On Sunday, Nov. 13, three members of the Hampton County Recreation Department Youth Wrestling Team participated in a Rookie Open Wrestling Tournament held in Walterboro at Colleton County High School, which is coached by Coach Packy Burke. Young Daniel Pomeroy won second place.
According to John Marvin Murdaugh, the reason he invited a large group of law enforcement officers to his family’s sprawling hunting compound on the outskirts of Varnville last Saturday was simple; to give back to officers who give their all to protect and serve the communities in which they are employed.
“We organized the hunt as thank you to all of our police officers,” said Murdaugh. Murdaugh went on to describe his appreciation of the tremendous sacrifice officers make in order to protect their communities. Officers from the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, S.C. Highway Patrol, Ridgeland Police Department and several Hampton County municipalities sat patiently in well-maintained deer stands.
Hunters came from as far away as Beaufort to participate in the hunt and enjoy what they knew would be a delicious hog roast cooked by culinary artist, and former Hampton Police Department officer, Lt. Joseph Ginn, of the Ridgeland Police Department.
Although a large number of cops took to the field, only two deer were harvested by hunters. Ryan Humbert, 16, of Hardeeville, shot a nice seven-point buck and Hampton County Sheriff’s Office’s Lt. Perry Singleton harvested a doe.
Do not let the number of deer harvested skew your view of the hunt; wild game is plentiful on the beautiful property. The author of this article himself, who was thrilled and honored to be invited to participate in the hunt, and given his own stand far away from everyone, had a doe under his stand for several minutes. He was shocked to witness the doe come from a swampy area of the property, instead of a heavily used game trail.
The author thought he would wait to kill his first ever wild pig, and now regrets not shooting the large doe to show off to the expert police marksmen who did not bag a deer. Oh, the clarity of hindsight. But that’s hunting: never let meat pass.
Although I somewhat regret not pulling the trigger, the experience to finally sit in a stand after two years away from my friend’s farm back home in Indiana was thrilling. I did not realize how much I missed the drastic increase in my heart rate as a resident squirrel searched for his next meal nearby me. The memory of my first Lowcountry deer hunt will remain a fond one, undoubtedly.
Speaking of an easy shot, Yemassee Chief of Police Gregory Alexander did not hear the end of his missing of a shot, and later lost a large portion of an expensive hunting jacket (now nailed to a support beam at Murdaugh’s property) to the pocket knife of Hampton Chief of Police Perry “Sure Shot” McAlhaney. The group enjoyed witnessing Alexander lose his favorite jacket during the customary ceremony which comes with missing the mark, although it required a fellow chief to do the cutting as no other volunteers were willing to destroy the firearm’s instructors clothing.
According to statements made at the scene by Chief Alexander, he is certain he struck the suspect (described as a massive buck of at least 14 points or more). No DNA evidence was found at the scene of the shooting, however.
When the sun set and darkness fell, the group gathered around a large fire and enjoyed dinner and laughter amongst colleagues and friends. Murdaugh stated he intends to host another hunting excursion for officers in the future, which may hopefully give certain high-ranking officers enough time to properly sight in their firearms.
Instrumental in the creation of the Hampton County Fire Department in 1990, Eugene “Gene” Rushing passed away at his home in Estill last week after battling an extended illness. During his time as chief, Rushing became a mentor to many young firefighters who have since taken the torch lit by Rushing and continue to strive to provide state-of-the-art fire safety measures to the residents of Hampton County.
The former Mikell’s International employee and county fire chief greatly appreciated the need for fire safety in the outlying areas of the county, hence his unwavering determination to convince the county to create a centralized county fire department, but he also understood the importance of local municipality’s ability to provide aide to their residents, as well. Rushing was admired by local fire chiefs for the support he offered their departments and the guidance and wisdom he provided them on an individual basis as a friend.
Rushing is well known by firefighters from Hampton to Columbia for his gruff, straightforward classroom etiquette during his time as an educator. He was known to offer instructional courses to firefighters whenever he was asked to do so, no matter how far the drive or how few the number of students who would be attending.
One of the most important lessons Rushing taught his young firefighters was the need for a loving and understanding spouse. He would tell the young men and women firefighters they needed to be strong, but their spouses would need to be stronger. Rushing understood employment as a firefighter was more than just that: it was a lifestyle.
Often, the spouses of firefighters are required to act as the pillar of their family. Rushing would make sure potential applicants and their spouses, including current Hampton County Fire Chief Greg Cook, understood the gravity of the decision to become a firefighter. Long nights apart and the missing of important milestones in the life of a child should be expected of those called to assist individuals unable to help themselves.
