, much beloved work that exquisitely blends classical balance and order with romantic spontaneity and ardor. Valse Miniature, Serge Koussevitzky's delightful double bass show-piece, leads off. Rebecca Clarke’s spritely, passionate, and heroic Viola Sonata (1918), is filled with the woodland warmth of Vaughn-Williams, piquant harmonies of Debussy and Ravel, and sturdy character of its composer. It is now a viola recital staple. Two short pieces, Nocturne and Cantique by sisters Lili and Nadia Boulanger offer peace and reflection. Arvo Pärt is an Estonian composer of classical and sacred music. Fratres (1977) for violin and piano has a meditative tempo, spare texture, and mystical, chant-like sense of suspension. The second half is reserved for Franz Schubert’s piano-and-strings Quintet in A Major, “Trout,” one of his most sublime and
warmhearted instrumental works. Melodies are tuneful, almost rustic, and shared by all, as if in friendly conversation. The “Trout” Quintet’s most compelling aspect, however, is its overarching spirit of good cheer, contented peace of mind, warm sunshine, and youthful optimism. From November to April, this stunning array of 15 talented performers who have been lauded by peers, hailed by media reviewers and competition committees, and awarded positions of stature in ensembles, orchestras, and music schools will provide live and virtual ticket holders with a memorable season of classical music. There are three ways to enjoy each concert: in person at the Arts Center and virtually by Live-Stream and OnDemand. All virtual concerts are professionally produced. Great viewing opportunities abound; it is the closest, most intimate seat in the house! On the Wednesday before each concert, live and virtual ticket holders receive an email with a link to Sunday’s concert. OnDemand is accessible four days after the concert and available to view at your leisure for three weeks. Each Friday before a concert, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) presents Inside the Music, a two-hour, general audience, deep dive into Sunday's repertoire. Michael Johns provides multiple recorded excerpts and commentary, acclimating listeners to what they will hear on Sunday. Classes are free and open to the public. For concerts, artists, events, OLLI, and ticket information, go to www.uscbchambermusic.
GENEVA LEWIS NOVEMBER 15
ORION WEISS JANUARY 10
SIMONE PORTER FEBRUARY 7
DAVID BYRD-MARROW MARCH 7
BRANNON CHO APRIL 4
com or call 843-208-8246, Monday through Friday. The first concert of the season is Sunday, November 15, 2026, at 5:00 pm at the USCB Center for the Arts, 805 Carteret Street, Beaufort, in the downtown historic district.
Beaufort Art Association hosting All Member Show
Lowcountry Wind Symphony hosting Veteran’s Day Concerts Staff reports The Lowcountry Wind Symphony invites the public to its 11th annual free Veteran’s Concerts honoring America’s heroes. Experience music that blends patriotism and tradition. The program features “Purple Heart,” composed by David Shaffer, “Band of Brothers,” composed by Michael Kamen, and patriotic classics including “Chester,” “Nimrod,” and marches by Karl L. King and Edwin Franko Goldman and more. Together, we will explore “What is Musically Possible!” LWS is a non-profit wind symphony, made up of some 70 amateur and professional volunteer brass, woodwind, and percussion players from the greater Beaufort and Bluffton area. There will be three performances: • 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, Beaufort High School, 84 Sea Island Parkway, Beaufort. • 3 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, Bluffton High School, 12 H.E. McCracken Circle, Bluffton. • 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, Carolina Room, 100 Dataw Drive, Dataw Island (DIC Members/Guests Only).
WANT TO GO?
Artist Linda Tully
Artist Armando Barajas
OCTOBER 29–NOVEMBER 4, 2026
Special to The Island News Kick off the holiday season with Beaufort Art Association’s annual All Member Show. Start your shopping early or treat yourself to that special piece created by local artists from the Beaufort area. An opening reception on First Friday, Nov. 6, will celebrate “The Best of Beaufort Art.” The BAA’s November/December exhibit highlights art from its general members, many of whom are professional artists who support BAA but are not regular exhibiting artists in the Gallery. In addition to established artists, the general members include emerging artists in a variety of mediums and styles. BAA will also showcase new art from more than 60 of its local exhibiting artists, including 2-D paintings and photography and 3-D works of jewelry, pottery, metal, sculpture, stained glass, and wood. More than 20 years ago, BAA opened its first gallery on Port Republic Street, moving a few years later to the Elliott House on Bay Street. Today, BAA’s home is at 913 Bay Street in an expansive space that showcases some of the best art in the Lowcountry, with many types of art and artists represented and exhibits changing every two months. The nonprofit organization strives to encourage, support, and provide opportunities for the artistic growth of its members. Looking ahead to the weekend before Thanksgiving, Nov. 19-21, BAA will participate in the Mistle-
Artist Norma Deal WANT TO GO? Who: Beaufort Art Association What: Annual All Member Show and opening reception When: 5 to 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 6, 2026. Exhibit runs Nov. 3 through Jan. 3. Where: Beaufort Art Association Gallery, 913 Bay Street, Beaufort More Info: Visit www. BeaufortArtAssociation.com.
toe Market at Tabby Place. Original small art will include holiday and non-holiday works — from cards to wine stoppers, ceramics to jewelry and more — all perfect for gift giving and decorating. For the upcoming open house and reception on First Friday, Nov. 6 from 5 to 8 p.m., refreshments will be served and the community is invited. The exhibit begins on November 3 and runs through January 3. For more information, go to the BAA website at BeaufortArtAssociation.com or visit the Gallery at 913 Bay Street in downtown Beaufort.
OPINIONS Editor’s Note: The opinions of our columnists in the Voices section are not necessarily the opinions of The Island News.
There is dissent and discord
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t is Wednesday, and we’re just in from an early morning bike ride — this morning checking out the construction on Paris Avenue. My mind, however, keeps going back to a recent wedding. My wife and I are in our 80s and are rarely invited to weddings. We do attend funerals; celebrations of life; and often scan newspaper obituaries looking for our own write-up. In this case the groom is an old friend and currently serving in the South Carolina Legislature — many of his guests wearing a small pin attesting to their membership in the General Assembly. At the sit-down dinner following the exchange of vows, I found myself amongst a cohort of Republicans and was compelled to confess that I was a “yellow dog democrat.” “When I arrived in Beaufort (in 1970) I could count the Republicans on
we built that into our strategy,” the well-nourished man continued. “Today that block of Upstate voters is the bedrock of our Party.” His tutorial then turned to the African American vote that had been the SCOTT GRABER bedrock of the Democratic Party — when I came back to South Carolina in 1970, one hand,” I said to the man the Black vote was 25% of on my left. “These days I the total vote. can count the Democrats on “In the 90s we were gainone hand.” ing strength well beyond The well-coiffed man Greenville and Spartanburg stopped, turned and said, — The Black members of “Do you want to know how the General Assembly saw we did it?” these gains and wanted to “Yes.” create districts that had a “We began in the majority of Black voters.” Upstate,” the cuff-linked, To concentrate Black votwell-barbered Republican ers into these new, so-called said. “majority minority districts” “We recognized there was South Carolina’s legislative a block of people who made districts were redrawn. tires and textiles but did “When we met with the not vote. This same group Black Caucus they agreed did go to church and their to eight Senatorial Disreligion was fundamental to tricts,” said my new friend their lives.” as we moved through the “They had a strong, negbuffet line. (The remaining 38 Senatorial Districts were ative view on abortion and
drained of minorities.) This racial sorting effectively removed white moderates from the Democratic candidates across the State. In the November 1994 elections these newly shaped white-majority districts propelled the Republican Party in into a majority in the South Carolina House. Today when one looks at voters and voting patterns across South Carolina it appears that there is no organized effort to push Black voters off the rolls, however, the Post and Courier recently editorialized, “We have seen efforts in other states to push lower-income and black voters off the rolls. There’s no evidence of malfeasance here, but nevertheless the most notable decline in voter participation is in rural counties with with large minority populations.” As I sat with my wife — the wedding feast having moved to the toasts and the cake-eating part of the program — I began to
think about the 200,000 northern retirees coming into South Carolina every year relocating to Myrtle Beach and in the sprawling Hilton Head/Hardeeville metroplex. These folks are here because of the lower (property) taxes; the perceived lower cost of living; and believe that your average S.C. Republican lawmaker is a fiscal conservative unlikely to raise taxes for schools, food stamps, or engage in much social spending. The Republican Party is clearly the beneficiary of this massive immigration that has now made Myrtle Beach (and the lower coast) a big part of the Republican firmament. So why, you may be asking, does the Democratic Party put candidates into play when they see these demographic realities? Well there is dissent and discord in South Carolina's GOP ranks. There is a faction that
does not believe Sen. Darline Graham is worthy of support. Many of these folks supported Congressman Ralph Norman in his bid for Lindsay Graham’s Senate seat and they remain resentful. Some of these right-ofcenter folks also believe that Ukraine is our natural ally and wonder why we are about to buy Russian diesel fuel; some pollsters forecasting that Greenland, Canada, Iran, tariffs and the cost of gasoline will reduce Republican turn-out. While sitting at the wedding banquet — surrounded by the glittering GOP hierarchy — I felt a glimmer of hope that this year, in some races in South Carolina, Democrats would prevail. Perhaps this is the year the pendulum swings back to the left. Scott Graber is a lawyer, novelist, veteran columnist and longtime resident of Port Royal. He can be reached at cscottgraber@gmail.com.
