OCTOBER 3 3
66TH ANNUAL
Fall
Bazaar
10 AM - PM
Craft Fair • Silent Auction • Greenhouse Plant Sale International Food Court • Beer and Wine Garden Sweet Shoppe • Kids Zone and Games • Petting Zoo
SEPTEMBER 10–16, 2026
WWW.YOURISLANDNEWS.COM
Family Fun, Fabulous Finds, Food and Drink! 70 Lady’s Island Dr, Beaufort Across the Street from Publix
COVERING BEAUFORT COUNTY
ELECTION 2026
The Art of Collaboration
BOE candidates outline priorities
King Street Arts Center welcomes the public
Candidates agree on teacher retention and student support, but differ on academics, discipline and district oversight
By Luke Frazier The Island News
I
f Cherimie Weatherford had her way, the hallways inside 1407 King Street in Beaufort would be talking. They would be chatting about the history of not just the county employees who worked inside this one story former county administrative building but abuzz with stories expressing the rich history of the community where it sits. This is the part of Beaufort where previously enslaved people settled and became homeowners during and following the Civil War. Weatherford is the Executive Director of the Freedman Arts District, where this newly christened King Street Arts Center is the first piece of an evolving arts and culture campus in the city. She is clear about the ultimate purpose of their effort. “We're trying to encompass history, culture, art, creativity, and community all in one place,” Weatherford insisted. “Art is clearly a connector. It connects people, experiences, and memories.” The public was recently welcomed inside the Center for a look at the main gallery and the nearly 20 working artist studios prior to the official grand opening. The hallways
Aubrey, who goes by “Marsh Girl Art,” displays a painting created as a tribute to America’s 250th anniversary during the soft opening of the King Street Arts Center on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, in Beaufort. Amber Hewitt/ The Island News
“Art is clearly a connector. It connects people, experiences, and memories.” — Cherimie Weatherford
SEE CENTER PAGE A5
By Delayna Earley The Island News Nine candidates seeking four seats on the Beaufort County Board of Education agree on many of the broad challenges facing Beaufort County schools, including keeping qualified teachers in classrooms, supporting students struggling academically or behaviorally and maintaining public trust. But their responses to a questionnaire from The Island News show differences in where they believe the district's most pressing problems lie and how the school board should go about addressing them. Some candidates focused heavily on achievement gaps and classroom discipline. Others pointed to early childhood education, teacher recruitment, multilingual learners or preparing students for life after graduation.
SEE ELECTION PAGE A9
The long and expensive road Dick Stewart’s lawsuit vs. Trasks still progressing
T
he city of Beaufort, incorporated in 1711 after a string of Spanish, French and British settlers, is still known for its history, and the preservation of that history has always been a matter of keen interest. Ironically, thanks to a slow-moving lawsuit that some say personifies the conflict between preservation and progress, local figures Dick Stewart and Graham and George Trask may play a part in making some more history. In August, 1971 when word got out that the William Elliott House
SCOTT GRABER
LOLITA HUCKABY
at 1103 Bay Street had been purchased and the new owners intended to demolish the three-storied tabby building which had been renamed “The Anchorage,” some folks were concerned. In those days, “preservation-
ists” in Beaufort could largely be counted on one hand and most folks believed that demolition of the Anchorage was inevitable, in the name of “progress.” There was no question that the Elliott house, circa 1770, was
historic and the preservationists rallied to get the building protected by adding it to the U.S. Department of Interior’s National Register of Historic Homes. But Beaufort was still, at that time, “invisible” to the tourism industry, not yet discovered by the waves of visitors who would flock to the area once movies like “The Big Chill” (1983) or “Prince of Tides” (1991) hit the screens and opened the doors to those wanting to see our beauty. Saved by the yankees Beaufort’s history was unique in that occupation early in the Civil
War left a number of architecturally significant antebellum structures. But the reality was that these large homes, like the Anchorage, were expensive to maintain and in many minds, expendable. The downtown business district, primarily the three blocks of Bay Street, for years was likewise static, consisting of small storefronts that sold shoes, ready-towear suits, seeds and nails by the pound to a population of city folks, shrimpers, tomato farmers and small-plot African American
SEE ROAD PAGE A4
HEALTH
VOICES
SPORTS
INSIDE
Beaufort Memorial adds urologist in Beaufort, Okatie.
The fallen Witness Tree inspires reflections on history, resilience and hope.
High School Football Roundup: Beaufort Academy earns its first win as teams battle through a busy week.
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News Health Voices Military Sports Directory
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ISLAND NEWS PUBLISHING, LLC
LOWCOUNTRY LIFE & NEWS
PUBLISHER Margaret Evans
EDITORIAL/DESIGN Editor-in-Chief
Mike McCombs theislandnews@ gmail.com
Assistant Editor Delayna Earley delayna. theislandnews@ gmail.com
The 1990s rock band Cracker performs for a crowd on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026, at Shellring Ale Works in Port Royal after rain moved through the area. Amber Hewitt/The Island News. To submit a Lowcountry Life photo, you must be the photographer or have permission to submit the photo to be published in The Island News. Please submit high-resolution photos and include a description and/or names of the people in the picture and the name of the photographer. Email your photos to theislandnews@gmail.com.
VETERAN OF THE WEEK
American Legion Beaufort Post 207 brings you Jasper Wiseley, 80, who joined the U.S. Navy in 1967 in Osso, Mich. After Boot Camp at Great Lakes, he began a three-year assignment aboard the USS Belknap (DLG-26) serving much of the time in the waters off Vietnam providing gunfire support. He worked both as a Boiler Technician for the engines as well as in the galley specializing as a baker. Travels aboard took him to
Jasper Wiseley
Australia, the Philippines and Hong Kong. He then served aboard the USS Newman K. Perry (DD-883) after qualifying for
JASPER WISELEY High Pressure Steam Systems and converting to Hull Technician. There he worked in damage control and maintenance with a specialty for welding. Other assignments took him to USS Bordelon (DD-881) and USS Neosho (AO-143) in Mayport, Fla. In 1987, he retired from USS Lexington (CV-16) in Pensacola, Fla., as a Petty Officer First Class (E-6) with 20 years of active service. He moved to the Lowcounty and worked for Jasper County
Public Works before starting his own small engine repair company in Yemassee. He also worked for Dixie Polydrum Corp. in Yemassee for more than nine years. He fully retired in 2003 and moved to Beaufort with his wife, Marion, of 48 years. – Compiled by John Chubb, American Legion Post 207. For Veteran Of The Week nominations, contact jechubb1@gmail.com.
BCSO investigating late night shots fired call
Staff reports The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a Friday night shots fired call on Lady’s Island. According to a release from the BCSO, shortly before 11 p.m., Friday night, Sept. 4, 2026, the BCSO communications center
received calls of shots fired in the area of Sandy Lane on Lady’s Island. Deputies responded to the scene and found no one reporting any injuries. According to the release, the circumstances that led up to this incident are still under investi-
NEWS BRIEFS
Nexus Care hosting ‘Recovery Is Worth the Walk’
gation. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the lead investigator, Sergeant Lidey, 843-2553294. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information related to suspicious or criminal activity to report it
unity, hope, and the message that no one should walk alone. Participants of all ages and abilities are encouraged to attend and walk in awareness. The event will feature opportunities to connect with local resources dedicated to recovery, health, and community support. Community members can register at no cost by visiting https://bit.ly/4zpYPyQ. Early registration is encouraged.
Nexus Care of Beaufort County, in partnership with Beaufort County Parks & Recreation, welcomes the community to join a free, family-friendly walk in recognition of Recovery Month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026 at Burton Wells Walking Path, located at 64 Burton Wells Road. A rain date is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19. School board candidates to The event, titled “Recovery Is Worth the Walk" aims to bring the community together speak at NOB Dems meeting Candidates running for the Beaufort Counin support of individuals and families affected by substance use. The walk emphasizes ty Board of Education will speak when the
by calling the non-emergency dispatch line at 843-524-2777. If wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers of Beaufort County via the P3 Tips app on your mobile device, online at tipsbft.com or by calling 844-TIPS-BFT (844-847-7238).
Northern Beaufort County Democratic Club (NOB Dems) meets at 6 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 17 at the Old Grace AME Chapel at 502 Charles Street in downtown Beaufort. Ample free parking is available. Meetings are open to anyone “committed to fighting for democracy, upholding the Constitution, and ensuring equal justice for all.” The NOB Dems, along with several other groups, rally together every Monday at 4 p.m. in front of the Beaufort City Hall, as well. All who wish to join should bring a sign (no vulgarity), stay behind the sidewalk, and off the median. – Staff reports
2021: S.C. State Senator Mia McLeod (D), a gubernatorial candidate, makes a campaign stop at the Gullah Geechee Visitors Center at LyBensons Gallery & Studio on St. Helena Island.
September 13 1865: A convention meets in Columbia to draw up the S.C. Constitution of 1865, adopting the “Black Codes,” severely limiting the freedom of formerly enslaved people. Article XI abolished state office in Charleston, centralizing the state
government in Columbia. 2021: With COVID-19 near its peak in Beaufort County, County Administrator Eric Greenway enacts a mask requirement for all Beaufort County buildings. 2021: Local musician Leavin “Jack” Jackson was killed in a single-vehicle accident on Trask Parkway, near Fiddlerville Cove Road.
September 14 2021: Helen Pappas Spalding is removed from the City of Beaufort’s Election Commission after a unanimous 5-0 vote
by the City Council. Spalding’s spot on the commission came into question after her involvement in organizing the Audit the SC 2020 Vote Rally held Aug. 30, 2021 at Olde Beaufort Golf Club.
September 15 1978: Beaufort native Joe Frazier sings the national anthem before the rematch between Muhammad Ali and Leon Spinks. 2023: Stephen Murray resigns as Mayor of Beaufort. City Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Mike McFee becomes acting Mayor of Beaufort. – Compiled by Mike McCombs
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• In the Sept. 3 edition of The Island News in an article about his upcoming appearance in Beaufort, the name of California Gov. Gavin Newsom was misspelled. • In the Sept. 3 edition of The Island News, FDNY firefighter Bruce Van Hine, who was killed in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, was incorrectly identified.
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THIS WEEK IN HISTORY September 10
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DISCLAIMER All content of The Island News, including articles, photos, editorial content, letters, art and advertisements, are copyrighted by The Island News and Island News Publishing, LLC, 2026, all rights reserved. The Island News encourages reader submissions via email to theislandnews@gmail.com. All content submitted is considered approved for publication by the owner unless otherwise stated. The Island News is designed to inform and entertain readers and all efforts for accuracy are made. Guest columns do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of The Island News, its publisher or editors. The Island News reserves the right to refuse to sell advertising space, or to publish information, for any business or activity the newspaper deems inappropriate for the publication.
NEWS
Principal placed on paid leave over campaign video Robert Smalls principal appeared in City Council candidate’s video
By Delayna Earley The Island News Robert Smalls Leadership Academy Principal Bradley Tarrance was placed on paid administrative leave Sept. 2 after appearing in a campaign video filmed on school property supporting Beaufort City Council candidate Jared Madison. The Beaufort County School District is reviewing the incident, which has also prompted the district to remind employees of its rules governing political activity and arrange election-season ethics training for principals through the South Carolina State Ethics Commission. The video was posted to the “Jared Madison for Beaufort City Council” Facebook page and identified Tarrance on screen by name and as principal of the school. The accompanying campaign post thanked Tarrance for believing in and supporting Madison and described him as “a motivating factor” in Madison’s life. Madison told The Island News the video remained online for approximately eight minutes before questions arose about whether it complied with South Carolina ethics laws. Madison said he contacted the State Ethics Commission, provided the video and asked whether it presented an ethics issue. “They kind of gave me the list and says it may be in a violation because of a few different codes,” Madison said. “And I said, ‘Okay.’ So I immediately took the video down.” The State Ethics Commission’s rules of conduct state that govern-
ment personnel, equipment, materials or an office building may not be used in an election campaign. Government emBradley ployees may parTarrance ticipate in election campaigns on their own time and on nongovernment premises. The commission has also previously addressed political activity on school property. In a 2006 advisory opinion concerning campaign signs, the commission said the predominant purpose of public property at the time of its political use should be considered. The opinion specifically noted that the predominant purpose of public school property during the school day is educating children. Neither the district nor the State Ethics Commission has announced a finding that Tarrance or Madison violated state ethics law. District reviewing incident Beaufort County School District Chief Communications Officer Candace Bruder confirmed to The Island News that Tarrance was placed on administrative leave Sept. 2. “The Beaufort County School District takes concerns regarding compliance with district policies and applicable laws seriously,” Bruder said. “At this time we are unable to comment further on this personnel matter or the specifics of an ongoing review,” she said. “However, the district is reviewing the matter and addressing the issue appropriately
and consistently with applicable policies and state regulations.” The district’s Regulation HRS13, Staff ParticipaJared tion in Political AcMadison tivities, was most recently revised in October 2025 and establishes rules intended to keep the district’s learning and work environment politically neutral and nondisruptive. The regulation recognizes that district employees have the same civic responsibilities and privileges as other citizens, including participating in political campaigns and running for public office, provided those activities do not conflict with their employment duties. It also places specific restrictions on political activity involving district employees and school property. Under HRS-13, during the workday, on BCSD property or at a district-sponsored event, “no employee may influence or attempt to influence any student, teacher, parent, or other person to vote for or against any candidate, political party, and/or issue.” The regulation also states that no candidate for public office may solicit support on school property and prohibits political materials promoting candidates or political parties from being distributed or posted on district property. Staff members who fail to comply with HRS-13 may face disciplinary action “up to and including dismissal from employment.” The district has not said whether
it has determined Tarrance violated HRS-13 or identified which provisions are part of its ongoing review. The district’s website continued to identify Tarrance as principal of Robert Smalls Leadership Academy as of Sept. 8. Tarrance, reached by The Island News for comment, said his profession limits what he can say about the situation while he remains employed by the district. “Although I learned a ton from the situation, I am unable to share due to my profession,” Tarrance said. “If this causes me to no longer be employed, I’d be open to speaking.” District plans ethics refresher The incident comes as the district prepares employees for the upcoming election season. Bruder said all district employees have been asked to review HRS-13. The district has also reached out to the State Ethics Commission to request refresher training for principals on election-season and state ethics requirements. The training is scheduled to take place this week. Madison says experience became a lesson Madison said he has tried to use the incident as a learning experience, particularly for people running for public office for the first time. During his interview with The Island News, Madison discussed taking responsibility for his role in what happened and said making mistakes is part of trying something new.
“I like saying I messed up because I try,” Madison said. “I try new things and I try hard. So I’m going to mess up and I’m going to fail.” Madison said one result of the experience has been his work on a training packet for candidates covering issues including ethics requirements and rules governing campaign signs. He later told The Island News that he plans to approach the City of Beaufort about potentially adopting the material for future first-time candidates, saying that if communities want greater civic engagement, they should also make it easier for residents to understand the requirements that come with running for office. After learning Tarrance had been placed on paid administrative leave, Madison expressed support for the principal. “My only comment is that I have a great deal of respect and admiration for Bradley and I believe he has made a significantly positive impact in his community and in the lives of the children, teachers, parents and family members associated [with] Robert Smalls Leadership Academy,” Madison said. Madison added that he believes Tarrance has the support of the school’s teachers, administrators, parents and students. The district’s review remains ongoing. 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.
Taylor Addison, M.D. TO BEAUFORT MEMORIAL
Lowcountry Medical Group Primary Care
B
oard-certified family medicine physician Dr. Taylor Addison has joined Lowcountry Medical Group in Beaufort, expanding access to primary care services and helping meet the growing healthcare needs of the Lowcountry. Dr. Addison provides comprehensive primary care for adolescent and adult patients, with a focus on preventive medicine, whole-person wellness and building strong, trust-based relationships. He partners closely with patients to help them navigate acute and chronic conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease, while supporting their long-term health goals. Originally pursuing a career in business, Dr. Addison discovered his passion for medicine during a medical mission trip that highlighted the profound impact healthcare providers can have on individuals and communities. That experience inspired him to dedicate his career to helping people live healthier lives through accessible, personalized healthcare. “I want to build lasting relationships with my patients and tailor their healthcare to their unique needs and lifestyles,” Dr. Addison said. “Together, we will make thoughtful decisions that help my patients achieve their health goals.”
Residency – Family Medicine
UAB Medicine Huntsville - Chief Resident Huntsville, Alabama
.............................................................
Doctor of Medicine
Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine Charleston, South Carolina
............................................................
Bachelor of Science – Business Bachelor of Arts – Spanish Magna cum laude
The Citadel The Military College of South Carolina Charleston, South Carolina
CALL 843-770-0404 TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. 300 MIDTOWN DRIVE, BEAUFORT
At the practice, Dr. Addison joins (l to r) Emi Rendon Pope, M.D.; Veronica Smalheiser, AGNP-C, ANP-BC, CVNP-BC; Carl Derrick, M.D.; Nicholas Dardes, D.O., FACP; Nikki Newman, PA-C; Craig Floyd, M.D.; Erin R. Scott, ANP-BC; Jennifer Martin, NP-C; James Varner, MMS, PA-C and Joseph M. DiMaria, M.D.