According to Town of Brunson Fire Chief Kenny Harrison, Rushing understood firsthand the importance of an unwaveringly dedicated spouse after years of witnessing the hardships his career placed on his own wife, who was the glue which held his family together as he traveled to teach courses across the state or leave at a moment’s notice to respond to calls for help.
A testament to the influence Rushing had upon his children as a father, several of his children followed in his footsteps and became firefighters. His son Ben is currently a Captain for the Bluffton Fire Department. Ben, like his father, is a dedicated individual and spends his off time volunteering with Hampton County fire departments.
“It was almost like having another daddy,” said Harrison. “He had this wit about him and he had a colorful way of telling you to do things. If you were doing a good job, he wouldn’t say a word. But if you weren’t, you would know it shortly thereafter. He meant a lot to the fire services around here, and he’s meant a lot to me.”
Rushing came from a generation of firefighters who entered homes without the safety gear now required of firefighters. Rushing came from a generation who would battle raging fires by holding their breath and entering homes with only the protection of a soaked trench coat.
“Not many people [within the firefighting community] don’t know Gene Rushing,” said Cook. “He was always there if you needed him. He had deep ties to the community, and even deeper ties to his firefighters.”
“Emergency services and 911 here in Hampton County, that’s the house that Gene built. We’ve got what we have right now because of Gene. He was the right man at the right time to make it happen,” said Hampton County Administrator Rose Dobson-Elliott of Rushing’s role in the creation of the county fire department. “It was all done with handshakes; he made it work.”
“He was truly one-of-a-kind,” she said. “And when he told you he was going to do something, he made it happen. He’s left a legacy here in Hampton County.”
On 12/30/16, officers with the Hampton County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting that had occurred at 107 Lanes Loop in Hampton, SC.
Upon arrival to the incident, the victim, Reginald “Reggie” James, 44, of Estill, had been transported by EMS to Hampton Regional Medical Center, where he later died. Suspect, Marvin Lamar Singletary, 43, of Hampton, later turned himself into law enforcement.
The shooting incident stemmed from an altercation between Marvin Singletary and his cousin, Reginald James at a family gathering proceeding a funeral service for another family member. Marvin Lamar Singletary was arrested on 12/31/16 and charged with Murder.
Anyone with information pertaining to this case please contact the HCSO at (803) 914-2200 or the HCSO Tip Line at (866) 942-1120 or by email at sheriffcrimewatch@hamptoncountysc.org. Callers may remain anonymous.
Columbia, S.C. (Thursday, January 5, 2017) - The South Carolina Emergency Management Division asks residents to prepare themselves and their homes for possible winter weather. Forecasters with the National Weather Service expect a wintry mix of snow, ice and rain for much of the state beginning Friday evening and lasting through Saturday.
State and local agencies are reviewing emergency plans for winter weather and are urging everyone in South Carolina to consider preparations to keep your home, community, family, vehicles and pets safe:
Before a Winter Storm
A joyous celebration of the accomplishments made by Hampton County District 2 School Board Vice-Chair Daisy Orr and board member Elizabeth Haines was held during a Dec. 13 school board meeting in Estill. Both members have chosen not to run for re-election and the meeting was their final one.
The longtime board members were given flowers and a commemorative plaque, as well as kind words from District 2 Superintendent Martin Wright and numerous district employees during the celebration of their time serving the students of the district.
“My eight years on the board have been a ride I’ll never forget,” said Orr. “I have enjoyed working with the children, parents, superintendents, teachers and staff. I have learned a lot from a lot of different people. It was fun and I’m going to miss it.”
“You have been a tremendous rock within the district,” Wright told Orr. “Your resilience as a leader has proven to us that good leadership is not about running when things get tough, it’s about enduring until the end…We thank you for leading us through what looked like the impossible.”
Former vice-chair and board member Haines was thanked for her service to the students of District 2, as well.
“Behind every great chair is a great vice-chair,” explained Wright. “We salute you for your service to the students of Hampton School District 2.”
County Council decision
During the meeting, Hampton County Council’s decision to not allow District 2 to exit their contract with the district’s financial advisor Scott Allen was discussed. The district had hoped to be allowed to end their $75,000-per-year contract with Allen, which was mandated by the county after the district received a sizable loan from the county.
“They took a vote on it and they told us no, we would not be released despite all of the good effort the board has made in the last two years to turn around our fiscal affairs. And we must say to the community that our board of education has done a tremendous job turning around our district finances,” said Wright.
