VOTED LOWCOUNTRY’S BEST
USED CAR DEALER 3 YEARS RUNNING!
OCTOBER 8–14, 2026
WWW.YOURISLANDNEWS.COM
COVERING BEAUFORT COUNTY
ELECTION 2026
House candidates lay out different paths for Lowcountry
District 121, 124 candidates weigh affordability, insurance, education, data centers, health care, growth
gy policy and managing the continued growth of the Lowcountry. The Island News sent the same 10-question candidate questionnaire to candidates seeking S.C. House seats in Districts 121, 122, 123 and 124. Questions focused on issues ranging from coastal propFrom left to right, South Carolina State House Candidates in Districts erty insurance and data centers to 121 and 124 Shannon DeLoach, Shelley Gay Yuhas, Shauna Bishop and affordable housing tax exemptions By Delayna Earley Shannon Erickson. and congressional redistricting. The Island News As of the newspaper’s print Voters in Beaufort County will choose their representatives in Nov. 3, with candidates in Districts approaches to rising household deadline, responses had been rethe South Carolina State House on 121 and 124 offering different costs, education, health care, ener- ceived from both candidates in
District 121 – Democrat Shannon N. DeLoach and Republican Shelley Gay Yuhas – and both candidates in District 124 – Republican incumbent Shannon Erickson and Democratic challenger Shauna Bishop. Meet the candidates DeLoach, 41, was born in Beaufort and lives in the Burton community. A small-business owner,
SEE PATHS PAGE A8
Higgins acquires The Island News By Mike McCombs The Island News The Island News has been acquired by Higgins Media Group, LLC, owned by Beaufort County businessman Jake Higgins. Higgins acquired the newspaper from Island News Publishing, LLC, whose owners included now former publisher Margaret Evans, who owns and publishes Lowcountry Weekly. Evans became the sole Jake publisher after her Higgins husband and former The Island News publisher, Jeff Evans, died after a fall in his home in September 2025. The acquisition, which was finalized in late September, comes almost eight years after Island News Publishing purchased the publication Oct. 9, 2018, from Sisters Publishing, LLC, owned by founding publishers Elizabeth Harding Newberry and Kim Harding. The newspaper, which was funded in 2008, prints just more than 10,000 papers each week. Higgins, CEO of Higgins Media Group, LLC, released a statement:
Audience members hold protest signs on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at the Beaufort County Planning Commission meeting during discussion of a proposed zoning map amendment that would remove nearly 500 acres on St. Helena Island from the Cultural Protection Overlay. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
Pine Island CPO bid rejected again Planning Commission unanimously opposes removing 502 acres from St. Helena Island protections after lengthy public hearing
By Delayna Earley The Island News The Beaufort County Planning Commission unanimously recommended denying the latest attempt to remove approximately 502 acres
of the Pine Island property from St. Helena Island’s Cultural Protection Overlay following a lengthy public hearing Monday night. The vote came nearly three hours into the Oct. 5 meeting, after county
staff recommended denial, representatives for Pine Island Property Holdings argued that the request should be evaluated as a straight-
Readers, advertisers, communities: I am happy to share with you that I have acquired The Island News.
SEE BID PAGE A5
SEE HIGGINS PAGE A4
NEWS
HEALTH
MILITARY
INSIDE
Beaufort man, 25, dies after accidental shooting on Salem Road.
Thyroid issues often go undetected in women.
From recruit to advocate: Veteran returns to Parris Island with a new mission.
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Sports News Health Voices Military Directory
A4 A2–7 A9 A10–11 A12–13 A14
THE ISLAND NEWS
LOWCOUNTRY LIFE & NEWS
PUBLISHER Jake Higgins
EDITORIAL/DESIGN Editor-in-Chief
Mike McCombs theislandnews@ gmail.com
Assistant Editor Delayna Earley delayna. theislandnews@ gmail.com
SALES/BUSINESS Advertising
Amanda Hanna 843-343-8483 amanda@ lcweekly.com
Advertising Jere Russo JereRusso@ gmail.com
Advertising and Digital Strategy
Can you see the baby tree frog in the photo of the cascade of the Blue Sky Vine taken by Holly LaPener? 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.
Sasha Horne Hirshout
VETERAN OF THE WEEK
Accounting
American Legion Beaufort Post 207 brings you Anthony Washington, 63, who graduated from Beaufort High School in 1982 before joining the U.S. Army. After Basic Training at Fort McClellan, Ala., he went to Fort Bragg and earned Airborne Anthony Washington qualification and trained as a Nuclear/Biological/Chemical specialist for decontaminating tour in Germany, first in Berpeople, equipment and spac- lin and then near Baumholder es. He then began a three-year from which he trained others
ANTHONY WASHINGTON across Germany. His next assignment was at Fort Ord, Calif., from which he deployed to Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm. His final assignment was back at Fort Bragg, from which he separated in 1999 as a Sergeant. Using the GI Bill, Washington attended vocational training at the University of Nevada Reno, earning AS degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer
Science. He then began years working in the IT Department at a Reno casino. In 2024, he returned to South Carolina and worked at the Home Depot in Summerville. He recently moved back to Beaufort.
by Indivisible Beaufort, Johnson will discuss his campaign and his vision for the future of South Carolina during the meeting. Johnson was raised in Hopkins and played professional basketball overseas before returning to South Carolina. He later founded the New Economic Beginnings Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on helping people develop skills and access resources intended to help them succeed. He holds a bachelor's degree from the College of Charleston
and a Ph.D. from Northcentral University. Johnson is running for governor alongside lieutenant governor candidate Sam Skardon. The Oct. 24 appearance comes as candidates across South Carolina campaign ahead of the Nov. 3 general election. 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.
1772: Gov. Charles Montague calls the General Assembly to meet Oct. 8-10 in Beaufort in an effort to control the body once it was removed from the influence of Charlestown Patriots. This act would be referenced in the list of indictments of the Crown by the Patriots in the Declaration of Independence: “He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for
the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.”
October 11 2019: Beaufort High School defeats Bluffton, 35-24, at home to give Eagles Head Football Coach Bruce Lybrand his first win as a head coach.
October 12 1565: Jean Ribaut, the founder of Charlesfort on Parris Island and a Huguenot (French Protestant), is captured and
killed by the Spaniards at the Massacre of Matanzas Inlet near St. Augustine in what is now Florida.
to 1979. In 1971, he partnered with Marguerite Broz and Betty Waskiewicz to form the Beaufort County Open Land Trust.
1935: John M. Trask, Jr. is born in Wilmington, N.C., to John M. Trask Sr. and Flora Graham Trask. He worked in the family farming business on St. Helena Island, chartered First Carolina Bank and served as Associate Administrator for Finance and Investment in the Small Business Administration during the Carter Administration from 1977
October 13 1862: Gen. Ormsby Mitchel announces plans for a dedicated freedmen’s village on Hilton Head Island. Mitchel would die Oct. 30, but the town of Mitchelville, named in his honor, would become the first selfgoverning freedmen’s town. – Compiled by Mike McCombs
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THIS WEEK IN HISTORY
October 8
April Ackerman
– Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207. For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jermaine Johnson coming to Beaufort
By Delayna Earley WANT TO GO? The Island News Who: Jermaine Johnson, Democratic candidate for Democratic candidate for South Carolina governor JerGovernor maine Johnson will make a camWhat: Indivisible Beaufort paign stop in Beaufort later this meeting featuring month, speaking at a meeting of When: 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 Indivisible Beaufort on Lady’s IsWhere: Grace Chapel AME Church, 10 Holly Hall Road, land. Lady’s Island Johnson is scheduled to speak Cost: Free and open to the at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at public Grace Chapel AME Church, 10 Holly Hall Road. The meeting is free and open to the public. sentatives, has served in the GenJohnson, a member of the eral Assembly since 2022. AcSouth Carolina House of Repre- cording to information provided
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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.
Seeking God
Angry With God? Faith in Difficult Times
Why does God allow bad things to happen? A father watches his son dying of leukemia. A child loses her mother at a young age. When we experience sorrows such as the death of a loved one, or bitter disappointments like the loss of a job, we can find ourselves becoming angry at God. If we do not manage these feelings in a healthy manner, we can begin to question whether God even exists, or at least whether he’s worth having as a part of our lives.
There are no easy answers here. For thousands of years, people of faith have struggled with the question of evil in the world. As Christians, we believe that God is good and he is all-powerful, and yet we recognize that evil exists. How can all three facts be simultaneously true? This is a mystery that goes beyond the limits of our human intellect and earthly perspective. But if you are feeling upset with God, there are constructive ways to move forward.
If you’re angry with God, you’re not alone. In the Bible, Jonah was angry with God after feeling that he was mistreated (Jonah 4:1-11). Job expressed similar feelings (Job 3:1-26). In a way, it takes faith to be angry with God. If we didn’t think he existed, or if we thought he wasn’t in control of things, we wouldn’t have any reason to be angry. It is because we believe these things that we struggle with God.
Talk to God about your feelings. If you are angry or disappointed, tell him all about it. He already knows, but he loves you and wants to hear you share what you are going through. As we admit our feelings and express them to God, we can start working through these emotions with him. We can find ourselves growing closer to God, even while we are still struggling. Even if it seems difficult, continue to keep the lines of communication open. Look with love at the cross. The mystery of human suffering finds its culmination in what happened on Good Friday, when Jesus gave his life for us on the cross. God loves us so much that he actually became one of us; he freely allowed himself to enter into our suffering. We can reflect on how Jesus was completely innocent, and yet he endured such immense agonies. We can prayerfully unite our own sufferings with his sufferings on the cross. Consider your blessings. When we are suffering, it is also helpful to take some time to consider the ways that God has blessed us. For example, if we find ourselves seriously ill, we might thank God for the support of our family members or the blessing of good medical care. Even in the midst of great trials, we can recognize God’s love and his continuing presence.
Next Week Brokenness Among Believers
Seeking God Message 6 of 8
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Visit BeaufortMemorial.org/ MammoAppointment or call 843-522-5015 to schedule your mammogram. Bring your voucher receipt to your appointment.
Buy Now, Schedule Later – Purchase a $99 screening mammogram voucher from MDsave
during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, then schedule with Beaufort Memorial in the next six months. Promotional pricing applies to 3D screening mammogram vouchers purchased through MDsave between October 1-31. If other procedures or views are necessary at the time of the exam, there may be additional charges for the patient and/or their insurance plan.
With You Always OCTOBER 8–14, 2026
A3
NEWS
LOCAL BANKERS. LOCAL DECISIONS.
‘Shorts At High Noon’ is back Graham Holcombe
SVP | City Executive - Beaufort
186 SEA ISLAND PARKWAY
843.605.0102
Popular program has new home – USCB Center for the Arts
Staff reports The Beaufort Film Society’s popular Shorts at High Noon film series is back and at a new home at the USC Beaufort Center. It continues each Wednesday through Nov. 18, 2026. The seven-week series gives Lowcountry audiences another opportunity to enjoy a selection of short films screened during the 2026 Beaufort International Film Festival (BIFF), including several category and individual award winners. Screenings begin promptly at noon, with check-in beginning at 11:30 a.m. Programs run approximately one hour. Admission is free and the public is invited to the screenings. “Shorts at High Noon gives our community another chance to see some of the outstanding independent films that helped make BIFF 2026 so memorable,” Beaufort Film Society President Ron Tucker said. “It’s an easy way to spend a lunch hour enjoying some terrific filmmaking, and we’re especially pleased to once again make these
screenings available to the — Student community free of charge.” The Lights Above ★ — 17 minutes — Student 2026 Shorts At High Collision Theory ★ — 21 Noon Schedule minutes — Student Wednesday, Oct. 7 Wednesday, Nov. 11 Hell In a Climate Haven Lonely ★ — 19 minutes — — 17 minutes — Student Short The Liars of Black MounWalter — 18 minutes — tain — 13 minutes — Short Short The Drive — 13 minutes The Artis Residence ★ — — Short 11 minutes — Short Wednesday, Oct. 14 Wednesday, Nov. 18 Saverio ★ — 14 minutes Session is for Beaufort — Short Film Society members only. Sit With Me While I Die The final program will offer ★ — 20 minutes — Short BFS members a special opTogether Forever — 9 portunity to participate diminutes — Short rectly in the selection proWednesday, Oct. 21 cess for the 2027 Beaufort The Crawfish Dance ★ — International Film Festival, 3 minutes — Animation viewing three BIFF 2027 Watching Walter — 18 submissions and voting to minutes — Short help determine an official Goodbye Stranger — 17 selection for the upcoming minutes — Student festival. Wanna Be A Star — 6 ★ Denotes a BIFF 2026 minutes — Short Category or Individual Wednesday, Oct. 28 Award Winner The Dumbletons — 14 minutes — Short For additional informaO & O ★ — 20 minutes — tion about Shorts at High Short Noon, the Beaufort Film Snipped — 14 minutes — Society and the Beaufort Short International Film Festival (Feb. 16–21, 2027), visit Wednesday, Nov. 4 Yer Smackin’ — 7 minutes beaufortfilmfestival.com.
ENGAGEMENTS
Andersen–Michelsen
The engagement of Michael James Drummond Andersen, of Beaufort, S.C., formerly of Fairfax, Va., and Mikkel Falking Gårde Michelsen, of Skødstrup, Kingdom of Denmark, is announced. Mr. Andersen is the son of Michael David Andersen, of Bemidji, Minn., and the late Susan Marie Drummond Andersen (Steele), formerly of Anaheim, Calif. Through his maternal Drummond line, he is a direct descendant of the historic Drummond family of Perth, Scotland. He received his degree in economics from American University in Washington, D.C., and is employed as an accountant. Mr. Michelsen is the son of Henrik Gårde-Michelsen, of Sønderborg, Kingdom of Denmark, and Karin Gårde-Michelsen, of Odense, Kingdom of Denmark. He comes from the Falking Gårde family, long associated with Danish banking. He was educated at Aarhus Tech in Aarhus, Denmark, in data technology and IT infrastructure, and is a
Higgins from page A1
The Island News has served as a stable source of local news and journalism for northern Beaufort County for many years. We look forward to continuing to provide our free weekly printed newspaper and creating new media products for you to enjoy. As we move forward, we are excited to serve Beaufort and Jasper Counties. We will continue to grow the circulation of our printed newspaper and add more options for our online readers. We will be continue to
partner at FLC Danmark ApS. The couple became engaged on Sept. 8, 2026, in the gardens of Hillwood Estate in Washington, D.C. Plans for the wedding will be announced at a later date.
provide breaking news, local sports, video interviews, local obituaries and announcements, arts and entertainment content, classified ads and factual articles that ask and answer tough questions offering insight into issues affecting our local way of life. It is my hope that we start a Youth Journalist Program which will partner with our local schools and offer a path for our young people to learn about journalism and the media industry. There are many stories in our communities that have never been told. It is my desire to see the best local people in our communities brought forward.
I know that we as a local media company have a tremendous responsibility to our readers and fellow neighbors. We take this responsibility seriously and will protect the freedom of speech while being a good steward of the facts. I am looking forward to sharing with you our smart, determined, hardworking team and presenting you with a trusted news product that is cutting edge. Thank you for supporting us as we shape our new identity and continue to promote and practice fair journalism. Mike McCombs is the editor of The Island News and can be reached at TheIslandNews@gmail.com.
Join Us for Sunday Morning Worship at 8:30 & 10:30 81 Lady’s Island Drive Pastor Steve Keeler (843) 525-0696 seaislandpresbyterian.org A4
OCTOBER 8–14, 2026
NEWS
BCSO rookie deputy suspended following domestic violence arrest Beaufort Police say firearm was discharged during incident
By Delayna Earley The Island News A rookie Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office deputy has been suspended and is the subject of an internal investigation following his arrest in connection with a domestic violence incident in Beaufort on Friday, Oct. 2, Sheriff P.J. Tanner confirmed to The Island News. Evan Lee Sigelnski, 23, was booked into the Beaufort County Detention Center shortly after 8 p.m., Oct. 2 and charged with third-degree domestic violence, according to jail records. Kierstin Margaret Griffith, 22, was booked approximately two hours later and charged with first-degree domestic violence and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. Both were arrested by the Beaufort Police Department. Beaufort Police Master Sgt. Sean Flomer confirmed in an email to The Island News that both parties were charged with domestic violence offenses and that a firearm was discharged during the incident.