BEAUFORTMEMORIAL.ORG • MOST MAJOR INSURANCE PLANS ARE ACCEPTED.
SEPTEMBER 10–16, 2026
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from page A1 farmers who lived on Port Royal, Lady’s and St. Helena islands. The threat to the William Elliott house, which is now the Anchorage 1770 boutique inn, pointed out the value of the Historic Beaufort Foundation which had been formed in 1947 to save the John Mark Verdier House, circa 1804, which had been targeted for demolition. The Verdier House campaign, as with the Anchorage, wasn’t the first and certainly not the last of community fights to preserve the architecture that made Beaufort special. Since 1971 there have been other fights — not so much about demolition — but arguments over structural details overseen by the city’s Historic Review Board, using the Beaufort Preservation Manual, prepared by John Milner Associates and adopted by the city in 1979, for guidance. In the ensuing years, we’ve had relatively few “new” buildings downtown; the former People’s Bank Building at the corner of Bay and Carteret Streets at the foot of the Woods Memorial Bridge, now a condominium/retail shop building; the former Beaufort Bank which is now Panini’s after housing the Breeze Theater; and the former Regions Bank building, built in 1978 at 916 Bay Street which now sits empty with a $5.25 million price tag. 21st Century meeting of the Trasks, Stewart In 1998, Dick Stewart returned to the Lowcountry, where he had spent some of his high school years, to start a new career with his development firm, 303 Associates, which he now chairs after retiring as chief executive officer in 2022. One of his first projects was renovation of the Saltus Building at 802 Bay Street, a brick and tabby structure that had sat empty for several years after the Belk department store left the downtown area. The building now houses two popular restaurants, Hearth and Saltus River Grille, which looks out at the Beaufort River. Also looking at downtown Beaufort real estate for redevelopment were George Trask and his son Graham, whose family began truck farming in the
This illustration of a “massing model,” reportedly “professionally produced from publicly available documents as submitted by” 303 Associates, purports to show the absolute size and scale of the city-approved, 70-room, Marriott-affiliated hotel relative to adjacent buildings owned by companies owned by Graham Trask along West Street. It was circulated in emails and used as a profile photo on the Facebook page of the Beautiful Beaufort Alliance. Photo from Facebook area. What was interesting about the original complaint was its length – 55 pages with 192 individual paragraphs telling a story of a friendship between Dick Stewart and Graham Trask that would eventually go sour. That complaint also alleged the Trasks “found a willing accomplice” in Historic Beaufort Foundation’s then-Executive Director, Cynthia Jenkins. While HBF was not named as a party defendant, the documents noted “… it has been used as a pawn by the Trasks …” Also interesting, and unusual, about the complaint were the graphics of what has come to be called the “Red Menace.” These were graphics allegedly circulated by Graham Trask rendering the proposed hotel in red, placing it in the context with existing downtown buildings, showing views of the proposed hotel from Bay Street and from West Street. The complaint alleged “Abuse of Process, Civil Conspiracy, Intentional Interference with Prospective Contract, Unfair Trade Practices and Malicious Prosecution” as grounds for its plea for damages. The Trasks responded Court pleadings to this lengthy, graphics-ilIn 2023 Stewart’s holding lustrated complaint by company, 303 Associates outright denials of specific filed suit in the Court of allegations and then assertCommon Pleas wherein ed their First Amendment allegations of actual and rights to comment on, or punitive damages were criticize a development made, claiming the Trasks decision. had sabotaged plans for The Trasks further althe proposed hotel, parking leged their speech was progarage and retail/apartment tected by a specific South building – The Cannon Carolina statute, 6-29-760, Building – in the downtown giving a neighboring Lowcountry more than 100 years ago and whose residential and commercial real estate interests have grown over the years. Graham Trask’s most recent commercial project, a two and three-story retail building with a roof-top restaurant to be built between Bay Street and the Waterfront Park, was approved by the city Historic Review Board last year. To date, no construction has begun and a new barbecue take-out business, Mother Smokin’ Good! BBQ opened this summer in a small building on the site. The relationship between Stewart, according to court documents filed in his lawsuit, and the Trasks, father and son, were peaceful until 2021 when, again, according to the court documents, the Trasks began to publicly oppose his downtown projects. Specifically, the Trasks, doing business under various names including West Street Farms, opposed 303’s plans for a new hotel on Scott and Port Republic streets, a three-story parking garage on West Street, and a three-story apartment/retail structure, the Cannon Building, on Charles and Port Republic streets.
OBITUARIES Elizabeth Purvis Grace Sept. 26, 1949 – Aug. 29, 2026 Beaufort
Beth went to be with the angels and our Lord on Aug. 29 at Emory Hospital in Atlanta — fittingly, the very place where she met her husband, Gene, while she was a student there. Beth was born in Morristown, Tenn. on Sept. 26, 1949. She is the daughter of Jeane Strate Vann and John T. Purvis, MD of Knoxville, Tenn. She was the loving wife of Gene Waring Grace, DDS originally from Charleston, S.C. Beth was not only smart, but beautiful. An SAE classmate of Gene’s, then in dental school, encouraged him to ask out their SAE Sweetheart. Gene checked out her picture in the annual first and said, "No thanks." Less than a week later, seeing her walking across the campus, he immediately changed his mind. They were engaged within six months and married six months after that. They made their home in Beaufort, where they lived for 51 years, and raised two daughters, Chilton Simmons and Katherine Hefner. A Beaufort Academy teacher finally had to ask Beth to make staying at home less fun so Katherine would
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want to come to school. A political science major, Beth jumped right into community life. She chaired Elizabeth Purvis Grace numerous local organizations. She was chair of the Clean Water Task Force, Main Street USA Streetscape Project, and chair of many different committees of St. Helena’s Anglican Church. Ultimately, she served 10 years on Beaufort County Council, retiring undefeated. She was a co-founder of the Beaufort County Women’s Republican Club, and with Dot Gnann, co-chaired the county’s Rural and Critical Land Committee which was responsible for the comprehensive plan. This was the first of its kind in the state, a legacy that has helped keep Beaufort "the Beaufort we love." Among her many honors, she most recently received the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry’s Beaufort County Leadership Award. Beth is survived by her husband, Gene; her daughters, Chilton (George Heath Simmons, MD) and Katherine (Ashley Allen Hefner); and seven grandchildren, all of Beaufort — George Waring
property owner the right to question adjacent land use and zoning. Graham Trask also alleged this was, in fact, a SLAPP Lawsuit, a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation, considered to be chilling of free speech rights which cost defendants thousands of dollars in legal fees. The Trasks also answered by asserting the “NOERR-Pennington Doctrine” which says those who petition a government agency for assistance are protected by the First Amendment. These first pleadings, Complaint and Answer, were all filed in 2023, amended in 2026, and for three years numerous lawyers have been wandering through a preliminary phase of litigation called “discovery.” This “voyage of discovery” gives each party the ability to depose potential witnesses and, importantly, to secure the emails, letters, memoranda and telephone logs that may, or may not, prove their case. From the beginning Stewart’s attorneys have been seeking emails – especially emails to and from the Historic Beaufort Foundation – to show a conspiracy between the Trasks and HBF.
Marriott hotel is just too big, 303 Associates claim the “Red Menace” drawings regarding the size of the proposed hotel are “intentionally inaccurate, inflammatory, and false.” Another issue is whether the Historic Beaufort Foundation was an actor in an alleged conspiracy; although HBF has not been named as a party and will not have to pay any damages in the event that damages are awarded. And yet another issue will be whether the various lawsuits filed by Graham Trask, six in all, constitute “abuse of process.” If this case proceeds to trial, and eventually finds itself in the state Supreme Court, there could be an opinion that puts rules in place defining what is acceptable criticism and what is not. This is called “precedent” by lawyers and becomes, de facto, the law in South Carolina.
tions and following an outcry, town council issued a stop work order. As a result of this order Woods sued the Town of Mt. Pleasant. After the filing of the pleadings, Woods immediately subpoenaed private communications and emails from his agitated opponents, especially representatives of the “Save Shem Creek” organization, which had spoken out at public meetings. The subpoenas were criticized by both residents and town officials as intimidation meant to stifle public participation and a violation of First Amendment rights. Although Woods v Town of Mt. Pleasant was settled before going to trial, Mount Pleasant used this case to lobby the General Assembly to pass anti-SLAPP legislation to prevent developers from using subpoenas to silence public opposition. And while the proposed anti-SLAPP legislation passed in the S.C. House, it is now stalled in the S.C. Senate.
The impact of this litigation This decision will likely be a tough one for a jury because free speech is venerated in this country and particularly timely with all the ongoing development and redevelopment taking place along the Coast, changing the urban and the adjacent rural landscapes as we speak. Until now people have walked into council chambers or appeared in front of zoning boards voicing their anger, or misgivings, about the proposed condos, or the townhomes, without any thought of personal repercussions. But this case between Stewart and Trask could result in an appellate deciExisting precedent in SC sion that erects guidelines, There currently is not a guardrails for future speech. lot of precedent in South Carolina in terms of a devel- Or a decision that will reinforce free speech in these oper versus criticism from cases. an agitated community. One case, Ashton Woods Scott Graber is a lawyer, novelist, v. Town of Mount Pleasant, veteran columnist and longtime did touch on these issues, resident of Port Royal. He can be especially the question of reached at cscottgraber@gmail.com. free speech. Core issues In 2019, a developer, AshLolita Huckaby Watson is a But, in fact, this long and ton Woods, was constructcommunity volunteer and newspaper expensive road will have an ing town houses along Ben columnist. In her former role as a end — a jury trial. The jury Sawyer Boulevard in Mt. reporter with The Beaufort Gazette, could decide the Trasks Pleasant. Residents passing The Savannah Morning News, abused the legal process. Or the site noticed the new Bluffton Today and Beaufort Today, the jury could decide what buildings were designed she prided herself in trying to stay the Trasks allegedly said with elevated foundations neutral and unbiased. As a columnist, (and wrote) was, indeed, causing them to tower over these are her opinions. Her goal is protected speech. the neighboring buildings. to be factual but opinionated, based The core issue in this These neighbors argued on her own observations. Feel free to dispute is scale. While the these structures violated contact her at bftbay@gmail.com. Trasks claim the proposed the town’s height limita-
Simmons, Grace Evelyn Simmons, Harrison Love Simmons, Styles DeVeaux Simmons, Vann Harrison Hefner, Ford Hamilton Hefner, and Bray Waring Hefner. Her grandchildren will always remember her for her fancy tea parties for them with a little tea in their sugar, her pot roasts, and cinnamon toast, her bedtime stories combined with head massages, trips to Folly Beach, and the evening card games with her and Pop. As one friend put it, "A light in Beaufort has gone out." So true. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept. 12 at 11 a.m. at the Parish Church of St. Helena in Beaufort, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Historic Beaufort Foundation, the Parish Church of St. Helena, and Beaufort Academy.
Dr. Clifford Eugene Keith
Jan. 28, 1933 – Aug. 31, 2026 Arlington, Va.
Dr. Clifford Eugene Keith, RPh, 93, passed away on Monday, Aug. 31, 2026 after a long illness at Vitality Living of Arlington in Arlington, Va. Cliff, as he was known, was born Jan. 28, 1933 to the
late Cecil F. Keith and Ruth Louise Mayes. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Perry Houston Keith, and previDr. Clifford ous wives Marion Eugene Keith Greene Keith and Alice Varn Cinader, as well as multiple siblings. He is survived by his wife, Ellen A. Keith and her children, LouAnne Glaccum, Lance Vickery, Dayle Vickery, and Karen Vickery. He is also survived by his sons from his previous marriages, William Keith, Varn Keith, and Kenneth Keith as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Cliff was a veteran, having served in the United States Air Force prior to his training at the University of Tennessee, where he became a pharmacist. He worked at Freels Drugs in the late 1950’s in Kingsport, Tenn., before moving to Beaufort, S.C., in 1962. He retired there after more than 30 years service to the doctors and patients of the Lowcountry at Luthers Pharmacy and CVS drug stores. “Doctor Keith” was well known in the community and was a “good
OBITUARIES
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old fashioned Pharmacist” who knew his patients and was always there to meet their needs and advise them on their prescriptions. Never one to ignore a phone call, even in the middle of the night, he would respond immediately to a physician or patient who was in need of a critical medication needing to be filled. Cliff was also a long-term and loyal member of the Beaufort Kennel Club, helping organize many shows over the years as well as showing his own champion Yorkshire Terriers. The family would like to recognize the staff at Vitality Living of Arlington, the caregivers at A Great Home Care, Arlington, as well as Goodwin Hospice of Arlington for the great care and support of Cliff in his final days. A private internment will occur at a later date and memorials may be made to Saint Peters Catholic Church, 70 Lady’s Island Drive, Beaufort, SC 29907.
NEWS & HEALTH
Port Royal considers six-month pause on some multifamily developments More than 1,000 housing units already in some stage of development as planners begin five-year review of Port Royal’s comprehensive plan
By Delayna Earley The Island News Port Royal officials are considering another temporary pause on some multifamily development, this time while the town takes a closer look at how and where it wants to grow over the next five years. During its Sept. 2 workshop, Town Council discussed an ordinance that would impose a moratorium on the review and consideration of certain multifamily land-use and development approvals. The ordinance was expected to come before council for first reading during its Sept. 9 meeting. No formal action was taken during the workshop. Mayor Kevin Phillips said the town currently has more than 1,000 housing units in some stage of development, including apartments, townhomes and single-family homes. Those projects are spread throughout Port Royal, including along Robert Smalls Parkway, Savannah Highway and in and around the down-
town area. Many were approved years ago, before the town completed extensive changes to its development code. Phillips said that illustrates why officials need to consider the long-term effects of development decisions. “Something can get approved today and you might not see it come up for three or four or five years down the road,” Phillips said. “So we need to be really intentional about the decisions we make today because, again, it doesn’t just affect today.” The proposed moratorium comes as the town begins its required five-year review of its comprehensive plan, which serves as a guide for decisions involving development, transportation, natural resources, economic growth and other areas of municipal government. Port Royal Planning Director Noah Krepps described the comprehensive plan as the town’s “North Star,” noting that development regulations are required to remain
consistent with the goals outlined in the plan. The review is expected to take about six months. Phillips said officials do not want a major multifamily project approved during that period only to have the Planning Commission recommend a different direction for growth shortly afterward. “What if something comes on and gets approved right now, and it’s completely adverse to what the Planning Commission brings to us?” Phillips said. “We just think it’s very prudent to just press pause, give the Planning Commission six months, really dive deep into that comp plan, and really focus on where we want to go.” Not Port Royal’s first development moratorium The town previously imposed a moratorium on large-scale multifamily development for 12 months and later extended it to 18 months while officials worked through major revisions to Port Royal’s development code.
Phillips said the intent then was similar – give town planners enough time to address development rules without new large-scale projects moving through the approval process at the same time. He said growth and new housing are necessary, but officials are trying to balance development with infrastructure, public services and the character of Port Royal. “Those developments are very important. They provide housing, they provide goods and services,” Phillips said. “But we also want to make sure that they are done in a way that honor the character and the history and they don’t put too much pressure on our infrastructure and our quality of life.” The latest proposal would give the Planning Commission time to examine whether the town’s existing comprehensive plan still reflects Port Royal’s priorities as development continues throughout northern Beaufort County. The review is not a com-
plete rewrite of the plan. Krepps said the commission will examine what has been accomplished during the past five years, what should receive greater emphasis during the next five and whether portions of the existing plan need to be adjusted. The review will cover areas including population and demographics, transportation, the economy, natural resources and cultural resources. Public will have opportunities to weigh in Planning Commission work sessions will be held on the second Monday of each month, beginning Sept. 14. The meetings will be open to the public, and residents and business owners will be able to provide comments related to the portions of the plan being discussed. Krepps said the town also expects to release an online survey and hold a broader public workshop near the end of the review process. Council members encour-
aged residents to participate before recommendations reach Town Council. “This is a five-year review. This is not a rewrite of the plan,” Krepps said. “It’s where do we hone in for the next five years based on the plan we already have and do we need to tweak it here and there?” Phillips said the proposed moratorium is intended to give the Planning Commission space to complete that work while growth already approved in Port Royal continues. “We recognize that we are in a very rapidly growing and changing area,” Phillips said. “While development and growth is going to happen, we can do what we can to try and preserve and protect the things that are important to us.” 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.