Alan’s affordability agenda: Putting South Carolina families first
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cross South Carolina, families tell me the same thing: everyday life is becoming too expensive. That concern is especially real in Beaufort County and across the Lowcountry. From young couples struggling to purchase their first home to retirees facing rising property taxes and insurance premiums, hardworking South Carolinians are feeling the pressure. That's why I've introduced Alan's Affordability Agenda, a plan to lower the cost of living, eliminate government waste, and put more money back into the pockets of South Carolina families. My goal is simple: make South Carolina affordable for families, profitable for businesses, and accountable to taxpayers. First, we must control government spending. Before government asks taxpayers for another dollar, it must prove it's spending existing resources responsibly. As Governor, I'll launch Wilson's Waste Removal to get rid of the waste in government. Through our Families First Audit Initiative, led by Senator Mike Reichenbach as my Lieutenant
ALAN WILSON
Governor, we'll audit government agencies to identify fraud, waste, and abuse, expose inefficiencies, and demand results. I'll challenge wasteful self-serving pork projects and reform the Department of Commerce. Economic development should create jobs, not incentivize bad deals for the state. There must be clear, enforceable clawbacks to major deals, and the people who live in this state can’t be sidelined or forgotten about. And we’ll work to responsibly eliminate South Carolina's individual income tax, allowing families to keep more of what they earn. Second, we need relief at the gas pump. For families commuting between Beaufort, Bluffton, and
Hilton Head Island, gasoline isn't optional. I’m asking the General Assembly to give the Governor authority to temporarily suspend the state gas tax for up to 120 days during extraordinary price spikes, with reserve funding protecting infrastructure investments. South Carolina can’t control what happens, but we can make changes on the state level to provide some relief to the people that live here. Third, we must reform property taxes. In communities like Port Royal, Lady's Island, and St. Helena Island, rising housing costs create challenges for families hoping to remain in the communities they love. I'll work to automatically enroll eligible seniors in the homestead exemption and pursue reforms to Act 388 addressing higher taxes on rental properties, which can push rents upward. Small businesses deserve property tax relief so they can invest in employees and growth. Fourth, insurance premiums deserve greater scrutiny. Coastal homeowners understand this challenge particularly
Families deserve transparency and accountability when their premiums increase.
well. Between hurricane risks, flooding concerns, and rising insurance premiums, protecting a home along South Carolina's coast can carry significant costs. As Governor, I will overhaul the Department of Insurance and push for more reforms requiring regular public audits of rate increases, quarterly updates to the Governor's Office, and annual public reports on major insurance carriers. Families deserve transparency and accountability when their premiums increase. Fifth, we must lower utility costs. South Carolina needs reliable energy and a stronger grid, but families shouldn't bear every cost
of expansion. I'll encourage competition, demand accountability from utility companies, and work to ensure major developments pay their fair share rather than shifting costs onto existing customers. These reforms will require cooperation with the General Assembly, disciplined budgeting, and sustained leadership. For nearly 16 years as Attorney General, I've fought to protect families and hold criminals accountable. I’ve prosecuted rogue and corrupt government officials, but I've learned that often bad or incompetent government gets overlooked if it doesn’t reach the level of criminality. The only remedy is to get in there and fix it. I’m running for Governor to help fix it. Senator Mike Reichenbach and I are running for Governor and Lieutenant Governor to make South Carolina more affordable for families, profitable for businesses, and accountable to you. South Carolina families deserve nothing less. Alan Wilson is the South Carolina Attorney General and Republican nominee for Governor.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
League of Women Voters says ‘Thank you’
The League of Women Voters of Beaufort Area would like to thank the Beaufort City Council candidates and School Board candidates who participated in the two public forums we sponsored earlier this month. It is our hope that those who attended, or watched the taped videos on the League’s website, my.lwv.org/south-carolina/ beaufort-sc-area, received information that helped them make informed choices. We also want to recognize the Beaufort County candidates who have submitted their VOTE411.org responses to questions prior to the November elections. VOTE411.org is an online resource provided by the nonpartisan League of Women Voters (LWVUS) which provides voters with information submitted by candidates. Voters can compare candidates’ positions as well as find answers to other voting questions. All candidates were invited to submit their answers to VOTE411.org. Unfortunately, not all candidates took the opportunity to respond. Those that did include: • Shannon DeLoach (State House of Representatives, District 121) • Shauna Bishop (State House of Representatives, District 124) • Korey Williams (State House of Representatives, District 122) • David Cadd, (Beaufort County auditor) • Heather Galvin (Beaufort County probate judge) • Scott Songer, Maria Walls, (Beaufort County treasurer)
• Michael Andersen (Beaufort County Council, District 4) • Genie Brainerd, Christopher Dantzler (Beaufort County School Board, District 2) • Cynthia Gregory-Smalls, William Smith, Willie Turral, (Beaufort County School Board, District 3) • Angela Stephens (Beaufort County School Board, District 4) • Victor Ney, Gwyneth Saunders, Angela Stephens (Beaufort County School Board, District 5) • Thad Lane, Jared Madison, Josh Scallate (Beaufort City Council)
about where this effort really originated. Her treasurer and campaign bank are both based in Washington, D.C., and her compliance work runs through a firm with offices in D.C. and Seattle. Within hours of her launch, national groups including EMILY's List, VoteVets, and The Bench had already endorsed her, and her campaign raised over $250,000 in its first day alone, most of it from outside our region. These aren't allegations. They're documented in her own FEC filings and campaign announcements. Taken together, they illustrate a candidacy shaped by national political strategy rather than deep roots in the Lowcountry. First-time candidates typically don’t wake up and find A BIG Thank You to these candidates who HAVE taken EMILY’s List, The Bench, a D.C. treasurer, and a quarthe time to submit their responses to VOTE411.org. And ter-million dollars waiting on their front porch. Nancy go to VOTE411.org and get informed. Lacore did! — Catherine Forester, SC-01 deserves representation grounded in the LowLeague of Women Voters of Beaufort Area country, not one assembled in Washington. I hope voters will take a closer look before November.
