The Hampton District I School Board and Superintendent Dr. Ronald Wilcox discussed hurricane damage, new hires within the district and voted to move forward with a partnership with Technical College of the Lowcountry to offer dual-enrollment college level courses at Wade Hampton High School during a Monday, Oct. 24, meeting held at Fennell Elementary School in Yemassee.

TCL Dual Enrollment

Students enrolled at Wade Hampton High School will soon have an opportunity to earn college credits while still attending high school. The District 1 Board of Trustees heard from Dr. Richard Gough, President of TCL, as well as Mary Lee Carns, Vice President for Institutional Advancement and External Relations and Executive Director for TCL Foundation, regarding the proposed program. The district will be required to purchase the textbooks for the courses, but after the purchase of books, there will be minimal monetary costs associated with WHHS’s participation in the program.

The board authorized  Superintendent Wilcox to develop a committee to work out the details of the program.  The superintendent stated he wanted WHHS Principal Bonnie Wilson and Career and Technology Director Betty Woodward to become members of the committee. 

"We will be considering a school-within-a-school model,” said Wilcox, “and we will rely heavily on their input as we develop academic and vocational associate degree tracks.”

Students can begin the dual enrollment courses as early as 9th grade.  He added, "It is wonderful that a child can take a math class in high school and get both high school and college credit for it."

Any course taken in the program will count as credit toward a four-year college degree since the courses are recognized by numerous area colleges and universities.  District 1 committee meetings will begin soon to begin the process of implementing the college level coursework at WHHS in the fall.

"The Board of Trustees is to be commended,” Wilcox said.  “They asked me to develop an Early College Program when I first came here.  This program will help students to have more job opportunities and save parents thousands of dollars in tuition costs since they can get college credits while in high school.”

Children to be offered dental care

As well as partnering with TCL to offer students the opportunity to possibly graduate with both a high school diploma and a two-year Associates Degree, the board voted to allow Smiles for a Lifetime to begin offering free dental care to district students.

Georgia Fanuliner, of Smiles for a Lifetime, gave a presentation to the board. Her organization provides students who may not regularly attend a dentist the opportunity to see a dental care specialist during regular school hours. The children’s parents sign a permission slip at the beginning of the school year and then are not required to take off work or make special arrangements to bring their child to a dentist.

According to Fanuliner, the Smiles for a Lifetime program has been highly successful in the Allendale area and children there benefit greatly from regular dental examinations and subsequent follow-up procedures.

The board approved Wilcox to form a committee to develop a plan to partner with Smiles For a Lifetime, which he will present to board members at a later date.

District I Board pursues Cosmetology/Barbering

The Hampton 1 Board is also currently working in collaboration with TCL to provide a new vocational course in Cosmetology and Barbering.  The program will likely be housed at the TCL campus in Hampton.  School officials will be meeting with TCL staff to develop the program.  Twenty students are needed to get the program underway.  This will be the third vocational program started this year.  The board authorized Fire Fighting and Auto Mechanics programs earlier this year, recognizing that students will need job skills upon graduation from high school.

New hires

Several new employees were officially hired by the district during Monday’s meeting. The board accepted the recommendation of Kakela Robinson and officially hired Denise Mole as a full-time bus driver.

Also during the meeting, the board approved the recommendation of Wilcox and officially hired Larry Orr as a part-time maintenance assistant for the district. 

Unruly children may lose trip money

WHHS Principal Bonnie Wilson spoke to the board and audience members and described her sentiments on children misbehaving prior to, or during, field trips. “If you can’t behave while you are at Wade Hampton High School, we are not taking you somewhere else to misbehave,” said Wilson.

She was asked whether students who had previously paid to attend a field trip and then got in trouble at school would not be permitted to attend the field trip and all money they had paid would not be refunded. The money would be used to help fund the trip’s associated costs. The money will be put towards travel costs and other various expenses accrued by the school. 

Additional District I votes:

• The board voted to allow a U.S. History class to take a four-day field trip to Washington, D.C., on March 22-26, 2017.
• The board voted to allow WHHS seniors to attend the “Grad Bash” at Universal Studios, in Orlando, FL. The trip will take place April 5-7, 2017.
• Approved the updated Organizational Chart with the addition of adding the Hampton School District I Board of Trustees to the beginning of the chart.
• Approved an overnight field trip for the North District Beta Club. The group will travel to Myrtle Beach, S.C., for the S.C. Junior Beta Convention Jan. 12-12, 2017.
• Approved for Wilcox to purchase two additional power generators for the district ($549 each), with two more to be purchased near the end of the year if sufficient funds are available. At that point, all schools within the district will have working generators in case of emergencies.
• Approved the purchase of the Owens’ House. Payments will be made in two installments of $11,500 with an additional $7,000 being gifted to the district.