Bid
from page A1 forward zoning map amendment and resident after resident urged commissioners to preserve the CPO. The commission’s recommendation will be forwarded to Beaufort County Council and its Natural Resources Committee. County Council has the final authority to approve or deny the requested zoning map amendment. Public hearing formally added Before considering the application, commissioners unanimously amended the item to formally designate the proceeding as a public hearing. The change came after the county attorney recommended clarifying the agenda, even though the meeting had already been advertised as a public hearing. The clarification resolved a discrepancy noted before the meeting. A sign posted outside Pine Island in mid-September advertised an Oct. 5 public hearing, and a legal notice published Sept. 20 said the commission would receive public comment on the application. The commission’s formal agenda, however, listed Pine Island as an action item without specifically identifying it as a public hearing. Commissioners ultimately received more than 40 minutes of public comment on the request. The application, filed by attorney Kevin E. Dukes on behalf of property owner Elvio Tropeano and Pine Island Property Holdings LLC, asks the county to remove two parcels along Dulamo and St. Helenaville roads from the CPO while retaining the land’s underlying T2 Rural zoning. The CPO prohibits golf courses, resorts and gated communities, uses that would otherwise be allowed under the underlying zoning. Unlike the Pine Island proposal considered by the county in 2025, the latest application does not
Flomer also confirmed that someone was transported for medical treatment but did not identify that person, describe the injuries or say who discharged the firearm. Griffith’s additional charge of possession of a weapon during a violent crime indicates investigators allege she possessed a weapon in connection with the alleged violent crime. A source familiar with the incident told The Island News that Griffith was the person who discharged the firearm and that she also sustained a nonfatal gunshot wound during the incident. The Island News has not independently confirmed the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including how or if Griffith was wounded. Asked whether Sigelnski was employed by, affiliated with or training with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, Flomer said only that those involved were “affiliated with law enforcement.” Tanner subsequently confirmed that Sigelnski is a rookie deputy with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s
Office. “The BCSO rookie deputy that was arrested by the City of Beaufort Police Department has been suspended,” Tanner said, adding that Sigelnski is currently undergoing an Office of Professional Responsibility internal affairs investigation. Tanner declined to discuss the circumstances surrounding the incident itself, saying Beaufort Police is responsible for the criminal investigation. “It would not be appropriate for me to respond to any questions you may have that the city police department was involved in,” Tanner said. “I would recommend that you speak with the city police department for any and all information associated with that call for service.” Flomer confirmed Beaufort Police is the lead investigative agency. He also answered “no” when asked whether the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division had been requested to investigate or was investigating any portion of the incident.
include a development tive designation after T1 agreement or a specific Natural Preserve. development plan. Dukes argued that T2 Rural zoning is itself intended Staff recommends denial to preserve rural character Planning and Zoning and that the county should Director Robert “Rob” Mer- apply its zoning standards chant told commissioners consistently to all applithe CPO’s boundaries were cants. He criticized the intentionally drawn and staff report and said Pine have remained essentially Island’s application had not unchanged since the over- been evaluated in the same lay was adopted in 1999. manner as other recent The district applies zoning amendments. broadly to St. Helena Island, “We need to treat evwith exceptions for previ- eryone equally when they ously established communi- come before you and when ties including Fripp, Harbor, they come before County Hunting and Dataw islands Council with a zoning map and several unbridged amendment and uniformly barrier islands. apply the Comprehensive Merchant said the overlay Plan and the code to each,” was not intended to apply Dukes said. only to land owned by GulHe also argued that proplah/Geechee families. Its erty owners have the right greatest effect, he said, is to ask that their land be reon large properties where moved from an overlay in development could signifi- the same way they may recantly alter the island’s es- quest other zoning changes. tablished pattern. Tropeano told commisCounty staff recommend- sioners that three Pine ed denial, finding that re- Island rezoning requests moving individual parcels were the only ones among would undermine the over- 39 applications reviewed lay by allowing the types of since 2020 that had not development identified as been handled in the manthe greatest threats to the ner he believed the county island’s cultural and rural code required. character. “This isn’t the position “Moving the boundaries that I wanted to be in,” Trofor the purpose of exclud- peano said. ing certain parcels erodes the effectiveness of the CPO Commissioners by allowing the very uses question applicant that have been identified as Commissioners pushed posing the greatest threat to back on several parts of the the character and stability of presentation. the island community,” MerJon Henney said the comchant said. mission considers the staff Staff concluded the pro- report, the applicant’s arguposed amendment is incon- ments, public comments, sistent with the county’s the Comprehensive Plan Comprehensive Plan and and the nine standards govdevelopment code, does erning zoning map amendnot address a demonstrat- ments. ed community need, is not Henney said property required by changing con- owners have the right to ditions and could adverse- seek zoning changes but ly affect neighboring land, that he found no justificanatural resources and public tion in the application for facilities. removing the CPO. “The underlying zoning is Applicant disputes T2R. It’s already there,” Hencounty’s analysis ney said. “So based on what Dukes disputed that anal- I’ve heard tonight, I certainysis. ly can’t support the request.” He described the request Chuck Newton, who paras a “straightforward zon- ticipated remotely, said the ing map amendment” that larger issue was whether would leave the property in St. Helena Island residents T2 Rural, the county’s base would retain control over rural zoning classification the community’s future. and its second-most restric“This is really about res-
Court records filed Oct. 5 show three criminal cases stemming from the incident. Sigelnski is charged with third-degree domestic violence and received a $5,237.50 personal recognizance bond. Griffith faces separate charges of first-degree domestic violence and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. She received a $25,000 personal recognizance bond on the domestic violence charge and a $10,000 personal recognizance bond on the weapons charge, according to court records. Both posted bond Oct. 3. The cases remain pending in Beaufort County General Sessions Court. Beaufort County Detention Center records show Sigelnski was booked at 8:07 p.m. Oct. 2 and Griffith was booked at 10:05 p.m. Court records list Oct. 3 as the arrest date for both. The exact circumstances that led to the domestic violence charges and the discharge of the firearm remain unclear. Beaufort Police has not publicly identified
idents of St. Helena being able to decide its own fate,” Newton said. Newton also pointed to the pending Pine Island litigation, saying the developer’s challenges to the CPO may ultimately have to be resolved in court. “If the county loses this in court, it won’t be just one golf course, it will be many,” Newton said. “The precedent will be clear.” Newton said defending the CPO in court would be “money well spent” if necessary. Public comments overwhelmingly opposed Public commenters overwhelmingly opposed removing Pine Island from the overlay. Several warned that excluding one large property could set a precedent for similar requests elsewhere on St. Helena Island and gradually weaken protections that residents spent decades creating. Anthony Jones, a St. Helena Island resident, said the word that kept coming to mind during the applicant’s presentation was “precedent.” “If you all back down on this, what’s going to prevent him from changing it from T2 to another designation, to eventually have it to the point where we are looking like another Hilton Head?” Jones asked. Other speakers emphasized that the CPO grew out of community-led preservation efforts dating to the 1990s. One speaker told commissioners that St. Helena residents were not merely informed about the overlay after its creation but were “the co-authors of this policy.” Tim Joy urged commissioners to honor both the community’s wishes and the county’s planning process. “Why would we have a comprehensive plan if we were going to do those kinds of things?” Joy asked. “Why would we have zoning if we were just to remove a zone based on one request?” Natasha Robinson, a St. Helena Island native who identified herself as Gul-
who allegedly fired the weapon, who was transported for medical treatment or provided additional details about what occurred before the arrests. The Island News requested a copy of the incident report from Beaufort Police. Flomer directed the newspaper to submit a Freedom of Information Act request through the City of Beaufort. As of Tuesday, The Island News had not received the incident report detailing the circumstances that led to the arrests. The Sheriff’s Office internal investigation into Sigelnski is separate from the criminal investigation being conducted by Beaufort Police. The charges against Sigelnski and Griffith remain pending, and neither has been convicted in connection with the incident. 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.
lah/Geechee, said the island’s culture and heritage could not be assigned a monetary value. “There’s no price tag on heritage,” Robinson said. “There is no for-sale sign on culture because that is not a for-sale item.” Planning Commission Chairman Ed Pappas said the county also received 34 pieces of written correspondence concerning the application. A third unanimous recommendation The motion to recommend denial cited the same findings outlined in the staff report, including conflicts with the Comprehensive Plan and development code, the absence of changed conditions or a demonstrated community need, incompatibility with surrounding land and potential harm to the natural environment. The vote marks the third time the Planning Commission has unanimously recommended against removing Pine Island acreage from the CPO. In June 2023, the commission recommended denial of a similar request involving 502 acres. County Council later defeated that zoning amendment, with two members voting in favor and eight opposed. The property returned in May 2025 with an application seeking to remove approximately 437 acres from the CPO. The commission again unanimously recommended denial. That application was withdrawn after County Council voted 10-1 in September 2025 not to approve an accompanying development agreement. The current application again includes the full 502 acres but does not include a development agreement.
eral litigation filed by Pine Island Property Holdings LLC and Pine Island GC LLC. Eight council members voted to remove the item, while Logan Cunningham and Paula Brown opposed doing so. The action followed objections to Tropeano and attorney Ellis Lesemann having participated in part of a Sept. 14 executive session. The South Carolina Environmental Law Project, representing the Gullah/ Geechee Sea Island Coalition and other concerned residents, has argued that allowing an opposing party into the closed meeting exceeded the Freedom of Information Act exemption for receiving confidential legal advice. County officials dispute that interpretation and maintain that council may invite outside parties to provide information before those individuals leave and council receives privileged advice from its attorneys. The newer federal lawsuit has been stayed while the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals considers the dismissal of an earlier Pine Island case. The Coalition remains an intervenor-defendant in that earlier litigation. County Attorney Brian Hulbert told council Sept. 28 that the proposed settlement will eventually have to return because the county is obligated to respond.
What happens next The Planning Commission’s vote does not decide either the litigation or the settlement dispute. Its recommendation will now enter the County Council review process. Council will ultimately decide whether the two Pine Island parcels should remain within the Cultural Protection Overlay. Until then, the approximately 502 acres remain subject to the CPO and its Closed-door prohibitions on golf courses, discussions disputed resorts and gated communiMonday’s hearing also oc- ties. curred amid a separate dispute over County Council’s Delayna Earley, who joined The closed-door discussions with Island News in 2022, formerly Pine Island representatives. worked as a photojournalist for The Council voted Sept. 28 Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, to remove a planned execuas well as newspapers in Indiana tive-session discussion of a and Virginia. She can be reached at proposed settlement in feddelayna.theislandnews@gmail.com. OCTOBER 8–14, 2026
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OBITUARIES Lt. Col. James E. “Ed” Brown
Ricketts's old lab next to the Monterey Bay AquarDec. 6, 1948 — Oct. 1, 2026 ium, and recently Beaufort toured Frank Lloyd Wright's Lt. Col. James E. Brown, Ph.D., Fallingwater masU.S. Army (Ret.), of Beaufort, S.C., Lt. Col. terpiece in Mill James E. and Frederick, Md., died unex“Ed” Brown Run, Pa. pectedly on Oct. 1, 2026, at the Ed was always age of 77. working on something, and he He was born in Chester, S.C., could figure anything out with a on Dec. 6, 1948, to Clarence YouTube video and some intuCleburne Brown (C.C.), an aircraft mechanic in World War II, and Al- ition. He also taught his sons to work early. When they were boys, ice Ferguson Brown, who taught he drafted them to help build a music in South Carolina's public rock wall at the family's home in schools for 33 years. He was the Frederick. It felt like hard labor eldest of four brothers. at the time, but Benjamin now Known to his friends as Ed, he credits it for the persistence he met his future wife, Mary Gale has today. Boyd, while attending Furman Later, when either son had a University; they were married in project, Ed arrived with his tools 1975. He went on to earn a Ph.D. and a plan. He trenched drains, in biochemistry from North Caroinstalled a mini-split, rebuilt lina State University and entered fences, hung mailboxes, and active duty in the U.S. Army Mediassembled furniture. When the cal Service Corps in 1977. family gathered, he would anEd published more than 50 nounce that "the Ed Brown shade scientific papers and became tree mechanic shop" was open for an internationally recognized business. expert on bacterial toxins, an Ed loved the South Carolina achievement the Army Surgeon Lowcountry and its waterfront. General once recognized. At the Buying a waterfront home in Walter Reed Army Institute of 2017 on Habersham Creek in Research in Silver Spring, Md., Beaufort fulfilled a lifelong dream and AFRIMS in Bangkok, Thaifor Ed and Mary Gale. From their land, he studied the toxin that dock he regularly sent his family causes dysentery. He later led the sunset photos at high tide and Department of Immunology and once reported dolphins heading Molecular Biology at USAMRIID out on the falling tide, close in Frederick, developing vaccines enough that he could hear them and defenses against biological breathe. weapons. Over the past year, as Mary During the Gulf War, his Gale put it, "Eddie loves his commanders credited his wildflowers now." In Frederick he "unrelenting personal effort" as planted a flower bed, along with "instrumental" in producing a tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, botulinum antitoxin for soldiers and other vegetables in a set of in the Persian Gulf. In 1995, the commemorative America 250 State Department requested five-gallon buckets, which he him by name to serve as Chief distributed to family before his Inspector of the UN's biologilast trip south to Beaufort. This cal weapons team in Baghdad. past summer he happily picked Iraq's hidden biological weapons wildflowers and played for hours program came to light during on end with his granddaughter his tenure, and he returned that Hannah whenever they were December on behalf of the UN together. to shut down Iraq's facilities. Ed expected a great deal of all The UN later wrote "LTC Brown his grandchildren, sometimes to made an enormous contribution their frustration, but he worked to international biological arms tirelessly to support and celecontrol." brate them. He spent hours on Rather than uproot his family the phone with registrars helping for assignments that could have Cole navigate the process to get advanced his career, he chose his college degree. When Lilly to stay based in Frederick. He graduated from high school in retired from the Army with the 2025, he hosted her celebration rank of Lieutenant Colonel in dinner and wrote her English 1998 and returned to Fort Detrick teacher a note of thanks. When as a civilian scientist, helping Hannah was born, he moved in to for another 17 years to bring new walk the dogs, cook dinner, patch vaccines and medical products to drywall, and measure the nursery approval. for wallpaper; as he put it, "we're Ed was a serious man with a here to help." He adored her, and scientist's eye and a dry sense he was looking forward to meetof humor. He once defended his ing her little sister, Alexandra, dad jokes by proudly sharing a due later this month. scientific study on them with his Ed believed in knowing your family. During a polar vortex, his neighbors and in going "the secson joked that it was still 439 de- ond mile." In Beaufort, he served grees above absolute zero, and Ed for many years as president of the wryly corrected him: it was actuVictoria Place Homeowners Asally 478. Every night at dinner in sociation and was recently electthe 1990s, the family television ed president of the Liberal Men of was tuned to The News Hour on the Lowcountry Investment Club. PBS, never a drama or a sitcom. He was civically active, attending He read history rather than events and rallies in defense of fiction and traveled to see it for the American republic he believed himself. He stood in the room at in so much. Bretton Woods where the postwar After completing treatment for monetary agreement was signed, prostate cancer in late 2025, Ed was as active as ever. On the day sought out Steinbeck's friend Ed
he died, he joined a conference call with members of his investment club, talked with contractors about repairs to the house, and worked on home improvement projects of his own. Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Mary Gale Brown; his son, Christopher Brown, and his wife, Christin, of Frederick, MD, and their children, Cole Foflygen and Lilly Brown; his son, Benjamin Brown, and his wife, Elizabeth DeGele, of Annapolis, MD, their daughter, Hannah Brown, and a second daughter, Alexandra, expected later this month; his brothers, Richard Brown (Susie Bid) and Cleve Brown (Anne); and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother, Charles Robert Brown. A funeral service will take place at noon, Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, at Anderson Funeral Home in Beaufort, S.C. Following the service, interment with military honors will take place at Beaufort National Cemetery.