Middle school Lockers
The District 2 School Board will vote on a proposal to purchase lockers for students at Estill Middle School at the board’s next meeting. A quote to purchase and install the lockers has been obtained by the district. The $25,374.60 it will cost to install the lockers must be granted by a vote from the board.
The request for the lockers came from the school’s principal, who stated the school and students would benefit from the districts purchasing of the lockers. The lockers will help keep electronic devices safe and secure during school, as well course materials.
Wright informed the audience and the board around $12,000 of the original bid could come from a special fund for building improvement. The rest of the money required to purchase the lockers would need to come out of the district’s general fund.
In other District 2 School Board meeting news:
On 12/20/16, the Hampton County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) conducted Operation HC13 in Hampton County that resulted in the arrests of eleven men and one woman. The warrant round up included charges for manufacturing, possession, distribution, proximity and child endangerment:
Tyree Lamar Barker, 37, of Estill, X2/Manufacturing/Distribution of Cocaine Base 3rd or subsequent offense
Aaron Maurice Booker, 37, of Varnville, X2/Manufacturing /Distribution of Cocaine Base 1st Offense
Stephan Aaron Carter, 29, of Fairfax, Manufacturing/Distribution of Cocaine Base 1st/ Manufacturing /Possession of other substance in Schedule 1,11,111 with the intent to distribute 1st Offense
Aubrey Jermaine "Button" Grant, 40, of Hampton, Distribution of Crack/ Proximity
Kenneth "Buck" Harris, 40, of Varnville, Distribution of Marijuana/ Proximity
Dontavious Ronard Hutchinson, 25, of Estill, Manufacturing/Distribution of Cocaine Base 1st Offense/ Manufacturing/Possession of other substance in Schedule 1,11,111 with the intent to distribute 1st Offense
Timothy Lavern Mitchell, 27, of Beaufort, Manufacturing/Distribution of Cocaine Base 3rd or subsequent offense/ Manufacturing /Possession of other substance in Schedule 1,11,111 with the intent to distribute 3rd Offense
Marcus Antwane Morris, 27, of Varnville, Distribution of Marijuana
Joseph Smart, Jr., 38, of Estill, Manufacturing /Distribution of Cocaine Base 1st
Chanittra Boles Speaks, 38, of Hampton, Distribution of Crack/ Proximity/ Child Endangerment
Rodney Oneal Stokes, 43, of Hampton, Distribution of Crack X3/ Proximity X3
Rondell Jalor Wright, 31, of Hampton, Distribution of Crack X2/ Proximity/ Child Endangerment
Additional arrests and charges may be forthcoming. Sheriff T.C. Smalls commended the officers of the HCSO and SLED for a smooth operation that was conducted professionally with the utmost concern and focus on the safety of all involved including the public. “The Hampton County Sheriff’s Office continues to be vigilant in our Zero Tolerance Campaign against the manufacturing, possession and selling of illegal drugs for the benefit of our citizens and their families”, said Sheriff T.C. Smalls.
Solicitor Duffie Stone and Assistant Solicitors Brian Hollen, Reed Evans and Patrick Hall help load donated toys on Thursday. The Fourteenth Circuit Solicitor’s Office was a donation site for the U.S. Marines Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Hampton County residents donated to this program.
Assistant Solicitor Brian Hollen is the Career Criminal Prosecutor assigned to Hampton and Allendale counties.
Photo by: Erinn McGuire
Firefighters were kept busy on New Year’s Day working a fatal car wreck and a house fire in the Estill area.
Around 11:30 Sunday morning, Estill-area fire departments responded to a home on Southern Road and found it fully-engulfed in flames, according to area media outlets, which also reported that two people were home when the fire started but both made it to safety. The wood-framed home was considered a total loss.
According to a release from the American Red Cross, Red Cross disaster-trained volunteers assisted the Hampton County family, which consisted of two adults, when their home sustained damage.
The Red Cross is helping the residents by providing services to meet their immediate needs, including comfort kits including personal hygiene items, financial assistance for temporary lodging, and referrals to partner agencies to assist with their long-term recovery.
To help neighbors affected by disasters become a Red Cross volunteer or make a financial contribution to Red Cross by calling 864-271-8222 or visiting www.redcross.org/SC.
The spring season is for boys & girls ages 3 - 12 as of August 31st, 2016. There are no paper forms for registration; all registrations will be done online.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: In-house Rec (U6 - U12) ~ January 12th. Walk-in registration will be January 3rd, 5th & 10th at 605 First St. E., Hampton from 6:00 - 7:00. These will be done online and you will need a copy of the birth certificate to register.