Beaufort Memorial adds urologist in Beaufort, Okatie
Staff reports Beaufort Memorial has expanded access to urology services by adding a skilled urologist to its team in Beaufort and Okatie. Dr. Meredith Hernandez joins Beaufort Memorial Urology Specialists, where she provides comprehensive care for conditions including kidney and bladder stones, enlarged prostate, urinary disorders and urological cancers. She also specializes in advanced
robot-assisted surgical procedures designed to improve precision, shorten recovery time and achieve Dr. Meredith optimal outcomes for patients. Hernandez Dr. Hernandez’s interest in medicine began early, inspired by a family legacy of physicians that included both of her grandfathers. She
was drawn to urology in particular because it uniquely combines patient relationships, personalized care and innovative surgical treatment. Throughout her training, she developed an interest in robot-assisted surgery to treat urological cancers and other complex conditions. She relocated to the Lowcountry from Tennessee, where she earned her medical degree and completed her urology residen-
Center
few years for the planned arts campus via adjacent property acquisition and crefrom page A1 ation of a black box theater and additional housing for were overflowing with smil- teachers and students. At this point Weatherford ing faces and a palpable wants the public to be able sense of free-form possito experience the Center for bilities, excitement like the themselves and take some first day of school vibes. People wandered in and out of this mojo home with of the big-windowed studios them. “I want them to walk to chat with the beaming out and feel inspired and artists. creative and to [wonder] The realization of the when was the last time they King Street Arts Center did something with their itself came together rather hands,” Weatherford said, quickly. Weatherford’s first visit to the building was “Sometimes you have to in May and artists began see it to be able to think moving in just three months you can do it too. And I later, a product of the fullthink that's going to make a steam-ahead determination difference.” of Weatherford and visionThe difference for the artary philanthropist Dick ists themselves is evident as Stewart, who is laser focused you wander through various on what he envisions. studios. “A place where we can The inaugural resident foster interactions across the artists include plenty of generations and across the oil and acrylic painters ethnicities and across the across genres, mixed-media talent levels,” he declared, mavens, jewelry and fiber “So we can make it a vibrant, makers, and practitioners in exciting arts destination.” stained glass, wood design, Stewart mentions Penland blacksmithing, and even the and Arrowmont schools as literary arts, represented inspirations, two long-esby the Pat Conroy Literary tablished immersive art Center. institutions with fabulous According to Weathreputations. He also sees erford, more than half of growth coming in the next the artists are self-taught,
Cherimie Weatherford, Executive Director of the Freedman Arts District, right, at the soft opening of the King Street Arts Center on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, in Beaufort. Amber Hewitt/The Island News including a painter named Aubrey, who goes by “Marsh Girl Art.” She offers deeply felt paintings that are textured to appear a few hundred years old. They are on wood boards with recycled frames picked up at thrift stores and yard sales. “I originally was just inspired to paint my backyard for myself,” she shared, “And then it kind of went from there and I just kept painting. When I started selling pieces I just was
cy at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis. There, she developed her patient-centered approach focused on education, open communication and helping patients navigate often-challenging diagnoses and treatment decisions with confidence. “I want all of my patients to feel comfortable, informed and supported as we make healthcare decisions together,” she said. “I aim
blown away because I was just painting for myself.” Meanwhile, what she has created for others are paintings of moody landscapes with deep light reflections and quietly radiant power. The addition of the work’s title written on burnt edge paper stuck between the frame and the surface adds drama. She credits Weatherford, Stewart and a Yemassee businesswoman named Charlotte Murray for encouraging her to join this community of artists at the Center. “I feel like I've been handed such a huge gift, such a huge opportunity,” Aubrey marvels, "When I started [painting] in 2024, I didn't really call myself an artist. … It was just something that I did for myself and something I found that was very healing for me.” That sense of gratitude and wonder permeates all the artists spoken to recently. Paxton Reed paints oil and acrylic Lowcountry scenes and is inspired by physically being in the middle of so much history around King Street. “I am not a traditional artist [but] self-taught,” she points out, “Being around
to create an open environment that is built on trust and honest communication.” At the practice, Dr. Hernandez joins board-certified urologist Dr. Louis F. Plzak and board-certified physician assistants Kristin S. Callaghan, Matthew Baker and Nancy Thomas. To make an appointment with Dr. Hernandez or any of the practice’s other providers in Beaufort or Okatie, call 843-524-7607.
other artists and creative professionals, … it’s really nice to have that community to talk creatively and collaborate.” Similarly, Hank Herring of Green Herring Art and Framing decided to bring his mixed media art and framing studios to King Street from downtown to be amid a variety of art styles. “To me, it was important because with all the artists in here we're able to present all these different concepts of art,” he stated, “And as I talk to [other artists] they're so passionate about what they're doing ... once it all comes together, it's amazing what the story will be.” Anne McCall Wilson paints abstract canvases and lives nearby, which adds to her positive experience, so far. More importantly, it’s the sense of togetherness she finds. “The community is fabulous,” she says with a big smile, “To be with other artists elevates my energy, elevates my work, and elevates my happiness.” For Weatherford, it’s really all about adding to what Beaufort already has going on, so that the whole becomes greater than the sum of its parts.
WANT TO GO? What: King Street Arts Center grand opening When: 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 25, 2026 Where: 1407 King Street, Beaufort For more information: Call 843-304-5301
“I want all of the galleries to succeed,” she says passionately, “I want Beaufort to be an arts destination, not just King Street, and so I think that bringing more visibility to the arts and bringing more visibility to what Beaufort has to offer is going to raise the level of artists that we have.” What the King Street Arts Center, and the larger Freedman Arts District, seems to have already accomplished is the production of a beautiful beehive of artistic expression and the flowering of positive stories. And that’s the kind of energy that’s worth talking about, both inside and outside the hallways at 1407 King Street. Luke Frazier is a writer and award winning media producer who moved to the Lowcountry in 2024. He runs NOW Communications and can be reached at nowandfuturecomms@gmail.com. SEPTEMBER 10–16, 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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ournalists and former journalists talk about the life lessons we learned from our years chasing news. A common one is a certain retentiveness about getting things correct. Making mistakes on names, titles, or quotes can haunt you. I worked for a newspaper where you would be put on a PIP (performance improvement plan) if you made three mistakes in a year. When you consider how many people a reporter can talk to in a month, getting only three chances to be wrong in an entire year is a daunting proposition. But that diligence is a good thing. It helps establish and maintain credibility, the lifeblood of the profession. Mistakes can haunt others, too. The first time my exploits as a high school football player earned me a spot in the center photo on the Saturday morning sports section, my name was misspelled: “Terry Martin.” My father scratched out the error with
Enough with the Trump doomsayers
about important matters. In the rush to be first on the air, they forget that a little information can be more upsetting than a lot of information. The most common journalism takeaway — and TERRY MANNING most valuable, I would argue — is learning to develop a healthy skeptia ballpoint pen, inserted cism about things. This is “Manning,” and made often overheard as “if your photocopies to hand out to mother says she loves you, friends and family. check it out.” (I just wrote that that was Trust no one or no thing. the "first time" I made the Ask for sources. And centerpiece. It was the only then ask for the source’s time — and my name was sources. incorrect. Such is life, but I Doing news the right hope that photographer got way could be a pain dinged for his mistake.) Another journalism take- sometimes, but it gave me away is a tendency to work a perspective that helps quickly, while still adhering me process a lot of what I see going on around me, to the need for accuracy. Being first to report a story especially in the media. Like all the people who isn’t a win if you're merely think they can predict first to be wrong or the what is going to happen first to have to publish a in the near future with the correction. health of Donald Trump. It's hard sometimes to In the first administration, watch breaking news segwe were entertained by ments on television when a proliferation of peoit's obvious the anchors ple who would diagnose are only sharing the most basic or vague information alleged mental disorders;
tion floating around, a lot of it distributed intention“The most common journalism ally, without giving time to these gloomy prognostakeaway — and most valuable, I ticators. would argue — is learning to develop a As a person of faith, told not to delight healthy skepticism about things. This I’m in others’ bad outcomes. is often overheard as ‘if your mother That's hard to do at times, especially when some peosays she loves you, check it out.’” ple have spent so much of their life doing wrong and rubbing our noses in it. When I see these mind you, most of these part of the past two years. ill-formed predictions folks never got near close They point to bruises on online, they are inevitably enough to assess him in a the backs of his hands, his succeeded by comments scientifically meaningful swollen ankles, glitches in from people asking what's way. his stride, or changes in his taking so long. That's just They just went off what general overall appearance. morbid. they saw on television, While they make unIt’s not a journalism founded guesses about read online, or were sent thing, but the adage what ails him and how “the via social media. You “Those who know aren't know, like your crazy Uncle end is near,” he just lurches talking, and those who are Wayne, who swears anyone along, wrecking the nation talking, don't know” feels and its institutions like a who criticizes the presiapplicable. dent has “Trump Derange- bull in a china shop, MakBesides, some folks are ment Syndrome” because ing America Guess Again just too mean to die. They he heard someone use that when he will face the big don't want to do anything phrase on Fox News. foreclosure in the sky. that might give anyone The latest frenzy comAs a former journalist, else a warm fuzzy. prises people predicting this strikes me as bad Trump’s imminent death. business, and I wish these Terry E. Manning is a Clemson Some of these people people did not have such graduate (Go Tigers!) and worked for have been making these easy access to the plat20 years as a journalist. He can be forms they enjoy. We have claims about "the next enough garbage informafew months" for the better reached at teemanning@gmail.com.
I will serve the interests of our most precious resource – our children
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ho is Genie Brainerd and why am I seeking the seat on the Board of Education for Beaufort County, District 2? I was educated in public schools and have spent most of my adult life committed to this foundational institution of our society. I hold an undergraduate degree in Biology and a Master’s in Science Education. Most of my career has been in public schools either in the United States or overseas in Department of Defense schools. I have been a military family advocate (Military Child Education Coalition) as well as an advocate for children in distress (Court Appointed Special Advocate). I served in the School Improvement Council (SIC) at Coosa Elementary school where our SIC was a Top 5 finisher last year for the Reilly Award for Excellence.
retiring, and finding our place in Beaufort County. You may wonder what exactly the Beaufort County Board of Education does. The Board represents and serves the BCSD’s owners and is committed to act in their best GENIE BRAINERD interests, and by ensuring that all Board and organizational action is consistent with the law and Together with my husband, the Board’s policies and commitMike, I have parented three ments. The Board is guided in its children through adoption who suffered with some degree of early decision-making by the following beliefs: childhood trauma. I have made it 1. All people have intrinsic my mission to find ways to supworth and are entitled to port other parents and children respect. experiencing the same. 2. High expectations will Presently our granddaughter is result in optimal outcomes. a student at Lady’s Island Middle 3. Diversity in thought is beneSchool. Even as we moved around ficial. for three decades, we believed in 4. Integrity is the foundation and invested in the public schools of trust. in whatever community we were 5. District needs over individuin. That is what we have continued to do for the nine years since al needs.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Put safety first, vote ‘No’ on penny sales tax
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 in-store and online purchases, utilities (electric, water, etc.), personal/ business property taxes, and services you use regularly, like lawn care. • It’s [over] 9 years, [more than] 3/4 of a billion dollars. • “Buyer Beware” after you vote: » They can change/add projects.
SEPTEMBER 10–16, 2026
Why should the voters of District 2 vote for Genie Brainerd? I believe in everything I quoted above and will strive to do my job to uphold the Board policies. Personally, I live by this: Love God and love my neighbor as myself. What does that mean to me? Love is defined as “selfless action-oriented commitment to
the well-being of others.” Who is my neighbor? Everyone, but in the case of my service to the Beaufort County School District, I am specifically committed to all the stakeholders in our district. That means students, families, educational staff and community members. I have the background to do the job. I will work tirelessly to stay informed to be able to represent all stakeholders. I have been attending board meetings and traveling to Columbia to testify on matters related to education in our community. When I take my seat on the board, I will continue to uphold these values and serve the interests of our most precious resource – our children – the future of Beaufort County. Genie Brainerd is a candidate for the Beaufort County Board of Education in District 2.
That is a construction management Firm, as a go between County and construction companies. Insure an even flow of work to keep projects on budget and time. It would save millions of dollars in taxes. The [Beaufort County] School District hired such a firm, and [it] completed all of the projects on or under time and budget. They saved your tax dollars, doing so. These are only a few items that are wrong. Without a "responsible" tax, I urge you to vote, “NO!” Numerous citizens spoke at County Council meetings Give us a tax we can support and vote “YES!” Put safety asking for reasonable changes of which was accountabili- first, not feel good items. ty on all projects. Instead they’ve used your taxes, hiring a – Ann Marie Ubelis, Co-Founder & Chair, public relations firm to educate/propagandise you. Beaufort TEA Party We asked that instead, [the County] hire a "safety valve." » You have new County Council members with a tax they didn't create. • Only 20% of 2018 projects are completed. This is 87. You trust them? • Ethics [complaints] were filed against County Council. They have not permitted full public disclosure.
Join Us for Sunday Morning Worship at 8:30 & 10:30 81 Lady’s Island Drive Pastor Steve Keeler (843) 525-0696 seaislandpresbyterian.org A6
6. Learning is a life-long process. 7. The collection, analysis and use of data from a variety of sources are critical to making decisions. 8. Students should be prepared to compete and contribute in a changing global and multilingual society. 9. Investment, involvement and connection of all members of the school community, including families, are essential to student success.”
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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Brack: Tough messaging ahead for SC’s fall campaigns
very two years, Labor Day welcomes the traditional start of the political campaigning season. This year’s, in a simple word, will be a humdinger. Republicans in South Carolina will do just about everything they can to scramble away from the sucky economy, high costs of gas and food, and a weird war with Iran where every day seems like Groundhog Day. Meanwhile, Democrats will do just about everything they can to tie any Republican on the ballot into the tumbling Trump administration, its false grandeur, corruption, profligate spending, chaos, protection of the billionaire class and more. Unfortunately, this season’s airwaves probably will be more negative than ever. And that messaging is going to trickle down. Statewide, legislative and local candidates will blow up your phones with texts and spam calls, bombard websites with nasty ads
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his past Thursday, I had the opportunity to listen to California Gov. Gavin Newsom at a rally held at Penn Center. It was fortuitous that a friend had contacted me and asked if I wanted to go with her because I had not seen the news of his coming to Beaufort. I heard others say this as well, and I’m not sure where the disconnect might have occurred as I try to stay attuned to such news. That said, I did get to attend, and the event was exhilarating to say the least. Yes, the man is charismatic. Yes, his speaking is eloquent. And I’m willing to bet my next Social Security check that all the women in attendance would say that it doesn’t hurt to include he’s “easy on the eyes.” Calm down, gentlemen. I’m totally aware of how sexist that last comment is, and I make no apologies. As a sidebar, let me say that I was fortunate enough to see many friends there,
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now are nothing but supporters of the worst kind of left-wing socialists. They’ll try to tie blue candidates to former President Barack Obama, Rosie O’Donnell, Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom and anybody who hasn’t spewed unfettered fealty to President Donald Trump. You might realize how much ANDY BRACK individual Republican candidates believe they are in trouble by the and infiltrate social media with amount of negative campaigning messages your grandma wouldn’t they do. The more you hear about want to see. how Democrats support welfare In anticipation of all of the petti- queens, DEI, the LGBTQ+ agenda ness and craven attempts to keep and other worn liberal criticisms, or get power, don’t be surprised the more you will know how scared if you find candidates resorting they really are. to these kinds of messages about As one wag told us, they can’t their opponents. talk about their buddy Trump because the economy is terrible, The Republican fear-mongering the war is unpopular, gas prices playbook are way too high, tariffs are hurting You will hear more about comjobs and the price of food has munists and socialists from Repub- gone way up, not down as Trump licans about Democrats than you promised. have since the McCarthyism of the So when you encounter a Repub1950s. Republicans will incessantly lican eaten up with fearmongering, push talking points that Democrats ask this question: “What are you
going to do for my family?”
The Democratic victim playbook Democrats, on the other hand, will spend a whole bunch of their time trying to tie Trump to every Republican on the ballot. If you’re a Republican dogcatcher, Dems will try to figure out a way to argue that the way you pick up dogs is like building a big, beautiful ballroom – wasteful and corrupt. They’ll showcase how Trump is making billions by gaming the system in his favor. They’ll talk about how he ignores the U.S. Constitution, freedom and the rule of law. They’ll wax on about how he slashed taxes for his fellow billionaires or how he and his party want to cut Social Security and Medicare (the Democratic fear mantra). They’ll highlight how the GOP’s intransigence and do-nothing attitude in Congress has led to high gas prices and expensive groceries. They’ll run ads to get voters to ask Republicans in the race
whether they support the ballroom or the war or cutting drug research or cutting down national forests. They’ll prod the GOP on corruption in Washington and at home, asking questions like, “Are you better off in South Carolina after more than two decades of Republican control?” So here is what’s ahead in a snapshot: As Republicans try to run from Trump’s abysmal record and conceit by smearing Democrats with accusations of socialism, Democrats will do their damnedest to make Republicans defend Trump to get independent voters to lean their way. In heavily gerrymandered South Carolina, a lot of this won’t matter in some areas. But statewide, it might drive turnout and upset a few political applecarts. Andy Brack is editor and publisher of the Charleston City Paper and Statehouse Report. Have a comment? Send it to feedback@statehousereport.com.