William E. “Bill” Dufford Sept. 30, 2026 Newberry
Dr. William E. “Bill” Dufford, a distinguished South Carolina educator, education administrator, civil rights leader, author, and World War II veteran, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2026. As a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent whose career in public education spanned more than four decades — and as a lifelong mentor — Dr. Dufford became a courageous advocate for equal and equitable access for all to the transformative power of learning. Born in Newberry, S.C., he was the son of Cornelius Adolphus “Neal” Dufford and Alma Cole Dufford. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Dr. C. A. Dufford Jr. (b. 1921), and his sisters Virginia Dufford (b. 1923) and Doris Dufford (b. 1925). In 1995, the Dufford siblings donated their family home on College Street to Newberry College for use as its alumni center. This year the Dufford family was recognized by Newberry College with Distinguished Membership into the John Bachman Founders Society, the first family ever to be honored with this prestigious award. During World War II, Dr. Dufford served in the United States Navy as a radar crew member aboard the USS Los Angeles in the Pacific Theater from 1944 to 1945. Returning from the war and aided by the G.I. Bill, he graduated from Newberry College in 1949. Indicative of his commitment to higher education, he later earned his doctorate in education and curriculum from the University of Florida in 1967, near the midpoint of his professional life. He began his career in education at Winyah High School in Georgetown, where he taught mathematics and physics and served as a coach before helping establish Winyah Junior High School and becoming its principal. He later served as a high school principal in Georgetown,
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Beaufort, and Sumter, and as superintendent of schools in York. He also worked as an educational consultant to the William Boston school E. “Bill” Dufford system, directed field services for the University of South Carolina Center for Integrated Education, and served as co-chair of South Carolina Governor Richard W. Riley’s Task Force on Southern Children. He concluded his inspiring career by returning to the classroom, with 10 years of teaching mathematics at Eau Claire and Lower Richland high schools in Columbia. His defining public service came during the integration of South Carolina’s schools, with an inclusive approach that honored the perspectives of students, colleagues, and the community. In Sumter in 1969, he guided the unification of the formerly segregated Lincoln and Edmunds high schools, insisting that genuine integration required more than placing students in the same building. Through practical, student-centered measures, he worked to create a shared school community founded on dignity, fairness, and mutual respect. His efforts drew national attention— including coverage in the New York Times and an opportunity to bring a delegation of his students to Alabama to exemplify for educators there what successful integration measures could achieve. When interviewed for the University of South Carolina Museum of Education exhibit “1963–2013: Desegregation-Integration Reflections,” Dr. Dufford offered this advice to teachers based on his 40 years of experiences: “If you wish to become a teacher, then you really must be a compassionate person who truly likes people. And you must know that if you take the right and courageous stand, there may be some uneasy moments from time to time. But if you are standing for the right issues and doing the right thing, there will always be a place for you as a teacher. You may not be able to change the world, but you will have an impact on those with whom you come into contact.” Dr. Dufford was honored with a South Carolina Governor’s Award in the Humanities in 2014 and, in 2015, with the South Carolina Order of the Palmetto, the state’s highest civilian honor. In both ceremonies, he was introduced by his former Beaufort High School student, author, and fellow educator Pat Conroy. Dufford’s memoir, “My Tour Through the Asylum: A Southern Integrationist’s Memoir,” was published by the University of South Carolina Press in 2017 and was recognized with an Independent Publishers Book Award for Memoir the following year. Dufford continued his longtime relationship with his alma mater in a multitude of empowering ways, including the establishment of Newberry College’s annual Dufford Diversity and Inclusion Week, the William Dufford Retired Educator Award, and the Dufford Diversity Lab at the Col-
lege’s Center for Teacher Education, located in the former Spears Street Elementary School, which Dufford attended as a student. His efforts also led to the Newberry Opera House’s Dufford Center for Cultural Diversity. His numerous collaborations with Newberry College and the Opera House continue to carry forward his commitment to fostering understanding, inclusion, and educational opportunities for young people as an investment in the future. In 2022, Newberry College’s Teacher Education Department inducted Dr. Dufford into its Hall of Master Teachers, recognizing him for exemplary dedication and service in the field of education and presenting him with his namesake prize, the William Dufford Retired Educator Award. In his retirement, Dufford continued to be an active and passionate participant in the multitude of educational programs which bear his name, in addition to entertaining and educating visitors in his Columbia home — including fellow educators and former students, their students, and their students’ students. Lovingly remembered by generations of his students, educators, and colleagues, Dr. Dufford changed thousands of lives immeasurably for the better and leaves a lasting legacy of courageous compassion and stalwart faith in the transformative powers of education, inclusion, multiculturalism, and social justice. In his memoir, Dr. Dufford offered this characteristically grateful and humble summation of his life: “I couldn’t have been more fortunate. Many people were there to help me along the way. They were kind and they were generous. I guess I started working with kids in 1949 … and I’m still working with them. They keep me young. They think I helped them, and in fact they helped me…. None of my life was planned. I was just always asked to do this or that. Things just fell into my lap. There was never any formalized plan, just forward progress.” Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, at Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry by The Rev Michael Jones (Sylva, N.C.). Interment will follow in Rosemont Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 9. Memorial contributions may be made to: The 1955 YMCA Cannon Street Allstar Little League Baseball Meditation & Memorial Garden, Charleston, S.C. or The Muller Center/Dufford Speaker Series, 2100 College Street, Newberry College, Newberry. S.C. 29108. Memories and messages may be shared at whitakerfuneralhome.com.
DEATH NOTICE Marilee Sartori
Marilee Sartori was born on June 23, 1942 and passed away on Sept. 28, 2026. A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026 at 10 a.m. at St. Peter's Catholic Church on Lady's Island. A graveside service will follow at 1 p.m., at Beaufort National Cemetery.
NEWS
Beaufort man, 25, dies after accidental shooting on Salem Road Robert McLeod died at Beaufort Memorial Hospital shortly after Sunday afternoon shooting at Garden Oaks Apartments
By Delayna Earley The Island News A 25-year-old Beaufort man died Sunday afternoon after what police say was an accidental shooting at an apartment complex on Salem Road. Officers with the Beaufort Police Department responded to Garden Oaks Apartments, 2000 Salem Road, at approximately 3:51 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, following a report of a person suffering from a gunshot wound. When officers arrived, they found a man with a life-threatening injury and immediately began providing lifesaving aid. The Beaufort County Coroner’s
Office identified the man Monday as Robert McLeod, 25, of Beaufort. McLeod died at Beaufort Memorial Hospital at 4:40 p.m. Oct. 4 from a gunshot wound, according to Beaufort County Chief Deputy Coroner Shane Bowers. Beaufort Police said its preliminary investigation indicates the shooting was accidental and that there was no ongoing threat to the public. Police have not released additional information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including how the firearm was discharged or whether anyone else was present at the time.
The Beaufort Police Department is investigating the shooting. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Beaufort Police Department at 843-524-2777. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County through the P3 Tips app or by calling 1-844-TIPSBFT (1-844847-7238). 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.
Amber Hewitt/The Island News
BAA calls for entries
Beaufort Art Association Artists invited to for the Satellite Gallery submit work for Changeover at Lowcountry upcoming Satellite Medical Center at 300 MidGallery changeover town Drive, located off Par-
ris Island Gateway. Staff artists All Beaufort Art AssociLocal artists are encour- ation (BAA) members, both aged to submit entries for exhibiting artists and gen-
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICE To all persons claiming an interest in: 2011-14'-TRACKER-BUJ05681H0112014-20HP-SUZUKI-DF20AES-02002F412573
JAMES PALMER will apply to SCDNR for title on watercraft/outboard motor. If you have any claim to the watercraft/outboard motor, contact SCDNR at (803) 734-3699. Upon thirty days after the date of the last advertisement if no claim of interest is made and the watercraft/outboard motor has not been reported stolen, SCDNR shall issue clear title. Case No. 20260423950302 TRUSTEE’S NOTICE OF SALE You are hereby notified that you are in default of the payment of common expenses and assessments (“Delinquencies”) due to the GOLDEN ISLE-NAUTICAL WATCH TIME SHARE OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. (“GINWTOA”) c/o Trustee for GINWTOA, P.O. Box 7926, Hilton Head, SC 29938. Due to your failure to pay the Delinquencies, GINWTOA (under the authority of Title 27, Chapter 32, Article 3 of the Code of Laws of SC 1976) and the Trustee for GINWTSOA (as evidenced by the Notice of Appointment of Trustee recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Beaufort County, SC in Book 4582 at Page 2226), will offer for sale at public auction at 7 Finch St., Suite 7A, Hilton Head, SC 29926, the timeshare intervals of the timeshare owners for the amount of the Delinquencies for each timeshare owner (listed below) to the highest bidder, for cash, on October 21, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. The Delinquencies due and owing to the GINWTOA are based upon the provisions of the Declaration of Multiple Ownership Rights, Restrictions, Affirmative Obligations, Conditions, Etc. which constitute covenants running with Units 4 and 32 of Nautical Watch, Harbor Island, Beaufort County, SC, dated June 29, 1984 and recorded on June 29, 1984 in said Register of Deeds Office in Book 398 at Page 6, as amended in Book 404 at Page 1456, as further amended in Book 419 at Page 166, in Book 1835 at Page 1987, in Book 2671 at Page 98, and as further amended from time to time thereafter. Each and every timeshare owner listed in this Notice of Sale is in default of their obligation to pay their respective Delinquencies to GINWTSOA. The sale of the timeshare owners’ timeshare intervals is being conducted to satisfy the Delinquencies of the timeshare owners to GINWTSOA as detailed in the Assessment Liens for Common Expenses & Assessments recorded in said Register of Deeds Office as follows: Description of Owner(s) Timeshare Interval Balance Due Lien recording Thomas & Eileen Fitzgerald
Unit 4/Week 3
$38,753.55
4461/3306
June M. Williams
Unit 4/Week 4
$38,753.55
4461/3309
Lemerio & Francene Pinckney
Unit 4/Week 5
$38,753.55
4461/3312
Frank & Mary Richardson
Unit 4/Week 10
$ 9,941.38
4461/3327
Richard A. DeLong
Unit 4/Week 17
$38,753.55
4461/3342
Matthew & Elizabeth G. Moser
Unit 4/Week 18
$38,753.55
4461/3345
Timothy R. Tedrow
Unit 4/Week 21
$38,753.55
4461/3348
Augusta McD Ball
Unit 4/Week 25
$38,753.55
4461/3246
Terry B & Judith A. McConnell
Unit 4/Week 28
$15,835.43
4461/3249
Milton C & Sara Lou Sikes
Unit 4/Week 31
$36,598.78
4461/3252
Anne Anderson & Robert Johnson
Unit 4/Week 32
$38,753.55
4461/3255
Willie J & Helen Odums
Unit 4/Week 33
$38,753.55
4461/3258
Violet M Montgomery & Donna D Bouchillon
Unit 4/Week 34
$38,753.55
4461/3261
Willie A Sr. & Jessie R DeLoach
Unit 4/Week 37
$38,753.55
4461/3264
Steven J & Michelle D Currier
Unit 4/Week 38
$38.753.55
4461/3267
Lillie M. Allison
Unit 4/Week 39
$38,753.55
4461/3270
Freddrick & Betty Hargrove
Unit 4/Week 40
$38,753.55
4461/3273
Edsel & Shirley Mitchell
Unit 4/Week 41
$38,753.55
4461/3276
Mabel J. Davis
Unit 4/Week 42
$38,753.55
4461/3279
Lou Ann Adams
Unit 4/Week 43
$38,753.55
4461/3282
Phyllis R. Ford
Unit 4/Week 44
$38,753.55
4461/3285
James & Dorothy Hightower
Unit 4/Week 50
$38,753.55
4461/3294
Albert & Elena Keenan
Unit 4/Week 51
$38,753.55
4461/3297
EACH TIMESHARE INTERVAL WILL BE AUCTIONED SEPARATELY. The sale will require the highest bidder, other than GINWTSOA, to pay cash or certified funds. If GINWTSOA is the successful PLACE YOUR LEGAL NOTICE HERE Please contact ads.theislandnews@gmail.com for more information on placing your legal notice in The Island News.
eral membership artists, are eligible to register. Satellite Gallery registration opens online Friday, Oct. 9 and
closes Thursday, Oct. 22 on beaufortartassociation.com. Registered pieces and applicable fees will be received Friday, Oct. 23. Click on theRegistration tab and scroll down to the Satellite Gallery section and list your items. All fees
bidder at the Sale, it shall receive as a credit against the bid price of a sum equal to the assessments, including interest, late charges, fees and per diem. The Sale shall be subject to taxes and assessments, existing easements, easements and restrictions of record, and any senior mortgage lien. The purchaser is to pay for the preparation of the Deed, documentary stamps on the deed and the costs of recording the deed. The timeshare intervals being sold are undivided weekly timeshare interests in Unit Four, a portion of Nautical Watch, Harbor Island, St. Helena Township, Beaufort County, SC, as said timeshare regime being established by the Declaration of Multiple Ownership Rights, etc. dated June 29, 1984 and recorded in said Register of Deeds Office in Book 398 at Page 6, as amended. TMP R300 020 00A 0124
may be by check payable to Beaufort Art Association or cash for the pieces entered. Fees are reasonably set in order to encourage participation. Artists receive 90% of each sale. The Satellite Gallery, formerly chaired by Wyn Fo-
land and Barbara Hunt, is transitioning to Co-Chairs Susan Cato and Cori Shanihan. Foland and Hunt will be present to officially pass the baton. For additional information, call Susan Cato at 843812-7714.