We will have a referee class here in February; let me know if you are interested.
Go to www.hvunited.org and click on the online registration link for more information, or by phone at 943-6448.
Thanks,
Barry Whittington
The 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office has officially charged Lintel Lazzil Kirkland, 24, of 218 King Street, Allendale, with attempted murder after he allegedly fired a weapon at a police officer while attempting to evade capture after crashing a stolen Chevrolet Silverado into an Allendale IGA around 2:45 a.m. December, 28.
According to state affidavits, after striking the IGA located on the corner of Allendale-Fairfax Highway and Marion Street, Allendale, Kirkland exited the disabled stolen vehicle and attempted to flee a pursing officer on foot. The officer remained close to Kirkland during a foot chase, but Kirkland allegedly fired a weapon at the officer and managed to escape capture. No reports were made the officer was injured during the attempted shooting.
Special Agents with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division combed the scene of the accident and obtained traces of DNA and a latent print which they positively identified as belonging to Kirkland within two days.
Kirkland was later arrested and booked into the Allendale County Detention Center. The charge of attempted murder carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison.
Two recently elected Hampton County council members were sworn in during Tuesday’s Hampton County council meeting. Dr. Roy Hollingsworth, current member, and new member Ronald Winn were officially sworn in for their four-year terms on council.
As well as being sworn in for another four years, Hollingsworth was honored by his fellow council members with the opportunity to serve as the Hampton County Council Chair. The chairman’s term will last for a period of two years.
Current council member Buddy Philips was also given a new title by a vote from his peers during the meeting. Phillips will serve a two-year term as vice-chair of Hampton County Council. Both men thanked their fellow council members and community at large for the opportunity and honor to serve in their newly acquired roles on county council.
L & L trailer park residents
Current residents of the former L & L Trailer Park property attended the meeting after they did not reach the 5 p.m. Town of Hampton council meeting in time. According to Albert Haulsee, who spoke on behalf of the group of residents, the group was told by an official with the Town of Hampton to attend the 6 p.m. county council meeting to voice their concerns.
County council members were unaware of details concerning the sale of the former L & L property to the town, which has already contracted with a solar farm that will lease the land and construct a solar farm. The council asked the opinion of Hampton County Attorney Algie Solomons, who informed council the property is within Hampton town limits and that he did not recommend the county intercede in the matter.
“We aren’t providing income for the town, so they sell it to put a solar panel there?” asked Haulsee. Haulsee went on to allege a relative had attempted to purchase the former L & L property, but was turned down and the property was later sold to the town. He went on to plead for an extended time period for those living at the property to relocate.
“Most of us out there live paycheck to paycheck,” said Haulsee. He went on to explain the difficulties in moving under such a tight deadline. “We need your help,” he told council.
In other Hampton County Council news:
Hampton stands by Company Two
The Hampton Town Council opened its first meeting of 2017 Tuesday night to hear news that two local companies may be leaving Hampton County over either disputes with the county or complaints over high taxes, and officials in the county seat appeared angry and concerned.
Quincy Jones, owner of the Varnville-area business Company Two, attended the meeting to thank the town for continued support and to inform council he had been denied access to the Hampton County Airport runway for the testing of his specialty airport runway firefighting vehicles.
Mayor John Rhoden and his fellow councilmembers were visibly angered by Jones’ explanation as to why he felt he was denied usage of the runway. He claims being denied access to the runway significantly diminishes his ability to conduct his business in Hampton County.
“The situation is not over with yet,” said Jones. “We are still at square one. I would sure love to hear what they [County Council and the Hampton County Airport Commission] have to say behind closed doors.”
Jones went on to say that he has been contacted by five different airports in nearby counties, which have offered to accommodate his business if he relocated the business to their airport(s) and their counties. Rhoden stated he, too, had spoken with a local official in Walterboro who informed him the Walterboro Airport would like to have the business relocate there.
“He called me and wanted to know some information about you. The city over there works with the airport commission and the county. They all work together, and I believe they are ready to sign a lease to get you there. He called me at my house and was questioning me about things and I don’t mind letting people know. It’s a shame that nobody (from Hampton County) has been out there to look at the operation.”
“Deep down, I feel that the County Council did not take into consideration the letters [of support] from the two towns [Hampton and Varnville],” added Rhoden. “It was not even mentioned; they didn’t take it into any consideration.”
“I support what the mayor said 100 percent,” said council member Travis “Pete” Mixson.
“I can also tell you that there is another business in the county moving. I’m not going to call any names yet, but they are moving their operation to Beaufort County,” said Rhoden, referencing high county tax rates.