Built in Washington, not the Lowcountry
— Ed Haas, Mt. Pleasant
As voters in SC-01 consider this race, a few facts about Nancy Lacore's campaign are worth weighing. Lacore and her husband bought a Mount Pleasant home in spring 2025, intending to retire here around 2028. She was removed from her Navy post that August, moved into the house that October, retired December 1, and announced her candidacy Jan. 20, 2026, a span of roughly 110 days from move-in to launch. Her campaign's infrastructure also raises questions OCTOBER 29–NOVEMBER 4, 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.
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s a nuclear engineer for 40-plus years, I’m accustomed to using data to define problems, root cause analysis to understand the problem, and detailed study to create and implement solutions. Here's the data that tells me we have problems at the federal level: inflation has been well above the 2% target for six years; the federal deficit is at $40 trillion and climbing $2 trillion per year; mortgage interest rates are 7.5% and rising. The “safe haven” U.S. Treasuries are at their highest in decades, tempting our debtors to look elsewhere for safe investments; we are in another “excursion” in Iran which is headed for endless-war status. The root causes: For the last 100 years, our electorate has chosen to divide into two political “tribes.” And the tribes have evolved into organizations focused on 1) gaining and holding power and 2) demonizing the oth-
It takes courage to leave the tribe
by 535 members of Congress are now made by ONE person. South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District voters have a chance to reverse this 100-year pattern. But it will take courage to overcome 100 years of tribalism. It will take a commitment to putting country over tribe. It will BILL REESIDE require admitting that the pain of staying the same is higher than er tribe. What’s missing is a focus the pain of change. on governing for the benefit of the I am offering voters the followgoverned. ing choice: an independent voice, An additional cause of our not beholden to a tribe. I can’t be current state is that those elected primaried by either tribe; I won’t to the U.S. House and Senate be spending 50% of my time fundover the last 100 years have raising for a tribe. I won’t have to given away the powers specified wait for the President or a tribal in Article 1 of the Constitution. leader to tell me how to vote. Examples: the power to levy My platform can be summed tariffs: the power to declare war up as fiscally conservative and and oversight of the Executive socially progressive. A federal branch. Congress has offered the government that follows the Conpresident more and more power stitutional duties laid out by the and the presidents have gladly Founders. Recognizing that the taken that power. Decisions that 50 states are closest to the people should be made collaboratively and best suited to serve their
Vote better this year
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his election, integrity is everything. We elect people trusting them to govern on our behalf and they are governing at our expense. We are in a financial crisis. Congress has allowed the national debt to balloon to $40 trillion. Voters and citizens have been taught to ignore the debt by the very people who could make it better but are instead making it worse. Every issue is a debt issue: healthcare, housing, affordability all go back to the staggering amount of money we owe. Popular solutions are to raise more money through eliminating fraud, raising tariffs, or taxing the uber-wealthy. And those solutions are in both parties because politicians want
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KASIE WHITENER
to tell voters that someone else will pay this bill. But there is no one else. It’s on us. There are three ways to fix this: 1. Increase revenue. 2. Decrease spending. 3. Grow the economy. Raising taxes and reducing spending don’t get politicians elected. In fact, it’s cutting taxes and increasing the spending that gets them elected, and since being elected is
eaufort County isn’t just where I live. It’s home. This community raised me. I attended Lady’s Island Elementary, St. Helena Junior High, and Beaufort High School. My grandmother and mother attended Beaufort County schools. My children attended our schools, and now my grandson does, too. Our schools are part of my family’s story, and their future matters to me. I appreciate everyone who has asked questions, offered encouragement, or taken time to learn why I am running for Beaufort County School Board, District 2. You deserve to know my heart and the experience I would bring to this responsibility. After graduating from Beaufort High, I joined the United States Army, serving during the Desert Shield and Desert Storm era. Medical challenges ended my military career, but my desire to serve continued. I later worked at Naval Hospital Beaufort, continuing my commitment to public service. Military and federal service taught me discipline, teamwork, accountability, and respect for responsible decision-making. As a local business owner, I understand planning, financial responsibility, solving problems, and being accountable for results.
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needs. I will only vote for balanced, zero-based budgets. I will vote “no” for increases in the debt ceiling. I will vote to return most entitlement programs to their pre COVID spending levels. In return for extending eligibility ages and potential increases to contribution limits on Social Security, I expect the plan to transition to personal accounts, starting with Generations Alpha and Beta. Health care can be transformed by returning products and services to commodity status. Imagine a system where the insurance companies and government aren’t getting between you and your health care provider. Since the end of World War II, the civilian leaders of both tribes have put the United States in many unnecessary and unconstitutional military excursions, including the current one in Iran. Congress has routinely given away the authority to take us to war — those are decisions that
what they want, they keep spending. They try to grow the economy and ignore the other two. We had a debt-to-GDP ratio this wild before, following World War II. And we fixed it. Good fiscal policy and government restraint reduced that debt from 106% of GDP to just 23% over about two decades. We can reduce the debt but it will take time, and a combination of all three: increase revenue, reduce spending, and grow the economy. The first urgent effort to address the national debt is to take on its two biggest drivers: Social Security and Medicare. Make no mistake, these are hard conversations, the kind that don’t get you elected.
The candidates running for this office are not being honest. They continue to lob accusations at one another and deliver platitudes. They are campaigning. It’s what the parties are good at: raise money, spend money, get elected. South Carolina is hiring a Senator. We need someone who can and will do the job. Not the fundraising-campaigning job, but the governing job. Your Senator should represent you, not a party. She should understand complex systems and incentive structures to lead reform. She should understand foreign policy and global economics. Our debt is the result of corporations owning the major parties through campaign donations.
These experiences shape how I approach leadership. Back home, I kept asking: “How can I make a difference in the lives of people in my community?” In the mid-1990s, I started the Beaufort Storms football team to create opportunity, structure, and fellowship. Financial limitations prevented us from sustaining the team, but the commitment behind it remained. In January 2008, the Extra Mile Club Mentoring Program was born. I wanted young people to know that somebody saw them, believed in them, and cared enough to walk beside them. Mentoring means encouraging children while holding them accountable and helping them understand that where they start does not have to determine where they finish. Through mentoring, school
OCTOBER 29–NOVEMBER 4, 2026
Behind every student is a story. Behind every teacher is a person giving of themselves. Behind every parent is a dream for their child. Those people must remain at the center of our decisions. I want parents to feel heard, teachers to feel valued, and students to have every opportunity to succeed. Every child deserves support, regardless of their circumstances. athletics, and collaboration with the Beaufort County Youth Conference, I have supported young people and the adults working to help them succeed. I have been available to students, parents, teachers, coaches, and administrators who needed encouragement, advocacy, or an extra set of hands. Long before there was a campaign, there was service. That service has prepared me to bring a practical, community-centered perspective to school board leadership. I understand that serving on the board requires preparation, sound judgment, re-
Bill Reeside is the Libertarian candidate for South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District seat.
Corporations write laws, write regulations, and influence decision making at the highest levels of our government. They do so to protect their own interests. We are all invested in the corporations through our retirement portfolios, as consumers, and as employees. Blaming them for the state of our democracy is what politicians do best. But it’s the elected officials’ job to govern and their character is what enables them to do so. This election, we have a clear choice between candidates who will continue the cycles of spending, corruption, and blame. Or a candidate who will represent the best of South Carolina: loyalty, dignity, and integrity. I am that candidate. I work for you.