RIGHT TO CURE: The timeshare owners listed above have the right to cure the default up to the date on which the Certificate of Sale is issued for each timeshare interval listed above in accordance with Section 27-32-345 of the SC Timeshare Lien Foreclosure Act. s/Maria Belbas Parker, Esq. Maria Belbas Parker, Esq., Trustee and Attorney for Golden Isle-Nautical Watch Owners Association, Inc. PO Box 7926, Hilton Head, SC 29938 October 1, 2026
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
PERSONAL PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE REPRESENTATIVE
PUB. DATE PUB. DATE
PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE
PUB. DATE
JosephJane FrankBobbitt Anastasia Emma 05/17/2025 Date of Death: 8/20/2026 2025ES0700899 Case Number: 2026ES0701078
Elisa O’Connor David H. Bobbitt 16 William Drive,14Ste. 202 C/O POST OFFICEPope DRAWER Bluffton, SC Island, 29909 SC 29938 Hilton Head
08/21/2025 09/24/2026
Frederick Ray Liles Joanne Frances Hackett Date of Death: 07/05/2025 6/21/2026 Case Number: 2025ES0700943 2026ES0701110
MelaineJ.S.Hackett Smith Frances PO Box C/O P.O. BOX1107 22230 Beaufort, 29901 SC 29925 Hilton HeadSCIsland,
08/28/2025 10/01/2026
Jerry Joseph Dittle Karen Marie Brundage 03/01/2025 Date of Death: 7/26/2026 2025ES0700903 Case Number: 2026ES0701106
Lori R. Cullen Krisstoffer Edward Pluss C/OKinsler 16 William 316 RoadPope Drive, Ste. 202 Bluffton, SC 29909 Blythewood, SC 29016
08/21/2025 09/24/2026
Alan JoelEllen Michaelson; AKA Alan J. Michaelson Jennifer Harrelson Date of Death: 06/29/2025 6/17/2026 Case Number: 2025ES0700944 2026ES0701139
CatherinePaul Grubell Michael Harrelson C/O 16 William 468 Paige PointPope BluffDr., Ste. 202 Bluffton, SCSC29909 Seabrook, 29940
08/28/2025 10/01/2026
Marguerite Anne Ford Arlene A. Erbacher 07/01/2025 Date of Death: 2/15/2026 2025ES0700906 Case Number: 2026ES0701080
Michael Ralph Darlayne GlesiasFord Box 5098 Village C/O 17POProfessional Hilton Head Beaufort, SC Island, 29907 SC 29938
08/21/2025 09/24/2026
John HarryEdward GordonMiracle; Kirby, IIIAKA John E. Miracle Date of Death: 04/05/2025 7/31/2026 Case Number: 2025ES0700932 2026ES0701113
Geraldine G. Miracle Marie P. Pearson PO Box C/O P.O. BOX5098 882 Hilton Head Island, SC 29938 Bluffton, SC 29910
08/28/2025 10/01/2026
Anna Maria Wilhelmina La Haije Herman Anthony Erbacher 07/21/2025 Date of Death: 8/6/2026 2025ES0700892 Case Number: 2026ES0701079
Helma Franisca Darlayne GlesiasCap 17 Brams Point Rd. Village C/O 17 Professional Hilton Head Beaufort, SC Island, 29907 SC 29926
08/21/2025 09/24/2026
Raymond Carl Pettersen Helen Rowland Martin Date of Death: 06/09/2025 8/2/2026 Case Number: 2025ES0700929 2026ES0701127
08/28/2025 10/01/2026
Rita Marie O’Brien Paul Marshal Glick Death:8/19/2026 07/25/2025 Date of Date: 2025ES0700913 Case Number: 2026ES0701095
John M. Sears O’Brien, Jr. Antonia Glick PO Drawer 1107 C/O P.O. BOX 22512 Beaufort SC Island, 29901 SC 29925 Hilton Head
08/21/2025 09/24/2026
CynthiaR.K.Borja Hutcheson Jaclyn Christina R. Lesher C/O P.O. BOX 3851 C/O 10 Hospital Center Commons, Ste. 400 Bluffton, SC 29910 Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 Brian Anderson Edward Harry7906 Tobergte C/O P.O. BOX C/O POHead Box 7906 Hilton Island, SC 29928 Hilton Head Island, SC 29938 Warren Mark Story Louise C/O P.O.Brunson BOX 1107 C/O PO Drawer 1107 Beaufort, SC 29901 Beaufort, SC 29901 Harley D. Ruff Lisa 17Brien C/O Professional Village C/O PO Drawer 1107 Beaufort, SC 29907 Beaufort, SC 29901 Norbert Mixon ClaraP.O. Marie C/O BOXEmerson 22230 C/O POHead Box 3435 Hilton Island, SC 29925 Bluffton, SC 29910 Kathryn E. Williams Daniel C/O 811 Gene CravenFitzgerald Street 27187 Chippendale Beaufort, SC 29902 Ter. Salisbury, MD 21801 Mary Beth Cofield William II C/O POSTMyers OFFICEHoffer, BOX 1938 C/O 2015 Boundary Bluffton, SC 29910 St., #227 Beaufort, SC 29902 Bradford S. Collins Melissa L. Davis Village C/O 17 Professional C/O PO Drawer 1107 Beaufort, SC 29907 Beaufort, SC 29901 Todd Howard Crutchley Matthew J. LieserColony Road, #400 C/O 10 Pinckney C/O 112 Executive Bluffton, SC 29909Center 1 Corpus Christi Place, #112 Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 Dominic Lamont Dasher, Jr. 33 Chowan Creek Bluff Janese W.SCDavis Beaufort, 29907 180 Pearl Davis Road Springfield, GA 31329 Elizabeth S. Gerlich C/O 200 Main Street, Suite 201 N R. WillisHead PostIsland, SC 29926 Hilton C/O 17 Professional Village Beaufort, 29907 Gerard W. SC Hand C/O P.O. BOX 22230 JamesHead F. Holland Hilton Island, SC 29925 C/O PO Box 7906 Hilton J.Head Kathy Oda Island, SC 29938 C/O 204 N. Cedar Street, Suite 203 Deborah F. Kopp Summerville, SC 29483 C/O PO Drawer 1023 Beaufort,Smalls SC 29901 Lucretia 27 Kelis Lane St. Helena Island, SC 29920
DECEDENT DECEDENT
Ernesto A. Chambers, Jr. Date of Death: 7/18/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701111
Mary Ann Ina McKoane AKA Mary Ann McKoane Patricia Ann Wilson Date of Death: 7/23/2026 Date Death: 2026ES0701129 07/12/2025 Case of Number: Case Number: 2025ES0700916 ConnieW.L.Griswold Olsen 08/21/2025 Scott 09/24/2026 Warren Hard Story 112 Executive Mary Grey Boatwright C/O P.O. BOX 21668Center Date of Death: 8/20/2026 1 Corpus Christi Place, Date Death: 2026ES0701124 08/04/2025 Hilton Head Island, SC #112 29925 Case of Number: Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 Case Number: 2025ES0700963 V. AlexRobert Dorobantu 08/21/2025 James Holzmacher 09/24/2026 Anthony Paul Weare Pick PocketVillage Plantation Dr. Ste. A Francis Brien; AKA Francis C. Brien C/O 171110Professional Date ofCharles Death: 5/4/2026 29902 Date Death: 2026ES0700766 07/11/2025 Beaufort, SC 29907 Case of Number: Case Number: 2025ES0700946 Lacey Michelle 08/21/2025 Jennifer WilsonGodec McElveen 09/24/2026 Sarah Anne Wells AKA Sarah Ann Wells C/O PO Drawer 1023 Jr. Arthur Emerson Michael Ray McElveen, Date ofAndrew Death: 5/28/2026 Beaufort, SC 29901507 Date Death: 2026ES0701115 07/27/2025 C/O P.O. DRAWER Case of Number: Case Number: 2025ES0700956 Beaufort, SC 29901-0507 Melissa M. Schiavone 08/21/2025 Glen Williams C/O POS.Drawer 1107 Ervin Fitzgerald David McMullen 09/24/2026 Date ofGene Death: 4/8/2026 Beaufort, SC 29901 Date Death: 2026ES0701142 12/24/2024 C/O 7511 Saint Andrews Road, Ste. 3 Case of Number: Case Number: 2025ES0700948 Irmo, SC 29063 Rodney A. Schaake 08/21/2025 Richard Albert Cofield, Jr. C/O PO Box 22230 Robin Dondrett Pope 09/24/2026 Date ofRaines Death:Hoffer 8/16/2026 Hilton Date Death: 2026ES0701154 04/27/2025 24 KatoHead LaneIsland, SC 29925 Case of Number: Case Number: 2025ES0700964 Beaufort, SC 29906 Teresa Lynn Anthony 08/21/2025 Margaret Sue Collins C/O PO Box 7906 Stanley M. Lawson Ann Elizabeth Robinson 09/24/2026 Date of Death: 8/22/2026 Hilton Head Island,Village SC 29938 Date Death: 2026ES0701168 06/21/2025 C/O 17 Professional Case of Number: Case Number: 2025ES0700961 Beaufort, SC 29907 Laura Ann Richardson 08/21/2025 Virginia Lee Crutchley 2662 Broad Street Joe Lieser Robert Andrew Ross 09/24/2026 DateWilliam of Death: 9/4/2026 Beaufort, SC 29902 Date Death: 2026ES0701151 07/12/2025 C/O 1501 North Street Case of Number: Case Number: 2025ES0700857 Beaufort, SC 29902 Marianne Zuidema 08/21/2025 Dominic Lamont Dasher C/O 3404 Salterbeck Sonda Spitzer Jones Street, Ste. 204 09/24/2026 Date of Death: 7/15/2026 Mt. Pleasant, SC BOX 294661866 Larry Cecil Millender C/O POST OFFICE Case Number: 2026ES0701152 Date of Death: 02/19/2025 Walterboro, SC 29488 John F. Crocco 08/28/2025 Case Number: Richard George2025ES0700974 Gerlich PO Box 118 Date of Death: 8/24/2026 Lisa K. Westbrook 09/24/2026 Southport, CT 06890 Suzanne Rekate2026ES0701165 Post 515 Battery Creek Case Number: Date of Death: 07/21/2025 Beaufort, SC 29902 Nancy L. Golson 08/28/2025 Case HelenNumber: Hand 2025ES0700962 C/O 16L.William Date of Death: 8/15/2026 Diane Smith Pope Dr., Ste. 202 09/24/2026 Bluffton, SC 29909 Kelly Lynn Sullivan C/O 10 Hospital Center Commons, Suite B Case Number: 2026ES0701149 Date of Death: 07/21/2025 Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 Charisse Parker 08/28/2025 Case 2025ES0700954 CherieNumber: Lynn Oda Utz C/O PO Box 2478 Timothy S. Agnew Carolyn W. Agnew, 10/01/2026 Date of Death: 5/3/2026 Beaufort, SC 29901-2478 James Franklin2026ES0701146 Willard Case Number: C/O 17 Professional Village Date of Death: 07/02/2025 Beaufort, SC 29907 Case Number: 2025ES0700957 Theresa Mae Brown Williams Nigeria Naomi Simone Chambers 10/01/2026 Date of Death: 8/3/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701159 C/O POST OFFICE BOX 291675 Heather R. Galvin, Probate Judge, Beaufort County, SC Columbia, SC 29229
Linda Ann Green Date of Death: 6/6/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701122
Robert Walker C/O 504 West 5th North Street Summerville, SC 29483
Marilyn Kolbe Olsen William G. Glickman 05/30/2025 Date of Death: 8/19/2026 2025ES0700733 Case Number: 2026ES0701100 RobertHolzmacher A. Parham, Jr. Ardith 07/09/2025 Date of Death: 7/25/2026 2025ES0700912 Case Number: 2026ES0701083 William Ray M. Roberson, Michael McElveen,Jr.Sr. 05/20/2025 Date of Death: 7/30/2026 2025ES0700645 Case Number: 2026ES0701105 Andrew Gerard Schiavone, III Date ofFrederick Death: 06/09/2025 David McMullen Case Number: Date of Death: 2025ES0700751 5/20/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701099 Ronald Gene Tune Date of Death: 06/30/2025 Williemena Smalls Pope Case Number: 2025ES0700914 Date of Date: 3/23/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701085 Melva Jean Shelton Wheeler Date ofGregg Death:Robinson 07/16/2025 Morise Case Number: Date of Death: 2025ES0700893 5/20/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701081 Charles Fain Williams Date of Ernest Death:Ross 07/23/2025 Robert Case Number: Date of Death: 2025ES0700889 7/22/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701087 Donald Simeon Zuidema; AKA Donald S. Zuidema Date of Joyce Death:Spitzer 04/29/2025 Brenda Case Number: Date of Death: 2025ES0700904 6/16/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701077 Patricia Francis Crocco Date ofMae Death: 07/29/2025 Lettie Stoops Case Number: Date of Death: 2025ES0700931 8/8/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701107 Charles Oliver Golson III Date ofJeanne Death:Tinnerholm 09/28/2024AKA Karen J. Tinnerholm Karen Case Number: Date of Death: 2024ES0701357 7/11/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701071 Gladys Kline Legare Date of Death: 04/27/2025 Dorothy Powning Agnew AKA Dorothy P. Agnew Case Number: Date of Death: 2025ES0700933 7/13/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0701116
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Heather R. Galvin, Probate Judge, Beaufort County, SC OCTOBER 8–14, 2026
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ELECTION 2026
Paths
from page A1 funeral service professional and pastor of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Yemassee, DeLoach previously worked in law enforcement with the Mount Pleasant Police Department and Charleston County Sheriff’s Office. He earned an associate degree from Gupton-Jones College and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Claflin University. He has not previously held elected office. Yuhas, 63, was born in Beaufort and lives in the Fripp Island community, where she has lived for about 4½ years. She is retired from full-time work and serves as a part-time chief financial officer for SY Consulting Inc. Yuhas has more than 30 years of business experience and said she has worked as a founder and CEO, managed budgets and employees, and collaborated with Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations. Her education includes Beaufort schools, an associate degree from USC Beaufort and a computer science degree with a minor in business from USC Columbia. She has also been involved with nonprofit and community organizations, including Lowcountry Food Bank and Crown Leadership Academy. Erickson, 63, has lived in Beaufort for nearly 42 years and has represented District 124 in the S.C. House for 19 years. She chairs the House Education and Public Works Committee and works as a small-business and early childhood education consultant. Erickson earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education through USC Aiken and USC Beaufort. Bishop, 64, has lived in Beaufort since 2014 and is a retired technology project manager with more than 30 years of experience in software project management, health care technology and organizational transformation. Her previous positions include director of Digital Health Innovations at Beaufort Memorial Hospital and delivery leader at UnitedHealthcare. Bishop holds a bachelor’s degree in human relations and business and is a certified Project Management Professional, Scrum Master and Master Naturalist. She has not previously held elected office. Affordability and taxes All four candidates identified affordability as a concern but proposed different ways for the General Assembly to address the rising cost of living. Yuhas said state government should operate with the same attention to spending as a small business. She supports temporarily reducing the state gas tax to help working families, particularly rural residents who travel farther for work, while looking for wasteful spending elsewhere in the state budget. For DeLoach, affordability requires a broader approach to household expenses. He called for increasing workforce and affordable housing, assisting first-time homebuyers and examining additional property-tax relief for seniors and residents on fixed incomes, while demanding greater accountability for taxpayer and ratepayer dollars. Erickson pointed to South Carolina’s reductions in the individual income tax rate and said the
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OCTOBER 8–14, 2026
state should continue lowering taxes when revenues allow. She also emphasized controlling state spending and reducing regulatory costs and unnecessary fees. Bishop said she would not support broad-based tax increases simply to generate additional state revenue. Instead, she favors reviewing state programs and tax expenditures to determine whether they produce measurable benefits, along with policies addressing attainable housing and the infrastructure costs created by growth.