The Guardian has heard from multiple sources that a Hampton County timber/forest products business is leaving the county due to a high tax burden, but is working this week to confirm those reports.
“Common sense would tell you that the more businesses that leave, the higher our taxes will be,” said Mayor Pro Tem James “Pete” Hagood. “If it was in Hampton, it would be a different situation.”
Town to give trailer park residents 30-day extension
The Town of Hampton Council met Tuesday, January 3 and voted to give residents living at the former L & L Trailer Park an additional 30 days to vacate the property which was recently purchased by the town. The town has contracted to lease the property to a solar farm which will produce electricity for a nearby water treatment plant.
Town Building Inspector Robbie Poston informed council he has been happy with the success the town has had in contacting 14 of the 16 homeowners who have mobile homes on the former L and L property. He went to inform council that he had received inquiries from affected homeowners asking for additional time to remove their mobile homes.
After a brief discussion, it was decided by Mayor John Rhoden and members of council to give the homeowners an additional 30 days to remove their homes if they could provide documentation confirming they were in the process of having the homes relocated. If the residents do not, or cannot, remove their homes from the property they will be evicted from the property by a police officer and their homes will be demolished.
The homeowners had attempted to attend the meeting but did not arrive before it ended. They later attended the 6 p.m. County Council meeting and asked for guidance from the county. A spokesman for the group informed council they were told by a Hampton official to attend the county council meeting. County Council members and County Attorney Algie Solomons stated it was a town matter and that county council could offer no assistance in the matter.
Pay raise for volunteer firemen
Town of Hampton Fire Chief Tommy Smith announced his department will begin to offer volunteers monetary incentives to attend training courses and achieve additional accreditations. The more highly trained volunteer firefighters work within the town, the more favorable the town’s ISO rating will be.
The HFD will now offer volunteers a pay raise for attending education courses. Volunteer firefighters who attended the courses and receive the pay increase will remain eligible to receive raises for longevity, as well.
Chief Smith informed council the last time HFD volunteer firefighters received a raised was in 2007. Last year, the department budgeted $39,000 to go to their volunteer force, and paid out $33,000 of that. The department has the same $39,000 budget for this year, and Chief Smith stated the raises will not cause the department to go over their budget.
Town council voted unanimously to allow the new incentive program to take effect immediately.
Tennis Courts
Mayor Rhoden announced that both the Hampton District 1 School’s grant and a sizable grant from South Carolina Parks, Recreation and Tourism are enough for the town to afford the resurfacing of its tennis courts.
Rhoden had previously approached the Hampton District 1 School Board in mid-November seeking funding for the project. He informed the board that the Wade Hampton High School tennis team practiced on the courts and funding from the district would be much appreciated. The town does not charge the district to use the courts. The district later voted and agreed to donate $2,500 towards to project.
The $2,500 will be added to a Hampton’s local match and the PRT grant for $24,000 the town recently was approved to receive, which together will allow the resurfacing project to be funded. The motion to accept the funding and move forward with the project passed with a unanimous vote.
In other meeting news:
JANUARY 2017 | There’s a palpable sense of energy flowing through the six counties of the southern tip of South Carolina in the federally-designated Promise Zone, which is now a year and a half old.
Walk along a downtown street or drive past expanding businesses and you get a tingling that things are happening. Two years ago, the SouthernCarolina Alliance, lead partner of the Promise Zone, was about the only regional organization that worked to pull people together to develop projects to benefit the area. Fortunately, the organization had the foresight in 2014 to try to win the Promise Zone designation as a way to bolster inter-agency collaboration and get local, state and federal organizations in silos to come out into the open and work better together.
So far, the Promise Zone is fulfilling its mission. Not only is SouthernCarolina Alliance continuing its vital work of promoting investment and bringing opportunities to our region, but people across the Promise Zone are rolling up their sleeves to make things better for their families and future.
Over the last 18 months, Promise Zone partners and supporters have applied for more than $75 million in federal grants and loans, already winning more than $14 million in funding that we may not have gotten without the designation. We’ve got fingers crossed on other applications still under consideration.
In December, SouthernCarolina Alliance sponsored an in-depth, specialized training program to help partners and supporters become better able to apply for more federal funding to address needs in the Promise Zone’s strategic plan. Seventeen area professionals participated and found the four-day training to be helpful. In fact, one person noted: “It was great! I learned how to be 110 percent better at grant-writing because of this course.” We believe this kind of help will empower organizations to submit more grants, which should lead to increased federal funding.