Beaufort County is home; Serving it is personal CHRISTOPHER DANTZLER
must be made collectively, not by one person in the White House. Our chaotic immigration system pits the tribes against each other. I offer a peaceful, non-militarized solution that secures the borders without walls, helps solve our demographic problem and brings immigrants who want to work, want to assimilate and to follow our Constitution. We can replace the unlimited asylum and Temporary Status processes with enhanced employment and student visas with clear expectations and timetables for either returning home or moving toward citizenship. I ask that the voters of U.S. House District 1 display the courage to send an independent, problem-solving nuclear engineer to Congress. Leaving the tribe will be hard, but the country will thank you.
sponsible oversight, and collaboration. It means asking thoughtful questions, reviewing information carefully, listening to differing perspectives, and holding ourselves accountable for decisions affecting children and public resources. I respect the expertise of educators. My responsibility would be to support strong district leadership, insist on clear expectations and transparency, and help ensure that decisions reflect the needs of students, families, and staff. My priorities are student achievement, school safety, health
We have hard decisions to make and big problems to solve. And we need serious people to solve them. I take seriously the role of representing the best interests of our state to the highest levels of government. This is a plurality election. That means the most votes wins. No 50% needed, no run-off will occur. Just one election, most votes to the candidate who will become your next Senator. I promise to make you proud, South Carolina. You can trust me with your vote. Let’s make history together. Kasie Whitener is a writer, business owner, radio host, and educator at the University of South Carolina running as a Libertarian for the United States Senate in South Carolina. Learn more at kasiesouthcarolina.com.
and wellness, teacher recruitment and retention, and meaningful parent and community engagement. Behind every student is a story. Behind every teacher is a person giving of themselves. Behind every parent is a dream for their child. Those people must remain at the center of our decisions. I want parents to feel heard, teachers to feel valued, and students to have every opportunity to succeed. Every child deserves support, regardless of their circumstances. I do not claim to have every answer. I promise to listen, prepare, ask questions, and work with others. When difficult decisions arise, I will remember the people they affect. These are our children, our families, and our schools. This is home. With humility, gratitude, and a heart committed to Beaufort County, I ask for your vote and the opportunity to continue serving in this capacity. I will show up, advocate, and never forget that this seat belongs to the people. This is the next chapter of a lifetime of public service. Christopher Dantzler is a candidate for Beaufort County School Board, District 2.
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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America’s fighting spirit is alive and well
merica really is much bigger than you think. Sure, you’ve heard it, but when you travel for days across a landscape that shifts from coastal plain to barren scrub to rusty mesas and then conifers for as far as the eye can see, you really feel it. The immense size of this country and how people share more common values than you might think in an age of polarizing Washington politics are two big takeaways from a three-week Listening Across America tour. After more than 4,000 miles from Charleston to Washington state, we’re finally headed east toward home as we hear from more people. A big lesson so far is that many people seem worried about the high prices of gasoline, food and the increasingly unaffordable other costs of daily living. This common stressor is pulling people together.
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his is the story of two local government bond issues. One with a very successful outcome. The other, a sad journey with no end. Our first example is the 2018 Penny Sales Tax (TST 3) which was approved by voters for improvements to roads and transportation infrastructure throughout Beaufort County. Today, eight years later, just two of 11 road projects and only four of 18 sidewalk/pathways are complete. One project, Donnie Beer Drive, across from Walmart on Lady’s Island, has no real transportation safety value, serving merely to access a privately owned landlocked parcel. The other, the right-hand turn lane at Walgreens on Lady’s Island, is the ONLY project completed adding a real return to taxpayers, as measured by improvements to safety/traffic flow. Contrast that with Beaufort County's school construction program. In 2019, voters approved a $344 million bond issue to fund a set of capital improvements for the Beaufort County School District (BCSD). Today,
ANDY BRACK
Democrats are excited about how this year’s November election could shake things up at home and in the nation’s capital. Republicans are less enthusiastic about President Donald Trump’s leadership than in the past, and often admit that having Congress controlled by one party and the White House by another might not be horrible — especially in light of recent political intransigence. In Utah, for example, a cattle farmer told us he continues to support Trump, but really doesn’t like the policy to buy foreign beef. In that state’s capital, an editor
told us Utah Republicans have been considered more middle-ofthe-road than most MAGA Republicans and as such, Trump is wearing thin these days. They’re ready to move on, he said. From El Paso to Spokane, various people worried about ICE raids and the impact they are having on the nation. Others relayed how they desperately want congressional leaders to really talk with each other and reach across the aisle to come up with real solutions — rather than bickering in partisan echo chambers. You can see why former S.C. Gov. David Beasley’s call for people to break bread together to break down barriers seems to be having increasing success. Here are several other observations that have cropped up in two weeks on the road: Decency You still hear about common political flashpoints — improving
education and health care — in political discussions. But most everyone seems to want a return to treating people with more decency like how America was before invasive influences of social media. Water In South Carolina, we often don’t realize how blessed we are with an abundance of good water. Across much of the country — particularly in the middle of the top and bottom, there are a lot of dry places where plant growth seems a miracle. Settlers People in Western agrarian areas seem pretty dang tough, what with the expenses, distances and ongoing challenges with water. Driving across this land makes one marvel at the grit that it took a pioneer family in a wagon headed west from the East Coast. Today, it’s almost unimaginable to think of how tough frontier life
was. For example, think about how hard they have to work continually just to find potable water every day in dry conditions on a dusty journey that could take half a year. Truck drivers We’ve got a huge new respect for long-haul truckers. It’s hard driving a car 400 to 500 miles a day. Doing the same in a big rig seems heroic. What’s clear from this trip is there’s no need to make America great again. It always has been. We just need to get back to the basics of respecting the rule of law, working together, fueling the American dream and fighting corruption. The election is Nov. 3. Get out and vote.
A tale of two bond issues ROBERT G. PRIEST
seven years later, all projects are complete and paid in full. The entire program was completed exactly on budget. So successful that on Nov. 7, 2023, voters approved a new $439 Million bond issue for a new set of BCSD capital improvements. While still in progress, all projects are on schedule and within budget. What an amazing contrast between two seemingly similar capital expenditures of taxpayer monies. But why? In a word — management, or in the case of the TST, a lack thereof. The BCSD approach has been highly successful for several significant reasons. Foremost, proper planning. Years prior to their bonding requests, BCSD engaged all stakeholders to identify and prioritize those projects offering the
greatest educational benefits. Real preliminary cost calculations were obtained based on advanced engineering and architectural design work. Inclusion of realistic inflation estimates are reflected with contingencies built in to both the individual project level and the full program level. Recognizing very early on that BCSD did not have sufficient and appropriately qualified personnel to implement these plans, budgeting included retention of specialized construction management professionals. The BCSD Superintendent thoughtfully selected a Citizen-led Oversight Committee (CLOC) composed of various professionals with relevant expertise in areas of accounting, engineering, construction, and education. This BCSD-CLOC reports directly to the voters of Beaufort County and to Beaufort County Board of Education, free from political influence. Collectively, the above approach has been considered so very successful that among the education community in South Carolina and beyond it is now
known as the “Beaufort Method.” Presently, Council is asking voters to approve a new $780 Million spending program funded by a “so called” Penny Sales Tax (TST) – actually a 16.7% sales tax increase over up to nine years, along with potential bonding of up to $450 Million to upfront fund these projects. Sadly, Council has failed to read the room … or the voters. There is as massive lack of public trust and confidence in County’s ability to successfully implement this new proposal. Beaufort County voters rejected TST proposals in 2021 and 2024. “Doing the same thing over and over, all the while expecting a different result.” Einstein. In the face of all this the County’s “ask” is for a ridiculously large amount of money despite the failed results of these past eight years. The project request is massively oversized, not right sized. County does not need a $780 Million referendum to begin fixing our most dangerous roads and intersections. With improved priority management County staff could focus on engineering the
most dangerous locations now, with existing funds, rather than spending a vast number of staff hours and funds on such foibles as Reimagine Ribaut. The proposed question does not provide any assurance at all to voters that the work will actually be undertaken … or completed … or when. It lacks provisions for qualified project management expertise. Also lacking are provision for fees, and debt service on the proposed bond. The entire proposal is the epitome of political pork. Fixing dangerous roads and intersections must be the primary priority. Rather, the project list is prioritized by political influence, not those projects that will most improve safety and efficiency. In fact, one County Council Member stated publicly that re-paving work is to be prioritized to create the public perception of progress. All the while significant amounts of taxpayer funds have been spent to advertise and promote approval. Unlike the BCSD-CLOC, the proposed TST-CLOC would be composed of seven political appointees
Andy Brack is editor and publisher of the Charleston City Paper and Statehouse Report. Have a comment? Send it to feedback@statehousereport.com.