The Hampton District One Board of Trustees has approved an Education Foundation for the purpose of raising funds to help students in Hampton District One.  The fund will be managed from the Central Office with a newly formed committee overseeing the awarding payment and record keeping for the Foundation.

Many students have needs that are "special".  The funds can be used to help students with these special circumstances.  Funds may be used to help students attend state and national conventions, help students with clothing who have lost a home in a fire, and other needs as identified by school guidance counselors, principals, and teachers.

Donations are income tax deductible.  Anyone wishing to contribute can make their check to Hampton One Education Foundation and drop off or mail to Hampton School District One, Attn: Ronald Wilcox, PO Box 177, Hampton, SC 29924

Palmetto Electric Trust and Palmetto Electric Cooperative awarded $45,320 to winning teachers and their team members during the 13th annual Bright Ideas Grant program. The prize team visited classrooms and awarded grants on Oct. 31, Nov. 1 and Nov. 2.

Earlier this year, teachers from southern Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton counties submitted proposals for innovative classroom projects. A total of 87 grant applications, totaling over $74,205, were received. A total of 16 teachers from Hampton County Schools received grant funding after they submitted written requests for project funding.

“This year, we have a record number of grants to award; 62 will receive funds to benefit more than 9,500 students in our service area,” said Berl Davis, president and CEO of Palmetto Electric Cooperative.

The Cooperatives Bright Ideas prize team surprised the winning teachers and presented the money the oversized checks to the teachers in their classrooms and on school playgrounds. Representatives from the Cooperative and the Trust greeted teachers with balloons and gift bags, as well.

“One of our principals is supporting community,” said Tray Hunter, of Palmetto Electric. “Being part of the community, we all live here, it’s our children in these schools, it’s our spouses that are teaching and we are able to give back to the community that we live in.”

“We are a family. We work here and we live here,” said Missy Santorum, of Palmetto Electric. “Education is a big part of what we support with the fund.”

Later this month, the Cooperative will host a celebratory luncheon at Palmetto Electric’s New River facility to honor the teachers and their administrators.

“It’s wonderful…the children are so appreciative, and the teachers are so appreciative. The budgets are tight across the board, whether it is a private school or a public school. These funds are able to help them do those innovative projects that they want to do, involve their children and help them [children] succeed in life,” said Hunter.

Background on Bright Ideas 

The Bright Ideas grant program was created in 2004 as a way to benefit local school teachers in grades K-12. These grants give teachers the money required to put their innovative classroom projects into action. Since the program’s inception, area teachers have received over $420,699 in grant funds.

Palmetto Electric Trust is supported by funds from Operation Round Up, a program in which the Cooperative’s members round their electric bill up to the nearest whole dollar. The program is a “true example of how small change…changes lives.” Additional funding was provided by Palmetto Electric’s Million Dollar Hole-In-One Shootout and Wire (Women Involved in Rural Electrification) chapters.

Winning teachers

Area winners included Rebecca Evans, of Fennell Elementary; Robbie White, of Fennell Elementary; Kelly Shipes, of Varnville Elementary; Dawn Smith, of Varnville Elementary; Robin Taylor; of Varnville Elementary; Donna Griner, of North District Middle School; Sharon Robertson, of Hampton Elementary; Carolyn  Robinson, of Hampton Elementary; Terri Stansfield, of Hampton Elementary; Tonya Robinson, of Ben Hazel Primary; Diane Stanley, of Ben Hazel Primary; Ryan Brunson, of Brunson Elementary; Susan Mikell, of Patrick Henry Academy; Harriet Smith, of Patrick Henry Academy; Diann Tuten, of Patrick Henry Academy and Judy Youmans-Long, of Patrick Henry Academy.

WHAT:                      HURRICANE MATTHEW DISASTER ASSISTANCE TOWN HALL

WHERE:                     Hampton County Recreation Department

                                    361 East Pine Street

                                    Varnville, SC 29944

WHEN:                      WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 9, 2016

                                    5:30 P.M. UNTIL 7:30 P.M.

WHO:                        Hamption County Council and Administrator

                                    Municipal Mayors and Councils

                                    Hampton County Residents

                                    The S.C. Emergency Management Division

                                    FEMA

                                    The Small Business Administration

Hampton County residents are invited to a disaster assistance town hall meeting this Wednesday night at the Hampton County Recreation Department. Representatives from the State of South Carolina, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Small Business Administration and other public and private agencies will be present to answer questions, to explain disaster assistance programs and to help residents with applications for aid. The town hall meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. and will last approximately two hours.

Veterans Day event

As well as the town hall, the county announced there will also be a Veterans Day Service at 10:45am Friday November 11, 2016 at the American Legion Post in Hampton.