California comes to town country resonates: our democracy is at a crossroads. Come November, we have the opportunity to choose the right direction, but it is going to take a concerted, well-organized effort. Furthermore, we must realize that this effort isn’t CAROL LUCAS for the faint of heart. If you don’t know, or have chosen people I had not seen for a not to accept, that extreme while, and that was hearten- efforts are being undertaking. It was a packed house. en by the current adminisI also met many new folks, tration to sabotage Novemsome of whom were happy ber’s election, I guarantee to tell me they consistently that ignorance will not read my column. Given result in bliss. Beaufort is a small town, 47 has waged a multithat response could mean front campaign to reshape any number of things; I’ll let how America votes ahead you decide, dear reader. As I of the Nov. 3 election by say to people who approach issuing multiple executive me and ask if I am Carol orders and forcing legislaLucas, “It depends upon tive pressure. Perhaps the who is asking.” greatest helpmates seeking Back to the topic at to neutralize these blatant hand, Gavin Newsom. efforts have been the lower His message was pointed, courts. something with which every Before I address specific person who has even the efforts, however, let’s be slightest inkling of what is clear about one thing. Both parties agree that voter reghappening in and to our
istration should permit all eligible citizens — and only eligible citizens — to register and vote in federal elections. It is the present administration, however, that wants to portray the voting scenario as corrupt and overrun by non-eligibles. Thus they introduced a bill, the SAVE America Act, insisting upon provisions that many people cannot meet. The most apparent includes showing a birth certificate. I admit that I wouldn’t know where to begin looking for mine (if I ever had it in my possession) and would probably have to request the state of Pennsylvania to re-issue one. Showing a passport is another part of the act, and if you have never traveled abroad, you have a problem. Of course we all want to be assured that only citizens can register to vote. However, Utah, for example, performed a citizenship review of its entire voter registration list from April
2025 through January 2026, and after a time-intensive, multi-step review of more than 2 million registered voters, identified only one confirmed instance of non-citizen registration. Furthermore, there were zero instances of non-citizen voting. Reread those results again, dear reader. Many of these salient points were made by Newsom with the admonition to ‘get out and vote!’ I could go on to enlarge upon the efforts of the current administration to manipulate the upcoming election – the gerrymandering; the move to abolish mail-in ballots, although in his usual arrogant fashion, 47 continues to do so; the Dept. of Homeland Security’s move to compile and distribute “citizenship lists” (we can only imagine the validity of those). Although no one wants to see a blue wave more than I (in fact I pray for a blue
tsunami) I’m not foolish enough to get my hopes to the point that I become complacent. None of us should. And so, dear reader, I will conclude with a total digression for which I hope you will forgive me. When it came time to shake the hand of Gov. Newsom, he smiled and asked how I was. I responded that I was an 84-year-old ‘journalist,’ and he was the subject of my upcoming article. At that point he squeezed my hand, said thanks, and put his arm around me for a picture. When I met Pat Conroy for the first time, and we shook hands as we parted, I told my late husband, "I may never wash this hand again." Such was my admiration. I pretty much felt the same as I departed Penn Center. 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.”
Bearing witness, inspiring joy
esterday, I walked around the twisted remains of the 300-year-old Witness Tree that collapsed on the evening of Aug. 31 into the morning of Sept. 1 across from the Pat Conroy Literary Center. The first feeling I got was very heavy, but soon I found myself in awe of this amazing work of biological engineering. It is still a beautiful tree – not just a collection of logs. The crater at the center of the fallen tree seems to cry out, but what might it say as an interactive conscious entity? Already 160 years old-at the time of the Civil War, the Witness Tree would have sprouted in the earliest days of Beaufort's history. This tree bore witness to a Civil War that cost more than 600,000 lives to secure the freedom of millions. A photo in the Library of Congress shows what was then known as the all African American 29th Connecticut Colored Infantry Regiment drilling beneath its branches. That year in his Second Inaugural Address, Abraham Lincoln declared: “Fondly do we hope, fervently do we pray, that this mighty
are the lungs of our towns and cities and are critical in the process of absorbing carbon in our atmosphere. However, we live in a time when so many trees are being cut down — trees on public land in Washington, weeping willow trees at the KEVIN DE L'AIGLE Kennedy Center. In my hometown of Augusta, Ga., all the trees on historic Broad Street have been clear scourge of war may speedily cut for downtown "improvements," pass away. Yet, if God wills that it and pavement for parking extends continue until all the wealth piled where life-giving trees once stood. by the bondsman’s two hundred One might think that Witness and fifty years of unrequited toil Trees are silent, but what does the shall be sunk, and until every drop Conroy Center tree tell us? What of blood drawn with the lash shall is the message that we can gather be paid by another drawn with the from the tree's collapse? sword, as was said three thousand We notice that more than one years ago, so still it must be said small American flag has been “the judgments of the Lord are true anonymously stuck in the cavity and righteous altogether.” where the tree split into three Last year, I met fellow yoga parts. teacher friends on the benches Many who witness what is beneath the Witness Tree as we going on in the country and world planned a yoga class celebrating will do most anything to get out the solstice. It was the perfect place of jury duty and have to be conto summon creative energy at all vinced to get out and vote. People times of the year. Sadly, now the can tell you every plot twist on benches are smashed beneath the the latest Netflix sensation, but weight of the ancient limbs with cannot name their representatives their leaves already turning brown. in Congress or tell you when the Trees are sacred and holy. They next election is — much less who
An American flag among the wreckage of the 300-year-old Witness Tree that collapsed sometime between the evening of Aug. 31 and the morning of Sept. 1. Photo courtesy of Kevin de l'Aigle is running and where to vote. So many apparently educated people tell me they never watch the news. Of course the news can be overwhelming, and doom-scrolling can lead to heartbreak, but being informed on basic issues affecting us is a fundamental civic duty. Beaufort's fallen Witness Tree reminds me of another tree with a
story to tell — the Survivor Tree at Ground Zero in Manhattan. This week, as we remember the 25th Anniversary of 9/11, I think of that clear blue September day when life changed forever. I saw the great plumes of smoke and debris looking down from my office on the 21st floor at 745 Fifth Avenue. Many perished that day, but the scorched trunk of the Callery pear Survivor Tree still bears witness as a symbol of rebirth and hope. Perhaps William Blake said it best in 1799: "The tree which moves some to tears of joy is in the eyes of others only a green thing which stands in the way. Some see nature all ridicule and deformity… and some scarce see nature at all. But to the eyes of the man of imagination, nature is imagination itself. As a man is, so he sees.” May extraordinary trees like this continue to bear witness and bring an inspiring message of joy, growth, resilience, and hope for all seasons and all people. Kevin de l'Aigle is a local hospitality executive and certified yoga teacher. He sings in the choir at St. Mark's Episcopal Church and enjoys life in downtown Beaufort with his family and three rescue dogs. SEPTEMBER 10–16, 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.
I
You must ‘bear the unbearable’
t is Tuesday, and I’m in my tastefully accessorized, grey-painted study. I’m gazing through bubbled, striated windows watching Susan re-fill the bird feeder on our back deck. It is something she does often and we are reliably repaid with cardinals, finches and red-winged blackbirds who arrive with the discipline of “Bumpem Cars” once an entertainment option at Myrtle Beach. Last night Susan and I finished-up “Masters of the Air” (Apple TV), a series created by Tom Hanks and Stephen Spielberg, that tells the story of the 8th Army Air Force between 1942 and 1945. This story starts just after we got ourselves into World War II thanks to Japanese paranoia. It is decided, however, that we will deal with Germany first, and a big part of our German strategy involves the newly-built, fresh-fromthe-factory B-17 that will
O
non and rocket fire. On one day — August 17, 1943 — 60 B-17s (out of 138) were lost over Schweinfurt and Regensburg, Germany. This particular raid is portrayed in “Masters of the Air” with assistance from computer generated graphSCOTT GRABER ics that fill the screen with burning, spinning, downcarry the war to Munich, ward floating bomber-parts; Mannheim and Berlin. not to mention crew memThe B-17 was called bers who have somehow the “Flying Fortress” and managed to bail out. designed to fly in a tight, But the profound visual defensive formation during impact here is watchdaylight hours, dropping ing what happens to the its payload on specific crew-members when targets with a help from its the German fighters Norden bombsight — these begin their head-on run planes largely defending on the formation, their themselves with an array of cannon-rounds bursting .50 caliber machine guns. inside a tight aluminum But right away there fuselage. There is no way I were problems — real prob- can describe this carnage lems when the bombers got and there is no way I can beyond the range of their imagine a survivor (of fighter escorts. such carnage) going back Right away large numup in those thin-skinned bers of these lumbering, airframes expecting to four-engined planes were complete 25 missions. shot down by ME-109s and But most did go back up. Focke Wolf 190s using canThroughout the war
ver the past two months, I have been oblivious to the Lindsay Clancy trial. That changed this week when the judge declared a mistrial because one juror opposed the other 11, and a unanimous verdict could not be reached. I found myself obsessively reading articles and watching videos. I do not know if Ms. Clancy is guilty of murder or manslaughter. I cannot say if she should have been acquitted by reason of insanity at the time that she killed her three small children. I was not in the courtroom day after day listening to testimony and viewing evidence. Perhaps the rational mind thinks that any mother who would kill her children had to be insane at the time of the slaughter. In some cases, such as those of Dena Schlosser and Andrea Yates, the mother was acquitted because she was judged to be insane, then locked up in a mental institution for a very long time. Women in literature from the Greek legend of Medea to Toni Morrison’s searing “Beloved” have killed a child or multiple children. The reader plays jury as to whether the action was justified. I question whether the 11 jurors in the Clancy case who seem to have voted for acquittal by reason of insanity, have been influenced by our society’s views of abortion and “women’s rights.”
T
he upcoming Nov. 3, 2026 Beaufort city council election stands as a clear referendum on fixing our broken Beaufort. Fixing what’s broken starts by getting the right people in the right seats at the top. The top is our five-member City Council. Our current city council is plagued by a lack of leadership and characterized by council members who make mediocre policy decisions with one exception: current council member, Josh Scallate. We need to change this! Two City Council seats are up for grabs on Nov. 3, 2026. Four candidates are
A8
SEPTEMBER 10–16, 2026
there was debate about the effectiveness of the British “area” bombing versus the American “precision” bombing. Winston Churchill’s tactician, Professor Frederick Lindermann, theorized that the most effective way to defeat Germany was to destroy the homes of its workers. And in this series there is brief footage given over to the civilian casualties that happened; but not much focus on Hamburg or Dresden. On the nights of July 27-28,1943, a joint British/ American raid on Hamburg (Operation Gomorrah) resulted in 37,000 civilian deaths. Most of these deaths were caused by a tornado-like firestorm caused by incendiary bombs. Later, in 1945, another 25,000 civilians were killed in the fire-bombing of Dresden. Nonetheless, Henry Stimson, Roosevelt’s Secretary of War, wanted to be sure that we (mostly)
targeted factories and military bases. He was especially troubled about Japan and the ongoing fire-bombing that had pretty much consumed the bamboo and rice paper dwellings in Tokyo. Then, suddenly, we had an atomic bomb — a bomb that needed a target. Stimson did not want to use the atomic bomb on civilians — especially not Kyoto where he and his wife had spent time viewing the temples and shrines in the 20s — but he was up against General Curtis LeMay, and others, who would eventually torch 60 Japanese cities by the end of the war. During the ensuing debate about where to drop this bomb, some argued that it should be dropped in Tokyo Bay; others including Stimson wanted “purely a military target.” But there were few “purely military targets” left to level. What we know from our
The horror, the horror LOUISE MATHEWS
I think precious few commentators have advocated for the dead children, Cora, Dawson, and Callan. Maybe the sole juror, reminiscent of “Twelve Angry Men,” standing up for what he believed to be truth, did so because he could not erase the images of strangled babies from his mind. Perhaps he was caught up in a belief that they had a right to life, and someone needed to be held accountable for their deaths. This case occurred in Massachusetts, a state that recently approved abortion of a baby up to the moment of birth. Images and videos of women celebrating the signing of this horrific law peppered the media not long ago. Once again, feminists lied that abortion on demand is “women’s healthcare.” The extraordinary thing to me is that while strident voices cry it’s a woman’s right to abort her baby, science and medicine have increasingly demonstrated that the baby is a being separate from the mother. It can survive outside
of her at earlier and earlier times than could have been imagined even 10 years ago. Science has proven that life begins the moment that a male spermatozoon wins the race against his million or so brethren and penetrates the female ovum. At that moment, a fabulously intricate code is unleashed that starts to construct a human being separate from but dependent on the mother. Whether abortion is a right or legal and for how long it is allowed may be debated, but it is a fact that abortion is killing. The difference between what happens in abortion and what Lindsay Clancy did is, in one sense, just a matter of time. Many women championed Lindsay Clancy because they assert she suffered extreme post-partum psychosis. They believe she cannot be held criminally accountable because of the neurotoxicity caused by the medications doctors and nurse practitioners prescribed for her during the months before the killings, none of which appear to have helped her. It seems the argument is that the drugs are accountable for the deaths of Cora, Dawson and Callan. That Lindsay Clancy and Patrick Clancy have filed separate malpractice suits against the doctors and nurse practitioners who prescribed Lindsay’s medication underscores this point.
“Whether this argument prevails, it does show that a woman deprived of sleep, with uncontrolled anxiety and depression, needed different help than the assistance she received.” Whether this argument prevails, it does show that a woman deprived of sleep, with uncontrolled anxiety and depression, needed different help than the assistance she received. A New York State law that went into effect at the beginning of August 2026 permits assisted suicide. This law, the Massachusetts abortion law, and the Lindsay Clancy case have me thinking that we as a society are on an progressively dangerous slope that cheapens the dignity of human life. Growing up not long after the Holocaust of World War II, I asked my parents how the Nazis could have murdered so many millions of Jews. They answered that the Nazis, and many of the
Nov. 3 election referendum on fixing broken Beaufort GRAHAM TRASK
currently vying for those two seats with Josh Scallate running for re-election as one of those four candidates. We as Beaufortonians must re-elect Josh! Josh believes our city government should focus on three basics: 1) ensuring strong public safety; 2) running city government as fiscally tight as possible,
which includes taking a critical look at why the city spends what it does; and 3) maintaining our core cityowned infrastructure and a corollary, which is to sell non-core city assets. Josh does his homework by reading council’s agenda packs and arriving prepared. Josh takes informed positions on difficult issues and articulates publicly why he believes as he does. Josh successfully achieved a $300,000 reduction in city spending in this past year’s budget as his first step in broader spending cuts. All cuts are designed to ensure our city government adds as much value as possible and saves taxpayers money all
resulting in Beaufort becoming more affordable. Josh has pushed to direct as much funding as possible from the city’s coffers to the refurbishment of the Waterfront Park. Josh has advocated the defunding of the city’s continued payments to the ineffective Beaufort County Economic Development Corporation. We need another strong City Council candidate, however. Grady Woods fits the bill. Grady is running for an initial term, but Grady’s experience in municipal government is unrivaled among the four candidates. Grady is a nephew of Richard V. Woods, for which Beaufort’s historic
WWII precision bombing is that it did destroy the German rail network, its fighter-airplane making factories, its oil distillation factories and this proved to be critical on D-Day. When we invaded the Germans had no air force and no reliable way to get their divisions into position to stop the invading allies. But the U.S. Strategic Bombing Survey showed that German morale remained intact until the very end. And the Japanese Army would have fought beyond Hiroshima and Nagasaki but for the decision of the Emperor Hirohito to speak directly to his people by radio. Hirohito told his stunned people that the war was over; they must “bear the unbearable”; and did not have to remind them that he was still divine. Scott Graber is a lawyer, novelist, veteran columnist and longtime resident of Port Royal. He can be reached at cscottgraber@gmail.com.
sheeple Germans, believed the Jews, and indeed anyone not pure German or “Aryan,” was sub-human and therefore disposable. We are living in a time when embryos, fetuses and babies capable of surviving out of the womb are disposable. Although Cora, Dawson, and Callan had been born, raised, and from testimony, loved by their parents and extended family, they were only a few years or months away from a time when in Massachusetts at least, it would have been perfectly legal to dispose of them. I hope they are not lost in the American holocaust of millions of aborted children. I hope the horror of this case leads us to better authentic healthcare for post-partum mothers for the sake of women and their children. I hope America wakes up to the words of Saint Teresa of Kolkata (Mother Teresa), “I feel the greatest destroyer of peace today is abortion because it is a war against the child … a direct killing of the innocent child, murder by the mother herself … and if we can accept that a mother can kill even her own child, how can we tell other people not to kill one another?” 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.
swing bridge is named and who was killed in the line of duty. Grady served on Ridgeland’s city council for 18 years before he and his wife moved to the city of Beaufort. Most recently, Grady has served almost 3 years on the city of Beaufort’s Historic District Review Board (HDRB). Grady is an architect by profession and clearly understands the value of maintaining Beaufort’s character and livability in the face of growth and development pressures. Grady is a staunch fiscal conservative and committed to examining critically our city’s budget. Electing Josh Scallate
and Grady Woods for the two Beaufort city council seats is a key first step in fixing our city of Beaufort. We cannot afford to miss this opportunity! Graham B. Trask grew up in Beaufort and continues to be a resident of Beaufort. He owns a home in Beaufort’s landmark historic district. He also owns several businesses as well as residential and commercial real estate located throughout the City of Beaufort and specifically in the historic district. He adds value to almost 50 different resident business owner tenants to help them grow their enterprises. He is also the president of Protect Beaufort Foundation, Inc., and Beautiful Beaufort Open Land Trust. Contact him at Graham@ grahamtrask.com.