that will be subject to political influence by their respective constituents. Absences are requirements for the necessary functional skills. Although Council has attempted to create the patina of public cognizance, zero recognition of public input has been observed. Properly adopted and rigorously adhered to, BCSD’s Beaufort Method for Capital Expenditures would result in a right-sized, well-planned, responsibly budgeted, and effectively managed program to repair and upgrade Beaufort County’s most dangerous and congested intersections and roads. Until then voters and taxpayers of Beaufort County need to vote no on the 2026 Penny Tax ballot initiative. Robert G. Priest is a 10-year resident of Dataw Island, with more than 50 years of experience in finance, commercial real estate, construction and management. He holds a B.S in Economics from Rutgers University and an MBA in Finance from New York University. He presently serves on the Board of The Citadel’s Baker School of Business, and, since April 2024, he has been serving on the Beaufort County School District’s Citizen-led Oversight Committee.
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HEALTH
Perimenopause: What’s going on with my body? 10 questions every woman should ask before symptoms start
By Dr. Eve A. Ashby Beaufort Memorial Lowcountry Medical Group Specialty Care Perimenopause is the natural transition leading into menopause, occurring when hormone levels — mainly estrogen and progesterone — begin to fluctuate and decline. How much do Dr. Eve A. you know about Ashby perimenopause? Here are 10 answers to questions you may be having about the hormone changes ahead. When does perimenopause typically begin? Most women enter perimenopause between age 40 and 51, although some hormonal changes can begin earlier. The transition may last several years, and some women experience symptoms even when their periods remain regular.
sleep patterns, menstrual cycles, mood changes, hot flashes, night sweats and shifts in overall energy levels. These symptoms may be subtle; many women don’t immediately recognize that their hormones are changing. Can women prepare for perimenopause before symptoms begin? Yes! Building healthy habits before hormonal changes become noticeable can help women manage this transition more confidently and comfortably. Key areas to focus on are strength training, sleep, cardiovascular health, preventive screenings and establishing care with a women’s health provider.
Why is family health history important? Family history can offer context and information about what a woman may experience in perimenopause (and menopause, too). Ask your female relatives about when menopause occurred, whethWhat are the early signs of er they experienced significant perimenopause? symptoms and whether there is Symptoms vary by individual, a family history of osteoporosis, but they often include changes in heart disease or breast cancer.
This information can help guide asleep. The result can impact your your conversations with your day-to-day life: poor sleep can be healthcare provider. a contributor to mood changes, issues with memory, weight gain, carWhy is strength training diovascular risks and low energy important before levels throughout your day. Estabperimenopause? lishing healthy sleep habits before As estrogen levels decline, wom- symptoms begin can make these en naturally lose muscle mass changes easier to manage. and bone density more quickly. Strength training helps build a Can labs help make the foundation that supports metab- diagnosis of perimenopause? olism, balance, bone strength and Laboratory evaluation of esoverall health while reducing the tradiol and progesterone can be risk of osteoporosis and fractures helpful if periods have stopped for as you age. longer than six months, but typically if periods are still occurring, What types of exercises are best there are fluctuations in these horduring this stage? mones and labs cannot diagnose A combination of strength train- perimenopause. ing and weight-bearing activities Occasionally, testing testostersuch as walking, jogging, exercis- one can help uncover the reason es with resistance bands, Pilates for some symptoms, but typically and yoga. Women should also aim labs for these hormones offer little for at least 150 minutes of moder- insight into the perimenopause ate-to-vigorous cardiovascular ac- transition. Cortisol levels also tivity each week. fluctuate throughout the day, but if there are symptoms of an adreWhy is sleep so important nal tumor or adrenal insufficiency, during perimenopause? then an 8 a.m. cortisol level may Hormonal fluctuations can affect help diagnose adrenal disease. Disleep quality and in turn can make agnosing perimenopause is based it harder to either fall asleep or stay on identifying recurring symp-
toms and ruling out other possible etiologies such as thyroid disease or insulin resistance. Can pregnancy still occur during perimenopause? Yes – pregnancy is still possible during perimenopause, even if your menstrual cycle becomes irregular. Speak with your healthcare provider about contraceptive options if you don’t wish to become pregnant. When should women talk to their healthcare provider about perimenopause? Don’t wait until your symptoms disrupt your daily life. Women in their late 30s and 40s can benefit from establishing a relationship with a women’s health provider to discuss family history, preventive screenings, lifestyle habits and what to expect as they transition into this new stage. Eve A. Ashby, DO, FACOOG, is a board-certified gynecologist with Beaufort Memorial Lowcountry Medical Group in Beaufort and Okatie. Dr. Ashby is also an Assistant Professor and Regional Director of Medical Education for A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine.
GLP-1 weight loss treatment: Who is eligible?
Special to The Island News If you’ve struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise alone, you may be wondering whether a GLP-1 medication could help. The answer depends on several factors, including your current weight, overall health, medical history and long-term health goals. “Not everyone who wants to lose weight is a candidate for weight loss medications,” explains board-certified obesity medicine specialist Dr. Yvette-Marie Pellegrino, who sees patients at Beaufort Memorial Lady’s Island Internal Medicine and leads the Beaufort Memorial Healthy Weight Program. “Eligibility depends on an individual’s medical history, health risks, treatment goals and ability to participate in ongoing medical care.” GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications that help regulate appetite, slow stomach emptying and increase feelings of fullness. As a result, many patients consume fewer calories and achieve meaningful weight loss over time. “These medications can be highly effective, but they are intended to treat obesity as a chronic medical disease, not to provide a quick fix for occasional weight gain,” says Dr. Pellegrino. Who are the best candidates for GLP-1 weight loss treatments?
tients hoping to lose a small amount of weight for a wedding, reunion or vacation may not meet the medical criteria for treatment. GLP-1 medications are intended to treat chronic obesity and obesity-related issues, not help patients reach a solely aesthetic goal.
People seeking an “easy button”: While these medications can be powerful tools, they cannot replace healthy lifestyle habits. The most successful patients view medication as one component of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Adults with obesity (BMI 30 or higher): A BMI of 30 or above is generally the threshold at which prescription weight loss medications may be recommended as part of a medically supervised treatment plan. “For many patients, excess weight contributes to chronic inflammation, joint pain, reduced mobility and increased risk of serious diseases,” says Dr. Pellegrino. “Losing even 5% to 10% of body weight can lead to substantial health improvements.” Adults with a BMI of 27 or higher and weight-related health concerns: Patients who are overweight but not obesity may still qualify if they have weight-related health concerns, including:
• Type 2 diabetes • Prediabetes • High blood pressure • High cholesterol • Sleep apnea • Heart disease • Fatty liver disease • Arthritis and chronic joint pain People who have tried diet and exercise without lasting success: Patients who have repeatedly lost weight and regained it despite genuine effort may benefit from medical treatment that addresses the biological drivers of obesity. Who are NOT good candidates for GLP-1 medications?