It was a busy night at the B.T. DeLoach building in Hampton as votes were tallied from across the county. 8,873 ballots were cast by Hampton County voters; 12,991 voters were registered.

County Council

Two open seats were available upon Hampton County Council this election cycle. Dr. Roy Hollingsworth (5,856 votes) and Ronald "Breeze" Winn (5,387 votes) beat out Kenny Bozard (2,408 votes).

Hampton School District I School Board.

Three open seats were open on the Hampton District I School Board. The three winners were Libby Murdaugh (1,971), Nicci Gooding Bennett (1,864) and Kari H. Foy (1,854).

Hampton School District II School Board

The winners of three available seats upon the Hampton District II School Board were Thomas Owens (1,345), Mary Ann Atkins (1,246) and Earl Choice (1,230).

CPT Tiffiny M. Watkins, the daughter of the late Vivian Fennell McQuire and Delano McQuire of Varnville, SC, enlisted in the South Carolina Army National Guard in May of 2000. She completed Basic Combat Training at Fort Lenard Wood, MO, and Advanced Individual Training as a Supply Specialist (92Y10) at Fort Lee in Petersburg, VA. Her first assignment was in HHC, 163rd Support Battalion, in Varnville, SC, where she spent the first ten years of her military career, which included two deployments. The first Deployment was a two year homeland security mission in support of Global War on Terrorism at Pope Air Force Base in Fayetteville, NC. The second deployment was to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom from 2007-2008. After commissioning from the Palmetto Military Academy in Aug. 2011, she became the Maintenance Control Officer with the 122nd Engineer Company in Edgefield, SC. Her additional assignments consist of Platoon Leader at 742nd Support Maintenance Company and Supply Management Officer for the 751st CSSB since Feb. 2015.

CPT Watkins is a graduate of the Combined Logistics Captain Career Course, Basic Officer Leadership Course and Master Resiliency Course. CPT Watkins is a graduate of Limestone College, Gaffney, SC, where she received a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration and Management and IS a graduate of Webster University, where she received a Master of Business in Business Administration.

CPT Watkins awards include the following: Army Commendation Medal (2), Army Achievement Medal (4), Air Force Achievement Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal (3), National Defense Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, NATO Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Army Overseas Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Mobilization Device, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Army Conduct Medal.

CPT Watkins and her family currently reside in Blythewood, SC.

It was a busy night at the B.T. DeLoach building in Hampton as votes were tallied from across the county. A surge of 8,873 ballots were cast by Hampton County voters; 12,991 voters were registered. Numerous hopeful candidates waited for election results with nervous anticipation.

County Council

Two open seats were available upon Hampton County Council this election cycle. Dr. Roy Hollingsworth with 5,856 votes (42.78 percent) and Ronald "Breeze" Winn with 5,387 votes beat out Kenny Bozard who received 2,408 votes in his favor. There were also 37 write-in votes.

Hampton School District I School Board.

Libby Murdaugh, Nicci Gooding Bennett and Kari Foy were the winners of the Hampton 1 School Board race. The overall results were:  Nicci Gooding Bennett with 1,864 votes, Robert J. Brown received 1,230 votes, Theresa Butts received 1,169 votes, Allanah A. Dobson received 630 votes, Kari Foy received 1,854 votes, Kenneth Greene received 822 votes, Eugene Jenkins received 1,686, Libby Murdaugh received 1,971 votes, Doug Noll received 1,239 votes, Willie Sherman O’Banner received 661, Caleb Jefferson Willis received 495. There were 11 write in votes.

Hampton School District II School Board

A sizable group of school board hopefuls found out the results of their election race Tuesday night at the B.T. DeLoach Building, in Hampton. Mary Ann Atkins received 1,246 votes, Earl Choice received 1,230, Bruce Davis 1,201, Christopher Housey received 500 votes, Katherine Manigo received 483, and Thomas Owens received 1,345. Seven write in votes were received, as well. Atkins, Choice and Owens received one of three open seats.

County Treasurer

Jennifer Ginn Youmans ran uncontested for the title of Hampton County Treasurer. She received 7,401 votes versus 28 write in votes. Youmans is the first African American and the first women elected to this office. 

District 122

State Representative Bill Bowers ran uncontested in his race. He received 7,508 votes versus 36 write in votes.

Solicitor

Duffie Stone ran uncontested for Solicitor of Circuit 14. He received 4,314 votes versus 36 write in votes.

Clerk of Court

Mylinda Nettles ran uncontested for the position of Clerk of Court in Hampton County. She received 7,451 votes versus nine write in votes.

Auditor

Teresa Hill Williams ran uncontested for the position of Hampton County Auditor. She received 7,346 votes versus 10 write in votes.