There are more recent successes to celebrate:
All of these things – plus scores of other meetings and collaborations across the six-county region – are examples of the new energy and verve that are bubbling because of the Promise Zone designation awarded in April 2015.
In the months ahead, the Center for a Better South will start offering intensive one-day workshops to help people in the counties build more capacity for economic development. Following seven focus groups this fall in each of the area’s counties, we heard loud and clear that individuals and nonprofits believe they will benefit from training to improve skills for applying for available for grants, build businesses, market their organizations and develop community skill sets. Next month, we will kick off our training efforts with a grant-writing class in Allendale, followed by another in March in Walterboro.
Bottom line: The S.C. Promise Zone is bubbling with activity. We’ve been successful so far, but to continue success, we’ve got to keep pushing and keep applying for funding through various federal, state and foundation opportunities. Working together, we can create a brighter future.
Andy Brack is president and chairman of the Center for a Better South, which received a $50,000 Promise Zone grant in August from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help build capacity in the Promise Zone.
Hampton County emergency officials responded to a report of a two-vehicle crash involving a roll-over with possible fatality on Highway 3 (Matthew’s Bluff Road) around 7:45 a.m New Year's day. It was a mangled scene involving a fuel tanker and a passenger car in a head-on collision, with the driver of the car entrapped beneath the fuel tanker. After a lengthy hazardous material extrication process, the car’s driver, Leonor Simental Perez, 44, of Clarke Avenue, Estill, was pronounced dead at the scene, said Hampton County Coroner Ernie Washington, Sr.
Perez was a housekeeper with Groton Plantation near Estill, according to her obituary posted by Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Allendale and a mother of four.
“It was just a tragic accident and I’m deeply saddened that it happened,” Washington stated.
According to a South Carolina Highway Patrol spokesperson, Cpl. Sonny Collins, the accident occurred about two miles north of Estill. Collins stated that the driver of a 2004 Honda was traveling north when she apparently lost control of the vehicle, crossed the center line, and struck a south-bound 2016 Freightliner truck head-on.
The truck driver, which has not been identified, was transported to a local hospital. No charges are expected in this crash, say the SCHP.
The highway was shut down for almost 12 hours as emergency officials unloaded several thousand gallons of fuel.
BEAUFORT, S.C. (AP) - A reserve Hampton County sheriff’s deputy has sued Bluffton, two Bluffton police officers and a Beaufort County sheriff’s deputy.
The Island Packet of Hilton Head reported (http://bit.ly/2iZjYu2 ) that Johnnie Bryant III of Bluffton says he was improperly arrested in 2014 when he was accused of pointing a gun.
Bryant said he suffered embarrassment, humiliation, damage to reputation, loss of opportunity, emotional distress and other harm because of the arrest.
Bryant’s lawsuit said he did not point the gun at them but only at the ground. The charges were dropped in 2015.
A neither the deputy nor a spokeswoman for Bluffton police would talk about the lawsuit.
The Technical College of the Lowcountry honored 18 associate degree in nursing graduates at its December 15 pinning ceremony.
“We are so proud of these graduates for their perseverance and commitment to nursing excellence,” interim program director DeAnne Johnson said. “The TCL nursing program in particular is rigorous but produces extremely qualified and successful graduates, giving them the confidence they need to walk proudly into the nursing field.”
In the last five years, more than 200 students have completed TCL’s associate degree in nursing program. TCL’s two-year ADN program prepares graduates to practice as registered nurses. Students experience on-campus learning using high-tech simulation equipment and receive intense additional hands-on practice at clinical sites located throughout Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton and Colleton counties.
The graduates are:
Keri Barnwell; Bryan County, Georgia
Emma Lee Bennett; Beaufort County
Marcia Carlson; Beaufort County
Brinn Cornell; Beaufort County
Serina Forte; Beaufort County
Sierra Garvin Foy; Chatham County, Georgia
Kristina Geddes; Beaufort County
Ashley Jones; Beaufort County
Kimberly Joyner; Charleston County
Aubrey Pinckney; Beaufort County
Jennifer Quesada; Beaufort County
Rachel Rankin; Beaufort County
Natasha Rollins; Beaufort County
Samanta Sewell; Beaufort County
Tonia Shafer; Beaufort County
Shaylin Tims; Beaufort County
Aubree Woodard; Beaufort County
Dierra Roberson Young; Beaufort County
For more information about the TCL health sciences programs, please visit www.tcl.edu/health or call 843.525.8267.
The Technical College of the Lowcountry is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all qualified applicants for admissions or employment without regard to race, gender, national origin, age, religion, marital status, veteran status, disability, or political affiliation or belief.