public dollars used for private education should carry financial transparency and academic accountability and should not undermine public schools. Yuhas emphasized competitive teacher salaries in every county, including rural areas, and suggested teachers should be prioritized for affordable housing. She also stressed discipline, mental health services and preparing students for life after graduation. Drawing on her involvement in founding Crown Leadership Academy, Yuhas said schools must recognize that stuCoastal insurance costs With homeowners across dents learn differently the Lowcountry facing while working with parents rising premiums and few- to help children succeed. er affordable options, the candidates largely agreed Data centers and public that South Carolina needs resources The candidates were to increase competition and reduce the risks as- more cautious about the sociated with insuring rapid expansion of data centers, particularly when coastal properties. Bishop would expand it comes to who pays for and streamline the SC Safe the electricity, water and Home program while en- infrastructure they require. Calling for the most imcouraging more private insurers to enter the coast- mediate restriction, Bishal market. She also wants op supports a two-year homeowners to have better moratorium on new data tools for comparing poli- centers while South Carcies and said flood mitiga- olina establishes statetion and drainage improve- wide rules governing ments should be part of the their electricity and water consumption, infrastrucstate’s insurance strategy. Erickson likewise sup- ture costs, environmenports expanding SC Safe tal effects and impact on Home grants and in- surrounding communities. DeLoach opposes taxsurance discounts for improvements such as payer incentives for new stronger roofs and water large-scale data centers barriers. She said South and said residential and Carolina should actively small-business customers recruit additional private should not finance power insurers while maintaining plants, transmission lines, the S.C. Wind and Hail Un- substations or other infraderwriting Association as a structure primarily needed to serve them. last resort. Yuhas said data centers Calling herself a coastal homeowner, Yuhas said she should not be allowed in would support legislation areas where their operation creating greater competi- could threaten the natution among insurers as a ral environment. Pointing means of lowering premi- to concerns about a proums. posed facility in neighborDeLoach’s proposal com- ing Colleton County, she bines an expansion of SC called for public informaSafe Home with stronger tion and input before zonmitigation discounts for ing changes are approved, homeowners who fortify impact studies addressing their properties and great- noise and environmental er transparency when in- effects and greater transsurers seek significant rate parency. She opposes loincreases. cal tax incentives for datacenter development. Erickson did not call for Education and a moratorium but said data school choice The candidates agreed centers should bear the that South Carolina must costs of their power and do more to recruit and re- infrastructure rather than tain teachers, but their re- shifting those expenses to sponses diverged over how residential and small-busieducation dollars should ness customers. Her rebe spent and the role of pri- sponse also emphasized water protections, noise vate-school choice. As chair of the House Ed- standards, public notice ucation and Public Works and preservation of local Committee, Erickson zoning authority. pointed to recent efforts to increase teacher sala- Energy and utility costs Keeping electricity reries, reduce paperwork, improve classroom safety and liable without saddling implement the Science of customers with the cost of Reading. She said the state unnecessary or failed projshould continue address- ects emerged as a common ing teacher retention and concern. Yuhas pointed specifclassroom discipline while holding recipients of public ically to the failed V.C. education money account- Summer nuclear expanable for how those dollars sion as a warning about are spent. the need for accountability Bishop also supports when utilities pursue mahigher teacher salaries, jor projects. She supports along with incentives multiple sources of powfor hard-to-staff schools er generation as long as and subjects, paid stu- they do not interfere with dent-teacher opportunities, the environment. mentoring and additional A diversified energy classroom resources. How- portfolio is also central to ever, she opposes diverting Bishop’s approach. She enpublic education dollars visions nuclear providing to private-school vouchers dependable baseload powand said private schools er, natural gas providing receiving public money flexibility and solar and should face meaningful ac- battery storage continuing countability requirements. to expand. Before approvDeLoach said compet- ing major investments, she itive pay must be paired said utilities should be rewith better working condi- quired to compare generations, mentoring, planning tion, storage, efficiency and time and incentives for transmission alternatives. educators in rural commuErickson supports a mix nities and critical-shortage of nuclear and advanced subjects. While he supports nuclear, natural gas, reparents’ ability to make ed- newable energy, storage ucational choices, he said and transmission improve-
ments. She said utilities should demonstrate that major projects are necessary, cost-effective and reliable before their costs are passed to customers. DeLoach similarly supports a diverse mix that includes solar, battery storage, efficiency, natural gas and consideration of nuclear power. He also argued that utilities and their shareholders should bear an appropriate share of the risk from cost overruns, delays and abandoned projects rather than automatically transferring those costs to ratepayers. Closing the affordable housing tax loophole On the affordable housing property-tax exemption, the candidates were nearly unanimous on the central point: the law needs stronger safeguards. The questionnaire specifically cited the Preserve at Port Royal, a 400-unit apartment complex that received a full property-tax exemption after assigning a 0.1% ownership interest to an entity associated with low- to moderate-income housing. Its annual property-tax bill fell from about $1.34 million to zero, according to information provided to the candidates in the questionnaire. Erickson called the current system neither accountable nor sustainable and pointed to the one-year moratorium amendment she authored. She supports new eligibility criteria, audits, limits on exemptions and notification to local governments and school districts affected by lost revenue. Yuhas was even more succinct when asked whether she would change the exemption: “Absolutely.” While acknowledging Beaufort County’s need for affordable housing, she described the provision as a loophole that benefits developers rather than the community and said she would work to close it. She also raised concerns about the safety of some existing affordable rental housing. Bishop would tie the size of the tax benefit directly to the amount of affordable housing actually provided. Her proposal includes annual verification, public disclosure, advance notice to affected governments and recovery of improperly exempted taxes when requirements are not met. DeLoach also favors linking tax benefits to verifiable affordable units and actual nonprofit ownership. He called for annual certification, disclosure of the value of exemptions, advance notice to affected governments and the possibility of recapturing taxes when a development fails to meet its obligations. Health care and mental health The candidates’ differences became more pronounced on health care, particularly when asked whether South Carolina should expand Medicaid eligibility. Bishop gave the clearest answer, saying she would vote for Medicaid expansion. Her broader health care platform includes strengthening rural hospitals and community health centers, expanding mental health and substance-use services, growing the health care workforce and increasing access to telehealth. Erickson said some expansion of coverage should be considered but expressed concern about creating a permanent state obligation dependent on the federal government
maintaining its current funding share. Any expansion or state alternative, she said, should include financial safeguards and demonstrate measurable improvements in health outcomes. Rather than taking a position on Medicaid expansion, Yuhas concentrated on mental health and rural access. She supports reducing the stigma surrounding mental health care, putting qualified mental health professionals in schools with appropriate oversight and using incentives such as tuition reimbursement to attract medical professionals to rural communities. DeLoach supports expanding coverage for working adults who fall between Medicaid eligibility and affordable private insurance. He paired that proposal with investments in rural providers, mental health and substance-use treatment, telehealth and the health care workforce. Protecting the Lowcountry When asked how South Carolina should prepare for flooding, storm damage, sea-level rise and development pressure, all four candidates emphasized some combination of resilience investment and local control. DeLoach supports flood mitigation, drainage and stormwater improvements, living shorelines and protection of marshes, wetlands and waterways while preserving local land-use authority and respecting private-property rights. Preserving local decision-making was also central to Yuhas’ answer. She supports conservation easements to maintain the character of rural communities and said zoning decisions should continue to involve the people who live there. She specifically pointed to Beaufort County’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan and the Cultural Protection Overlay on St. Helena Island as protections that should not be undermined. Bishop called for drainage and culvert improvements, living shorelines, marsh restoration and protection of critical infrastructure. She said development should not outpace the infrastructure needed to support it and that local governments should retain authority over land-use decisions. Erickson emphasized investment in flood prevention, stormwater improvements, drainage and living shorelines. She also pointed to resilience work at Parris Island as an example of how state, federal, local and private partnerships can protect coastal communities without removing land-use authority from local governments. Congressional redistricting The unsuccessful effort to redraw South Carolina’s congressional districts between censuses produced one of the sharpest distinctions among the four candidates. Erickson said she voted to advance the proposal. She said changes in the legal landscape surrounding redistricting influenced her decision and that moving the measure forward allowed further debate in the Senate. Any map she ultimately supported, she said, would have to comply with the Constitution and Voting Rights Act and go through a transparent legislative process. Bishop said she would have opposed the proposal. She said congressional districts generally should
be redrawn following the decennial census, with mid-decade changes limited to circumstances such as a court order, constitutional violation or other genuine legal necessity rather than partisan advantage. DeLoach took a similar position, saying redistricting between censuses should be reserved for extraordinary legal circumstances and should protect equal representation, minority voting rights, communities of interest and meaningful public participation. Yuhas also opposed the 2026 effort. She said she supported Sen. Tom Davis’ position favoring the existing districts and argued that changing them would have cost South Carolinians millions of dollars and “dishonored many of the citizens of District 121.” What they would bring to Columbia Their final answers shifted from individual policies to the broader cases each candidate is making to voters. Bishop emphasized more than 30 years of project-management experience and identified affordability, infrastructure and responsible growth, coastal resilience, education and workforce development, health care access, public safety and government accountability among her priorities. For Yuhas, her Beaufort roots and decades of business and community involvement are central to her candidacy. She said she wants to address crime, education, mental health, isolation and access to education while protecting the district’s rural communities and historic areas. “Most of all, I’m READY to go to work for the people of District 121,” Yuhas wrote. Erickson pointed to 19 years in the House and her leadership of the Education and Public Works Committee. Her priorities for another term include student achievement, teacher support, transportation and infrastructure, keeping taxes and government costs low, coastal resilience, affordable insurance and utilities and protection of natural resources. DeLoach summarized his agenda in three words: “Affordability, Access and Accountability.” His priorities include household costs, public education, rural health care and mental health services, infrastructure, environmental protection, preservation of Gullah Geechee communities and constituent service. Complete responses to all 10 questions from DeLoach, Yuhas, Erickson and Bishop will be published online at The Island News website. Candidates’ responses will be published in full and edited only for spelling, grammar and AP style. Candidates seeking House seats in Districts 122 and 123 were also invited to participate but had not returned questionnaires by the print deadline. If those questionnaires are received, their complete responses will be added to the online version of The Island News’ candidate guide and will be subject to the same limited editing for spelling, grammar and AP style. 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.
HEALTH
‘Tech’ a beat
Advanced technology, screenings help protect your heart Special to The Island News Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, which makes early detection — and prevention — critical to longterm health. Advanced diagnostic technology and cardiovascular screening can evaluate heart health, identify any potential problems early and create personalized treatment plans for patients. “Whether you’re experiencing symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations or fatigue – or, if you simply want to better understand your heart disease risk – today’s heart health tests can provide valuable insights into how your heart and blood vessels are functioning,” says board-certified, fellowship-trained interventional cardiologist Dr. Paul Slota, who sees patients with Beaufort Memorial Heart Specialists in Beaufort and Okatie. Tests cardiologists use to assess heart health From routine screenings to advanced imaging, these diagnostic tools help physicians detect heart disease, vascular disease and other cardiovascular conditions before they become serious.
physicians a view of both the heart and lungs, helping identify conditions that may affect either organ. It can also help rule out other causes of chest discomfort like rib injuries, which may mimic symptoms of Electrocardiogram (ECG or heart disease. EKG): An electrocardiogram reNuclear Stress Test: When addicords the electrical activity of your tional information about blood flow heart using small adhesive electo the heart is needed, your carditrodes placed on your chest, idenologist may recommend a nuclear tifying irregular heart rhythms, stress test. skipped beats and any signs of During this procedure, a small heart damage. amount of radioactive tracer is inAn EKG also can be performed jected into a vein while you exercise. during exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike as part of a cardiac A special camera then captures images showing how blood moves stress test. “By monitoring your heart while through your heart both during it’s under physical stress, we can activity and at rest. Areas with reevaluate how well it functions duced blood flow may signal coroduring activity and identify poten- nary artery disease or other cardiotial concerns such as reduced blood vascular problems. flow or previous heart damage,” Dr. Slota says.
dence of previous heart attacks. In some cases, a transesophageal echocardiogram may be performed by passing a specialized imaging device into the esophagus to obtain more detailed images of the heart.
Cardiac Catheterization (Coronary Angiogram): Cardiac catheterization provides a closer look at blood flow through the coronary arteries. During the procedure, a cardiologist threads a small catheter through an artery in the wrist or leg and guides it to the heart. Contrast dye is then injected to highlight any blockages or abnormalities on X-ray imaging. If a blockage is discovered, a cardiologist may be able to open the artery during the same procedure using a balloon angioplasty and Carotid Artery Scan: This ultra- stent placement. Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm sound-based test evaluates blood flow through the carotid arteries in Scan: This ultrasound screening exthe neck, which supply blood to the amines the aorta (the body’s largest blood vessel) for signs of bulging or brain. Echocardiogram: An echocar- enlargement, known as an abdomdiogram uses ultrasound technolo- inal aortic aneurysm. Early detecgy to create detailed images of your tion can help prevent potentially heart. This test allows cardiologists life-threatening complications.
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) Scan: This simple, noninvasive screening compares blood pressure readings in your ankle and arm. Differences between the measurements can indicate peripheral artery disease (PAD), a condition that may increase your risk of heart to evaluate the heart’s structure, Coronary CT Scan: A coronary attack, stroke and other cardiovas- pumping strength and valve func- computed tomography (CT) scan cular complications. tion. It can also reveal any narrowed uses advanced X-ray imaging to Chest X-Ray: A chest X-ray gives or leaky valves, blood clots and evi- evaluate the coronary arteries and
identify plaque buildup or blockages that may increase the risk of heart attack or coronary artery disease. Because this scan is noninvasive, it can provide important cardiac information without the need for a catheter-based procedure. Holter Monitoring: Holter monitoring allows your physician to track your heart’s activity continuously over a period of 24 hours typically, but sometimes a period of weeks or even months. This can help diagnose irregular heart rhythms that happen intermittently and may be difficult to capture during a standard EKG. When should you consider heart testing? Talk to your healthcare provider about cardiovascular screening if you: • Have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes • Have a family history of heart disease • Smoke or have a history of smoking • Experience chest pain, shortness of breath or heart palpitations • Want to better understand your cardiovascular risk factors • Are interested in preventive heart health screening
Beauty, confidence, connection Beaufort Memorial will host beauty tutorial for women navigating cancer Special to The Island News Women on a cancer journey are invited to join a Beaufort Memorial event designed to offer tips, tricks and pampering — all in the name of beauty. Working with local professionals, Beaufort Memorial is hosting a beauty tutorial during its monthly Breast Cancer Support Group meeting – Wednesday, Oct. 14 from 6 to 7 p.m. – for women who are currently undergoing treatment for all types of cancer, as well as women who are on a cancer survivorship journey. “A little pampering can go a long way,” said Kianna Brown, LMSW, Beaufort Memorial oncology social worker and support group facilitator. “Whether someone is in active treatment or celebrating survivorship, we want this evening to be a fun, uplifting experience that helps women feel beautiful, confident and cared for.” The free event will be held at the Beaufort Memorial Medical and Administrative Center at 990 Ribaut Road, in the third-floor boardroom (Room 317). The lesson will provide easy techniques – straight from the mouths of Lowcountry experts – for glowing skin, beautiful brows, bright eyes and cheerful cheeks and lips. Beaufort Memorial hosts a Breast Cancer Support Group on the second Wednesday of each month, as well as an All Cancer Support Group on the fourth Wednesday of each month, with virtual options available via Microsoft Teams for anyone interested in joining remotely. Registration for support groups is free, but RSVP is required as spots are limited. For more information, a schedule of future meetings or to register, visit BeaufortMemorial.org/SupportGroups or call Brown at 843522-7328.
Thyroid issues often go undetected in women
Reviewing medical history, testing can result in diagnosis
Special to The Island News While thyroid problems can affect anyone, women are five to eight times more likely to be impacted compared to men, according to the American Thyroid Association. Early diagnosis and treatment help you manage the condition and maintain your quality of life. “A thyroid problem can cause issues almost anywhere in the body,” says Dr. Eve Ashby, a board-certified gynecologist who sees patients at Beaufort Memorial Lowcountry Medical Group Specialty Care. “Fortunately, reliable tests can detect the issues early, and proper treatment can minimize their effects on your life.” The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck that produces thyroid hormone. This hormone helps control your heart rate and how quickly your body burns calories. It also affects nearly every organ in your body. Thyroid disorders occur when your body makes too much or too little thyroid hormone. Common causes include:
• Autoimmune diseases — Conditions, such as Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s disease, attack the thyroid gland. • Lack of iodine — Your body uses iodine to make the thyroid hormone. A lack can affect thyroid production. • Treatment — Certain medications can lead to thyroid disorders in women. So can radiation therapy or surgery of the thyroid or surrounding areas.
Types of thyroid disorders There are many issues affecting the thyroid gland. A inflamed after giving few common thyroid probbirth. This condition lems in women include: can last up to a year. • Goiters — The thyroid • Thyroid cancer — Cells gland swells, sometimes multiply abnormally so much that it’s visible. within the thyroid gland. A goiter may be a sympIf not treated, it can tom of another thyroid spread to other nearby disease. tissue and organs. • Hyperthyroidism — Also known as overacBeing a woman isn’t the tive thyroid, this causes only risk factor for thyroid your thyroid to produce problems. Others include: excess thyroid hormone. • Family or personal his• Hypothyroidism — The tory of thyroid issues opposite of hyperthy• Living with certain conroidism, hypothyroidditions, such as anemia ism occurs when an unor Type 1 diabetes deractive thyroid gland • Previous surgery or radoesn’t produce enough diotherapy on the thythyroid hormone. roid • Postpartum thyroiditis — The thyroid becomes “Detecting thyroid prob-
lems in women isn’t always easy,” Dr. Ashby says. “Symptoms depend on the specific disorder, occur anywhere at any age and often mimic other conditions or get mistaken for menopausal symptoms.” A few symptoms indicating you may have abnormal levels of thyroid hormone are: • Abnormally fast or slow heart rhythm • Brain fog (forgetfulness, difficulty focusing and other issues) • Depression, irritability or mood swings • Feeling cold or hot • Irregular, very light or heavy periods • Long-term hoarseness
or breathing or swallowing difficulties • Swelling in the neck • Weight gain or loss To diagnose a thyroid problem, your women’s health provider will review your medical history. You’ll discuss your symptoms and undergo a physical examination. Depending on these findings, additional testing may be ordered. Tests used to detect thyroid issues include a biopsy, blood tests or advanced imaging including ultrasound, CT scan or nuclear imaging tests. A woman with a thyroid problem can experience menstrual issues, difficulty
conceiving, pregnancy complications, high blood pressure and other issues. Proper treatment limits the effects and helps improve your quality of life. Treatment options include the following: • Medication — A pill provides your body with extra thyroid or stops your thyroid production. • Radioiodine — A radioactive medication destroys thyroid tissue to slow thyroid hormone production. This may lead to hypothyroidism. • Surgery — A surgeon removes part or all of the thyroid. You may develop hypothyroidism afterward. • Watchful waiting — Your team may watch your goiters or postpartum thyroiditis for a specific period of time. If the condition doesn’t resolve on its own, your care team will adjust your treatment plan.