U.S. Senate

Democrat Thomas Dixon beat out Republican Senator Tim Scott in Hampton County but lost overall for the U.S. Senate seat. Dixon accumulated 4,513 (54.45 percent) votes in his favor to Scott’s 3,261 (39 percent).

U.S. House of Representatives

In Hampton County, James E. Clyburn (D) had 5,444 votes (65 percent) to beat out Laura Sterling (R) who tallied 2,705 votes (32.61 percent) in her favor.

U.S. Senate District 40

Brad Hutto ran uncontested for the District 40 Senate seat. He received 2,168 votes versus 10 write in votes.

U.S. Senate District 45

Senator Margie Bright Matthews ran uncontested as Senator of District 45. She received 4,770 votes versus 15 write in votes.

Columbia, SC—During November, Agapé Hospice will be joining thousands of organizations and individuals around the country who celebrate and support hospice and palliative care. Agapé Hospice will be hosting its 7th annual Life Blooms Eternally umbrella memorial at over a dozen locations in South Carolina in honor of National Hospice and Palliative Care Month.

Agapé Hospice will transform the grounds at locations such as the State House in Columbia, The Custom House in Charleston, Falls Park, Greenville and many other locations into a stunning display of color with over 300 floral umbrellas for the Life Blooms Eternally display. Each umbrella representing a life touched by hospice services.

The public is invited to these free events where they can experience this stunning display. As a tribute, a donation can be made to purchase one of the floral umbrellas in honor or memory of a loved one. Proceeds benefit the Agapé Senior Foundation which assists hospice patients across South Carolina. 

Hospice and palliative care provides physical, psychosocial, spiritual, and medical support for people with life-limiting illnesses.  Unfortunately, however, hospice and palliative care is often not included in the education of health care workers and many health care providers are unaware of hospice services and the support which hospice can provide for patients and families.

For more information about the Life Blooms Eternally events, or to purchase an umbrella, please contact Agapé Senior at (803) 454-0365. Or www.LifeBloomsSC.com

For more information about Agapé Hospice, visit AgapeHospice.com or call 1-800-411-AGAPÉ (2427).

It was a shorter than average meeting last Monday, November 7 as Hampton County Council members gathered to discuss, and later vote, economic matters.

A third and final public hearing was held regarding the third reading of an ordinance to amend the agreement for the Joint County Industrial Park between Hampton and Colleton County. The amendment asked to include a Colleton County business not located inside the park. There were no questions brought forth by members of the public.

The third and final reading of the proposed amendment passed unanimously (Councilmember Smith absent) later during the meeting.

A second reading of what Southern Carolina Alliance officials state is “a very good deal for Hampton County” was voted on, as well, during the meeting. According to Brantley Strickland with the Southern Carolina Alliance, his organization hopes to finalize a deal with the job producing business by the end of November. The second reading of Project Carry was passed by a unanimous vote.

Public Comments

Shelly DeLoach spoke to council during the public comments portion of the meeting. DeLoach informed council that it was not Clemson, but the USDA which was involved with the testing grading of Hampton County agricultural soil. The testing of the soil has been the topic of much concern during recent county council meetings, due to letters describing reassessments on agricultural land in the county.

In other meeting news

• Several members of the SCA were honored for their years of service. The outgoing members of the SCA were presented with commemorative certificates from council.
• Kay Maxwell, of the SCA, updated council regarding ongoing projects and events within the SCA. The SCA currently has 47 ongoing projects in their coverage area.
• Council Chairman Shedron Williams discussed his concerns about currently county employee salaries. He said he felt an in-depth analysis was needed and that information should be gathered regarding salary levels. Williams urged fellow members of council to take action on the matter during the next meeting.

Hurricane Matthew brought with him rain, high winds and powerful storm surges. He left behind down trees, interrupted utility services and now, bloodsucking insects. The tremendous amount of precipitation the hurricane brought has resulted in prime breeding habitat for mosquitos.

The warmer-than-average temperature so far this November has aided the explosion in the mosquito population. Recently, Hampton County residents have complained about the influx of biting pests and demanded insecticides are sprayed to combat the annoying insects.

The Town of Varnville has contracted with local business Bug Busters for a period of three weeks of insecticide spraying to combat these pests. According to Town Clerk Amy Roberts, the town initiated the program last week, and the program will continue for the next two weeks at a cost of $380 per week. Town officials hope three weeks of spraying will reduce the population, however additional treatments may be considered if the population is not reduced by current treatments or approaching cooler temperatures.

Roberts stated the town began spraying for mosquitos after numerous calls were received at town hall of residents complaining about the pesky insects. Residents are concerned about the safety of their children and pets, as well as the annoyance of itchy bites.

As well as Varnville, Estill also began spraying for bugs last week. That town also contracted with Bug Busters and Town Administrator Danny Lucas hopes two weeks of spraying will be reduce the population of mosquitos in their town.