Health. Gender equality. Poverty. Every important social issue is impacted by low literacy. When individuals learn how to read, write, do basic math, and use computers, they have the power to lift themselves out of poverty, lower health care costs, find and keep sustainable employment, and ultimately change their lives.
Children of parents with low literacy skills have a 72% chance of being at the lowest reading levels themselves. These children are more likely to get poor grades, display behavioral problems, have high absentee rates, repeat school years, or drop out.
Of adults with the lowest literacy levels, 43% live in poverty, and 70% of adult welfare recipients have low literacy levels. There is a clear correlation between more education and higher earnings, and between higher educational scores and higher earnings.
An excess of $230 billion a year in health care costs is linked to low adult literacy. Nearly half of American adults have difficulty understanding and using health information. Lack of understanding impedes adults’ abilities to make appropriate health decisions and increases the likelihood that they’ll incur higher health costs.
Individuals at the lowest literacy and numeracy levels have a higher rate of unemployment and earn lower wages than the national average. Low literacy costs the U.S. at least $225 billion each year in non-productivity in the workforce, crime, and loss of tax revenue due to unemployment.
Every year, one in six young adults—more than 1.2 million—drop out of high school. Recent data show that nearly 30% of adults with household incomes at or below the federal poverty line do not have a high school credential. The key to financial success is a viable career path and adequate education to seek meaningful, family-supporting wages. The value to our economy in additional wages and the reduction in costs for various support programs is estimated at more than $200 billion a year.
Low literacy is a global crisis that affects all of us. That's why it's so important to understand the issues and confront the facts head on. Only then can we can stand together to fight for change.
If you have low literacy levels or know someone who does, contact Hampton County Literacy at 803-943-2461 to find out how you can get help today!
Greetings. As member of Hampton County Council, I feel the definite need to personally identify that the current council is united with all due respect: however we may be differed in what we each stress as best, equitable and fair for all of the citizens of Hampton County. In regard to the numerous issues currently in front of council, to include: the office of the Coroner and vehicle markings that have previously been addressed in 2013 by the Attorney General’s Office, the Sheriff’s office repayment of an in-house county loan to address overtime, that included non-budgeted court security (mandated) and services extended to collaborating federal agencies. These agencies include the collaboration and participation of the US Marshalls and DEA. I ask of our citizens, let’s clearly understand and accept the fact that with these involvements, Hampton County Council, and past councils since 2009, have not had to budget for the purchasing of any vehicles or additional office space. This includes equipment and even the new addition office modules and new sub-station located in the South District for the Sheriff’s Department.
The Capital Penny Sales Tax-approved referendum was passed by the citizens four years ago. The items voted on was selected by an array of respected citizens and leaders of the county that received submissions from towns, groups and even individuals. Two previous projects have been paid out (Estill Library loan payment and county-wide 800 radio system). Four years after the passage of the referendum by the citizens of Hampton County, projects completed to date are the roof covering of the county administration building, renovation of the Hampton library and now the completion of the new health department. Construction is being managed by Brunson Construction who was awarded the Construction Management contract by the majority of the past council members.
As arranged projects are now being considered, the consideration and options for the future Recreation Center continues to be a highlighted issue. County council was recently presented with three locations for consideration for the possible site. All of the locations that were presented come with consideration of possible purchasing prices. With questions and resistance from some council members, the question of other options, to include the use of county-owned land/land swap, which seemed not to have been a major consideration prior to the presentation to council, must be considered. Hampton County Council can no longer accommodate or even attempt to address the pleasure of a few specific interest groups/ components of the county citizens.
As we move forward with the future of the recreation department/system of Hampton County, all levels of citizens should be included in the final formula. We should be charged with providing adequate recreation to our future as early as one-year-olds to our “Pillars” that have been blessed to see 100 years of age. Gymnastics, Dance, Aerobics, Aquatics, Zumba, Tennis, Baseball, Basketball, Football, Soccer, Water Therapy, and Walking Trails are some that have been suggested and should be included without any challenges.
County employee’s pay scales and employment retention seem not to be considered as we are continuously being abandoned by committed, qualified, Hampton County-trained and most of all career-oriented individuals. The consideration/presentation of one department for an enormous pay increase vs. the inclusion of all county employees is unthinkable and should not be considered by members of council at this time. All of the county employees should be respected and represented the same.
Were we should be?