ELECTION 2026
Election
phasized measurable student from page A1 achievement, strong classroom The candidates also ofinstruction fered different approaches to Genie and early managing continued growth, Brainerd intervention deciding what should be protected if district financ- for struggling students. es tighten and defining the line between school board Transparency draws broad oversight and the superin- agreement Candidates were much tendent's responsibility to closer together on how manage the district. the district The Island News sent the should hansame 10 questions to all nine dle hiring, candidates seeking seats in particularly Districts 2, 3, 4 and 5. Quesfor senior tions covered academics, administrahiring practices, teacher tors. recruitment and retention, Most said disputed books and instruc- Christopher the public tional materials, growth and Dantzler should be school construction, the able to undistrict budget, safety and derstand the qualifications discipline, public trust and the relationship between required, selection criteria the board and superinten- and general process used dent. All nine candidates to fill high-level positions while applicants' private responded. Asked to identify the personnel information, references and most significant academic other legally challenge facing Beaufort protected County students, candidates information offered some of their sharpremain conest differences. fidential. Incumbent District 3 Stephens board member William said perSmith, a lifelong Beaufort Cynthia Gregory sonal relaCounty resident, focused on tionships persistent differences in ac- Smalls and politics ademic performance among should not influence hiring, schools north and south of while Brainerd said explainthe Broad River, calling for school-by-school reporting ing how and why decisions and targeted resources, lead- are made could help counter perceptions of nepotism. ership and interventions. Turral offered perhaps the Willie Turral, a former most concise description of Beaufort County teacher the distinction. and school administrator "Confidentiality should and former owner of Wilprotect applicants. It should lie's Bar and Grill, identified never protect a process from classroom environments scrutiny," he wrote. where teachers can teach Ney emphasized another and students can learn as aspect of the issue, saying the underlying challenge. the board should insist on He called for a district-wide a credible and lawful hiring assessment of behavioral inprocess and hold the supercidents and expanded crisis intendent accountable withintervention and de-escalaout individual board memtion training for school embers inserting themselves ployees. into personnel decisions. Cynthia Gregory-Smalls, a longtime educator and forKeeping teachers takes mer Beaufort County school more than pay administrator who previousThere also was broad ly served on the Board of agreement that salary alone Education, pointed to readwill not solve teacher reing and math performance cruitment and retention among multilingual learnproblems. ers, along with aging school Candidates repeatedly buildings and students still cited workplace culture, adrecovering academically ministrative support, profesfrom disruptions during the sional development, menCOVID-19 pandemic. toring and opportunities In District 2, Christopher for advancement as factors Dantzler, an Army veteran, in whether teachers remain business owner and long- with the district. time youth mentor, identiStephens said employees fied U.S. history, science and stay where they feel valued mathematics as areas need- and supported and called ing attention and called for for protecting planning time benchmark assessments and reducing unnecessary and greater accountability paperwork. for instructional leaders. Turral similarly said pay Genie Brainerd, a retired may get employees through science teacher who has the door, but workplace also worked in child advoca- culture helps determine cy, took a broader approach, whether they stay. He also identifying teacher recruit- advocated building a local ment and retention, technol- teacher pipeline, including ogy and the needs of mar- helping paraprofessionals ginalized students among become certified teachers. the district's challenges. Brainerd and Saunders Delores "Dee" Matthews, placed additional emphaa retired Beaufort County sis on Beaufort County's educator and administra- housing costs, while Ney tor, emphasized preparing suggested exploring partstudents for college, the nerships with housing promilitary or the workforce, viders for discounts or units including technical training. available to district employAngela Stephens, a long- ees. time educator and current Matthews advocated menprincipal of Bolden Ele- torship or buddy programs mentary Middle School, put for new teachers, an idea foundational literacy and echoed in various forms by mathematics at the cen- several other candidates. ter of her response, while Gwyneth Saunders, a retired Book disputes bring more journalist and longtime Sun agreement than division City resident, focused on Despite years of debate school readiness and great- over books and instructional er early childhood and fami- materials in Beaufort Counly education. ty schools, the candidates' Incumbent District 5 responses showed substanboard member Victor Ney, tial agreement on how those a retired Marine who now disputes should be handled. teaches music at John Paul Most said parents should II Catholic School, em- have authority over what PLACE YOUR LEGAL NOTICE HERE Please contact ads.theislandnews@gmail.com for more information on placing your legal notice in The Island News.
their own children read and a clear way to challenge materials, while educators and librarians should retain a professional role in selecting books and instructional materials. They also generally agreed that an objection from one parent should not automatically determine what is available to all students. Stephens said materials should not be automatically removed because of an individual disagreement and called for a fair review process. Brainerd was more explicit, saying parents should determine what their own children read but should not "police" what other parents allow their children to read. Turral said the board's responsibility is to establish the rules before controversy occurs and then follow them consistently, considering educational value, age appropriateness, law and academic standards. The other candidates generally described similar roles for parents, educators, administrators and the board, with Matthews additionally emphasizing age appropriateness and group review.
processes already in place, including the district's facilities assessment Dee process and Matthews citizen oversight of referendum projects. The remaining candidates likewise emphasized data-driven planning, with Matthews warning that housing growth should be studied carefully so that new schools do not open already overcrowded. Classrooms come first if money gets tight There was little disagreement over what should be protected if the district's finances become tighter. Most candidates placed classroom instruction, teachers and services directly affecting students at or near the top of the list. Smith and Angela Turral were Stephens more specific about where they would look for savings. Both pointed toward administrative or duplicative spending before classroom programs, with Turral also identifying consultants and underused facilities. Gregory-Smalls suggested examining administrative overhead, consolidating some administrative functions, reducing nonadministrative travel and renegotiating contracts while protecting special education, services for English language learners, mental-health and safety programs and career and technical education. Dantzler singled out teacher pay as something he would protect, while Brainerd said she would seek stakeholder input before determining where cuts should fall. Matthews declined to identify specific cuts without more information, noting that some programs, including some special education services, are legally protected. Victor Ney
Use existing schools before building new ones Growth produced another area of substantial agreement. Several candidates said the district should first determine whether existing schools can absorb additional students through renovations, expansions or attendance-zone changes before constructing new facilities. Dantzler and Gregory-Smalls were among the candidates who specifically emphasized using available capacity before building new schools. Dantzler noted that some schools remain below capacity, while Gregory-Smalls suggested renovating or repurposing underused facilities. Stephens called for longterm planning using enrollment, demographics, development, transportation and building-condition data. Turral said the district should consider not only the cost of constructing a school but its lifetime operating costs and educational Discipline, mental health need. bring different emphasis Ney pointed instead to Candidates also differed in
what they emphasized when asked about school safety, discipline and behavioral and mental-health support. Turral and Matthews placed particular emphasis on classroom behavior and discipline. Turral advocated district-wide de-escalation and conflict-resolution training, while Matthews called for greater parent involvement and accountability along with behavioral and mental-health support. Stephens took a broader view of safety, saying it includes emotional well-being as well as physical security. She called for counseling, early identification of problems, consistent discipline and de-escalation strategies. Gregory-Smalls placed greater emphasis on physical security, advocating more school resource officers, fewer visitor entry points and anonymous reporting systems while also supporting mental-health services. Brainerd pointed to security measures already used at some schools, including metal detectors and clear backpacks, but cautioned that discipline should not unfairly single out marginalized students. Ney said support and accountability are not mutually exclusive, backing early intervention and behavioral resources alongside "meaningful consequences" for serious or repeated misconduct. The other candidates similarly called for combinations of safety measures, student support and consistent discipline, although Smith placed additional emphasis on examining school-level differences in discipline, attendance, mental health and achievement. How far should the board go? Perhaps the clearest consensus in the questionnaire involved the relationship between the Board of Education and superintendent. Candidates broadly agreed that the board should establish policy, priorities and accountability while the superintendent and district staff manage day-to-day operations. The differences were largely about when circumstances justify greater board involvement. Turral summarized his position simply: "Board governs. Superintendent ad-
m i n is t e r s . " He said the board should act collectively when issues inGweneth volve policy Saunders violations or serious legal, safety, financial or systemic concerns. Smith, Stephens, Gregory-Smalls and Dantzler described similar boundaries, generally reserving board intervention for significant policy, legal, safety, financial or performance concerns. Willie Saunders Tueral said unusual circumstances involving irregular, illegal or irresponsible conduct could justify intervention. Ney drew the firmest line, saying the board should hold the superintendent accountable for carrying out its policies but should not cross Will into adminSmith istration. "There are no circumstances where the board should intervene in day-to-day operations of the district," Ney wrote. Across the four races, the questionnaire responses show more agreement than disagreement on some of the district's most visible issues, particularly teacher retention, disputed books, capital planning and the division of authority between the board and superintendent. The differences emerge more clearly in what candidates identify as the district's most urgent academic problem, how they approach student discipline and where they would focus oversight and resources. Full questionnaire responses from all nine candidates are available at yourislandnews.com. Delayna Earley, who joined The Island News in 2022, formerly worked as a photojournalist for The Island Packet/The Beaufort Gazette, as well as newspapers in Indiana and Virginia. She can be reached at delayna.theislandnews@gmail.com.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATES All persons having claims against the following estates, MUST file their claims on FORM #371 ES with the Probate court of Beaufort County, the address of which is 102 Ribaut Road, Beaufort, SC 29902, within eight (8) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice to Creditors or within one (1) year from date of death, whichever is earlier (SCPC 62-3-801, et seq.), or such persons shall be forever barred at to their claims. All claims are required to be presented in written statements on the prescribed form (FORM #371 ES) indicating the name and address of the claimant, the basis of the claim, the amount claimed, the date when the claim will become due, the nature of any uncertainty as to the claim, and a description of any security as to the claim. DECEDENT
PERSONAL PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE REPRESENTATIVE
PUB. DATE PUB. DATE
PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE
PUB. DATE
Joseph Frank Anastasia Kenneth George Dickman 05/17/2025 Date of Death: 1/26/2026 2025ES0700899 Case Number: 2026ES0700921
Elisa O’Connor Kenneth Dickman 16 William C/O P.O. BOX 882Pope Drive, Ste. 202 29909 Bluffton, SC 29910
08/21/2025 08/27/2026
Frederick Ray Liles Frankie Bonds Date of Death: 07/05/2025 8/5/2026 Case Number: 2025ES0700943 2026ES0700976
Melaine S. Sumpter Smith Rosemary C/O Barnwell PO Box 1107 478 Rd. Beaufort, SC 29901 Spartanburg, SC 29303
08/28/2025 09/10/2026
Jerry Joseph Dittle Joseph Michael Johnson 03/01/2025 Date of Death: 4/25/2026 2025ES0700903 Case Number: 2026ES0700927
Lori R.O’Keefe Cullen Johnson Jacob 16 William Pope Drive, Ste. 202 C/O P.O. BOX 2358 Bluffton, SC 29909 Beaufort, 29901
08/21/2025 08/27/2026
Alan JoelSavage Michaelson; Maralyn BruceAKA Alan J. Michaelson Date of Death: 06/29/2025 7/14/2026 Case Number: 2025ES0700944 2026ES0700995
Catherine Laurie AnnGrubell Bruce Rech 16 Pinckney William Pope Dr.,Rd., Ste.#400 202 C/O 10 Colony Bluffton, SC 29909
08/28/2025 09/10/2026
Marguerite AnneKurtz Ford Marie Elizabeth Date of Death: 6/22/2026 07/01/2025 2025ES0700906 Case Number: 2026ES0700914
Michael Ralph Ford Grace Kurtz C/O P.O. PO Box BOX5098 3885 Hilton Head Island, SC 29938 Bluffton, SC 29910
08/21/2025 08/27/2026
John Edward Miracle; AKA John E. Miracle William Theodore Carmichael Date of Death: 04/05/2025 6/16/2026 Case Number: 2025ES0700932 2026ES0700999
Geraldine G. Miracle Kristen L. Carmichael C/O POST PO BoxOFFICE 5098BOX 127 Hilton Head Island, SC 29938 Bluffton, SC 29910
08/28/2025 09/10/2026
Anna Maria Wilhelmina La HaijeGeorge Podnar Donald G. Podnar AKA Donald 07/21/2025 Date of Death: 7/12/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0700817 2025ES0700892
HelmaDiane Franisca Cap Judith Podnar 17 Brams Point Rd.1107 C/O P.O. DRAWER Hilton Head Island, Beaufort, SC 29901 SC 29926
08/21/2025 08/27/2026
Raymond Carl Pettersen May Crockett Date of Death: 06/09/2025 7/9/2026 Case Number: 2025ES0700929 2026ES0700982
08/28/2025 09/10/2026
Rita Marie Sally LloydO’Brien Steedman 07/25/2025 Date of Death: 6/21/2026 2025ES0700913 Case Number: 2026ES0700932
John M.Y.O’Brien, Andrei Lloyd Jr. Drawer 1107Village Circle C/O 17POProfessional Beaufort SC 29901 Beaufort, 29907
08/21/2025 08/27/2026
Marilyn Kolbe Charlene TrochOlsen 05/30/2025 Date of Death: 5/13/2026 2025ES0700733 Case Number: 2026ES0700934
08/21/2025 08/27/2026
Robert A. Parham, Kyle Joseph Danila Jr. Babernitsh 07/09/2025 Date of Death: 6/12/2026 2025ES0700912 Case Number: 2026ES0700974
ConnieA. L.Ogden Olsen Kelly 112 Executive C/O P.O. BOX 9848 Center 1 Corpus Christi Place, #112 Savannah, GA 31412 Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 V. Alex Dorobantu Laurie Babernitsh 1110Carteret Pick Pocket C/O 311 StreetPlantation Dr. Ste. A Beaufort, SC 29902