Hampton has not sprayed for mosquitos yet, but a call to town hall confirmed the mayor may add a discussion of insecticide treatments during the town’s next meeting.  

According to Hampton County Administrator Rose Dobson-Elliott, county officials are currently looking at the success rates of pest control operations in neighboring counties. According to Dobson-Elliott, ongoing insecticide spraying in sister counties has not yielded the results officials hoped to see. The less-than-stellar results of spraying campaigns in nearby counties have caused officials here to be skeptical of the benefits to be gained by spraying to kill mosquitos.

BOOK SIGNING EVENT NOV. 17 from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the Estill Public Library, 100 Peeples Ave., Estill. Meet Rosa Roberts-Johnson (Coco), author of “The Princess and the Penguins.”

She is a native of Estill, a mother to many and friend to all. Her love for children inspired her to write her first children’s book, “The Princess and the Penguins.”

She has the desire to write many more children’s books, as well as other books that will teach and inspire.

The Varnville Area Housing Halloween party was held on Oct. 31. It was a great celebration for the kids on the property, said an official. Batman/Guy Fawkes was Michael Washington and the Ghost/Hulk was Robert Warren.

Eugene Jenkins is the president of Varnville Area Housing and Diane Washington is secretary.

Even though the legislature in not in general session during the fall of the year, Representative Bill Bowers continues year-long work at the Statehouse.

Representative Bowers serves on two very important committees meeting during the entire year. Because of his legislative seniority and professional qualifications, he was chosen for double duty by serving on both the Legislative Oversite and Tax Policy Committees.

Representative Bowers serves on the TAX COMMITTEE reviewing all tax policies to include Income Taxes, Sales Taxes, and Property Taxes. His expertise as a CPA and Business Professor warranted his appointment to this committee that is seeking fairness, competiveness, and investment opportunities for job growth. Speaker Jay Lucas said he appointed Representative Bowers because of his professional knowledge and long advocacy for smaller rural counties in South Carolina.

Representative Bowers continues to push the committee’s attention toward reform of the property tax which he says is the most inequitable unfair tax in South Carolina. There is no better example of inequity than that the same car has different tax bills in Beaufort, Hampton, and Jasper counties. Representative was quoted in statewide media saying, “The question for lawmakers is this: Does[BB1] [BB2]  the state want to have the policy that punishes poor, rural counties? We have that now.”  While Bowers would like to see a reduction in state income taxes, he steadfastly says that his first priority is the property tax because at least all South Carolinians do pay the same income tax no matter where they live.

Representative Bowers also serves on the LEGISLATIVE OVERSITE COMMITTEE currently reviewing the Departments of Public Safety and Transportation. The Oversite Committee reviews each state agency on seven year cycles to determine if the agency is serving the public’s interest as required by law and even if the agency should continue to exist. The Oversite Committee is a permanent Full Committee.

Representative Bowers also continues to serve on the LCI-Business Committee, Real Estate Committee, and Banking Committee which meet during the regular legislative season.

Please send comments on legislative matters to email RepBowers@yahoo.com

North District Middle School celebrated its 2016 Homecoming/Parents Night on Thursday, Oct. 27, with a 14-0 win over Clark Middle School of Orangeburg. The evening’s festivities began before the football game with each athlete from the volleyball team, football team, and cheerleading squad and his/her parents being recognized on the field. At halftime, the crowning of the Homecoming Queens and their court, the recognition of the 7th and 8th grade Miss Congeniality and the awarding of the Principal’s Awards took place. Selected from a field of 23 contestants by popular vote of North District students, Madison Lance was named 7th grade Miss Congeniality and Jorya Singletary was named 8th grade Miss Congeniality. Ten contestants were presented Principal’s Awards by NDMS Principal Patricia Brantley: Ashley Bennet, Leigh Ann Brown, Christinia Cohen, Ja’Kayla Green, Tashare’ Johnson, Shia Kinard, Isyss Moore, Bryson Murdaugh, Sierra Stanley and Aspen Sullivan. Named as members of the Homecoming Court were: Ja’Kayla Green (4th Runner-up), Ashley Bennett (3rd Runner-up); Christiana Cohen (2nd Runner-up); and Isyss Moore (1st Runner-up); Bryson Murdaugh and Shia Kinard were crowned as 7th grade Homecoming Queens and Tashare’ Johnson was crowned as 8th grade Homecoming Queen.

Unlike Red Devil football games, silence was expected during a recent WHHS Navy JROTC air-rifle competition held at the school. NJROTC members aimed for success amongst several rival schools as the high school gym was turned into a shooting gallery.

A mix of boys and girls from different walks of life participated in air rifle shoots for their schools’ JRTOC programs. Each year, the WHHS NJROTC hosts one of the biggest shoots for students in the southern part of the state.