“An issue with your thyroid can change your life, but there are very effective treatments that help you manage the condition or, in some cases, cure it altogether,” Dr. Ashby says. “The first step is to talk with your primary care provider anytime you notice abnormal symptoms.” OCTOBER 8–14, 2026
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VOICES 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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The luxury of going off into the ‘shadowlands’
t is Monday, early, and I have my coffee. I also have a Wall Street Journal that says lawyers, in America, are not retiring. For reasons that seem obvious, they are lingering in their walnut-paneled offices, tended-to by obsequious paralegals who write their briefs and grind their whole bean coffee. They are older (some in their 80s) who often create a bottleneck for younger lawyers who want the cases that come with billable hours — $1,635 an hour with some litigators getting $3,000 to $4,000 an hour. Some firms, the WSJ says, are so desperate that they’re hiring consultants who meet with their well-nourished, in-house druid asking, “How would you spend your first day of retirement?” Perhaps the question should be “How will you maintain your sense of selfworth when you lose your
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SCOTT GRABER
clerks, the chauffeured town car, the Spode-served whole bean coffee?” “How will you maintain your self respect when you can’t walk into a dinner party and astonish the other quests with a moment to moment description of your well-timed motion for summary judgment.” “What will you do with the 20 years that remain?” All of which brings me around to Richard Rohr — the well-respected Catholic priest I have previously written about — who says that our lives have two parts, “Almost all of culture,
and even most of religious history, has been invested in the creation and maintenance of first-half-of-life issues; the big three concerns of identity, security, sexuality and gender. They don’t just preoccupy us, they totally take over.” (Richard Rohr, “Falling Upwards — A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life”) The first half is when your build your resume and your reputation. This is when your also create the personal profile you want your peers to believe. “In the first half of life, success, security and containment — ‘looking good’ to ourselves and others—are almost the only questions.” Then, if we are fortunate, something happens. Something that shakes our belief in our first-half formula and the strategies we have used to assemble our stock portfolios, to purchase our homes; to project the confident face we show others.
it in older folks’ freedom to give things away. Hoarding, possessing, collecting and impressing others with their things, their house or their travels are of less and less interest. Inner brightness, still holding life’s sadness and joy, is its own reward. “There is a gravitas in the second half of life. Our mature years are characterized by a kind of bright sadness and a sober happiness, … there is still darkness in the second half of life — in fact maybe even more. But there is now a changed capacity to hold it creatively and with less anxiety,” says Rohr. In 2024, 189,300 people from other states arrived in South Carolina. Many came here for golf and the pickleball — not so much for the skee-ball that was once the game of choice in Myrtle Beach. They also come for the low property taxes; the lower cost of utilities — although that may change
soon — and the belief that their life’s savings will go further in South Carolina. It is not clear how many of these Ohio and Michigan transplants arrive with a desire to contemplate the tragic sense of life, the nature of suffering, or what it takes to deal with impermanence. But almost all of us will have this “second-half opportunity.” We will also have the luxury of sitting on our decks — perhaps with a glass of wine — and going into the “shadowlands.” “Your shadow is what you refuse to see about yourself, and what you don’t want others to see. The more you have cultivated and protected a chosen persona, the more shadow work you will need to do,” says Richard Rohr. Scott Graber is a lawyer, novelist, veteran columnist and longtime resident of Port Royal. He can be reached at cscottgraber@gmail.com.
Especially when the October wind blows, Part 1
t’s election and festival season. During the past weeks, I have helped with my church’s fall bazaar. As with any event, the tempo speeds up as the big day approaches, and there are many details needing attention. This year, as I have cut back on my previous all-consuming role, I had enough mental energy to sit down to read our local newspaper on Thursday evening. I turned to the Voices pages and scanned. Immediately I felt like someone had released banshees screaming on a west wind. So much writing condemned the perceived Lucifer of our time, Donald J. Trump. I put the paper down. Who needs to be plowed into the ground by such negativity? I do not like Mr. Trump. I don’t like narcissists. Whether I like him is completely immaterial. He is the President of the United States, at least until time or a Democrat-controlled Senate, Lord forbid, removes him from office. One of the loudest wails derived from an interview Tucker Carlson gave to Scott Inskeep on NPR, which has always been biased, probably more so since Mr. Trump led the charge that defunded its parent Corporation for Public Broadcasting. In it, Mr. Carlson repents his former support for the President, claiming
that Mr. Trump’s commencement of the Iran War, which some historians aver began under President Carter in 1979, “…was the most profoundly destructive thing any president has done.” I guess Mr. Carlson views President Lincoln’s reaction to secession that resulted LOUISE MATHEWS in the deaths of over 600,000 Americans as destructive, but not profoundly so. Perhaps President Mr. Trump dismissed his stateTruman’s decision about Korea or ments about how awful it was that Franklin Rooselvelt’s declaration the U.S. attacked Iran, which Mr. of War on Japan, or the racist proTrump concluded with, “We all gressive saint, Woodrow Wilson’s die anyway.” involvement in World War I, were Snopes has not rated Mr. Carldetrimental but not devastating. son’s assertion about what Mr. Mr. Carlson stated that Mr. Trump said because, according Trump declared he would use to Snopes, “There is no evidence nuclear weapons against Iran. beyond Mr. Carlson’s reported rec- Snopes disagrees, recording that ollection that would allow the fact Mr. Trump did not say he would checker to confirm or disprove the use a nuclear weapon in Iran. President’s words.” Mr. Trump stated that he would We all know recollections may annihilate Iran, which scienvary, but if Mr. Carlson’s memtists, politicians, journalists and ory is accurate, what a horrible Tucker Carlson believe implies thing to say about the obvious! Mr. Trump would fuse the desert My mother used to regularly with a nuclear weapon. They seem remind us about death. Usually, to forget that the United States she would paraphrase the Gospel Military is quite capable of anniabout thieves in the night and hilating enemies using so-called being ready to meet our Maker. conventional weapons. Maybe it’s the fatalistic Celtic There is a difference between blood my Irish mother shared declaration and implication. For with Mr. Trump’s Scots mother example, an implied statement that prompted such triggering recollected by a listener without statements. witnesses is very different from Mr. Carlson went on to claim a videotaped declaration to a
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
I urge you to vote, NO!
Soon, you will go to the polls and vote on a Sales Tax, aka, “Penny Tax." Before you vote on Referendum Questions 1 and 2, please consider the following points: • It’s a 16.7% Sales Tax increase on instore and online purchases, services you use regularly, like lawn care and other taxable items. • It’s 9 years, over 3/4 of $1 billion. • “Buyer Beware” After You Vote: • They can change/add projects. • You will have new Council members with a Tax they didn't create. • Only 20% of 2018 projects are completed, This has 87. Do you trust them to complete 10%? These are only a few items that are wrong. Numerous citizens spoke at Council
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It may be tragedy — the death of one’s spouse; a debilitating disease that casts doubt on everything that this “first half person” has ever embraced and confirms the reality that everything can fall apart. In the case of our reluctant-to-leave-lawyer tragedy may mean his relocation to a quickly converted supply closet and the re-assigning of his cases to younger associates. And so our “first half person” becomes a “second-half person.” Now we are thinking about the brevity of life; the inevitability of sadness and setback; the elusive nature of kindness, and generosity, and what it means to love unconditionally. We want, more than ever, to get past our self-deception; to remove our “stage mask”; to present some real authenticity to the world. “The rules are all different now, and we often see
OCTOBER 8–14, 2026
meetings asking for reasonable changes, one of which was accountability on all projects. Instead they’ve used your taxes hiring a public relations firm to "inform" (propagandise) us. We asked that they hire a "safety valve," which is a construction management firm. They're a go-between County and construction companies, Insuring an even flow of work, keeping projects on budget and time. It would save millions of dollars in taxes. The School District hired such a firm and they completed all of the projects on or under time and budget. They saved your tax dollars! Without a "responsible" tax, I urge you to vote, NO! Give us a tax we can support by putting safety first, not feel good items like dirt road paving. — Ann Marie Ubelis, co-founder and chair of the Beaufort TEA Party
congressional committee such as that given by Hillary Clinton about the 2012 Benghazi attack, “…we had four dead Americans – was it because of a protest or was it because of guys …who decided they'd go kill some Americans? What difference, at this point, does it make?” Hillary Clinton made that statement knowing full well that the protest story was a lie, and that the Obama administration had a covert operation in Libya. That testimony was a false declaration. One of Mr. Trump’s strategies seems to be asserting extreme statements, most of which get his opponents into a near-rabid lather. He then negotiates from a seemingly insane position to achieve what he really wants. His recent master stroke with Greenland is an example. Several months ago, it appeared that Mr. Trump wanted the United States to acquire Greenland. Denmark, Greenland, the rest of Europe, and the 92 percent of the American Press that support the Democrat party, were outraged. At the end of September, President Trump, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen signed a new, permanent security agreement that allows the U.S. to expand its military presence in Greenland and establish
a “Golden Dome” missile defense system there. The agreement gives the U.S. the right to approve who can make investments in Greenland, which secures America the power to develop the rare minerals found on that Arctic Island. It also keeps China and Russia out. Protection of the nation is one of the President’s sworn duties. Trump compromised and gained greater American control in Greenland while maintaining Greenland’s self-determination within Danish sovereignty. He would call it The Art of the Deal. Compromise used to be the way things got done in the United States Congress. Now, our elected legislators, often moving in lock step with whatever their party leaders demand, have lost the ability to work out differences so that nobody gets everything he or she wants, but everyone gets something. Would Trump bring on World War III as fear-mongers imply? I doubt it. He loves his grandchildren. Louise Mathews retired from a career in community colleges and before that, theater. A 13-year come-here in Beaufort, she has been a dingbatter in North Carolina and an upstater from New York.
VOICES 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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Presidential candidates flocking to South Carolina
very four years, that rarest of critters — the aspirant for the presidency of the United States — emerges like a periodical cicada. Across South Carolina, the Democratic species is starting to make appearances because the Palmetto State will host the nation’s first primary on Jan. 22, 2028. Meanwhile, the Republican variety of presidential contender is mostly still buried and probably waiting until after the midterms to peek out its head in fear of looking like an unfaithful Trump acolyte. Iowa will host the first GOP caucuses in early January 2028 and South Carolina is home to the South’s first GOP primary later that month. So the buzz is on the Democratic side. Already, there have been visits by a slew of possible candidates, including governors (California’s Gavin Newsom, Kentucky’s Andy Beshear and Maryland’s Wes Moore) as well as
G
fundraiser recently, but many think her time has passed. In the months ahead, you’ll hear all sorts of messages about what America needs and how it can get beyond the damage ANDY BRACK done to the federal government by President Donald Trump. Some leaders will senators (Ruben Gallego focus on the current adand Mark Kelly, both from ministration’s corruption. Arizona, Connecticut’s Others will highlight the Chris Murphy and New tanking economy with its Jersey’s Cory Booker) and high prices for gas, food at least one congressman and housing. And others (California’s Ro Khanna). will wax about the benefits Other 2026 Democratic of investing in America to visitors include former U.S. grow jobs and build opporTransportation Secretary tunities. Pete Buttigieg, former ChiBut all of their mescago Mayor Rahm Emanuel sages will boil down to and former New Orleans something that worked for Mayor Mitch Landrieu. former President Barack Others you may see in Obama — hope. These the months ahead: U.S. Sen. Democrats will want to Jon Ossoff of Georgia and share visions of how the even more governors (J.B. nation can restore itself to Pritzker of Illinois, Michits former glory and inspire igan’s Gretchen Whitmer Americans to hope and and Pennsylvania’s Josh dream again. Shapiro). Former Vice “I believe that people President Kamala Harris, are going to be looking for the party’s 2024 nominee, something better,” Kenparticipated in a Columbia tucky’s Beshear said in a
recent interview. “They’re going to want decency and they’re going to want kindness, though I would say never mistake kindness for weakness.” He said Americans are going to demand that the next president fix the economy and how government works. For example, “I think the next Democratic president should make an aspirational investment in housing,” he said. Candidates will spend a lot of time in our early primary state doing something else, too — listening to what people are hopeful and worried about. Trump, Beshear observed, simply doesn’t listen. He issues edicts that cause congressional Republicans to scurry around like bugs on the floor. He asked: “So, how do you know exactly what people are going through without listening to them? Are you going to presuppose that you have all the answers? “The solutions are already there. Community
“We have to clean up government and make people believe that government can work again, but we're also going to have to show such a better example, where you can put your kids in front of the TV and not hear the president go on an expletive-filled diatribe.” leaders have already been working towards them for decades. What they need is a good partner and that requires a lot of listening.” Beshear said he believes voters will demand new levels of accountability in the next president after a Trump second term filled with cruelty, corruption, hiding the Epstein files and twisting federal agencies into partisan policy vendors. “We have to clean up
government and make people believe that government can work again, but we're also going to have to show such a better example, where you can put your kids in front of the TV and not hear the president go on an expletive-filled diatribe.” Andy Brack is editor and publisher of the Charleston City Paper and Statehouse Report. Have a comment? Send it to feedback@statehousereport.com.
Are you sufficiently outraged?
ang rape. High-end Ivy League University. There is so much I want to say about the Cornell situation, but I can’t imagine being able to do so with my word limit. It has taken two years for this to come to the forefront, and indeed it has arrived like the bombshell it should have been at the time it happened. I have two daughters, two granddaughters and a great granddaughter, so this has impacted me greatly. I’d like to think, however, had these kiddos all been male, I would be equally incensed. There will be those who say, “but she came to the frat house drunk.” So what? Were there drunk men at the frat house? Be guaranteed there were. Documents state such. Does that excuse a seven-hour gang rape? Keep that phrase in mind and think about the ratio: try to imagine seven men taking turns raping a young woman over a period of seven hours. It curdles my blood to talk about it, but talk I will for as long as the news continues to emerge. Ever since this “finally” came
CAROL LUCAS
under national scrutiny, I have tried to imagine what I would do. Had it been one of mine, I’m tempted to say I would have taken a gun, which I don’t own, and I would have sought justice. Radical? You bet! The woman’s account of the Oct. 19, 2024 incident evolved over several days as she spoke with her roommates and two men she later accused of sexual assault, The New York Times reported Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, citing records from the university’s Title IX investigation. According to the news outlet, the woman — identified as “Jane Doe” — recounted the incident to her roommates. One roommate told investigators that Doe did not use the words “rape” or “assault” when describing what had
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happened and appeared to be “in shock.” Her other roommate later told investigators that the woman did not really understand “the gravity of what she was saying.” That same day, Jonathan Newell, a Chi Phi fraternity member and one of the men accused of assault in the lawsuit, texted Jane Doe to apologize “for how things went down the other night,” according to the outlet. He also said that he and Matthew Ingalls, another fraternity brother accused of assault in the lawsuit, felt terrible that they had been under the influence of drugs and alcohol and failed to “shut it down and kick people out before it got way out of hand.” (People Magazine) There will be plenty of time to play the blame game as more information becomes public knowledge. That said, I want to pose this question: At what point does someone who sat below in that frat house as a non-participant think, “Hang on, what the hell is going on upstairs?” Do they have a responsibility in this? My gut answer is yes. Furthermore, prior to this atrocity, which has all the ear-
marks of a coordinated sexual attack (a crime), a group chat was conducted, advertising “free p*ssy” upstairs.” This from a man who was on track to be a medical doctor. This tidbit is reminiscent of a certain political figure, who has since stated “these boys will never get a fair trial.” But I digress. Sounds to me like trafficking on the part of the would-be doctor, which raises the bar considerably for consequences of that little stunt. There is so much more to address: the administration that said “no” when the survivor asked to be allowed to leave her dream school and be reimbursed for her tuition; the student journalists who refused to let the story die over a period of two years. I will continue to write about both of these in the coming weeks, dear reader. Meanwhile, I hope the poem below, authored by Kaylin Weir, provides some much-needed perspective. Don’t get too drunk. Don’t drink from an open cup. Don’t show too much skin.