People who can’t commit to ongoing care: Patients taking GLP-1 medications should participate in regular visits to their healthcare provider to: • Monitor progress • Adjust dosages • Manage side effects • Ensure safe and effective treatment Individuals with certain medical histories: Some patients may not be good candidates due to personal or family medical history. This is why physician-supervised evaluation is essential before starting treatment. An obesity medicine specialist can determine whether GLP-1 medication is appropriate and safe.
Potential risks, side effects People looking for fast of GLP-1 weight loss cosmetic weight loss: Pa- medications
Loss of muscle mass and bone density: Research suggests that a portion of the weight lost on GLP-1 medications may come from lean body mass, including muscle tissue. “Another possible risk is potential reduction in bone density during significant weight loss, particularly among older adults and postmenopausal women,” Dr. Pellegrino says. “I often encourage patients taking GLP-1 medications to prioritize adequate protein intake and participate in regular strength-training exercises to help preserve muscle and bone health throughout their weight loss journey.”
clude upper abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or fever. Vision complications: Vision-related concerns have emerged as an area of ongoing research; patients with diabetes or existing eye disease should discuss these risks with their healthcare provider and maintain regular eye examinations while taking these medications.
Weight regain after ending medication: Research has shown that many patients regain a substantial amount of lost weight after stopping their medication. In a follow-up study of semaglutide users, individuals regained approximately twothirds of the weight they had Digestive side effects: lost within one year of stopThe most frequently report- ping the medication. ed side effects are gastroin“These findings reinforce testinal, and may include: the importance of viewing • Nausea GLP-1 medications as one • Vomiting component of a compre• Diarrhea hensive, long-term wight • Constipation management strategy,” Dr. • Abdominal discomfort Pellegrino explains. “SustainThese symptoms most able nutrition habits, regular often occur when treatment physical activity, behavioral begins or when doses are changes and ongoing medincreased and may improve ical support remain critical over time as the body ad- for maintaining results over justs. time.” If you’re curious whether Increased risk of gallbladder disease and pan- a GLP-1 medication could creatic problems: GLP-1 help you achieve your health medications have been asso- goals, the first step is talking ciated with an increased risk with an obesity medicine of gallstones and gallblad- specialist who can evaluate der inflammation, especially your unique needs and dewhen weight loss happens velop a personalized plan for quickly. Symptoms may in- sustainable success.
See Into The Future . . . . . . read Join Us for Sunday Morning Worship at 8:30 & 10:30 81 Lady’s Island Drive Pastor Steve Keeler (843) 525-0696 seaislandpresbyterian.org A18
OCTOBER 29–NOVEMBER 4, 2026
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HEALTH
Employee Service Awards Beaufort Memorial celebrates over 2,200 total years of compassion, care
Special to The Island News Beaufort Memorial recognized more than 200 employees for a combined 2,255 years of service at its annual Employee Service Awards held Oct. 1. The annual event highlighted 201 employees reaching career milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years at the organization. Honorees included 87 employees celebrating 5 years, 53 celebrating 10 years, 19 celebrating 15 years, 19 celebrating 20 years, 14 celebrating 25 years, 8 celebrating 30 years and one employee, cardiovascular and pulmonary services director Sharon Shupe, marking an impressive 35 years at the community health system. This event highlights the important role that longtime healthcare professionals play in advancing patient care in Lowcountry communities across Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties. “These employees represent the very best of Beaufort Memorial,” said President and CEO Russell Baxley, who was recognized for his own 10-year career milestone. “New facilities and technologies help us grow, but it’s our people
Robert Selby, Cheryl Love, Sarah Holmes, Candice Chappell, Lisa Terwilliger, and Carol Doe celebrate 30 years at Beaufort Memorial’s Oct. 1 Employee Service Awards. Photo courtesy of Beaufort Memorial who make this organization truly special. The commitment and compassion demonstrated by these team members have helped shape both Beaufort Memorial and the health of our community.” Baxley also noted that long-term career milestones are often rare in the challenging, always-chang-
ing healthcare industry. “In today’s world, celebrating 10, 20 or even 35 years with a single organization is remarkable,” he added. “We are proud to recognize the employees who have dedicated so many years of their lives to caring for patients, supporting this team and making a difference in our community.”
Reasons for Faith
Diamond Hunting at the Beach Can Science Disprove God?
Metal detectors are amazing, but they have limits.
Science cannot make moral judgments.
One often sees people on the beach after a storm, using a metal detector to find lost rings, coins, or other unexpected treasures that may have washed onto the shore. But if a large diamond were to fall out of a woman’s wedding ring, it would make no sense for her to try to find it with a metal detector. As useful as they are, metal detectors can’t be used to discover everything.
Science helps us describe the world, but it cannot help us decide what is good or bad, right or wrong. For example, scientific inquiry cannot answer whether it is right or wrong for people to steal, or whether a human life is more valuable than the life of an endangered animal. Scientific research can open up new possibilities, such as the ability to clone a human being, but it cannot tell us what we should do with this knowledge.
As wonderful as science is, it also has limits.
Modern science has brought us amazing breakthroughs in medicine, travel, communication, and comfort. Thanks to science, we can do things our ancestors couldn’t even imagine. But since science is the study of the natural world, this means that it is limited in its scope: scientific inquiry can only answer questions about matters that are observable in time and space.
Science cannot explain realities like love or beauty.
Scientists can observe the interactions between a mother and her child, but they cannot prove whether love exists between two people, or explain why it exists. Science can explain how the Grand Canyon was formed, but it cannot tell us whether or not it is beautiful. We know from experience that love and beauty are real, but such realities fall outside the purview of science. Science cannot answer questions concerning God or religion.
Since science only examines the physical, natural world, it cannot give answers to supernatural questions such as, “Does God exist?” By definition, God is outside of space and time and thus beyond the limits of science. Science cannot be used to prove or disprove God, any more than a metal detector can establish the presence of a diamond in the sand. There are reasons for faith in God.
If the woman in our example were looking for her diamond, she would search with other tools, such as a screen to sift through the sand. In a similar way, if we are to investigate God’s existence, we will need to employ avenues other than scientific research. In particular, we will need logical reasoning. In this message series, we will explore some of the reasons why it makes sense to believe in God.