WilliamSue M. Roberson, Jr. Peggy Hall Cleveland Date of Death: 7/26/2026 05/20/2025 2025ES0700645 Case Number: 2026ES0700961
Lacey Michelle Godec Warren Craig Cleveland C/OPurple PO Drawer 40 Martin1023 Lane Beaufort, 29901 SC 29926 Hilton HeadSCIsland,
08/21/2025 09/03/2026
Andrew Gerard Schiavone, III Mary Bland Congleton 06/09/2025 Date of Death: 8/13/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0700965 2025ES0700751
Melissa M. Schiavone Hannon Alton Templeton, III C/O PO 1104 15thDrawer Street 1107 Beaufort, SC 29901 Port Royal, SC 29935
08/21/2025 09/03/2026
Ronald Paul GeneDiblasi Tune Francis 06/30/2025 Date of Death: 7/25/2026 2025ES0700914 Case Number: 2026ES0700941
Rodney A. Schaake Paul S. Diblasi and Christine Flynn POHospital Box 22230 C/O 10 Center Commons, Suite B 29925 Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
08/21/2025 09/03/2026
Melva Evelyn Jean Shelton Joyce MumawWheeler 07/16/2025 Date of Death: 6/17/2026 2025ES0700893 Case Number: 2026ES0700939
TeresaM.Lynn Anthony Sheila Recker C/OLamotte PO Box 7906 141 Drive, Condo E1 29938 Hilton Head Island, SC 29926
08/21/2025 09/03/2026
Charles Fain Veronica AvaWilliams Neill 07/23/2025 Date of Death: 6/29/2026 2025ES0700889 Case Number: 2026ES0700971
Laura Ann Richardson Leanne James 2662Royal BroadPalm StreetRoad 1902 Beaufort, Port Royal,SCSC29902 29935
08/21/2025 09/03/2026
Donald Simeon Nicholas PenchukZuidema; AKA Donald S. Zuidema Date of Death: 6/3/2026 04/29/2025 2025ES0700904 Case Number: 2026ES0700959
Marianne Zuidema Karen F. Penchuk C/O 173404 SalterbeckVillage Street, Ste. 204 Professional Mt. Pleasant, SC 29466 Beaufort, SC 29907
08/21/2025 09/03/2026
Patricia Francis Catherine Alice Crocco Shanley 07/29/2025 Date of Death: 5/1/2026 Case Number: 2026ES0700943 2025ES0700931
John E.F. Shanley Crocco Jane PO Box C/O P.O. 118 BOX 22230 Southport, 06890SC 29925 Hilton HeadCTIsland,
08/28/2025 09/03/2026
Charles Susan Oliver Golson Melissa AttawayIII 09/28/2024 Date of Death: 6/29/2026 2024ES0701357 Case Number: 2026ES0700981
Nancy Willie L. Golson Daniel Hellmuth C/OVentura 16 William Pope Dr., Ste. 202 219 Road Bluffton, SC 29909 St. Augustine, FL 32080
08/28/2025 09/10/2026
Gladys Kline Legare Date of Death: 04/27/2025 Case Number: 2025ES0700933
Thomas J. Daly Patricia Ann Wilson Date of Death: 6/26/2026 Date Death: 2026ES0701015 07/12/2025 Case of Number: Case Number: 2025ES0700916 James Joseph Egan Mary Grey Boatwright Date of Death: 7/4/2026 Date Death: 2026ES0700986 08/04/2025 Case of Number: Case Number: 2025ES0700963 George Frederick Hoaglin, Jr. Francis Brien; AKA Francis C. Brien Date ofCharles Death: 8/1/2026 Date Death: 2026ES0701017 07/11/2025 Case of Number: Case Number: 2025ES0700946 Russell Eugene Hudson, Jr. Arthur Emerson Date ofAndrew Death: 4/23/2026 Date Death: 2026ES0701018 07/27/2025 Case of Number: Case Number: 2025ES0700956 Scott Lee Qualls Ervin Fitzgerald Date ofGene Death: 10/30/2025 Date Death: 2026ES0701010 12/24/2024 Case of Number: Case Number: 2025ES0700948 Michael Patrick Rainey Robin Date ofRaines Death:Hoffer 6/29/2026 Date Death: 2026ES0701019 04/27/2025 Case of Number: Case Number: 2025ES0700964 Richard T. Shaffer, II Stanley M. Lawson Date of Death: 6/28/2026 Date Death: 2026ES0700996 06/21/2025 Case of Number: Case Number: 2025ES0700961 Rubie Charles Simmons, Sr. Joe Lieser DateWilliam of Death: 3/5/2026 Date Death: 2026ES0700983 07/12/2025 Case of Number: Case Number: 2025ES0700857 Donald George Skau Date of Death: 4/17/2026 Larry Cecil Millender Case Number: 2026ES0700997 Date of Death: 02/19/2025 Case Number: 2025ES0700974 Josephine G. Smalls Date of Death: 2/12/2026 Suzanne Rekate Post Case Number: 2026ES0701003 Date of Death: 07/21/2025 Case Number: Timothy Allen 2025ES0700962 Speigner Date of Death: 8/8/2026 Kelly Lynn Sullivan Case Number: 2026ES0701014 Date of Death: 07/21/2025 Case Number: 2025ES0700954
Cynthia K. C.Hutcheson Katharine Harrelson Christina R. Lesher Village Circle C/O 17 Professional C/O 10 Hospital Center Commons, Ste. 400 Beaufort, SC 29907 Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 Kerry L. Rodgers Edward Harry Tobergte C/O P.O. DRAWER 1107 C/O PO BoxSC7906 Beaufort, 29901 Hilton Head Island, SC 29938 Christopher James Egan Louise C/O 2015Brunson Boundary Street, Suite 315 C/O PO Drawer 1107 Beaufort, SC 29902 Beaufort, SC 29901 Janet Ann Hoaglin Lisa P.O. BrienBOX 5098 C/O C/O POHead Drawer 1107 SC 29938 Hilton Island, Beaufort, SC 29901 William A. Hudson and Stephen Hudson Clara17Marie EmersonVillage C/O Professional C/O PO BoxSC3435 Beaufort, 29907 Bluffton, SC 29910 Denise W. Qualls Daniel Fitzgerald C/O P.O.Gene BOX 1107 27187 Chippendale Beaufort, SC 29901 Ter. Salisbury, MD 21801 Patrick Francis Rainey William Myers1107Hoffer, II C/O P.O. BOX C/O 2015 Boundary Beaufort, SC 29901 St., #227 Beaufort, SC 29902 Jason R. Shaffer Melissa Davis C/O P.O. L.BOX 1107 C/O PO Drawer 1107 Beaufort, SC 29901 Beaufort, SC 29901 Rubie Charles Simmons, Jr. Matthew J. Lieser6067 C/O P.O. DRAWER C/O 112Head, Executive Center Hilton SC 29938 1 Corpus Christi Place, #112 Hilton Head Island, SC 29928 Louise A. Skau C/O P.O. BOX 21668 JaneseHead, W. Davis Hilton SC 29925 180 Pearl Davis Road Springfield, GA 31329 James L. Garrett, Jr. C/O P.O. BOX 1727 R. Willis Post Beaufort, SC 29901 C/O 17 Professional Village Beaufort, SCSpreigner 29907 Christopher C/O P.O. BOX 2358 James F. Holland Beaufort, SC 29901 C/O PO Box 7906 Hilton Head Island, SC 29938
Charisse Parker 08/28/2025 Heather R. Galvin, Probate Judge, Beaufort County, SC C/O PO Box 2478 Beaufort, SC 29901-2478 James Franklin Willard Deborah F. Kopp 09/04/2025 Date of Death: 07/02/2025 C/O PO Drawer 1023 Case Number: 2025ES0700957 Beaufort, SC 29901 SEPTEMBER 10–16, 2026
08/21/2025 09/03/2026
DECEDENT DECEDENT
09/10/2026 08/28/2025
09/10/2026 09/04/2025
09/10/2026 09/04/2025
09/10/2026 09/04/2025
09/10/2026 09/04/2025
09/10/2026 09/04/2025
09/10/2026 09/04/2025
09/10/2026 09/04/2025
09/10/2026
09/04/2025 09/10/2026
09/04/2025 09/10/2026
09/04/2025
A9
Heather R. Galvin, Probate Judge, Beaufort County, SC
LOCAL MILITARY
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
Recruit Training Regiment, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina, 11 September 2026 Recruit Training Regiment • Commanding Officer, Colonel A. P. Bariletti 2nd Recruit Training Battalion • Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel R. J. Russell Commander of Troops, Captain M. N. Hamby • Parade Adjutant, Second Lieutenant A. A. Lutz Company “G”, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion • Commanding Officer, Captain M. N. Hamby Drill Master • Staff Sergeant D. M. Brodie, Staff Sergeant X. J. Francisco PLATOON 2056
PLATOON 2057
Senior Drill Instructor Sgt S. I. Tingen Pvt Pvt PFC PFC PFC Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC Pvt PFC PFC PFC PFC PFC PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt PFC Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC PFC PFC PFC PFC PFC Pvt PFC PFC Pvt PFC Pvt PFC Pvt PFC PFC PFC PFC Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt PFC Pvt
A10
Aboomarhdaife, Amin S. Alberto, Edgar Ammons, Gabriel L. Arguetahuerta, Christopher D. Bell, Noah G. Black, Jamichael D. Blackwood, Colby L. Borjajacinto, Cristian O. Bright, Wesley S. Cannon, Payton M. Carter Jr, Travis A. Caruthers, Ari Z. Castillo, Uriel I. Cook, Daevid J. Coreavalencia, Ryan R. Cowan, Jeremiah M. Dalton, Nicholas B. Decotiis, John F.* Deleonreyes, Eduardo Destefano, Franklin P. Diazlopez, Josdenny A.* Gaabass, Yusuf Garcia, Aidan M. Goodly, Jarvis A. Gossett, Ashton P. Hagerman, Cort M.* Harless, Grant A. Heim, Alexander F. Henson, Jaden N. Holland, Rayshawn L. Huynh, Khoi V. Johnson, Jazon N. King, Jacob E. Klie, Andrew C.* Laclaire, Trent T. Lamar, Andrew J. Lastinger, Nathaniel A. Lewis, Brian A. Lippincott, Reece M. Mahinay, Sertsheldon M. Marquez, Angel G. Mccallum, Tytan J. Mckenzie, Ethan J. Mcpherson, Joshua T. Mejia, Juan A. Mejiacruz, Erick Mercer, Christian B. Mondragonortuno, Axel Mosqueda, Bryan Munoz, Kevin F. Norris, Alexander C. Oakes III, Donald J. Oyelowo, Abiola Perezvillagran, Jose A. Plesholenick, Joseph J. Poole, Augustine R. Pradoavila, James O. Rebuyon, Vincesydney D. Robinson, Jayden M. Romero, Anthony L. Sanchezmachuca, David* Santiagosantiago, Christopher Sears, Jayden M. Semsey, Jacob C. Senndones, Isaiah T. Sessoms, Kevin T. Sharp, Wyatt D. Simoes, Carlos C. Smith, Evan S. Steinmetz, Riley J. Stone, Gavin K. Sumpter, Johnaireo J. Tenorio, Ryan L. Thomas Jr, Roshun Torrescolon, Yamil A. Treadaway, Coleman A. Vandevyvere, Gavin P. Williams II, Ryan G. Williams, Zyair I. Young, Dominic A.
PLATOON 2058
Senior Drill Instructor Sgt Q. R. Barrino PFC Pvt Pvt PFC PFC PFC PFC PFC PFC PFC Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC PFC PFC Pvt PFC Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC PFC PFC PFC PFC PFC PFC PFC Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt PFC PFC PFC PFC Pvt PFC PFC Pvt PFC Pvt PFC Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC PFC PFC Pvt PFC PFC PFC PFC PFC Pvt PFC
SEPTEMBER 10–16, 2026
Allen, Sidonia R. Alvarezzambrano, Shaaron B. Anderson, Alexandria F. Anderson, Kylee O. Bailey, Aaliyah R. Barnett, Alyssa A. Bass, Emma G. Bernal, Joselyn I.* Blen, Priscilla M. Boeckler, Amber G. Borah, Elana J. Branton, Keeley A. Carretomonterroso, Dailyn J. Catalan, Ruby Conway, Hailey E. Crespo, Mia N. Davis, Ceianna J. Dearciaalvarez, Vanesa J. Docilet, Ashley Dominguez, Valeria M. Everitt, Madeline L. Fernandezzhagnay, Yulisa J.* Flaig, Lauren O. Frisby, Sophia L. Gil, Sarah E. Gormley, Sophia R. Henry, Lia C. Hernandez, Hannah S. Herrick, Katelyn E. Hinds, Hailey J. Huff, Chatavia M. Jimenezmendez, Leilany Keenan, Sage M. Kidka, Hawa K. Kobierowski, Kailyn M. Leytongonzalez, Sarahi A. Lopez, Ashley M. Machado, Brenda S.* Madina, Chelsie D. Martinez, Kimberly M. Martinezvillafranca, Katie J. Mason, Kaneshamakala* Massey, Alia Z. Mcnairlee, Ricazmine A. Montalvo, Safianii M. Moore, Chatyia D. Mullen, Aiyana M. Murray, Ladaisha N. Navarroguzman, Natasha V. Nguyen, Lisa Nichols, Ariana K. Odom, Kaylin A. Ortizgreco, Gabriela S. Parrasanchez, Sarah N. Pedrosaramos, Lara S. Pineda, Natalie Pineda, Yesica Pinheiro, Cecilia A. Pizarro, Angeliz M. Quezadazumba, Kelly Raiter, Rylee J. Reed, Jocelyne K. Rojas, Arahysa Y. Sanchezhernandez, Marely Scott, Trinity L. Shamoon, Audrey R. Sheffield, Aerianna U. Sherick, Jennie L. Shrestha, Prasiddhi Smith, Katie R. Smith, Simone S. Taylor, Imani M. Teronreyes, Jelianys D. Valentine, Phoenix S. Vasquezflores, Suani N. Vasquezmarquez, Adriana Vigilvilleda, Samantha M.* Williams, Briana M. Woods, Zoe G.
PLATOON 2060
Senior Drill Instructor Sgt A. E. DelgadoColon Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt PFC Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC PFC Pvt PFC Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC PFC PFC Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt PFC PFC PFC PFC Pvt
Antoine, Princenazir Z Bazzelle, Kasen A. Bernal, Joel A. Bibb, Caleb C. Bienaime, Issac R. Blount, James T. Bradley, Gregory J. Brisuelaflores, Yebin J. Brown, Aiden W. Bui, Beckham Burgin, Trey M. Burks, Daniel T. Christiansen, Elliott J. Coe, Brandon L. Contrerasmejia, Alexander Cook, Logan M.* Crews, Jayce C. Damianlara, Angel E. Dean Jr, Jerry R. Delacruz, Abel C. Depew, Stephen G. Diaz, Anthony Eca, Eritier Eliaszuniga, Alejandro Gagnon, Kyler M. Garciagonzalaez, Bryan A. Granadomartinez, David Green, Najeh S.* Guerrero, Christopher S. Gutierrez, Parker L. Hall, Tristan J. Harbin, Hayden D. Hedrick, Ethan J. Henry, Raymond P. Hernandezdiaz, Eliazar J. Howell IV, Thomas P. Hurd, Roman L. Jones, Carter B. Jones, Charles T. Jose, Isaias J. Killion, Evan H. Lebrun, Garrett A. Lopezvaldez, Bryan D. Lopezvasques, Raul Mahoney, Tanner J. Mason, Maxwell S. Massey, Brayden R.* Mccann, Kelton R. Moore, Luke A. Moralesvasquez, Shantiel M. Morenorivas, Alex S. Moya, Joshua A. Nichols, Austin C.* Plowman, Timothy G. Pytleski Jr, Brandon J. Roberts, Julius M. Rodriguez, Brody T. Rodriguezcasas, Sebastian A. Rothkopf, Conner M. Schulze, Owen W. Seguin, Nicolas J. Setnar, Elijah K. Shuck, Colin J. Silva II, Joesph S. Smith, Joesph A. Smith, Noah G. Stephens, Jackson A. Stine, Hunter C.* Swain, Johnathan D. Tabor, Devin C. Tapiarodriguez, Denzel Tinker, Graysen A. Torres, Jeovanni X. Torres, Luka Valdezreyes, Gabriel Walker, Robert M. Whited, Jayden B. Whitman, Landon E. Williams, Jaiden A. Wright, Brody J. Yarbrough, Zachery A.
PLATOON 2061
Senior Drill Instructor SSgt J. W. Lawson Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC PFC PFC Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC PFC PFC PFC PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt PFC Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC
Aleman, Jason A. Alexander, Landon C. Alford, Montrez K. Alvira, Miguel A. Armengol, Marc S. Asucena, Jeremy Authement, Tucker A. Baer, Braedon M. Bahena, Edgar J. Barrerasosa, William A. Beasley, Grayson N.* Boudreaux, Lane B. Brownlie, Liam F. Bruce Jr, Myron S. Camachobrigido, Carlos A. Carlson, Joshua R. Carter, Melvion L. Cibula, Ethan R. Copen Iv, Charles R. Decker, Jesse D. Demeter, Evan V. Desabato, Joseph W. Doral, Nathan D. Elton, Zachary A. Ervin, Elijah J. Evans, Aron C. Evans, Jacob A. Fanizzi, Christopher J. Flohs, Trevor M. Galarza, Miguel A. Garcialinares, Jacobo Gregg, Christopher G. Griffin, Trenton B. Grotha, Loki V. Gustafon, Joeseph Hill, Chancellor M. Hill, Jonathon Jimenezbarcenas, Santiago Johnson, Caleb H. Juradoallen, Angelo J. Kempf, Porter E. Lopezantonio, Jesus O. Maldonadoechevarria, Michael J. Marquezhernandez, Edwin D. Marrerojaquez, Jeffrey G.* Masacosta, Michel A. Mcmaster Jr, Tony J. Mcnees, Joseph D. Mercadoatempa, Victor L. Mineer, Wyatt D. Mizanin, Dylan J. Nam, Alexander H. Nisbet, Liam C. Orozco, Jeremy R. Patterson, Jacob W. Petrillo, Colin G. Prater, Elijah B. Predvil, Ted F. Prieurvanslyke, Jaylon B.* Proenzaaguilar, Marcelo Reyes, Dominic M. Robinson, Braden K. Robinson, Jacob A. Rodriguezblake, Xavier D. Ruth, Andrew J. Sandoval, Rayniery Scribot, Jehan A.* Sequeirajesus, Diego G. Shipley, Jackson D. Smith Jr, Darrell E. Stengel, Michael A. Taylor, Richard C. Thompson, Aiden J. Thompson, Kelvin E. Tomblin, Andrew M. Trathen, Kristian P. Tyndall, James F. Wells, Nicholas E. Wurster, August L. Young Jr, Markyes T.*
PLATOON 2062
Senior Drill Instructor SSgt K. A. Nepomuceno Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC PFC Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC PFC Pvt PFC Pvt PFC PFC Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC PFC Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC PFC PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt PFC PFC Pvt PFC
Albinosanchez, Edwin J. Alderman, Huntlee G. Bass, Elijah E. Bell, Jordan C. Benitezsilvestre, Angel D. Bourez, Lucas R. Bustamante, Jaovanni I. Butanda, Jonathan Camara, Mohamed K. Carmant, Christopher Clavelmccann, Daniel A. Concepcion, Jeffrey Cuencasimancas, Junnior A. Curtis, Gavin L. Dayes, Jonathan R. Dear, Landon C. Ellard, Ashton C. Esdaile, Joshua J.* Fatato, Joseph V. Gibson, Lester L.* Gordon, Noah J. Green, Nathan S. Hamel, Nolan R. Heatherly, Gavin C. Hernandezvazquez, Jonathan J. Houston, Nemuel S. Inga, Jonathan S. Jansen, Logan W. Jones, Robert M. Kamm, Milo K. Kayulu, Marcus P. King, Olten M. Kmitta, Thomas P. Kumar, Kartik Lian, Samuel Lobo, Enrique Lopezbautista, Daniel E. Marek, Mathew A. Martin, Justin T. Martinez, Jeriel Martinezhernandez, Daniel Mcphaul, Semaj A. Melesiorios, Ricardo Merinopinos, Gabriel* Miller, Teegan J. Morales, Jiovanny Moralesgomez, Yago Y. Mowery, Wyatt A. Naples, Gavin M. Navapablo, Daniel Nelson, Kaden J. Newkirk, David Norton, Cody L. Oconnor, John M. Osorio, David I. Owens, Evan I.* Padillaaquino, Samuel Padillamunoz, Antonio J. Park, Sang H. Perdue, Johnathan P. Petersen, Izeyah G. Ramosgarcia, Elder E. Ratcliffe, Eric L. Renoewick, Justin X. Reyesurbina, Logan G. Rhoades, Kaleb M. Rodriguez, Kelvin Rohr, Nixon A. Russell, Logan R. Sanabriaguzman, Nicolas Santanaclaudio, Didier E. Servider, Joseph R. Sexton, Aiden H. Sherman, Kaden A. Shrestha, Siddhartha Steele, Nathan L. Stutzman, Joshua F.* Urban, Koltin W. Vankirk, Anthony J. Velezcarrillo, Emanuel E. Vo, Khang D. Yocbautista, Alfredo M. Yussif, Ismail M.