Don’t make them think you are asking for it. Carry pepper spray. Don’t take the shortcut. Don’t walk alone. Text when you leave. Text when you get there. Text when you get home. And if something happens: What were you wearing? How much did you drink? Why were you alone? He’s a good kid. He made a mistake. He has his whole life ahead of him. One more chance. And somehow her whole life was spent trying to prevent it, while his was too important to be changed by it. Carol Lucas is a retired high school teacher and a Lady’s Island resident. She is the author of the recently published “A Breath Away: One Woman’s Journey Through Widowhood.”
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OCTOBER 8–14, 2026
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LOCAL MILITARY
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Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, 9 October 2026 Recruit Training Regiment • Commanding Officer, Colonel A. P. Bariletti 3rd Recruit Training Battalion • Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel S. L. Gross Commander of Troops, First Sergeant G. L. Lowrance • Parade Adjutant, Staff Sergeant A. T. Stone Company “M”, 3rd Recruit Training Battalion • Commanding Officer, Captain K. U. Burney Drill Master • Staff Sergeant M.D. Brodie, Staff Sergeant T. Washington PLATOON 3080
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Adams, Joshua G. Alvarado, Redin R. Arellanodelgado, William Beechler, Joseph A. Benekin, Jacorey L. Blocker, Malachi J. Browndemming, Zion M. Brunson, Isaiah D. Calderonalmeyda, Jermeine O. Calixtosanchez, Valentin Cantrell, Hunter A. Catic, Din A. Cedillooliva, Johan J. Chiclana, Miguel K. Cochran, Samuel T. Contreras, Christopher Cooktulpan, Brendon P. Corey, Jamire A. Cornell, Jakobi L. Cottoacevedo, Yael D.* Cuerel, Samuel* Cummingsbroomfield, Tyheem Dalton, Garrett E. Daman Jr, Jeremy A. Doman, Gregory A. Downs, Ladainian S. Echon, Lyleandrew E. Ector, Joseph R. Enriquezcarreto, David Y. Fisher, Keagon D. Frias, Samuel Futrell, Bradford A. Galo, Adrian N. Gant, Jaden C. George, Isaac R. Gibbs, Franklin D. Gonzalezdiaz, Abraham Granadosmaldonado, Orlando Grooms, Joshua T. Guggisberg, Sean M. Guzman, Wilson Y. Harrison, Flint P. Hart, Ethan B. Hartborman, Nahshon L. Henry, Carlo J.* Hernandezchavez, David Hernandezrondin, Juan C. Hesters, Dayton D. Hopkins, Dorian C. Ivory, Trevohn J.* Jaramillo, Arath J. Johnson, Balin T. Johnson, Justin J. Joyner, Mario J. Koontz, Malachi N. Lederhaus, John D. Lenz, Michael A. Logue, Thomas G. Lonehill, Christian E. Long, Kason J. Lopez, Giovanni R. Marcial, Isaiah L. Marinelli III, Samuel L. Martinezvivar, Miguel A. Marvel, Dalton A. Miller, Kevin L. Moore, Samuel H. Moralesrobles, Jairo Moranperez, Marlon L. Muniz, Carlito G. Neloms III, Ernest L. Nessel, Maximilian S. Palmer Jr, Andre D. Pratscher, Christopher C. Prevost, Mason T. Rami, Adam Reavis, Harrison L. Reefer, Kadhir Reel, Jason A. Reid, Logan M. Rios, Randy R. Rodriguezlopez, Kevin A. Ruiz, Clay Z. Ruizcruz, Alexander T. Saldana, Brandon J. Sanchez, Hernesto F. Sanchezromero, Hugo Santoscuriel, Jorge C. Schaffner, Kenneth L. Shimp, Micah C. Siang, Van Sims, Christian S. Snyder, Jackson R. Soares, Rodney* OCTOBER 8–14, 2026
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PLATOON 3081
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Agnan, Myriam B. Alcantara, Abigail Alexander, Chelsy E. Alvarezelvir, Yeinsy Baezcastro, Jhoeliz A. Barberantorres, Lorena B. Barillas, Nicole A. Bell, Michelle K. Berkowitz, Elliana R. * Boyd, Chloe M. Brown, Kayla L. Bruno, Liliana Y. Calle, Dayanara S. Cartagenazelaya, Jaelynne Castrocedeno, Karla Chestnut, Teisha T. Chicaguevara, Fatima G. Clark, Lillianne R. Crosier, Kalei M. Delacruzalejo, Karla Diazcastro, Lessy Diaztorres, Carolina Donald, Sandtres O. Duzgun, Elif B. Flowers, Laylah R. Galicialeal, Deunai Garciaespinoza, Sonia Garciamaldonado, Montserrat Gonzalez, Lianette A. Gonzalezrodriguez, Alicia D. Guarnerosmorales, Angie S. Guerrero, Adrianna M. Hanecak, Carly J. Hernandez, Ruby Hernandezortiz, Teresa Hernandezpadilla, Hillary N. Hindenburg, Logan P. Januarysylvain, Briaunna M. Jimenez, Yajaira L. Jones, Cloie M. Leibold, Marlee G. Lopezmorales, Estrella G. Maloney, Skylar A. Martebeato, Darysbell Martinezlopez, Grace * Mayorgasosa, Gloria Mccall, Yailani A. Mcjunkin, Emma G. Mejiareynoso, Camila Y. * Nibbs, Unique A. Nunezmatos, Jinalis S. Nyenhuis, Charlotte G. * Oleaavila, Erika S. Orellanacruz, Monica D. Ortiz, Amaris A. Owen, Nevaeh I. Owusu, Princess J. Par, Suily D. Peer, Keira N. Peguero, Zadana C. Perezacevedo, Susana Perry, Zayanie B. Plourde, Taylor E. Polancoalmonte, Dhelxy J. Powers, Alma M. * Quinones, Annetzie M. Reventlow, Holly K. * Revuelta, Emily Reyes, Katalin Rioscampos, Jennifer Rivaslopez, Nathaly P. Salazar, Natalie C. Salinaszelaya, Greidys J. Santacruzorellana, Vanessa G. Santospolanco, Jade V. Silva, Lindsey C. Sizemore, Leighona L. Smith, Ivyanna J. Solana, Tammy N. Sydney, Shekiel V. Taylor, Zmya A. Thompson, Maya A. Toubes, Jolie Valerio, Miranda D.
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Aguilar, Edwin I. Alexander, Logan B. Alonzo, Ezequiel T. Aversa, Gunnar L. Bell, Steven A. Blunt, Jacob R. Bowreywalters, Julian S.* Boyd, Jayden M. Cannon, Adarius Y. Clifford, Spencer D. Clotfelter, Troah W. Cole, Brayden C. Cristner, Spencer J. Curtis, Conner W. Dangel III, Jeffrey S. Deaner, Damien D. Denham, Ethan J. Dennis, William L. Diallo, Mamadou S. Escamillarobles, Bryan R. Foster, Ayden J. Frazier, Kameron D.* Furlow, Jacob A. Galloway, Elijah O. Gamez, Jorge R. Gaydon, Joshua D. Greeson, Kaleb B. Hern, Wyatt A.* Herrera, Roberto A. Higgins, Clayton L. Hill, Jayden D. Hill, Trey N. Holder, Joe G. Huneycutt, Cayman L. Irwin, James A. Jacobs, Joshua C. Johnson, Colby T. Kaufman, James R. Kormuth, Daniel R. Langdon, Tyler J. Lanier, Rockylegrand P. Leffew, Christopher A. Long, George W. Long, Jake E. Lopez, Javier Lovett, Jaiden I. Martinez Jr, Jose A. Mayenperdomo, Oscar F. Mccrary, Jibreel K. Mcgregor, Ricky D. Mcloughlin, Gavin P. Mendoza, Gilbert J. Miller, Caleb E.* Molinarivera, Eivan D. Montanoparra, Elias Monterogeronimo, William J. Ndiaye, Seydibaaylaay Norman, Clark G.* Nulty, Jack G. Ochoa, Baltazar Ochoa, Zavier* Olivapotter, Josiah W. Peacock, Blake E. Perry, Garrett T. Price, Elliot D. Raymundoreynoso, Juan A. Ritchie, Christian C. Rojastiburcio, Kevin Ross, Jacob N. Samura, Ibrahim J. Sanchezbaena, Bryan S. Scribner, Trenton C. Sisco III, Ricky V. Small, Julian L. Sockey, Koda H. Stanback, Peyton J. Staton, Uzyiah L. Taylor, Julian A. Thayer, Jacob C. Turner, Glenjohnson D. Vardjian, Ian F. Vasquez, Eduardo Vicere, Salvatore W. Vizhnay, Justin E. Vogler, Leif K. Waldron Jr, Kenzie L. Walker, James A.
Walker, Robert W. Weatherly, Preston C. Weiss, Mathew L. Welch III, Climition T. Whitfield, Chrishawn S. Willis, Dylan M. Witt, Daniel B. Wright, Jaylen I.
Senior Drill Instructor GySgt R. F. Hegwood III PVT PVT PVT PFC PVT PVT PFC PVT PFC PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PFC PVT PVT PFC PFC PVT PVT PFC PFC PVT PVT PFC PFC PVT PVT PVT PFC PFC PFC PVT PVT PFC PFC PFC PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PFC PFC PVT PFC PVT PFC PVT PVT PVT PVT PFC PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PFC PFC PFC PFC PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PFC
Abel, Matthew A. Adams, Bradley S. Adkins, Bryce M. Aguasvivas Iii, Diogenes L. Aleman, Luke D. Alhchaimi, Mohammed B.* Armstrongreider, Nikkolis D. Austrel, Jeahmy Ball, Keoni A. Bastien, Avery T. Beatty, Maddix J. Bennett, Kylen R. Boyce Jr, Michael C. Brace, Isaac M. Bush, Ryland C. Butler, Darius J. Caryll, Jacob D.* Cerisier, Brandley Colon Jr, Johnny Cornin Jr, Wellington J. Cortescarrera, Smith Curry, Christopher R. Davis, Christian A. Davis, Dylan A. Dawson, Christopher D. Dawson, Trevor L. Duran, Daniel A. Ewers, Asher J. Ferguson, Michael P. Ferino, Jacob H. Fernandez, Santiago Garciacastro, Alvaro A. Garcia, Jaaziel Gibson, Sebastian C. Grantham, Pearce A. Gromko, William A. Gross, Dashaun A. Guarin, Ethan A. Haney, Christian M. Henrichrodas, David S. Hernandezbartolo Jr, Jose L. Hernandezmartin, Kevin Hernando, Tristan E. Hogg, Cameron A. Hoover, Carter M. Jaramillo, Nicholas Kenneth, Edin M. Kuharske, Henry A. Lamadhong, Sonam R. Laraby, Donovan R.* Lian, Joseph V. Lopezordonez, Randy D. Maccherone, James B. Mang, Paumun Mcallister, Lucas M. Mckown, Mitchel A. Menjivar, Ezekiel A. Moller, Zachary R. Nascimentoraphael, Pedro Neikirk, Jack T. Nguyen, Kevin* Obas, Karlens Ospina, Andres A. Padillaalarcon, Alan J. Pauley, Aaden S. Pereziglesias, Brian A. Peterson, Wyatt E. Phan, Nam N. Pierre, Matthew M. Plunkard, Nicholas J. Price, Isom N.* Priestley, Trent A. Prince, Xxavier L. Pulvaldady, Loobentz W. Ragan, Woodrow A. Ramirez, Hendro V. Ramirezmendez, Alananyeuris Ressler, Ethan S. Rhinehart, Bodie C. Rios, Jose A. Robinson, Leartis M. Rojasperez, Edward M. Sejour, Rashaun R. Simmons, Caden T. Snyder, Tyler J. Spoon, Aiden J.
PVT PVT PVT PFC PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PFC PVT
Sprouse, Austin B. Stevens Vi, Benjamin F. Suarezcollazo, Isaac D. Sullivan, Cody F. Swanger Jr, Charles L. Tafollaibarra, Enrique G. Tavares, Jordan M. Trager, Julian M. Valerio, Juan J. Vaughan, Bradley I.* Villanuevabosa, Yatniel Walsh, Timothy E. White, Jeffrey T. Wittie, Alexander J.
PLATOON 3085
Senior Drill Instructor GySgt J. A. Caldwell PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PFC PVT PVT PFC PVT PVT PVT PVT PFC PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PFC PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PFC PFC PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PFC PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PFC PVT PVT PVT PFC PVT PFC PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PFC PVT PVT PFC PVT PFC PFC PFC PVT PFC PFC PVT PVT PFC PVT PVT PFC PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT
Andradecabrera, Edwin A. Andrespascual, Pascual Ayala, Leonardo Beck, Jayden M. Blue, Nathaniel A. Bolanos, Charlie A. Bonilla, Justin Cady, Jacoby W. Calderon, Yamil O.* Cantrelle, Braxton P. Chavezmendez, Brandon J. Chenier, Tagen J.* Churchill, Joao F. Dillingham, Benjamin A. Dinolfo, Damen C. Eiholzer Jr, Paul D. Fausnaugh, Mark A.* Felipelopez, Alan J. Felts Iii, Raymond V. Fernandez Iii, Richard D. Fernandez Schott, Frank Fontenot, Caleb M. Galloway, Dylan G. Garcia, Edgar D. Garner, Clay N. Gaspar, Giovanni Glaeser, Elijah T.* Gove, Madden T. Hardy, Devonn Hernandessoto, Brian R. Hernandez, Gavin P. Hernandezsanchez, Sahin Hobbie, Owen J. Hoffpauir, Brayden R. Holt, Jacob J. Hopkins, George A. Htoo, Lwel K. Hubanks, Taylor E. Hunt, Jacob B. Inglis, Cody W. Jack, Moninnin O. Johns, Nicholas R. Justice, Wyatt M. Klick, Minjae P. Kozlowsky, Michael R. Lambert, Jaxon J. Lampman, Zolton C. Lee, Brenden D. Mangeot, Wade R. Mann, Daniel A. Martinez Jr, Jessie Mceachern, Parker J. Mcfarlane, Mario N. Mcginnis, Blake P. Medina, Ladainian C. Menendezcasares, Luis Y. Meyer, Hunter W. Mills, Lucas C. Montero, Joshua J. Ordonez, Amir A.* Otero, Joseph N. Owusu, Julius Pachecosandoval, Eduardo Pelletier, Gavin D. Pena III, Jorge A. Pinedagonzalez, Daniel A. Rachal, Ethan Ramos, Carmelo J. Reynoso, Aarmani Ruizsantos, Jason M. Russellwells, Sean T. Scott, Dillon E. Sierragarcia, Kenen Smith, Ethan J. Soares, Kaua S. Soderberg, Camden J. Sosh, Braxton C. Sotocopin, Kenet E. Spizzirri, Gabriel C. Swinson Jr, Mark A. Thalanany, Michael J. Tomas, Diego Travis, Tylrr T. Vazquez, James
PVT PVT PVT PVT
Veliz, Carlos E. Villari, Peter P. Waller, Deavion M.* Weston Iii, Rodney G.