Reasons for Faith Message 1 of 8
Next Week What Caused the Universe? 70 Lady’s Island Drive, Beaufort • 843-522-9555 • www.stpetersbeaufort.org • office@stpetersbeaufort.org
OCTOBER 29–NOVEMBER 4, 2026
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LOCAL MILITARY
Keen Sword 2027 Simulated Drone Incursion/CBRN Attack
U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Ryan Cerrillo, an explosive ordnance disposal technician with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron (H&HS) at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, and a native of Beaufort, S.C., defuses a smoke grenade Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, during Exercise Keen Sword 27 (KS27) at MCAS Iwakuni, Japan. Keen Sword is a routine, biennial bilateral field training exercise with multinational participation, designed to increase readiness and interoperability between the U.S. military and Japan Self-Defense Forces while strengthening the ironclad U.S.-Japan Alliance. Cpl. Ella Cadby/USMC
Caregivers of seriously disabled veterans should enroll in PCAFC, Part 2
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Family members caring for seriously disabled veterans at home miss out on up to $48k per year
ast week’s article informed veterans and their family members that: • The VA’s Caregiver Support Program (CSP), which consists of the two programs (1) The Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) Program that does not pay the caregiver any money and (2) The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC), which may pay spouses or other immediate family members for caring for their veteran. • I wrote three articles in November on this subject for The Island News, but so many family members and veterans are not taking advantage of the PGCSS and the PCAFC Programs, I need to write more. • If you are the primary caregiver of a 70% service-connected or seriously injured veteran and are the spouse, parent, son, daughter, stepfamily member, extended family member, or someone who lives full-time with the veteran, you should apply for the VA’s PCAFC Program. • 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 serious illness) is a single or combined service-connected disability rating of 70% or more. • The CSP’s two programs are separate from VA disability compensation, which is explained at the VA’s webpage “VA Disability Compensation” (https://www.va.gov/disability/). • They can learn more about PCAFC by visiting https:// www.caregiver.va.gov and by watching the PCAFC Overview Video at https://bit. ly/4zNqDN0. • The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center “Caregiver Support” webpage is at
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LARRY DANDRIDGE
https://bit.ly/3UdXxat. • The Columbia VA Health Care System Caregiver Support Program Coordinator is phone number is 803-6956777. • The VA Durham N.C. “Caregiver Support” webpage is https://bit.ly/4e3nHDz and the phone number is 919-2860411, Ext. 176068. • The VA (National) Caregiver Support Line Phone number is 855-260-3274. According to the VA’s Caregiver Support Program” webpage at https://bit.ly/3W7q420, veterans may be eligible for the program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) 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. Among other applicable eligibility criteria, an eligible Veteran must: 1. Have a single or combined service-connected disability rating by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of 70% or more, and 2. Need personal care services (requiring in-person personal care services) for a minimum of six continuous months based on any one of the following: 1. An inability to perform an activity of daily living. 2. A need for supervision or protection based on symptoms or residuals of neurological or other impairment or injury; or 3. A need for regular or extensive instruction or supervision without which the ability of the
OCTOBER 29–NOVEMBER 4, 2026
Veteran to function in the instructions at the VA webEDITOR’S NOTE daily life would be seri- page titled “Apply for the Program This article is the second in a of Comprehensive Assistance ously impaired. series of three. For more information on for Family Caregivers” found at PCAFC, please see the Fact Sheets https://bit.ly/4iHQDUb. • Apply Online: By submitting you may receive: (see https://bit.ly/4dWkpSC) be• A monthly stipend (paid diVA Online Application (Equal low. rectly to you as the caregiver.) to VA Form 10-10CG). • Access to health care insur• By Mail: Visit VA Forms at PCAFC expansion Fact Sheets ance through Civilian Health https://www.va.gov/find(English) forms to download and print and Medical Program of the • Caregivers PCAFC - ApplicaVA Form 10-10CG (PDFs) Department of Veterans Aftion Process Fact Sheet (PDF) in English/Spanish/Tagafairs (CHAMPVA) if you do at https://bit.ly/4stcnGO. log (See https://www.va.gov/ not already have health insur• Caregivers PCAFC - Eligibiliforms/10-10cg). And mail the ance. ty Criteria Fact Sheet (PDF) at form and any supporting doc• Mental health counseling. https://bit.ly/4yF1iUn. uments to: 10-10CG Evidence • Certain beneficiary travel • Caregivers PCAFC - Monthly Intake Center, PO Box 5154, benefits when traveling with Stipend Fact Sheet (PDF) at Janesville, WI 53547-5154. the Veteran to appointments. https://bit.ly/4yCnyhD. • In Person: First visit VA Forms For specific details, please • Caregivers PCAFC - CHAMPat https://www.va.gov/findcontact your CSP Team. VA Fact Sheet (PDF) at forms to download and print • At least 30 days of respite https://bit.ly/4ipZatP. VA Form 10-10CG (PDFs) in care per year, for the Veteran. • Caregivers PCAFC - RevocaEnglish, Spanish, or Tagalog. Respite is short term relief tion and Discharge Fact Sheet Once filled out, bring to your for someone else to care for (PDF) at https://bit.ly/4zVTlocal CSP Teams/Caregiver the Veteran while you take a bE2. Support Coordinators break. To find your local CSP Team, Stipend direct deposit If you are the secondary caregivyou can: enrollment guide er, you may receive: • Use the CSP Team Locator • Caregivers PCAFC – Stipend • Mental health counseling. Tool at “Caregiver Support Direct Deposit Guide (PDF) • Certain beneficiary travel Teams” at https://bit.ly/4Bat https://bit.ly/4zQ9nqf. benefits when traveling with suUH5; or the Veteran to appointments. • Contact the Caregiver Support PCAFC Roles, Responsibilities, For specific details, please Line (See https://bit.ly/3UJORequirements Fact Sheet contact your local CSP Team. ka5) at 855-260-3274. (English) Be sure to check www.caregiver. • Caregivers PCAFC - Roles, va.gov for updates or subscribe at Responsibilities, and Require- Do not send medical records https://bit.ly/4i5keXw to receive ments Fact Sheet (PDF) at along with the application email updates and information The VA will follow up after the https://bit.ly/3Waoht0. application is received. If you need about VA Caregiver Support Proassistance with completing the gram services. PCAFC Revocation and application or would like to check Discharge Fact Sheet (English) • Caregivers PCAFC - Revoca- the status of your 1010CG appli- Continued next week. tion and Discharge Fact Sheet cation please call 1-855-260-3274 Larry Dandridge is a Vietnam War wounded (PDF) at https://bit.ly/4yGw- and ask your VA-accredited VSO warrior, disabled veteran, ex-Enlisted for help. brq. Infantryman, ex-Warrant Officer Pilot, and retired Lt. Colonel. He is a past VA-accredited What services does this VA/DOD (now Department VSO, a Patient Adviser at Charleston and program offer? of War) Expanding Access Durham VA Hospitals, a Fisher House Veterans can designate one Prito Military Commissaries to mary Family Caregiver and up to Charleston/Friends of Fisher House Charleston Caregivers Goodwill Ambassador, and the Veterans • VA/DOD Military Commis- two Secondary Family Caregivsaries, Exchanges and Rec- ers on the application. Secondary Benefits Adviser for his local Association of the reation Facilities (MWR) at Family Caregivers serve as a back- U.S. Army (AUSA) Chapter and Cary, N.C., VFW Post 7383. Larry is also the author up support to the Primary Family https://bit.ly/3WybwIR. of the award-winning “Blades of Thunder Caregiver when needed. Services (Book One)” and a contributing freelance will depend on whether you are How do I apply for this writer with The Island News. Contact him at the Primary Family Caregiver or a program? LDandridge@earthlink.net or With the help of a VA-accredit- Secondary Family Caregiver. If you are the primary caregiver, 843-276-7164. ed Veterans Servcie Officer, follow
LOCAL MILITARY
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, 30 October 2026 Recruit Training Regiment • Commanding Officer, Colonel A. P. Bariletti 1st Recruit Training Battalion • Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel G. T. Moynihan Commander of Troops, Captain A. M. Hubbard • Parade Adjutant, Captain C. M. Escobedo Company “A”, 1st Recruit Training Battalion • Commanding Officer, Captain A. M. Hubbard Drill Master • Staff Sergeant D. M. Brodie, Staff Sergeant R. T. Frye PLATOON 1064
PLATOON 1065
Senior Drill Instructor SSgt D. Jace
PLATOON 1066
Senior Drill Instructor SSgt L. G. Jackson
PLATOON 1068
Senior Drill Instructor SSgt I. Cardenales
PLATOON 1069
Senior Drill Instructor SSgt J. W. Porter Jr.
PLATOON 1070
Senior Drill Instructor SSgt M. J. Dallas
Senior Drill Instructor SSgt L. P. King
PFC
Abersold, J. C.
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Aguilarpinto, L. A.
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Ailes, T. P.