Students are provided an air rifle from the Navy, but competitors are allowed to go as wild as they would like with the purchase of more sophisticated air-rifles. Some of the air rifles can be quite costly, however, but JROTC members may apply for grants through the NRA to purchase a more technically advanced pneumatic rifle.

Before being allowed to handle an air rifle, all students are required to pass a safety course provided by the commander of the WHHS Navy JROTC program, William Murtaugh. Murtaugh, a self-proclaimed strict firearm safety advocate, instructs and chaperones shooters during air rifle meets, as well.

Shooters fire at paper targets in front of metal backstops from 10 meters away during competitions. The air rifles are limited to firing projectiles at a low 600 fps, which allows events to be held indoors.

Although they organized and hosted the recent event, WHHS NJROTC does not currently have an active air rifle team. With the addition of the school’s auto body program this year came the loss of the NJROTC’s indoor shooting lanes. Murtaugh was happy to see students offered additional programs, but he has not given up hope of finding a solution to the lack of an indoor practice area for his shooters. 

The NJROTC doesn’t just organize shooting events, however. Nearly every Saturday, NJROTC members attend different meets or competitions to hone and test specific skills, and they also have fun in the process. Drill competitions, physical fitness competitions, academic meets and orienteering competitions (map reading skills test) are offered to students.

“My goal is to offer as much as I can for the cadets,” said Commander Murtaugh. Both Murtaugh and Chief Officer John Stone are liked and respected by cadets. Both men go out of their way to provide valuable skills to cadets with hopes the skills and knowledge share will help the students throughout their lives.

“There is something for everybody,” said Stone. Stone leads cadets during physical fitness training exercises and coaches the drill team, as well as other NJRTOC teams. The NJROTC program is an accepted form of a P.E. credit for students due to the physical fitness regimen cadets participate in each day.

Although many high school students do not enjoy or respond well to structured environments, two NJRTOC students spoke of their admiration of their unwaveringly stern instructors and the family-like bonds they have formed with their instructors, as well as fellow NJRTOC members.

“This isn’t a club, so it’s not used to meet just during school. It’s a before-school, during-school, after-school, Saturday and maybe even Sunday thing that we have with everybody,” said Alyia Bryant, 16, a junior at WHHS. “This is like my second family.”

Bryant has been a cadet for three years and has every intention on remaining next year. Bryant enjoys the opportunity the NJRTOC provides her to meet new people, although she is sad each year when senior students graduate.

“But they come back and visit often,” said both Bryant and fellow cadet Laurynn Williams, 17, a senior at WHHS. Williams has been involved in the NJROTC for all four years of high school. Williams has already enlisted to join the United States Marine Corps.

“This July I will be at Paris Island,” Williams said. Williams has previously attended the NJRTOC’s annual trip to Paris Island where cadets spend several days living and training like marines. Both cadets stated they greatly enjoyed the trip and the chance to attack the obstacle courses at Paris Island.

“We are here to learn to be better citizens…this is preparation for the real world,” said Williams. “ROTC prepares you more than any other program.”

“The best way to lead somebody is by example and we have two of the best leaders here,” said Bryant.

Letter to Editor:

Laurel Baye resident more grateful after storm

To whom it may concern in regards to Matthew:

This is the day which the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Several weeks ago we here at Laurel Baye were aware of the new day, but we were far from being glad in it. We had just been told we would be eating our meals in our rooms, and that we would no longer have use of the dining room!

No dining room! Where would we play Bingo, study the Bible, have Sunday school or mission organizations? Where would we meet when we needed to talk, make jewelry, color some beautiful pictures or make plans for next month? No dining room? How terrible for us! We were all devastated! What would we do?

We talked about how unfair this was, but we prayed asking God to help us accept this. We anxiously awaited the arrival of the bus with 46 people who had to leave their homes because of the heavy rains/flooding and no place to go. How ashamed we were! We had good beds, good food, were dry and fed. When the bus finally came in and the poor people began getting off, we stood in gratitude and unbelief. Some of the people had tote bags, others had nothing but what they had on.

Once again, we all felt badly for them. We were being grateful we were able to help them in some small way. The church people in our area responded and brought food, clothing, extra water and drinks of every description. Some people volunteered to help feed some of the residents, move the mattresses and set up the tables for meals. The firemen met the bus and assisted in getting the people to “dry land” and supper.

Our meals were great, but some complained, but mostly we were all grateful. The dietary department outdid themselves with providing enough good and nourishing food. The washing machines worked overtime and staff even had to go the Laundromat, occasionally. The shower machine worked overtime trying to make sure that everyone had a bath and clean clothes.