PLATOON 3086
Senior Drill Instructor GySgt M. A. Gonzalez PFC PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PFC PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PFC PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PFC PFC PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PFC PVT PVT PVT PVT PFC PVT PVT PVT PFC PVT PVT PVT PVT PFC PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PFC PFC PFC PVT PVT PVT PFC PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PFC PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PVT PFC PVT PFC PVT PVT PVT PVT
Abernatha, Jedidiah C. Armas, Jeshua D. Baezchilel, Jeremy A. Bailey, Colin J. Ballard, Xzaivyer B. Barahona, Bryan A. Bousted, Junito A. Braden, Jashaun J. Caito, Brayden P.* Calderonserrano, Diego A. Campbell, Joseph R.* Campbell, Yasmir I. Castro, Gabriel A. Chasko, Dominick H. Chavez, Angel Corley, Adam C. Cornelison, Andrew F. Cotton, Rowan J. Davis, Landon E. Davison, Harry C. Decaluwe, Kent M. Deffley, Brayden P. Delarosa, Dariel Gambino, Jaiden R. Garrison, Kamden A. Gensil, Dylan J.* Gonzalez, Elliot A. Gonzalezabreu, Jeremy M. Guzmansanchez, Justin G.* Hammie, Jonathan P. Heck, Tyler R. Herbert, Tyler S. Hernandez, Gustavo E. Holifield, Kale G. Hood, Cody J. Horgan, Wagner L. Jackson, Jayden J. Johnson, Caleb A. Johnson, Nicholas A. Jones, Joshua P. Julius, Christopher Kacsan, Brian Keith, Darien A. Kinley Iii, Gary Lamfers, Zayden P. Laws, Derek M. Ljajcevic, Mark Lopez Jr, Miguel Lopez, Christian J. Loughran, Hunter V. Martinez, Jasang E. Martinezmarcos, Ethan D. Martinezpina, Alex J. Maxim, Patrick A. Miller, Brandon L. Moreno, Malachi D. Neece, Matthew A. Nink, Angel M. Noffsinger, Luke D. Norton, Cayden L. Nunezbenitez, Ezequiel J. Officer, Jacob R. Ohazo, Liam C. Olding, Gavin M. Parsons, Aiden A. Pierce, Isaiah L.* Pinion, Jacob M. Potter, Varick I. Reed, Riley K. Romanodieguez, Francesco Rontal, Riley J. Sackett, James J. Sagastume, Anderson Sams, Tanner J. Serranocastillo, Nicolas A. Simpson, Amir L. Singer, Sean R. Sites, Nolan J. Smith Iii, Patrick L. Smith, Ethan R. Smith, Zachary M. Spigelmyer, Drake A. Sullivan, Caleb A. Syed, Baseth Terrebonne, Patrick A. Torres, Justin K. Tribuzio, Jackson J.* Turcios, Jefferson J. Vassor, Aden J. Velez, Jose M. Watson, Isaiah C. Whitehill, Benjamin T.
*Denotes Meritorious Promotion
LOCAL MILITARY
From recruit to advocate Veteran returns to Parris Island with a new mission
By Cpl. Dylan Smith USMC MCRD PARRIS ISLAND Nearly four decades after first stepping onto the yellow footprints at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, Myra Ancheta has returned to the place where her military journey began, this time with a different mission. A veteran of the Army Reserve, Marine Corps and Navy, Ancheta now serves the military community in another way: advocating for women veterans and raising awareness of homelessness among women veterans and their children. “I always wanted to serve,” said Ancheta. “Since I left, I don’t think I’ve ever left the veteran or military community. It’s always held very close to my heart. But now I feel like I’m serving it just in a different capacity.” Ancheta’s military career began in 1980 when she joined the Army Reserve. Two years later, looking for an opportunity to serve on active duty, she visited a Marine Corps recruiter and enlisted in the Marine Corps. Her time at Parris Island became one of the defining experiences of her career. During recruit training, Ancheta recalled a drill instructor pulling her aside and telling her she was capable of giving more. That lesson stayed with her.
Graphic from Facebook
Graphic by Lance Cpl. Elijah Allen/USMC “Don’t ever settle for the minimum,” she said. After graduating recruit training, Ancheta served in supply and eventually returned to Parris Island, where she worked at the depot’s mess hall. After several years in the Marine Corps, a gunnery sergeant encouraged her to pursue higher education. She began taking college courses and considered becoming a drill instructor herself. However, after discovering she was pregnant, Ancheta made the decision to leave the Marine Corps to raise her family. Her military service did
not end there. Ancheta attended the Medical University of South Carolina and graduated from its nursing program in 1992. She then joined the Navy as a nurse, serving at Naval Hospital Beaufort from 1992 to 1996. During her Navy career, she cared for service members and their families and participated in a humanitarian mission at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, during the Cuban and Haitian refugee crisis. The experience reinforced what service meant to her. “I was always proud to serve, to wear the uniform,”
she said. After leaving the military, Ancheta continued working in health care, eventually serving as a wellness nurse and health coach for major insurance companies. Her work focused on helping people improve their health through smoking cessation, weight management and chronic disease prevention. Even after transitioning to civilian life, Ancheta remained connected to the veteran community. That connection led her to Final Salute Inc., a nonprofit organization focused on assisting homeless women veterans and their children.
After learning about the organization’s mission, Ancheta decided to become more directly involved. She is now one of the top 20 finalists in Miss Veteran America, a competition hosted by Final Salute that combines advocacy, volunteerism and fundraising to raise awareness for women veterans facing homelessness. “I thought it was a beauty pageant, and that's not my cup of tea,” Ancheta said. “But when I found out what it was really about, I said, ‘This is something I can do.’” As part of the competition, Ancheta has used her military community to raise funds and awareness, including selling hundreds of empanadas and participating in fundraising events. “It all starts with an empanada,” she said. For Ancheta, the effort represents more than a com-
petition. It is an opportunity to tell a story she believes deserves greater attention. She also volunteers with Disabled American Veterans, helping veterans navigate claims and benefits. Through that work, she has encountered questions about homelessness and financial hardship that have made her wonder what happens after a veteran asks for help. Her goal is to help ensure those veterans are not overlooked. Now, as she stands at the place where her own military journey began, Ancheta sees the return to Parris Island as more than a visit. “This is where I started, and here I am 40 years later,” she said. “It’s coming right back.” For Ancheta, the uniform may have been left behind, but the commitment to those who wear it never was.
Dealing with asbestos claims, Part 5
T
his is the fifth article in a series of six on how veterans can be compensated for asbestos exposure causing or contributing to injuries and diseases. These articles do not cover everything a veteran, VA-accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO), Claims Agent, or Attorney need to know about this subject. This series recalled my three articles in January of 2025 that covered why veterans should file service-connected disability claims for asbestos exposure caused cancer and non-cancer injuries/disease with the VA and with Asbestos Trusts. This series also covered: Asbestos is deadly • There is no safe exposure level for asbestos; • Companies hid the deadly facts about asbestos; • Asbestos is everywhere and used extensively by the military; • Material Safety Data Sheets were not required until 1983; and • The first signs of asbestos-related disease are frustratingly vague.
Those at highest risk • Sailors and Shipyard Workers; • Enlisted and Elderly Veterans; and • Elderly veterans symptoms are now appearing. Veterans asbestos claims, trust claims and lawsuits • Veterans (and non-veterans) can receive thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars from the manufacturers of the asbestos-containing products they were exposed to through asbestos trust claims. • Eligible veterans can claim asbestos injuries with both the VA and asbestos trusts (or Courts). • There are three forms of compensation for asbestos
VA service-connected disability claims and asbestos trust claims for asbestos exposure-caused
LARRY DANDRIDGE
caused or contributed injury/ diseases, including: 1) VA Service-Connected Disability Compensation, (2) Asbestos Trust Claims (no courts or discovery, $5,000 to $50,000 for non-cancer claims and more than $100,000 for cancer claims), and (3) Lawsuits, which are complicated, require an experienced asbestos attorney, take longer to complete, can be emotionally/physically exhausting, have much higher legal costs, are scientifically complex, require expert witnesses, require medical records, and extensive discovery. Also, many companies who mined or manufactured asbestos products have declared bankruptcy and formed Asbestos Trusts and can no longer be sued. • There are no known law firms who will handle non-cancer asbestos lawsuits or asbestos trust claims. • The only known firm who will help veterans file claims with asbestos trusts is Clear Trust Claims, LLP. • Asbestos Injuries/Disease are “not” presumptive to the VA but are to asbestos trusts. • Veterans can receive approximately $4,000 per month, tax-free for a VA Service-connected disability award/ rating. • Eligible veterans can claim asbestos Injuries with the VA and asbestos trusts. • In 1994, Congress passed an amendment to the bankruptcy law that allowed com-
panies to establish over 70 asbestos trusts (with $30 Billion) to compensate victims of asbestos exposure, thus preventing the companies from facing further lawsuits. • Contact ClearTrust Claims LLP at https://www.cleartrustclaims.com, Phone: 202787-5850, the only asbestos disease law firm this writer knows of that will handle asbestos trusts claims for non-cancer asbestos caused injuries/disease and lawsuits for Mesothelioma and other cancers, and the only firm that charges only 10% of the asbestos claim(s) awards. Or contact a legacy law firm with successful experience filing asbestos law suits or asbestos trust claims and pay 30% to 40% plus expenses to help you. VA service-connected claims for asbestos injuries/disease • Use a local VA-accredited Veterans Service Officer (VSO) to help you file a VA service-connected claim for disability compensation. • According to the VA webpage “Veterans Asbestos Exposure,” at https://bit. ly/4i66mfu, “If you have a health condition caused by asbestos exposure during your service, you may be eligible for VA disability compensation. Compensation provides tax-free monthly payments up to $4,000.00 per month and more depending on dependents. • Veterans may qualify for disability based on asbestos exposure if they meet the following requirements: (1) The veteran has a health condition caused by asbestos exposure, and (2) They had contact with asbestos while serving in the military. • If you are a veteran who meets the two requirements above, you should seek med-
ical care, make an appointment with your local VA-accredited VSO, and have that VSO help you file a claim for military service-connected disability compensation. • Veterans and VSOs should use the free help, with VA Service-Connected Disability Claims, from the Asbestos. com Help Center at www. vetoutreach.com, veteranoutreach@asbestos.com, Phone: 888-327-8271. • Veterans should contact their VA Medical Center’s Environmental Health Coordinator for HAZMAT evaluations, registry, and supporting letters. • Veterans should submit Lay Witness Statements, a medical diagnosis, nexus letters, and pictures of asbestos exposure and equipment used on active duty. • Veterans and their VSOs should not assume the VA knows how the veteran was exposed to asbestos. They must provide detailed information about who, what, when, where, and how the exposure occurred, including any lack of protection, PPE, MSDSs, or HAZMAT-handling training, as well as duties within and outside the veteran’s MOS, duty locations, ships, and specific equipment. • The VA raters have a List of Job ratings with probability of asbestos exposure. VA raters do not know what jobs the veteran actually performed, which are frequently outside of their MOS. • Veterans must show that they had more exposure to asbestos in the military than they did outside of the military. Exposure on ship equals approximately 8,000 hours annually (335 days x 24 hours per day = 8,040). Exposure in civilian jobs equals 2,000 (50 weeks x 5 days per week =
EDITOR’S NOTE This article is the fifth in a series of six. (The series was originally five.)
250 days X 8 hours per day = only 2,000 hours). • Veterans need to submit: (1) Medical records that state your health condition, (2) Service records that list your job or specialty, and (3) A doctor’s statement that there is a connection between the veteran’s contact with asbestos during military service and the health condition. • Persons with advanced asbestos caused or contributed to lung disease will develop “COR PULMONALE,” also known as Pulmonary Heart Disease, a heart disease SECONDARY to the Chronic Lung Disease. • Veterans with COR PULMONALE, secondary to asbestos lung disease, should file a separate VA service-connected disability claim for COR PULMNALE. Author’s apology I, Lt. Colonel, U.S Army (Retired) W. Larry Dandridge, and the author of this series, must apologize that it is going to take me one more article to properly cover this subject. This is now article 5 of 6. Continued next week. Larry Dandridge is a Vietnam War wounded warrior, disabled veteran, ex-Enlisted Infantryman, ex-Warrant Officer Pilot, and retired Lt. Colonel. He is a past VA-accredited VSO, a Patient Adviser at Charleston and Durham VA Hospitals, a Fisher House Charleston/Friends of Fisher House Charleston Goodwill Ambassador, and the Veterans Benefits Adviser for his local Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) Chapter and Cary, N.C., VFW Post 7383. Larry is also the author of the award-winning “Blades of Thunder (Book One)” and a contributing freelance writer with The Island News. Contact him at LDandridge@ earthlink.net or 843-276-7164. OCTOBER 8–14, 2026
A13
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A14
OCTOBER 8–14, 2026
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THEME: AT AN AMUSEMENT PARK ACROSS 1. If it fits... 5. Accounting pro 8. What Pinocchio did 12. What discern and concern have in common 13. "The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical" 14. Sack fabric 15. A in UAE 16. Not with us, prefix 17. Opposite of cathode 18. *Late Parton's amusement venture 20. Dog is ____ best friend 21. Made of certain hardwood 22. Tiny sip 23. Trite one 26. Type of rummy 30. Bajillion years 31. Appoint #40 Across 34. Film wheel 35. "Saturday Night Fever" music 37. Adam of "Stand and Deliver" 38. Smokeless tobacco brand 39. Region 40. Religious minister 42. Wear and tear
43. Opposite of advance 45. *____ World, Griswalds' destination 47. Not in 48. Worship like god 50. Music genre 52. *Like funnel cakes and elephant ears 56. Halt 57. *Disney World in Florida spans over 25,000 of these 58. Not out of 59. Like complete nonsense 60. Podium 61. Cottontail's tail 62. Willy Wonka's creator 63. Bass, e.g. 64. Not that DOWN 1. Tropical marine fish 2. Submarine sandwich 3. Like traditional storytelling 4. All together (2 words) 5. Not kayak? 6. Mountain climber's spike 7. Like dry clime 8. *Coney Island's original (2 words) 9. Aware of a secret (2 words) 10. Make them meet 11. Food coloring, e.g.
13. *a.k.a. game barker 14. Gavroche, e.g. 19. Cowboy's cry of joy 22. Bobbsey twin 23. Wood in the closet? 24. France's longest river 25. Garment insert 26. Quote 27. "Gangnam Style" capital 28. Badger 29. *2021 movie "Nightmare ____" 32. *Balloon popper 33. "Wheel of Fortune" request, 2 words 36. *a.k.a. merry-go-round 38. Walking stick 40. Singer Benatar 41. Steals 44. Famous Swiss mathematician Leonhard ____ 46. Lyre player 48. Hot rod sticker 49. Spooky 50. ____ ____ good example 51. Four-letter word 52. Bit of baby talk 53. Mark on a ruler 54. Tiny purse 55. Popular movie candy 56. Something to chew on
LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORD & SUDOKU SOLUTIONS
OCTOBER 8–14, 2026
A15
820 Bay Street Beaufort, SC 29902
843.521.4200 $1,300,000
FRIPP ISLAND | MLS 191799
.46 Acre Oceanfront Homesite | Great Location Trudy Arthur 843.812.0967 Paige Walling 843.812.8470
$774,900
$1,550,000
$270,000
PORT ROYAL | MLS 195945
DISTANT ISLAND | MLS 195245
HARBOR ISLAND | MLS 194737
3BDRM | 2B | 1700sqft | Completely Renovated Seller Related to Agent Shannon Denny 843.575.7055
.65 Acre Homesite | Private Deepwater Dock Panoramic Views Edward Dukes 843.812.5000
1BDRM | 1.5B | 794sqft | Oceanview Bryan Gates 843.812.6494
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