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Aguilar, Jr J.
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Adcock, E. A.
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Adams, Z. E.
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Alectus, S. J.
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Almeida, J. K.
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Alonzo, J. E.
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Allemang, J. L.
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Alvarezbaez, M. N.
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Ashley, J. D.
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Andrews, J. E.
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Barber, T. J.
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Baker, Jr C. G. *
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Barthlow, A. M.*
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Carrascovazquez, A. J.
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Hall, E. A.
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Hallett, Z. T.
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Lannigan, R. M. *
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Holland, J. C.
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Holmes, D. N.
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Knapp, A. R.
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Kohli, E. T.
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Henry, K. Z.
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Kirkland, H. L.
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Kozak, A. J.
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Martinez, N. A.
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Klingensmith, C. J.
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Lopezjaimes, J. A.
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Mendoza, S.
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Montanodominguez, C. H.*
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Koeber, G. G.
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Martinezperalta, C.
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Mccord, M. A.
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Miller, Lily D.
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Mckenzie, B. G. *
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Martinesteban, M. A.
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Steward, U. L.*
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Straka, J. R.
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Short, C. M. *
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Sullivan, L. T.*
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Tarantinodome, K. M.
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Velez, C. M. *
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Wade, J. A.
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Wyatt, C. E. *
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Zenga, A. T.
Pvt
Willard, J. B.
PFC
Willson, P. J.
Pvt
Pvt Pvt
PFC
Wright, K. V.
Pvt
Pvt Pvt
PFC
Vega, C. N.
Pvt
Ventura, E. A.
Pvt
Villa, K. F.
Pvt
Woodgett, I. L.
Pvt
Zgombic, N.
*Denotes Meritorious Promotion
OCTOBER 29–NOVEMBER 4, 2026
A21
CLASSIFIEDS & GAMES ANNOUNCEMENTS We Buy Houses for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-855-704-3381 DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400 plus procedures. Real dental insurance – NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-397-7030 www. dental50plus.com/60 #6258 AUCTIONS ADVERTISE YOUR AUCTION in 80 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your 25-word classified ad will reach more than 1.5 million readers. Call Randall Savely at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 803-750-9561. HELP WANTED – DRIVERS ADVERTISE YOUR DRIVER JOBS in 80 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your 25-word classified ad will reach more than 1.5 million readers. Call Randall Savely at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 803-750-9561. HELP WANTED – MARKETING SPECIALIST Higgins Media Group, LLC, publisher of The Island News, is seeking a Marketing Specialist to cover Okatie, Bluffton, Hilton Head and surrounding areas. Responsibilities include print and digital advertising sales, account management, and preparing presentations and proposals. Great opportunity for someone who enjoys being involved in the community! 25% uncapped commission on sales. Send resume to Amanda Hanna at Amanda@LCWeekly.com. LOOKING TO PURCHASE I buy old guns, helmets, and other military items. 843-842-6268 MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE No more cleaning out gutters. Guaranteed! LeafFilter is backed by a no-clog guarantee
and lifetime transferrable warranty. Call today 1-855-820-2770 to schedule a FREE inspection and no obligation 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 1-844-6241107 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! 1-877-542-0759 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.
PLACE YOUR AD IN MORE THAN
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: BIRDS ACROSS 1. Consumer 5. Drivel 8. Mary of direct marketing fame 11. Taxon, pl. 12. Mosaic piece 13. Speculate 15. Similar 16. Eye part 17. Belgian port city 18. *"The Birds" producer and director 20. *"Mourning" bird 21. Kicks out 22. *"Birds do it, ____ do it," sing. 23. "Hot" prefix 26. Suggest 30. Treaty of Rome org. 31. Dump 34. *Horus' mother 35. Spills over a container edge 37. Hole puncher 38. Finals 39. Type of balsam 40. Thumb, anatomically speaking
42. *New Zealand parrot 43. Suppresses 45. *Big Bird, e.g. 47. Shark part 48. Yo-Yo's instrument 50. Bleak 52. *Bird with largest wingspan 56. *Popular origami bird 57. Mongolian desert 58. *Hen to chick 59. Silly and scatterbrained 60. Affirm with confidence 61. Sailor's call 62. Number cruncher, acr. 63. Color 64. Totes DOWN 1. D-Day beach 2. H. H. Munro's pseudonym 3. Sign of escape 4. Ill will 5. Basketball foot maneuver 6. Smart ones? 7. Reach a high 8. a,k.a. Kyiv 9. Green Gables resident 10. Hitherto
12. U of A home 13. Poet Nash 14. *Albus Dumbledore's companion 19. Dark fertile soil 22. Board of Directors, acr. 23. MCAT and LSAT, e.g. 24. Serf 25. Cause for food recall 26. Pay a visit 27. Japanese port city 28. Sand clock, e.g. 29. Test form 32. Vietnam's neighbor 33. *Parliament member 36. *Barbara's ____ Cereal 38. Glorify 40. Mightier than sword 41. Oblong cream puff 44. British sailor, slangily 46. Conventional 48. Garlic unit 49. What tide did 50. Golf club handle 51. Pro ____ 52. Lab culture 53. Pearl Harbor island 54. Urban haze 55. Simon does what? 56. Public health org.
LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORD & SUDOKU SOLUTIONS
A22
OCTOBER 29–NOVEMBER 4, 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 POLLY DARTON! At just 5 months old and 24 pounds, this adorable Black Lab mix is ready for a future of playtime, belly rubs, adventures, and endless 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 COOKIE! This 2½-month-old, 16-pound brindle and white Terrier mix is just as sweet as her name. Gentle and easygoing, Cookie melts hearts with her soft cuddles.
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!
MARIPOSA is a beautiful blackand-white Ibizan Hound mix. At just under 5 months old and 22 pounds, this sweet, happy, goofy girl is ready to bring endless affection home.
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!
Introducing VALENTINO SUAVE! This 7-month-old gentleman lives up to his wonderful name. With a little bit of suave and a whole lot of charm, he's ready to steal your heart.
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 STUMPY, a handsome 3-yearold orange tabby cat with a fun-loving personality and heart of gold. Sweet, playful, and always charming, he's ready to bring endless joy to a lucky family.
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!
HAVARTI is a delightful 7-monthold brown tabby cat who's always ready for her next game. Silly and energetic, she loves to run, jump, and play before happily soaking up 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 29–NOVEMBER 4, 2026
A23
820 Bay Street Beaufort, SC 29902
843.521.4200 $750,000
PORT ROYAL | MLS 195945
3BDRM | 2B | 1700sqft | Completely Renovated Seller Related to Agent Shannon Denny 843.575.7055
$745,000
$1,395,000
$625,000
LOWCOUNTRY BUNGALOW
FRIPP ISLAND | MLS 198309
PIGEON POINT | MLS 195793
MLS 197171 | 4BDRM | 3B | 2196sqft | .97 Acre Heidi Smith 850.803.1216
5BDRM | 3B | 2194sqft | Great Location Wayne Webb 843.812.5203
3BDRM | 2.5B | 1855sqft | OLREA Amy McNeal 843.521.7932
www.LowcountryRealEstate.com
Vote DEMOCRATIC Vote ANNIE ANDREWS U.S. SENATE
JASON BELTON
NANCY LACORE U.S. HOUSE
JERMAINE JOHNSON S.C. GOVERNOR
TIFFANY BOOZER
VINCENT COE
SAM SKARDON S.C. LT. GOVERNOR
SYLVIA WRIGHT
RICHARD HRICIK ATTORNEY GENERAL
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
TREY JUDY
COUNTY COUNCIL 8
BEAUFORT COUNTY
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
JANNINE MUTTERER
STATE HOUSE 118