The apprehension, or the attempt to legally collect over three million dollars in delinquent “Business Taxes” that is due to the county, towns and our school districts should never have happened. It is the county that holds the responsibility to collect taxes. As we revisit the Hampton School District II issue, I have presented the situation several times over the past two years: if taxes were collected as outlined there would have never been a situation for Hampton School District II to have been faced with possible closure even after it was presented to our local state legislature to assist with the burden to keep the doors open, only to receive NO response. If taxes were collected from just one of the delinquent taxpaying business who owes over $2 million in back taxes in Hampton School District II, of the $1 million that the county had to assist with a loan, over $900,000 would have been appropriated to the school district.
Several of these identified businesses include several county businesses that have not fulfilled their obligations as business owners, some to include individuals and even current corporations as far back as 2007. Past actions have forfeited the burdens to the 33% home owning taxpaying citizens of Hampton County, many who frequent these same businesses every day, or every other day.
As chairman of county council, I respectfully represent Hampton County Council as I provide the statement that “WE” are open to dialogue with all parties to determine the best course of action for all of the citizens of our county. As past decisions and committed obligations are currently being reviewed, it is clear that the best interests of the citizens to include taxpayers of Hampton County may not have been a consideration, reviewed or implemented. It seems that for whatever reason the best decisions were not made.
Numerous citizens have taken a side of the scenario that some may point “blame” at what is viewed as the new county council. Please understand that council has, still and will continue to exercise the “Democratic Process.” As we make the county citizens aware, prior to moving forward. Let’s view what is known as “The Facts” and how we got where we are now.
I have urged my fellow councilmen and those interested in Hampton County’s future to support an initiative to improve communication, cooperation and the inclusion of all citizens and parties on behalf of our citizens, even when major decisions and or appropriations are on the table. We look forward to working with everyone for the betterment of our entire county now and for the future.
On Jan. 4, Hampton Chief of Police Perry McAlhaney informed Hampton Town Council that the department recently received a grant from the South Carolina Department of Transportation’s Office of Highway Safety and Justice Commission to purchase equipment for the department.
Eleven officer-worn body cameras and accompanying electronic technology devices which turn on an officer’s body camera any time a patrol vehicle’s emergency lights are activated were purchased with the $7,900 in state grant funding. According to police officials, the Taser brand cameras will aid the department in multiple ways. As well as keeping officers safe from frivolous lawsuits and physical attacks from wrong-doers, the cameras will also protect citizens during encounters with police officers.
“It’s going to be beneficial for all of those involved,” said Assistant Chief of Police Jake Sullivan. “Times have changed and it is important for police agencies, nationwide, to begin to regain their credibility.”
He went on to say that in light of the multiple recent, high-profile shooting deaths of citizens by police officers throughout the U.S., he hopes body cameras will aid in a rebuilding of trust for police by citizens. Sullivan stated he holds his officers to a high standard and believes citizens should hold officers to a high standard of professionalism, as well.
Police departments around the nation have begun issuing body worn cameras for their ability to protect officers and citizens, alike. A camera’s unblinking eye necessitates both parties to be held accountable for their actions.
“We want to create a safe environment for citizens and officers, alike,” said Sullivan.
The assistant chief said he vividly remembers the way in which Tasers changed the dynamic of face-to-face interactions of offices and citizens. He stated that on occasions when individuals became uncooperative or angered with officers, a belt worn Taser would act as a visual deterrent for potential offenders. Sullivan hopes the body camera will also act as a strong deterrent against confrontations between members of law enforcement and the general public.
“For God’s sake, keep those cameras rolling,” said Hampton Mayor Pro Tem and Police Commissioner Pete Hagood. Hagood asked Sullivan if his officers had been trained in the legal nuances of body worn cameras.
Sullivan informed councilmember Hagood that his department currently has a specific set of policies and procedures on file provided by SLED and the South Carolina Municipal Association regarding the usage of police-officer-worn body cameras. The department will provide a detailed training session once a year for officers who wear body cameras, as well as discussing policy updates, if any occur, during regularly scheduled monthly training exercises.
According to HPD Lieutenant Brad Drawdy, officers will control the on/off function of their cameras, but will not have the ability to edit/delete video footage. Supervisors will also benefit from additional technology which will allow them to view footage, even live footage, on cellular devices. Again, only supervisors have the ability to monitor the camera of patrol officers. Drawdy stated the ability for supervisors to quickly access officer video footage upon arrival to a crime scene will benefit officers, and the public, by allowing an expedited identification process following instances of concern.
Sullivan went on to inform council the department will apply for additional grant funding in the future to purchase several more body worn cameras for officers who do not interact with the public on a routine basis. Those officers, including Chief McAlhaney, will soon wear the cameras, as well.