Senior Drill Instructor SSgt J. F. Gregorio Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC PFC PFC PFC Pvt Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt PFC PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt Pvt PFC Pvt Pvt Pvt
Allande, Giovanni A. Angulosanchez, Isaac Asta, Juan C. Barrett, Christian J. Barry, Mamadou B. Bauer, Ryan P. Beaird, Jericho E.* Benevides, Nathaniel I. Besash, Jonathon C. Blu, Brilliant Campbell, Keontae S. Cardonajimenez, Alejandro Cope, Zane A. Copeland III, Calvin Couturiaux, Carson J. Cox, Nolan D. Crawford, Cayden R. Delossantosferreira, Nowel Demke, Cylde M. Elamin, Mazen M. Fernandez, Liam I. Floresnazario, Edwin E. Frost, Austin D. Garciasantiago, Kevin Garman, Illya J.* Giron, Camden P. Grantham, Grayson L. Gregory, Alec J. Guerralopez, Christopher E. Harr, Gage S. Hemenway, Kyle A. Hernandez Jr, Mario O. Hernandezpastor, Ebert A. Hettinger, Benjamin M. Hidayat, Ghadi M.* Host, Matthew M. Johnson, Noah C. Justice, Joshua M. Knowlton, Larkyn Lacy, Zayden P. Little, Landen J. Mangualcotto, Noah D. March Jr., Christopher Martinez Jr., Antonio Martinez, Diego A. Mcglasson, Ashton C. Mckim, Conner R. Mendezpolanco, Angel G. Mohre, Branson J. Montielgiron, Micheal Moragarcia, Lewis M. Morin, Thomas M. Morrissette, Colin A. Mursch, Nicholas S. Nash III, Teron R. Newsome, Nicholas A. Ochoa, Sebastian P. Oliverosvargas, Moises J.* Parker, Noah A.* Proctor, Aiden L. Roberts, Kevin R. Rodrigues, Jaydien W. Rowland, Parker W. Sequeira, Efrain Simmonds, Anthonioraymond S. Smith, Michael P. Sonson, Stephon J. Soriano, Isaac Stevenson, Briley D. Street, Joseph A. Suarezgarcia, Abraham M. Thomasteran, Jerald B. Tomassetti, Alexander M. Turley, Kash A. Turner, Jordan E. Vasquez, Jonas R. Walkerhunter, Eric D. Wilson, Daniel J. Young, Angel J. Zuccoagueda, Bryan
*Denotes Meritorious Promotion
LOCAL MILITARY
World War II Army Veteran Funeral
U.S. Veterans give opening remarks during a funeral service honoring U.S. Army Sergeant Samuel Benjamin Hollis on Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, at Beaufort National Cemetery. Hollis was a World War II Army veteran whose life was defined by faith, service, family, and dedication to his country. Military honors were rendered at Beaufort National Cemetery in the presence of his family, friends, and fellow veteransy. Lance Cpl. Carl J. Walters/USMC
Dealing with asbestos claims, Part 1
I
VA service-connected disability claims and asbestos trust claims for asbestos exposure-caused diseases, injuries
wrote a series of three articles for The Island News in January of 2025 (dated Jan. 8, 15, and 22) about why veterans should file service-connected disability claims for asbestos exposure caused cancer and non-cancer injuries and disease with the VA and Asbestos Trusts. You can read those articles at: • https://yourislandnews.com/ advice-for-veterans-with-service-connected-asbestos-injuries/, • https://yourislandnews.com/ more-for-veterans-with-service-connected-asbestos-injuries, and • https://yourislandnews.com/ veterans-with-service-connected-asbestos-injuriesshould-file-a-claim-with-the-v.
LARRY DANDRIDGE
va.gov/exposures/asbestos/index. asp.
Those companies knew the deadly hazards associated with asbestos, but they purposely did not tell people who handled their products. Asbestos is still imported and used throughout the U.S. — yet Americans have little way to know where they may encounter this deadly substance. Learn more at Asbestos Nation at https:// www.asbestosnation.org/.
Elderly high risk for asbestos exposure, disease Material safety data sheets not I continue to be highly motirequired until 1983 vated to help my fellow elderly From a U.S. regulatory standveterans (Korean War, Vietnam point, the first requirements War, Desert Storm, and veterans for Material Safety Data Sheets between 55 and 90 years old) (MSDSs) were adopted in the late and ex-enlisted men who did the 1960s for maritime manufacturhands-on, dirty, work and who ing employees only. OSHA did are in the highest risk group for not require MSDSs in the manuasbestos exposure caused asbesThose 2025 articles recalled facturing industry until 1983; in tos injuries. These seniors served my quest to find a law firm that 1987, the requirement was expand- when asbestos was most frequentwould handle filing claims for ed to cover all employers. Learn ly used by the military. Learn my asbestos exposure caused more in J. R. McDonald Laboramore at the VA’s “Veterans Health “non-cancer” injuries/disease with tory’s “History of the MSDS,” at Library” at www.veteranshealthlimultiple asbestos trusts (there are https://jrm.phys.ksu.edu/Safety/ brary.va.gov/DiseasesConditions/ over70 asbestos trusts). They also kaplan.html, and OSHA Standard VeteransHealth/142,41771_VA. pointed out that: Number 1910.1200, James Rob• Veterans (and non-veterans) erts letter of Oct. 6, 1995, at www. Vietnam veterans asbestos are missing out on millions of osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinter- injuries/disease symptoms just dollars in asbestos trust claim pretations/1995-10-06-0. now appearing awards. The first time the military was Since I am an elderly veteran, • VA service-connection claims legally required to maintain and a Vietnam War Wounded warrior are separate from asbestos provide MSDSs was May 26, 1986, and a 100% service-connected trust claims. when the final OSHA rule became disabled veteran with asbestos • Veterans should file for comeffective for all manufacturing “non-cancer injuries,” and like pensation from the VA and employers. This date also marked most victims of asbestos, most of asbestos trusts. the point when the requirement my symptoms have been hard to was expanded to cover all indusdiagnose until recently, because Asbestos was used everywhere tries, including the military, in they mimic the flu, bronchitis, and (Especially in the military) 1987. Learn more by reading “A other respiratory viruses. It is our Asbestos was used everywhere history of the MSDS,” by Samugenerations of Vietnam War vetfrom the 1930s until the 1980s. el Aaron Kaplan, at https://jrm. erans who are coming down with The U.S. military led the way in phys.ksu.edu/Safety/kaplan. the severe and life-threatening using asbestos especially in ship- html and OSHA Letter of Oct. 6, symptoms and diseases of past building; ship and submarine boil- 1995, from Ruth McCully, OSHA, asbestos exposure in the 1950s, er and engine insultation; stream- Director of Office of Health 1960s and 1970s. Learn more lines on ships and in barracks/ Compliance, https://www.osha. about what the CDC says about building, ship bulk heads and deck gov/laws-regs/standardinterpreta- "Health Effects of Asbestos*" at panels; flooring, construction, tions/1995-10-06-0. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/asbesinsulation, roofing, dry wall, cetos/health-effects/index.html. ment sheets, pipes, clutch facings, Companies hid deadly facts brake linings, all military service’s about asbestos Enlisted veterans at higher risk weapon systems; asbestos cement This means that the asbestos Our enlisted veterans did the panels and fire proofing; clutch mining companies and all of the hands-on, lung-exposed, dust and facings, brake linings for military companies that used asbestos in asbestos particles filled, unprovehicles; aircraft brakes; wiring, their products were able to not tected, Personal Protective Equipgaskets, vehicle brake and clutch only hide the hazards and risks ment (PPE)-less, Material Systems systems; barracks, mess halls, (Carcinogen, May cause Cancer, Data Sheet (MSDS)-less, and dirty hangars, and housing units; heatCauses damage to organs, etc.) work of receiving, unpacking, ing and air conditioning systems associated with asbestos but they handling, installing, repairing, (HVAC); and hundreds of other also did not tell workers (Milisanding, grinding, painting, applications. Learn more at the tary Members, Civil Servants, or removing, ingesting, firefighting, VA webpage "How Veterans May Civilians) how to safely handle, and disposing of asbestos made Have Been Exposed to Asbesstore, and dispose of asbestos and materials such as insultation; paints; caulking; furnaces and products containing asbestos. tos" at https://www.publichealth.
EDITOR’S NOTE This article is the first in a series of five. This series of five articles is not intended to provide legal or medical advice. Nor is it intended to replace a veteran’s use of a VA-accredited Veterans Service Officer (VA), VA-accredited Claims Agent, or VA-accredited Attorney, or the Mesothelioma Center Free Help Center, an Asbestos Trust Claims Lawyer, or a Legacy Asbestos Law Suit Attorney, or a Physician to help the veteran file claims with the VA for service-connected disability compensation, compensation from asbestos trusts, and compensation through the court system. These articles are also not a substitute for advice provided by a doctor or other qualified health professional. Persons should always consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional for medical advice or information about diagnosis and treatment. This is the first article of five that will provide more information that veterans and VA-accredited Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) need to file a successful VA service-connected claim for asbestos exposure caused and contributed to injuries and disease and help veterans and their attorney file claims with multiple asbestos trusts (there are over 70 trusts) for asbestos injuries/ disease. This article represents the views and research of the author and not The Island News.
ovens; HVAC housings; firewalls; brake shoes, drums, and rotors; refractory materials; and hundreds of other products throughout U.S. Military history. Because of this hands-on use of enlisted military members to do the dirty work, they are the ones who have suffered most of the exposure to asbestos. Learn more at "Veterans Health Library" (Veterans Exposure to Asbestos-Who's at risk?), https://www.veteranshealthlibrary. va.gov/Search/142,41771_VA. 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.
U.S. Marines with Marine Aircraft Group 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, greet U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Col. Douglas R. Kansier, the commanding officer of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 533, MAG 12, 1st MAW, on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Yamaguchi, Japan. Sgt. Alejandra Vega/ USMC
Beaufortbased F-35B squadron deploys to Japan By Capt. Brady Mallory 1st Marine Aircraft Wing The U.S. Marine Corps deployed Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 533, also known as the “Hawks,” an F-35B Lightning II squadron based at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, under the Marine Corps’ Unit Deployment Program (UDP) on Sept. 5, 2026. VMFA-533 joins Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) 12, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, and will conduct aviation operations and maintain combat readiness throughout the Indo-Pacific region. VMFA-533 will integrate as the new UDP squadron, replacing the current UDP squadron, VMFA-232. The Unit Deployment Program provides continental U.S.-based units with experience operating in the Indo-Pacific through continuous and overlapping deployments to the region. The Hawks will augment 1st Marine Aircraft Wing’s ability to provide combat-ready, task-organized aviation forces capable of operating from naval and expeditionary environments. This enhances operational readiness, promotes regional stability, and demonstrates the United States’ enduring commitment to the U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security. SEPTEMBER 10–16, 2026
A11
BUSINESS & COMMUNITY
Safeguard your legacy by involving your heirs in estate planning
Presented by Hampton Long One of the great things about living in Beaufort County is the number of successful, interesting and selfless people who choose to retire or relocate to the area. So many of our neighbors have accumulated significant assets, while pursuing fascinating careers over decades. These hard-earned investment portfolios, real estate holdings or other property can provide for a comfortable retirement, financial support to loved ones and the ability to contribute philanthropically to our community. From an even longer-term perspective though, with proper planning, and by including important stakeholders in the process, these assets can also serve as the basis for establishing a legacy that
endures well for generations to come. Passing down the wealth you’ve built over a lifetime can be both a point of pride and a tremendous gift to your family. However, successfully transitioning wealth to heirs requires preparation to ensure they’re ready to embrace both the advantages and responsibilities of inheriting and stewarding a family legacy. To guide that process, here are three questions to inform your planning to help ensure your legacy can live on for generations. How will your bequest impact your heirs? While wealth can create security and opportunity, a sudden influx of money can change a person’s life, sometimes in ways they might not
welcome. What’s more, the decisions you make about the distribution of wealth among family members, other individuals, and any charities or institutions can potentially cause tensions that could threaten your legacy. Initiating candid conversations with your heirs can help you get ahead of such issues. Taking the time to discuss their concerns—and being open to adjusting your plan in response to them—may help everyone feel more confident in your vision and more committed to ensuring its longevity.
opening a dialogue with heirs is the opportunity to learn about their individual financial capabilities. Ensuring they are set up to be good stewards of the inheritance may be as simple as introducing them to your financial advisors and explaining your existing strategies. Other times, a more thorough financial education effort will be appropriate, perhaps in combination with one or more trusts to help relieve your heirs of some or most of the financial management responsibilities.
Are your heirs equipped to manage the inheritance? Inheriting money also comes with the burden of managing it, and not everyone will have the necessary skills or interest to do so. Another benefit of
HAMPTON LONG is a VP Do your heirs understand FINANCIAL CONSULTANT at (and ideally share) your Charles Schwab with over 16 years of intentions? experience helping clients achieve their Discussing your goals and financial goals. Some content provided values for your legacy—and here has been compiled from previously inviting your heirs to share published articles authored by various theirs—can strengthen famiparties at Schwab.
Lands End Woodland River Festival
Dancers with the Hispanic Heritage Club of Hinesville, Ga., perform during the 21st annual Lands End Woodland River Festival on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. Amber Hewitt/ The Island News
This material is intended for general ly bonds and help everyone informational and educational purposes move forward with a shared only. This should not be considered purpose. You might even an individualized recommendation or consider creating a family personalized investment advice. The wealth mission statement securities, investment products and together, which lays out the collective values and vision investment strategies mentioned may not be suitable for everyone. Each investor for your family’s wealth. needs to review an investment strategy This alignment becomes for his or her own particular situation even more important if you before making any investment decisions. intend to pass down endur[2312] ing assets, such as a family business, a charitable trust, Employees of Schwab are not estate or a valuable family home. planning attorneys and cannot offer tax Developing mutually held or legal advice or create and prepare values can ensure cohesivelegal documents associated with such ness and improve the chancplans. Where such advice is necessary or es of successfully sustaining appropriate, please consult a qualified the legacy you envision. legal or tax advisor. [3910] ©2026 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (“Schwab”). All rights reserved. Member SIPC. [1007] ATL128826-00 1225-H6NN [0926-BKT9]
Lauren Anderson plays Street Music on Paris Avenue
Children dance in the street on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, as Lauren Anderson plays during Street Music on Paris Avenue Concert Series in Port Royal. Amber Hewitt/The Island News
If you need financial clarity, there’s a clear choice. Our consultants always strive for total transparency with straight, honest answers to even the toughest questions. We’ll always openly discuss our services, fees, plans, and products. Call or visit us today.