Their staff came with our guests, but so many of our staff had to help out. All in all, everything worked out well. As far as I know, we had no casualties. We had our dining room back and wouldn’t we know, we were concerned about our sister and brothers. Did they have a good time? Were they satisfied with us?

We pray that if we do this again, we will be more grateful.

To God be the Glory! God is good!

A special thank you to all who helped.

Respectfully submitted,

Marie N. Brant,

Resident at Laurel Bay of Williston

Letter to Editor:

The Hampton County Department of Social Services is seeking your help in the 2016 “Fill the Stocking Campaign” for the Christmas holiday season. Your past contributions afforded many families and children to have a joyful Christmas Holiday Season. We are seeking your help once again to be a part of making a child’s Christmas a memorable one.

Please purchase your items on, or before, Dec. 12, and deliver to Hampton County Department of Social Services between Dec. 12 and Dec. 20. If for any reason you are unable to deliver the items, you may contact Mrs. Katherine W. Rivers, or Mrs. Evon Williams, at (803) 943-3642. We are excited about this year’s campaign and look forward to your joining us.

Thanking you in advance, Evon R. Williams, Senior Child Welfare Specialist and Katherine W. Rivers, Human Service Coordinator I.

Letter to Editor:

I am 72, a senior citizen and retired teacher and counselor who was raised in Hampton County. I graduated from Hampton Elementary where my mother was a teacher and later librarian. I graduated from Wade Hampton High School, where my father was the first principal. I loved my school, town and country. I enjoyed living in a small county town where people were friendly, helpful and loved to celebrate their watermelons. I didn’t see killings, robberies, home invasions, or lots of drug use. There probably were some, but not the normal events.

We need to replace Nevamar with more good jobs for the good of our people! No jobs make people very unhappy. Some move away to find jobs and lower taxes. It hurts our community! Some turn to selling drugs to make money. I applaud Red Ribbon Weeks and the sheriff and your support and coverage. We all need to support “no dangerous drugs” taking over. Drugged-up people don’t think of others and steal to get money for their addictions. They destroy families and friendships.

More Hampton County people are law abiding and not on drugs. We need to keep Hampton County a safe, friendly, healthy town that respects and loves its people. Let’s get more industry for good jobs, lower taxes, and respect each other. That’s what brought people to Hampton County and will keep us safe.

Together we can do it still! Jerri Boyd

NOV. 9, 2016  -- Leaders of community organizations and neighborhoods are invited to attend town hall meetings this month in Allendale, Barnwell and Hampton counties to learn about progress in the S.C. Promise Zone and help to develop a new training program.

• Nov. 16, 5:30 p.m. -- Barnwell County residents are encouraged to attend a one-hour information session and discussion at the SouthernCarolina Alliance office in Barnwell for a Promise Zone update and focus group about training opportunities.  The meeting is expected to last no more than an hour.
  • Location:  Edisto Room, SouthernCarolina Alliance, 1750 Jackson St., Barnwell, S.C.
  • NOTE:  Parking is behind the SouthernCarolina building at 54 Irving St.

• Nov. 17, 5 p.m. -- Allendale County residents will receive a similar update and be able to participate in a discussion about training opportunities.  The meeting, which will be held in Allendale County Council chambers, will end at 6 p.m. to allow for a scheduled meeting of Allendale County Council.
  • Location: Council chambers, 2nd floor, Allendale County Courthouse, 292 Barnwell Highway, Allendale, SC.
• Nov. 21, 4:45 p.m. -- Hampton County residents will receive an update and be able to participate in a discussion about training opportunities.  The meeting, which will be held in Hampton County Council chambers, will end at 5:45 p.m. to allow for a scheduled meeting of Hampton County Council. 
• Location: Council chambers, Hampton County Administrative Complex, 200 Jackson, Ave., Hampton, S.C.

“We’ve made a lot of progress in the last year that we’ve had the Promise Zone designation,” said coordinator Dean Van Pelt.  “Not only have we won more than $14 million in funding from grants submitted through the Promise Zone designation, but we’ve engaged hundreds of people to move forward.   But we’ve got to keep pushing and make more grant applications so we can move forward even more.

Center for a Better South President Andy Brack, who will lead the focus group discussion, said part of the meeting would allow leaders and residents to give input on the kinds of leadership, business and capacity-building training that his organization will provide in coming months.

“We’ve won a federal grant to help provide people with information and knowledge to boost local economies,” he said.  “To make sure our South Carolina Promise Zone Training Academy is relevant, we want people’s input on the kind of training that will be most relevant and helpful.”

The South Carolina Lowcountry Promise Zone, a project of the SouthernCarolina Alliance, seeks to catalyze efforts in Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton, Hampton and Jasper counties to boost the quality of life and revitalize rural communities.  For more information, go online to:

http://www.SCPromiseZone.org

__________________________________

Fairfax, SC - November 17, 2016 -- The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) and iVantage recognize South Carolina as having 10 hospitals reach top quartile performance status in Quality, Outcomes, Patient Satisfaction, and Financial Strength compared to all acute care hospitals in the nation.