Bluffton Branch Belfair Towne Village 67 Towne Drive Bluffton, SC 29910 843-473-3620 schwab.com/bluffton Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. ©2026 Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. Member SIPC. CC10310046 (1124-WZ6Z) ADP126275A-00 (12/24) SCH15526-02 (03/26)
A12
SEPTEMBER 10–16, 2026
SPORTS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL ROUNDUP
Beaufort Academy earns its 1st win of the season
LowcoSports.com Nic Shuford threw touchdown passes to Gunnar Andrews and Terry Dortch and returned a kickoff for a touchdown to lead Beaufort Academy to its first win of the season, a 26-6 victory Friday afternoon, Sept. 4, 2026, at Hilton Head Prep. The Eagles scored first on Andrews’ touchdown run and led 7-0 after the first quarter. BA had two scoring chances slip away with a missed field goal and a fumble deep in Dolphins territory, but Shuford engineered another drive and hit Andrews for a TD to make it 14-0. After an Oliver Barracks touchdown run pulled HHP within 14-6 with 1:50 left in the half, Shuford provided a resounding answer, taking the ensuing kickoff 80 yards for a score to make it 20-6 at halftime. The Eagles’ defense pitched a second-half shutout, and BA capped the scoring on the last play of the third quarter, when Shuford rolled to his left and found Dortch in the end zone despite taking a shot just as he released the ball. BA (1-2) travels to Clarendon Hall on Friday. The Saints are 1-1 after losing 55-30 at Orangeburg Prep last week. Hanahan 52, Beaufort 14 Braydon Moyd-Smalls rushed for a pair of touchdowns, but Beaufort’s defense couldn’t find an answer to the Hawks’ dynamic attack Friday on Lady’s Island. Smalls scored from 22 yards out to make it 21-7 late in the first quarter, but Hanahan blew it open
in the second quarter and opened up a 49-7 halftime lead. Smalls added a 2-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, but that was as close as the Eagles got the rest of the night. Beaufort (1-2) travels to Columbia on Friday to take on SCISA power Hammond School. The Skyhawks (3-0) have already knocked off one public school this season, winning 31-13 at Brookland-Cayce to open the season.
Blackville-Hilda 40, Whale Branch 0 Whale Branch was no match for the Fighting Hawks on Friday, as the home team dominated on both sides of the ball in a lopsided win. All the scoring came in the first half, with Blackville-Hilda controlling the contest with its punishing ground game. Jayden Peeples led the way, rushing for 170 yards and three touchdowns on just four carries, while Kaiden Davis added 129 yards and a score on eight attempts for the Fighting Hawks. The Warriors managed only 44 yards of total offense. Whale Branch (0-3) is off this week before traveling to Barnwell on Sept. 18. Pinewood Prep 59, John Paul II 30 Jadon Inabinett rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries, and Alan Wolf added rushing and passing TDs, but it wasn’t enough for the Golden Warriors to keep pace with a powerful Pinewood Prep offense. Silas Brawner picked apart JPII’s secondary, going 17-of-23 for
SCORES & SCHEDULE
Beaufort’s Ben Jackson gets wrapped up after a short gain during the first half of its Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, home game against Hanahan. The Eagles lost to the Hawks 52-14 and dropped overall to 1-2, while the Hawks pushed their record to 3-0. Bob Sofaly/The Island News 378 passing yards and five touchdowns, including three TD passes to Lavoris Lucas, who caught four passes for 114 yards. Grayson Salego rushed for 109 yards and two TDs on 10 carries to lead the Panthers’ rushing game.
Shooting her shot
USC Beaufort’s Sophia Willis, left, manages to keep West Alabama’s Hollie Gillies away from the ball and takes a shot at goal during the first half of their NCAA Division II soccer game Saturday afternoon, Sept. 5, 2026, at Fin Land Field in Bluffton. Willis went on to score during the second half giving the Lady Sand Sharks a 1-0 win to improve their overall record to 3-1-0. Bob Sofaly/The Island News
Thursday, Sept, 3 May River 56, Mountain View Prep 38 Friday, Sept. 4 Hanahan 52, Beaufort 14 Rock Hill 33, Hilton Head 15 North Florida Educational Institute 32, Bluffton 27 Woodland 38, Colleton County 7 Hampton Co. 47, Silver Bluff 20 Battery Creek 57, Hardeeville 15 Stall 34, Ridgeland 28 Blackville-Hilda 40, Whale Branch 0 Colleton Prep 57, St. John’s Christian 0 Pinewood Prep 59, John Paul II 30 Beaufort Academy 26, Hilton Head Prep 6 Patrick Henry 23, Thomas Heyward 0 Thursday, Sept. 10 Hardeeville (1-2) at St. Andrew’s (1-2), 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11 Colleton Prep (4-0) at Carolina Academy (1-2), 7 p.m. Laurence Manning (1-1) at John Paul II (0-4), 7 p.m. Calhoun Academy (1-0) at HHCA (3-0), 7 p.m. Beaufort (1-2) at Hammond School (3-0), 7 p.m. Hilton Head (2-1) at Christ Church (0-3), 7:30 p.m. St. James (2-1) at May River (1-1), 7:30 p.m. Hampton Co. (2-1) at Bluffton (1-2), 7:30 p.m. Fox Creek (1-2) at Colleton Co. (0-2), 7:30 p.m. Battery Creek (3-0) at Ridgeland (0-3), 7:30 p.m. Cross Schools (2-0) at Thomas Heyward (0-3), 7:30 p.m. Patrick Henry (2-1) at Holly Hill Academy (1-2), 7:30 p.m. Beaufort Academy (1-2) at Clarendon Hall (1-1), 7:30 p.m.
Wolf rushed nine times for 62 yards and a score and was 11-of21 for 99 passing yards with a TD and an interception. Zach Moulton had five catches for 90 yards ning Academy on Friday. The Swampcats are 1-1 and coming off and a score for JPII. JPII (0-4) hosts Laurence Man- a 44-0 loss to Hammond School.
Still perfect!
Dolphins rout Hardeeville for 1st 3-0 start in almost five decades
LowcoSports.com Battery Creek’s football team continued its impressive start to the season with a 57-15 rout of visiting Hardeeville on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, moving the Dolphins to 3-0 for the first time in 46 years. After the defense carried Creek to a 22-6 win at Whale Branch to open the season and Eddie Heyward’s late touchdown run and two-point conversion lifted the Dolphins to a 2928 win over John Paul II,
the Dolphins left no doubt against the Hurricanes. Hardeeville opened the scoring after returning the opening kickoff inside the 5-yard line, but it was all Dolphins from there. Nehemiah Johnson capped off a long scoring drive with a 1-yard plunge to tie it at 7, and Battery Creek extended the lead to 17-7 by halftime with a field goal and an interception return for a touchdown.
The Hurricanes had a chance to make it a game when they drove inside the 10 on their first possession of the second half, but the Dolphins forced and recovered a fumble in the shadow of their own goalpost to preserve the lead, then broke it wide open. The Dolphins’ threegame win streak is their first since 2019, and they’ll try to make it four straight for the first time since 2012 when they travel to Ridgeland on Friday. The Jaguars are 0-3 after suffering a 34-28 loss at Stall on Friday. Battery Creek has won six of the past eight meetings with the Jaguars but lost 33-31 in the most recent matchup in 2023.
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SEPTEMBER 10–16, 2026
A13
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Meet ATHENA! She truly is a goddess. Athena has the most kind eyes that stare into yours with pure love. She would love nothing more than a comfortable lap to lie in.
Meet BROCCOLI! This handsome 4-month-old, 20-pound tan and black terrier mix loves playtime, attention, and soaking up fun. He cannot wait to grow up with a loving forever family!
IRENE is an irresistible, adorable dilute tabby with the sweetest little face — and no eyes. But don’t let that fool you. Her blindness doesn’t slow her down or dim her spirit one bit.
Say hello to DIXIE, an 8-month-old Bloodhound with soulful eyes and floppy ears! Sweet, curious, and affectionate, this shy girl is always ready for her next adventure!
KATARA is a gorgeous tabby girl with truly eyecatching markings — she’s the kind of cat you notice right away. Even better, her personality is just as lovely as her looks.
Meet DUMPLING, a 2-year-old, 48-pound white terrier mix who is the sweetest pup around! Always smiling, playful, and affectionate, she loves adventures and settling down together.
At 9 years old, LEXI is ready to settle in a home filled with love and cuddles. She prefers a quiet home, with the softest blankets, and a nice long lasting bone to chew on.
Meet ARYA, an adorable 4-month-old black DSH kitten bursting with charm! She loves making new friends, getting endless attention, playing, and snuggling close.
Meet MOLLY! This sweet and gentle girl was found as a stray, completely malnourished. With the help of our staff, she has reached a healthy weight and is as happy as ever.
Say hello to CECE, a gorgeous 2-year-old brown tabby who wins hearts wherever she goes. Sweet, curious, and deeply affectionate, she truly loves being around people.
ZADIA is a lovely young orangeand-white tabby who strikes that balance between social and independent. She gets along well with the people she meets.
Meet FELIX, a resilient 3-yearold cat who beat the odds after a severe leg injury! Still healing, this playful, purring sweetheart loves attention and never slows down.
All animals above are available at Hilton Head Humane’s Hilton Head campus at 10 Humane Way, Hilton Head Island, S.C. 29926. Open Mondays through Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 843-681-8686 or email adoptions@hhhumane.org.
A14
SEPTEMBER 10–16, 2026
CLASSIFIEDS & GAMES ANNOUNCEMENTS Coming to a store near you! Grass Carp 8″ – 11″, Coppernose Bluegill 1″- 3″ & 3″ – 5″, Shellcracker 1″ – 3″, Channel Cats 3″- 5″ & Mosquitofish. Southland Fisheries 803776-4923. We Buy Houses for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-855-704-3381 DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400 plus procedures. Real dental insurance – NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-397-7030 www.dental50plus.com/60 #6258 AUCTIONS ADVERTISE YOUR AUCTION in 80 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your 25-word classified ad will reach more than 1.5 million readers. Call Randall Savely at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 803-750-9561. HELP WANTED Help wanted. New precast concrete plant in Clinton SC looking for welder, carpenter, mechanic, electrician, crane operator, concrete truck drivers, concrete forming and finishing, patchers, safety manager and general labor. Full time plus benefits. Contact Jeff Turner at 814-280-2638 or jturner@cpsprecast.com HELP WANTED – DRIVERS ADVERTISE YOUR DRIVER JOBS in 80 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your 25word classified ad will reach more than 1.5 million readers. Call Randall Savely at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 803-750-9561. MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE No more cleaning out gutters. Guaranteed! LeafFilter is backed by a no-clog guarantee and lifetime transferrable warranty. Call today 1-855-820-2770 to schedule a FREE
inspection and no obligation estimate. Get 15% off your entire order. Plus, Military & Seniors get an additional 10% off. Limited time only. Restrictions apply, see representative for warranty and offer details. Audien Hearing. The world’s first hearing aid with touchscreen controls. No tiny buttons, apps or prescriptions. 45-day risk free trial. Free shipping. Lifetime support. More than 1.5 million happy customers. Call Audien 1-855-620-9614. Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-844-775-0366 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. TELEVISION & INTERNET SERVICES DIRECTV OVER INTERNET – Get your favorite live TV, sports and local channels. 99% signal reliability! CHOICE Package, $84.99/mo for 12 months. HBO Max and Premium Channels included for 3 mos (w/ CHOICE Package or higher.) No annual contract, no hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-855-237-9741 DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Directv and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/ mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-844-624-1107 Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-877542-0759 VACATION RENTALS ADVERTISE YOUR VACATION PROPERTY FOR RENT OR SALE to more than 1.5 million S.C. newspaper readers. Your 25-word classified ad will appear in 80 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Call Randall Savely at the South Carolina Newspaper Network, 803-750-9561.
YOUR AD HERE Looking to advertise your business, announce a yard sale, or share other classifieds? Contact Amanda Hanna (amanda@lcweekly.com) or Sasha Horne Hirshout (sasha.theislandnews@gmail. com). It’s an easy and affordable way to reach thousands of local readers right here in the Lowcountry.
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THEME: MOVIE QUOTES ACROSS 1. Give benediction 6. World's oldest broadcasting company, acr. 9. Hoodwink 13. H, spelled out 14. Have a cold, e.g. 15. Dogma 16. Raja's wife 17. Shel Silverstein's constrictor 18. Extreme, prefix 19. *"____, my dear, I don't give a damn" 21. *"Why so ____?" 23. "High" beverage 24. Fairytale's second word 25. "Swan Lake" step, e.g. 28. Potassium hydroxide solution, pl. 30. Nincompoop 35. Month of Purim 37. At any time 39. Coastal town in southern England 40. Flick part 41. 4 x 4 race 43. Like most Brothers Grimm stories 44. "Peer Gynt" playwright 46. Actress Campbell 47. Please do not delay, acr. 48. Experienced sailor (2 words)
50. Dispatched 52. a.k.a. Tokyo 53. Window guards 55. Beer faucet 57. *"I'm mad as hell, and I'm not going to take it ____" 61. *"What we've got here is ____ to communicate" 65. Like United States Capitol 66. Food safety org. 68. Ritual basin 69. Tooth trouble 70. Husk of corn 71. Sharks' domain 72. Fence board 73. Pastrami partner 74. Paper quantities DOWN 1. Vomit 2. The one with pants on fire 3. Volcano in Sicily 4. *"I can smell the ____ of a woman... Honey oil, lavender, soap" 5. Israeli monetary unit 6. *"Hasta la vista, ____" 7. Life story, for short 8. Fastener 9. Hero shop 10. "Do ____ others..." 11. Paddington Bear's homeland 12. Airport postings, acr.
15. Rutabaga cousin 20. Extra sweatshirt, e.g. 22. Long period of time 24. No-good 25. *"We'll always have ____" 26. Hacienda brick 27. Mexican cuisine staple 29. *"She doesn't ____ go here" 31. Party garb? 32. Not better 33. Homer's famous poem, with The 34. *"Not quite my ____" 36. Donna or Lou 38. Techno dance party 42. Busybody, in Yiddish 45. *"____ puts Baby in a corner" 49. Toothy fish 51. Alterations specialist 54. Mention something 56. *"There's no ____ like home" 57. Contributes 58. Season to be jolly 59. Village People hit 60. Source of protein 61. Cab payment 62. Eye layer 63. #74 Across, sing. 64. Sea eagles 67. *"Go ahead, make my ____"
LAST WEEK’S CROSSWORD & SUDOKU SOLUTIONS
SEPTEMBER 10–16, 2026
A15
820 Bay Street Beaufort, SC 29902
843.521.4200 $370,000
$459,900
COFFIN POINT | MLS 195662
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.45 Acre Homesite | Deepwater Lloyd Williams 843.754.4735
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3BDRM | 2B | 1809sqft Bryan Gates 843.812.6494 Nancy Butler 843.384.5445
DOWNTOWN BEAUFORT
MLS 196888 | 2BDRM | 2.5B | Elevator Penthouse | Panoramic Views Edward Dukes 843.812.5000
$2,495,000
HISTORIC BEAUFORT | MLS 195300
5BDRM | 5.5B | 3554sqft | Completely Restored Dawn Yerace 843.441.6518 Josh Yerace 843.941.9443
www.LowcountryRealEstate.com
l l a FFestival of Houses Historic Beaufort Foundation's
& Gardens - 2026
October 16th, 17th & 18th Tickets: 843.379.3331 HistoricBeaufort.org Beaufort, SC
Seeking God
“I Can’t Hear You!” Hearing God in a Noisy World
Have you ever been in a noisy restaurant? You are with a friend, trying to have a good conversation and catch up with one another. But with all of the other voices coming from nearby tables, and the music playing over the speakers, it is almost impossible to hear your friend’s voice and understand what he or she is saying. This is what our daily lives are like. We are always surrounded by noise of some sort. Many of us never experience true silence from the time we step out of bed to the time we climb back in. We are always hearing voices competing for our attention, often literally on television and on the radio, but also through texts, alerts on our phone, and other distractions.
The noisiest things are usually the least important. We are given breathless updates about changes to a celebrity’s diet, the latest sports drama, or the most recent political intrigue. We are constantly urged to focus time and energy on things which won’t matter a year or even a week from now. When you think about it, isn’t it rather exhausting? And does it ever bring us the peace that we seek? God is speaking to us, but we can’t hear him. He is like the friend in the restaurant, sitting at the table with you. He wants to share with you from his heart; he wants to help you get to know him. But with so many voices and distractions, his voice is drowned out. His voice is a quiet voice, a voice that is heard in the silence of our hearts. Silence allows us to hear God. In silence, we come to understand ourselves in a deeper way. We receive new clarity on the events happening in our lives. We can start to think about the big questions in life, such as “Who am I?” and “Why am I here?” And in this quiet reflection, we allow ourselves an opportunity to meet God and to be guided by him. Why not make room for some silence in your day? There are many ways to build some quiet time into the day. You could enjoy a quiet cup of coffee before leaving for work, thinking about the day ahead of you. You could turn off the radio on the way to work, or take a walk on your lunch break with your phone turned off. As little as ten or fifteen minutes of silence can help give peace and clarity to your entire day!
Seeking God 2 of 8 LightForBeaufort.org
Next Week Our Assumptions About God 70 Lady’s Island Drive, Beaufort • 843-522-9555 • www.stpetersbeaufort.org • office@stpetersbeaufort.org
A16
SEPTEMBER 10–16, 2026