The rankings have been determined through the Hospital Strength INDEX, the industry’s most objective and comprehensive assessment of rural hospital performance. In partnership with NOSORH, iVantage Health Analytics has developed this data-driven program to identify excellence across a broad spectrum of indicators relevant to hospital performance and patient care.

Leaders from rural health communities across the U.S. celebrate National Rural Health Day and recognize the tremendous accomplishments that have been achieved in rural healthcare this year. Michael Topchik, National Leader of the recently established Chartis Center for Rural Health, commented, “Rural providers play such a critical role as the safety net for rural America. As we celebrate National Rural Health Day gives us the opportunity to spotlight the great value and importance of rural and critical access hospitals, particularly important as these facilities face unprecedented challenges.”

2016

24 Rural Hospitals are recognized for Excellence in Quality – Top quartile performers in the Quality-Based pillar of INDEX (AMI, HF, PN, SCIP, OP Process of Care Scores)

ALLENDALE COUNTY HOSPITAL

BEAUFORT COUNTY MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

COLLETON MEDICAL CENTER

22 Rural Hospitals are recognized for Excellence in Outcomes– Top quartile performers in the Outcomes pillar of INDEX (Patient Safety Indicators, Readmissions, Mortality).

ABBEVILLE AREA MEDICAL CENTER

KERSHAWHEALTH

MCLEOD LORIS SEACOAST HOSPITAL

1 Rural Hospital is recognized for Excellence in Patient Satisfaction– Top quartile performers in the Patient Perspective pillar of INDEX (“HCAHPS Performance”).

ABBEVILLE AREA MEDICAL CENTER

5 Rural Hospitals are recognized for Excellence in Financial Strength– Top quartile performers in the Financial Stability pillar of INDEX (Leverage, Liquidity, Capital Efficiency, and Resource Availability).

GEORGETOWN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

MCLEOD MEDICAL CENTER - DILLON

WACCAMAW COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

About NOSORH

The National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) was established in 1995 to assist State Offices of Rural Health in their efforts to improve access to, and the quality of, health care for America’s 61 million rural citizens. NOSORH enhances the capacity of SORHs to do this by supporting the development of state and community rural health leaders; creating and facilitating state, regional and national partnerships that foster information sharing and spur rural health-related programs/activities; and enhancing access to quality healthcare services in rural communities.

About iVantage Health Analytics

iVantage Health Analytics (iVantage) is a leading provider of healthcare analytic and performance management analytic tools. Health system and hospital leadership teams across the country rely on the company’s software and services to deliver customized insights on clinical and financial performance, strategic planning, market assessment and payment optimization. iVantage’s analytics are the basis of continuing thought leadership and insight in the areas of healthcare policy and research. iVantage is a subsidiary of The Chartis Group, a national advisory services firm dedicated to the healthcare industry, which recently established the Chartis Center for Rural Health. Learn more at iVantageHealth.com.

Fennell Elementary School and the Town of Yemassee are sponsoring a Christmas Parade in Yemassee on Saturday, Dec. 3, beginning at 10 a.m.  We would like to include your organization in our parade.  Please join us in making our annual Christmas Parade a great success.

Please fill in the bottom portion of this letter and return it to me or call the school by Friday, Nov. 18.  We look forward to having you join us in our parade festivities.

Refreshments will be served after the parade at Fennell Elementary School.

Thank you very much for your cooperation.

For more information, contact:

Ms. Helen Patterson (843-589-6229) or (843) 305-1234 (cell)

Ms. Rose Washington (803-398-5591 Ex. 1176) or (843)  542-5169 (cell)

Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz, and their team are excited to return to South Carolina! They plan to film episodes of

the hit series AMERICAN PICKERS throughout the region this fall.

AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique ‘picking’ on

History. The hit show follows Mike and Frank, two of the most skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for

America’s most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find sizeable, unique collections and learn the

interesting stories behind them.

As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, Mike and Frank are on a mission to recycle and rescue

forgotten relics. Along the way, the Pickers want to meet characters with remarkable and exceptional items.

The pair hopes to give historically significant objects a new lease on life, while learning a thing or two about

America’s past along the way.

Mike and Frank have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something

they’ve never seen before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them.

AMERICAN PICKERS is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure. If you or someone

you know has a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the Pickers can spend the better

part of the day looking through, send us your name, phone number, location and description of the

collection with photos to:

americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 855-old-rust.

AMERICAN PICKERS is produced by Cineflix Productions for History. New episodes air Wednesdays at 9pm EST on History.